8 research outputs found
Language, power, and representation: developing a framework for digital best practices in autism discourse
No full textThe complex and evolving autism narrative is shaped by diverse actors, with digital platforms and autism organizations playing a critical role in advocacy and community engagement. Yet, autistic perspectives often remain underrepresented due to structural imbalances and top-down communication approaches, underscoring the need to assess three principles: inclusivity, accessibility, and credibility of online discourse. In this study, the websites of 14 Canadian autism advocacy organizations were critically analyzed to evaluate their alignment with these principles. Informed by Habermas’s Communicative Action Theory, a qualitative approach employing critical discourse analysis was used to examine website content and design. The organizations were selected through a multi-step process that used internet traffic ranking tools to ensure representation across provinces and territories. Each website was assessed for inclusivity, accessibility, and alignment with advocacy goals, drawing on key metrics such as the presence of autistic self-advocates, accessibility features, and transparent communication practices. The findings revealed considerable variability in website quality, with noticeable gaps in accessibility and the meaningful inclusion of autistic voices. To address these gaps, the CLEAR Framework (Clarity, Logic, Evidence, Accessibility, Representation) was developed and applied as an evidence-based tool rooted in universal design and neurodiversity principles. By emphasizing straightforward language, coherent messaging, credible evidence, accessible formats, and genuine autistic representation, the framework operationalized theoretical principles into actionable criteria, offering a structured tool for evaluating and refining how organizations communicate their missions, values, and practices. Ultimately, this research provides insights for guiding autism discourse, policy, and practice while also laying the groundwork for further investigations into equitable and inclusive digital advocacy across diverse contexts
Acquiring Digital Proficiency in Teacher Education
No full textIn this commentary, we look at digital technology use in teacher education and practice, theoretical foundations, definitions, and digital competence frameworks in an educational context. With rapid changes in the domain of technology classroom teaching, teachers need to learn and adapt quickly. We argue that a more comprehensive approach to understanding how student-teacher learning with technology is needed
Meroplankton distribution and its relationship to coastal mesoscale hydrological structure in the northern Bay of Biscay (NE Atlantic)
No full textInternational audienceThe relationship between meroplankton distribution and spatio-temporal variabil- ity of coastal mesoscale hydrological structure was investigated in the northern Bay of Biscay, North-East Atlantic. For the three coastal polychaetes studied, i.e. Pectinaria koreni, Owenia fusiformis and Sabellaria alveolata, the highest larval abun- dances were sampled in low-salinity, low-density and high-temperature river plume waters. For two species (P. koreni and O. fusiformis), maximal abundances were observed in the surface and thermocline layers due to ontogenic migrations. Variance partitioning based on multiple regression and redundancy analyses was used to assess the relative roles played by the hydrological environment alone, the geographical space alone and their interactions, i.e. the spatial structure of the hydrological environment. These analyses demonstrate the key role played by the hydrological spatial structure in the distribution of larval abundances. The hydrological environment alone was insignificant, whereas geographical space alone explained a significant part of the variability in meroplankton distribution, probably in conjunction with ecological processes. For species whose benthic populations are spatially structured, the distribution and the size of adult popu- lations and the timing of spawning events can significantly affect larval distribution and dispersal
Empowering Autistic Adolescents and Adults through Online Social Engagement: A Systematic Literature Review on Fulfilling Basic Psychological Needs, Understanding Generative Mechanisms and Enhancing Well-being
