Exploring Teachers' Capacity to Engage with Remote English Language Teaching Environments: The Interface Between Theory and Practice

This chapter takes a snapshot of the current situation in terms of secondary school English teachers' capacity to engage in teaching remotely, as has been necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, in three distinct locations within Asia – India, Malaysia, and Taiwan. In addition, taking account of the potential effects of COVID-19, it seeks to uncover any mismatch between teachers' theoretical understandings of what remote teaching of English language classes involves and what has been happening in practice. It is based upon a small-scale qualitative study that used questionnaire data from English teachers working in secondary schools in different locations and interview data from academics working in the field of English language teacher education in each location. Through the data, the study revisits how teachers' capacity to teach remotely is modelled as well as making recommendations in terms of supporting and training teachers to deliver classes remotely and the need to pay attention to both teacher and student wellbeing in order to make remote teaching sustainable. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Silver Linings: The Experience of Posttraumtic Growth in Neuro-Oncology Caregivers

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) refers to positive psychological changes resulting from a traumatic event. A brain cancer diagnosis may be experienced as traumatic-not only for patients, but also for their caregivers. While caregivers in neuro-oncology consistently report significant emotional distress throughout the disease trajectory, their experience of PTG is unknown. METHOD(S): Cross-sectional data were obtained from patients (N = 101, Mage = 50 years, 59% female, 86% White, 47% high-grade) diagnosed with primary brain tumors and their caregivers (N = 62, Mage = 50 years, 79% female, 92% White, 58% spouses) during routine clinic visits or online following the precautions of COVID-19. Patients and caregivers completed the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory, where > 46 and > 3 represent the clinical cutoffs for high versus low PTG. We compared caregiver and patient PTG using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test. RESULT(S): Caregivers' total PTG score was in the low range (M = 44.58, SD = 20.95) and significantly lower than patients' total PTG (M = 51.78, SD = 21.96, p = .04). All five of caregivers' subscale scores were also considered to be in the low range. Nevertheless, 45% of caregivers demonstrated moderate-to-high total PTG (compared to 67% of patients), and 65% reported moderate-to-high PTG in at least one subscale (compared to 85% of patients). Similar to patients, caregivers reported the most growth in Appreciation for Life (M = 2.98, SD = 1.05) and the least growth in New Possibilities (M = 1.71, SD = 1.17). CONCLUSION(S): Results mirror previous findings in neuro-oncology, where caregivers consistently demonstrate greater emotional distress than patients. The current study suggests caregivers may also experience fewer positive changes. Overall, caregivers would benefit from increased support to process traumatic experiences associated with the disease. Future research should continue to investigate predictors of PTG in this vulnerable sample.

INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS WITH PERSISTENT PAIN: A FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY STUDY

Persistent pain interventions targeting the caregiving dyad (i.e., caregivers and care receivers) are scarce. Thus, the purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Merging Yoga and self-management to develop Skills (MY-Skills) intervention for caregiving dyads experiencing persistent pain. MY-Skills is a group intervention and was delivered in-person or online (due to COVID-19) twice a week for eight weeks, with each two-hour session including self-management education followed by yoga. Benchmarks for feasibility were set a prioi and included: recruitment, attrition, attendance, safety, acceptability/satisfaction, and study completion. Thirteen participants (caregivers n=7, care-receivers n=6) completed the in-person intervention and 18 individuals (9 dyads) completed the online version. Feasibility benchmarks were met, except for recruitment, where >1000 individuals were screened for eligibility. Interventions may lead to improved wellbeing, yet further research is needed to establish efficacy of health-related outcomes for the caregiving dyad experiencing persistent pain.

