Exploring reader responses to young adult literature in the Malaysian English language classroom

This article presents the results of a study exploring the reader-responses of Malaysian young adults (YAs) to the literature texts used in Malaysian secondary schools, Dear Mr. Kilmer by Anne Schraff, Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford, and Sing to the Dawn by Minfong Ho. The study aimed to determine the extent to which the YAs found these texts engaging and relevant, and how they identified aspects of their own young adulthood in the novels. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods through questionnaires completed by 30 Malaysian YAs, semi-structured qualitative interviews with a sub-group of six participants, and their journal reflections. Using reader-response literary theory as the guiding framework, the data were analysed quantitatively through descriptive statistical analyses, and qualitatively through inductive thematic analysis, in order to examine the extent to which Malaysian YAs could identify with the main characters, themes, issues, or events in the novels and determine the relevance of the novels to their lives. The findings showed that the participants identified with the characters’ conflict between being true to one’s self and conforming to societal and gender expectations. The themes of standing up for one’s beliefs and right to education, combating social inequities, and family relationships were also relevant aspects that surfaced in responses towards the novels. This study provides recommendations for the selection of literary texts for the English language classroom that connect to the developmental phase of young adults and allow learners to see themselves reflected in what they read.

Multiscale Investigation of the Structural, Electrical and Photoluminescence Properties of MoS2 Obtained by MoO3 Sulfurization

In this paper, we report a multiscale investigation of the compositional, morphological, structural, electrical, and optical emission properties of 2H-MoS2 obtained by sulfurization at 800 °C of very thin MoO3 films (with thickness ranging from ~2.8 nm to ~4.2 nm) on a SiO2/Si substrate. XPS analyses confirmed that the sulfurization was very effective in the reduction of the oxide to MoS2, with only a small percentage of residual MoO3 present in the final film. High-resolution TEM/STEM analyses revealed the formation of few (i.e., 2–3 layers) of MoS2 nearly aligned with the SiO2 surface in the case of the thinnest (~2.8 nm) MoO3 film, whereas multilayers of MoS2 partially standing up with respect to the substrate were observed for the ~4.2 nm one. Such different configurations indicate the prevalence of different mechanisms (i.e., vapour-solid surface reaction or S diffusion within the film) as a function of the thickness. The uniform thickness distribution of the few-layer and multilayer MoS2 was confirmed by Raman mapping. Furthermore, the correlative plot of the characteristic A1g-E2g Raman modes revealed a compressive strain (ε ≈ −0.78 ± 0.18%) and the coexistence of n- and p-type doped areas in the few-layer MoS2 on SiO2, where the p-type doping is probably due to the presence of residual MoO3. Nanoscale resolution current mapping by C-AFM showed local inhomogeneities in the conductivity of the few-layer MoS2, which are well correlated to the lateral changes in the strain detected by Raman. Finally, characteristic spectroscopic signatures of the defects/disorder in MoS2 films produced by sulfurization were identified by a comparative analysis of Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectra with CVD grown MoS2 flakes.

Effect of Acute Levodopa Up-Titration on Blood Pressure in Patients With Early Stage Parkinson’s Disease: Results of a Levodopa Challenge Test

Objective: Levodopa up-titration is the primary therapeutic strategy as the Parkinson’s disease (PD) progresses. However, the effects of levodopa up-titration on blood pressure (BP) are inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acute levodopa up-titration simulated by levodopa challenge test (LCT) on BP in patients with early stage PD.Methods: We monitored BP in 52 patients with early stage PD using a standardized standing test. BP was assessed in supine position after 10 min of rest and at 1 and 3 min after standing up. BP was measured in the “off-state” and the best “on-state” during LCT in the morning at hospital. In another day, “off-state” and the best “on-state” BP was measured before and after anti-PD drug uptake in the morning at home. Demographic and clinical features of the patients were evaluated and analyzed.Results: In the LCT, the prevalence of OH in the “off-state” and the best “on-state” was 11.5 and 13.5%, respectively. Additionally, the OH in the best “on-state” was associated with OH in the “off-state” and monoamine oxidase B inhibitor use. Although 38 (73.1%) patients experienced levodopa-induced hypotension during the LCT, no risk factors were identified. While BP reductions were observed after taking anti-PD drugs at home, no further reduction was seen during acute levodopa up-titration simulated by the LCT.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that acute levodopa up-titration does not exacerbate BP reduction induced by anti-PD drugs at home. BP monitoring is critical for the management of patients with PD.