No full textOnline social environments provide opportunities for authentic social engagement through unique affordances such as increased user control, accessibility, convenience, and access to a larger community. To date, limited research has been conducted on the intentional and independent social engagement of autistic adults. This systematic literature review explores (1) how the intentional and independent online social engagement of autistic adolescents and adults relates to basic psychological needs (BPN) for autonomy, competency and relatedness and (2) the generative mechanisms of the online social engagement for autistic adolescents and adults. Our findings suggest that autistic individuals can actively and effectively engage in online social activities and develop meaningful social relationships, contrary to the assumptions of social deficits associated with autism. Furthermore, the results indicate that an online social environment can fulfill the basic psychological needs (autonomy, competency, and relatedness) of autistic adolescents and adults. The study also identified critical generative mechanisms at the individual, educational, and societal levels that promote feelings of autonomy, competency, and relatedness in an online social context. These mechanisms include agency, purpose, competence, scaffolding, control, authenticity, accessibility, intersubjectivity, and transferability. This review supports the need for a strength-based, holistic approach to understanding the social engagement of autistic individuals that considers the generative mechanisms of their intentional and independent social engagement. Future research should explore the various factors that influence the online social engagement of autistic individuals and how they can be leveraged to enhance their well-being and quality of life
Meroplankton distribution and its relationship to coastal mesoscale hydrological structure in the northern Bay of Biscay (NE Atlantic)
No full textThe relationship between meroplankton distribution and spatio-temporal variability of coastal mesoscale hydrological structure was investigated in the northern Bay of Biscay, North-East Atlantic. For the three coastal polychaetes studied, i.e. Pectinaria koreni, Owenia fusiformis and Sabellaria alveolata, the highest larval abundances were sampled in low-salinity, low-density and high-temperature river plume waters. For two species (P. koreni and O. fusiformis), maximal abundances were observed in the surface and thermocline layers due to ontogenic migrations. Variance partitioning based on multiple regression and redundancy analyses was used to assess the relative roles played by the hydrological environment alone, the geographical space alone and their interactions, i.e. the spatial structure of the hydrological environment. These analyses demonstrate the key role played by the hydrological spatial structure in the distribution of larval abundances. The hydrological environment alone was insignificant, whereas geographical space alone explained a significant part of the variability in meroplankton distribution, probably in conjunction with ecological processes. For species whose benthic populations are spatially structured, the distribution and the size of adult populations and the timing of spawning events can significantly affect larval distribution and dispersal
Experimental induction of larval metamorphosis by a naturally-produced halogenated compound (dibromomethane) in the invasive mollusc Crepidula fornicata (L.)
No full textInternational audienceIn many marine benthic invertebrates, the larval stage is the main vector of dispersal. Selective metamorphosis of larvae into an appropriate habitat is then essential to the survival of the benthic adult, with profound implications for population dynamics. Within this context, the identification of causal external factors triggering larval metamorphosis is of primary interest. In the widely invasive marine species Crepidula fornicata (L.), adult conditioned seawater is an effective inducer but the inducer has not yet been chemically characterized. In the present study, we experimentally tested the inductive ability of dibromomethane (DBM), a halogenated compound naturally-produced by red algae of the family Corallinaceae that co-occur with C. fornicata in the field. Through a series of three experiments, we demonstrated that DBM effectively induces metamorphosis of C. fomicata larvae, with a strong dose response effect. Positive responses were observed for the four tested concentrations (5, 50, 500 and 5000 ppm), 5000 ppm being the most effective at inducing rapid metamorphosis. At this concentration, larvae became responsive at least five days before they became responsive to excess KCl, a chemical commonly used to test for competence in C fornicata. Whether DBM could be an effective natural inducer would require further studies to quantify DBM and other halogenated compounds in the vicinity of C. fornicata beds, where they could influence larval behaviour even in the absence of other settlement cues. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
MEDICAL ETHICS
No full textForeword -- Introduction -- Ch. 1. Is the health care system fair? -- Chapter preface -- Yes: the health care system is fair - - Racial bias is not a problem in the health care system / Sally Satel -- Rationing health care can be ethical / Edmund D. Pellegrino -- Legalizing physician-assisted suicide does not lead to abuses / Peter Rogatz -- No: the health care system is not fair -- America's class structure has created an unfair health care system / Vicente Navarro -- Rationing health care is unethical / Kip Sullivan -- Allowing hospitals to make end-of-life decisions leads to the mistreatment of vulnerable patients / Wesley J. Smith -- Health maintenance organizations must learn to act ethically / James L. Connor -- Ch. 2. What ethics should guide organ transplants? -- Chapter