Temporal Trends of Optn Hope Act Variance Participation

Purpose: The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) created a research variance allowing for transplantation of HIV+ donor kidneys and livers into HIV+ recipients after passage of the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act legislation in 2013 and subsequent published research criteria in November 2015. In May 2020 the OPTN modified the variance to include all solid organs. Method(s): The OPTN database was used to analyze temporal trends in waiting list registrations, HIV+ donors, HOPE transplant recipients, and program participation in the OPTN HOPE Act variance. HIV+ donors were identified through HIV serology/ NAT fields collected by the OPTN;recipients of these organs are HOPE recipients. Result(s): Transplant program participation saw consistent growth but has remained stable for the two years (Fig A). Despite this, patient demand for HOPE kidneys has been simultaneously declining, perhaps driven by a decline in listings related to Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis and DM Type II (listings for HIV Nephropathy remained stable), while liver demand remains low but stable (Fig B). Concurrently, there has been a consistent volume of recovered HIV+ donors and organs transplanted (Fig C, D). Transplant volume recently exceeded 300 organs transplanted (300 deceased donor, 3 living donor), largely driven by kidney (236 kidney, 67 liver;11 SLK) from 187 recovered HIV+ donors. Living donation of HIV+ organs remains limited to kidney. Among HIV+ deceased donors, the kidney discard rate was 32% while the liver discard rate was 4%. Twenty-nine recovered deceased donors had no organs transplanted, and associated common discard reasons for these donors were exhausted match runs and biopsy findings. Conclusion(s): The OPTN database does not include HIV status at listing;therefore, the decline in demand cannot be attributed to potential access changes for HIV+ patients, but may be related to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have not noticeably affected HOPE Act transplant volumes, highlighting the resiliency of the US transplant system. Based on consistent activity and positive data and safety analyses through five years, the OPTN recommended removal of the research criteria as a potential barrier to expanded utilization of the HOPE Act to HHS, in turn making HIV-to-HIV transplantation standard of care;the result of that recommendation is pending. (Figure Presented).

Host Protein Biomarkers Predicting Severity of Lung Damage due to COVID-19

Background. Biomarkers to predict the severity of lung damage due to COVID-19 are urgently needed to inform management and treatment decisions. Our objective was to investigate the predictive value of host proteins for worsening respiratory failure in one of the by COVID-19 most affected and diverse patient populations in the US. Methods. We performed a prospective single-center cross-sectional study of 34 adult patients admitted to Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, for respiratory symptoms due to PCR-confirmed COVID-19. Exclusion criteria were age < 21, history of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, and/or underlying severe chronic lung diseases requiring home O2 and/or high dose steroids. We stratified and compared patients by whether they developed worsening respiratory failure, necessitating transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) during their hospital stay. Using a custom Luminex Assay, we measured hospital admission serum concentrations of 8 host proteins, representing respiratory-associated epithelial (RAGE, SP-D, CC16), endothelial (Ang-2, vWF), and immune pathways (S100A12, ICAM-1, VCAM-1). Results. Except for race and WHO COVID-19 scores, demographics, co-morbidities, symptoms, and symptom duration were not statistically significantly different between patients requiring transfer to the ICU (n=15) and non-ICU patients (n=19). Higher log-transformed levels for 5/8 proteins (S100A12, ICAM-1, Ang-2, RAGE, SP-D) showed significant or marginally significant increased cause-specific hazard for ICU transfer (n=15). Estimated cumulative incidence functions further showed a significantly or near significantly increased risk for ICU transfer for patients with above the median values of S100A12 or ICAM-1 (p=0.013), Ang-2 (p=0.056) or RAGE (p=0.077), respectively (Figure 1). Host proteins predicting need for ICU transfer did not correlate strongly with other clinical laboratory markers for COVID-19 severity (CRP, LDH, D-Dimer, Fibrinogen, Ferritin). Comparison of estimated cumulative incidence at 7 days post admission for host protein markers above and below median levels for (A) S10012 (median 96,675 pg/ml);(B) ICAM-1 (median (1,192,277 pg/ml);(C) Ang-2 (median 3463 pg/ml);(D) RAGE (median 6356 pg/ml);and (E) SP-D (median 11,832 pg/ml). Conclusion. These results suggest that host proteins have additional predictive value for the severity of COVID-19-associated lung damage at time of presentation to the hospital.