Automated control of fixed loads and remote sockets: design and evaluation

The world is moving towards the process of automation. From the use of manual vehicles to the use of self-driving cars as people seek comfort, convenience and accessibility. Home automation basically does that, making the devices easily accessible from anywhere in the home. To overcome the challenges associated with standing up to switch on and off home appliances, especially during this pandemic era. Hence, “Automated control of fixed loads and remote Sockets: Design and evaluation” presented. This research describes the evaluation via survey and design of a circuit incorporated with a Bluetooth module and design application for smartphones so that any device connected to the circuit such as fans, lightings, sockets etc can make use of the application to control it. The application once it has been successfully installed in any smartphone and successfully connected to the circuit helps in switching on and off the lights, the fan, sockets, etc It will also help in the regulation of the speed of the devices. This is more effective, reliable, automated, time saving and cost effective.

“I Didn’t Come Here to Make Trouble”: Resistance Strategies Utilized by Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth in the Midwestern U.S.

Research on transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth demonstrates the negative outcomes associated with trauma and oppression based on gender identity and expression. Related research illustrates how TGD youth are resilient in the face of oppression through individual (e.g., navigating difficult relationships, seeking mental health support) and community (e.g., access to community resources) factors. However, this research is limited by an understanding of resilience as overcoming challenges rather than exploring the possibly unique ways that TGD youth resist oppression as a form of resilience. This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews with 19 TGD youth living in two Midwestern states, a region of the U.S. characterized by high levels of hostility and victimization toward TGD young people. Thematic analyses revealed the ways in which TGD youth engage in resistance strategies in the face of oppression. At an intrapersonal level, strategies included resisting oppressive narratives, affirming one’s own gender, maintaining authenticity, and finding hope. At an interpersonal level, strategies were standing up for self and others, educating others, and avoiding hostility. Finally, at a community-level, TGD youth were engaging in activism and organizing and enhancing visibility and representation. Findings are discussed and implications are identified.

Standing up for Democracy? Explaining Citizens’ Support for Democratic Checks and Balances

Winners and losers of elections have different stakes in protecting democratic institutions. We provide new evidence for the effects of partisanship and economic performance on support for checks and balances and acceptance of their infringement. Using survey data from 26 European countries, we show that voters who feel close to a political party that lost the elections support checks and balances significantly more than other citizens. We also find that higher satisfaction with the economy is associated with lower support for checks and balances. Our experiment in Ukraine shows that supporters and opponents of the governing party have divergent evaluations of a reform potentially infringing on the independence of the judiciary. Those in opposition find such reforms less acceptable and justified. Again, we find that improved economic performance leads to higher acceptance of judicial reform. Our results confirm that citizens’ support for checks and balances is contingent and volatile.

Association of blood pressure and postural control in older adults with hypertension: an observational study

The study investigated the association of orthostatic hypotension (OH) with functional position change and balance in older adults with hypertension. The presence of OH was assessed with intermittent (OH intermittent) and continuous blood pressure (OH continuous) monitoring. The change in functional position was tested with sitting to standing assessment, balance performance using activity specific balance confidence scale (ABC), and timed up and go test (TUG). Testing unilateral and bilateral standing with and without altered sensory inputs was tested using the Humac balance system. ABC, TUG, and standing up time showed no significant association with OH intermittent and OH continuous. A significant association was found between bilateral standing with eyes closed on foam surface for overall stability index and OH intermittent. Older people with hypertension may be routinely examined for OH and appropriate intervention strategies should be included for comprehensive care.

Reactivate Your Second Heart

Sitting or standing without moving the leg muscles puts additional stress on your heart, as blood and lymph pool in the legs. Tightening and relaxing the calf muscles can prevent the pooling of the blood. The inactivity of the calf muscles does not allow the blood to flow upward and may result in “sitting disease,” contributing to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Activating the calf muscles as well as other leg muscles are strategies to support cardiovascular health. Thus, the calf muscles are sometimes called “our second heart.” The important function of our “second heart” is to act as a pump to return venous blood and lymph fluids upward, which can occur only when we interrupt sitting with many brief exercises by frequently standing up during the day. Suggestions regarding how to implement short breaks are included. Note that, medically, the term second heart refers to the cisterna chyli, which brings the lymphatic fluids up from the abdomen; however, in this article, second heart is used in a common popular sense of the term as the description of the calf muscle to pump the venous blood toward the heart.