preface -- Animal-to-human transplants will save lives / Ronald Munson -- Animal-to-human transplantation is dangerous and immoral / Dan Lyons -- Creating a market for the sale of organs is ethical / Curtis E. Harris and Stephen P. Alcorn -- Creating a market for the sale of organs is not ethical / James F. Childress -- Consent for cadaver organ donation is unnecessary / H.E. Emson -- Removing vital organs from living donors is unethical / John A. Robertson -- Ch. 3. Are reproductive technologies ethical? -- Chapter preface -- Yes: reproductive technologies are ethical -- Fear of reproductive technologies is unfounded / Robin Marantz Henig -- Sex selection is ethical / George Dvorsky -- Human reproductive cloning is ethical / Rael - - No: reproductive technologies are not ethical -- Genetic testing raises serious ethical concerns / Shelley Burtt -- Sex selection is not ethical / Rebecca L. Riggs -- Reproductive technologies should not be federally funded / by Leon R. Kass -- Feminists' support of reproductive technologies is misguided / Christine Stolba -- Human reproductive cloning is not ethical / Michael R. Soules -- Ch. 4. Are genetic technologies ethical? -- Chapter preface -- Yes: genetic technologies are ethical -- Cloning can enhance lives / Robert W. Tracinski -- Embryonic stem cell research is ethical / Orrin G. Hatch -- Religious arguments against embryonic stem cell research are baseless / Richard Dawkins -- No: genetic technologies are unethical -- Cloning runs counter to Christian beliefs / Amy Coxon -- Embryonic stem cell research destroys human lives / E. Christian Brugger -- Adult stem cell research should replace embryonic stem cell research / Maureen L. Condic -- Organizations to contact -- Bibliography -- Inde
Talking tails : quantifying the development of tail biting in pigs
No full textTail biting is an adverse behaviour characterised by manipulation of a pig’s tail by another pig resulting in tail damage and a possible tail biting outbreak. Tail biting is a common problem in the pig husbandry causing economic losses and reduced animal welfare worldwide. To prevent tail biting, the majority of newborn piglets are tail docked, a procedure which is not only painful but generates more and more public concern. This emphasizes the need to prevent the occurrences of tail biting without having to dock a pig’s tail. So far, research focused mainly on the risk factors that can induce tail biting. However, the way a tail biting outbreak evolves in a group of pigs (the ‘aetiology’) is still poorly understood. For that reason, the main aim of this thesis was to gain more insight in the aetiology of a tail biting outbreak. This will not only enhance our understanding of the current preventive and curative treatments of tail biting, but can also generate more effective measures to prevent, predict and counteract a tail biting outbreak. Therefore, the development of tail biting behaviour and tail damage was studied in relation to preventive and curative measures, group composition and indicators for an upcoming tail biting outbreak. The results showed that the provision of twice daily a handful of long straw strongly reduced tail biting. Furthermore, this measure was also effective in counteracting an ongoing tail biting outbreak (an outbreak was defined as the first day with a minimum of one piglet with a tail wound or two piglets with bite marks in a pen), although this outbreak could not be totally eliminated. In pens without straw almost all pigs performed and received tail biting behaviour at low levels prior to a tail biting outbreak. However, considerable variation in tail biting behaviour between pigs was found. In most pens one or a few pigs could be identified as pronounced biters prior to the tail biting outbreak. Although less clear, often one or a few pigs could similarly be identified as pronounced victims. In mixed-sex pens male pigs developed tail damage most rapidly, while in single-sex pens the quickest tail damage development was found in all-female groups. These results indicate that female pigs are more likely to become biters and male pigs are more likely to become victims. More detailed study of pronounced biters and victims showed that prior to a tail biting outbreak, biters not only directed more of their biting behaviour to their penmates’ tail, but also to the enrichment device. Victims were the heavier pigs in the pen and tended to be more often male and more restless preceding an outbreak. Victims also performed more aggressive behaviour, while biters tended to receive more aggressive behaviour. Furthermore, it was found that tail posture is a predictor for tail damage. Pigs with their tail between the legs had a higher chance of tail damage 2-3 days later. Based on the results of this research an aetiology model of a tail biting outbreak was developed. Subsequently practical suggestions were given to prevent (e.g. providing effective environmental enrichment), predict (e.g. observing the pigs’ tail posture) and counteract (e.g. removing the biter) a tail biting outbreak. This provides opportunities to omit tail docking without the negative consequence of tail biting. <br/