Teaching Modular Synth and Sound Design Online During COVID-19: Maximizing Learning Outcomes Through Open-Source Software and Student-Centered Pedagogy

This study introduces an inclusive and innovative online teaching pedagogy in sound design and modular synthesis using open-source software to achieve ideal student-centered learning outcomes and experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pedagogy proved to be effective after offering the course, conducting human subject research, and analyzing class evaluation data. The teaching strategies include comprehensive analysis in sound synthesis theory using sample patches, introduction to primary electronics, collaborative learning, hands-on lab experiments, student presentations, and alternative reading assignments in the form of educational videos. Online teaching software solutions were implemented to track student engagement. From a transformative perspective, the authors aim to cultivate student-centered learning, inclusive education, and equal opportunity in higher education in an online classroom setting. The goal is to achieve the same level of engagement as in-person classes, inspire a diverse student body, offer ample technical and mental support, as well as open the possibility of learning sound design through Eurorack modular synthesizers without investing money in expensive hardware. Students’ assignments, midterms, and final projects demonstrated their thorough understanding of the course material, strong motivation, and vibrant creativity. Human subject research was conducted during the course to improve the students’ learning experience and further shape the pedagogy. Three surveys and one-on-one interviews were given to a class of 25 students. The qualitative and quantitative data indicates the satisfaction and effectiveness of this student-centered learning pedagogy. Promoting social interaction and student well-being while teaching challenging topics during challenging times was also achieved. © 151st Audio Engineering Society Convention 2021.

State-level social safety nets for families coping with job loss

Critics of the modern American welfare state allege that safety net benefits discourage work by providing sufficient resources to replace earned income. Yet, research in social policy has long depicted the US safety net as parsimonious and inadequate relative to its European counterparts, even when considering benefits from programs that reward favorable work histories. Other theories predict variability across states and regional clustering even amid low overall spending. Moreover, the recent COVID-19 outbreak has exposed the insufficiency and lack of resilience of the major US safety nets in the face of unprecedented unemployment. This study examines the benefit expenditures on three safety net programs available to American families with recently unemployed breadwinners—Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Unemployment Insurance—as a proportion of median annual income for a given state-year between 1997 and 2017. We examine the overall spending as well as variability and clustering across states. We find that the average benefit expenditure comprises only 42% of median income, and while there is substantial variability around this average, only one state is above 78%. We also find that spending levels appear to be regionally clustered. We conclude that safety nets for the recently unemployed and their families are weak relative to earned income and that the extent of this weakness varies by state, with some regional patterning. © 2021 Policy Studies Organization

A Whole Virion Vaccine for COVID-19 Produced via a Novel Inactivation Method and Preliminary Demonstration of Efficacy in an Animal Challenge Model

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated intense interest in the rapid development and evaluation of vaccine candidates for this disease and other emerging diseases. Several novel methods for preparing vaccine candidates are currently undergoing clinical evaluation in response to the urgent need to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In many cases, these methods rely on new approaches for vaccine production and immune stimulation. We report on the use of a novel method (SolaVAX) for production of an inactivated vaccine candidate and the testing of that candidate in a hamster animal model for its ability to prevent infection upon challenge with SARS-CoV-2 virus. The studies employed in this work included an evaluation of the levels of neutralizing antibody produced post-vaccination, levels of specific antibody sub-types to RBD and spike protein that were generated, evaluation of viral shedding post-challenge, flow cytometric and single cell sequencing data on cellular fractions and histopathological evaluation of tissues post-challenge. The results from this preliminary evaluation provide insight into the immunological responses occurring as a result of vaccination with the proposed vaccine candidate and the impact that adjuvant formulations, specifically developed to promote Th1 type immune responses, have on vaccine efficacy and protection against infection following challenge with live SARS-CoV-2. This data may have utility in the development of effective vaccine candidates broadly. Furthermore, the results of this preliminary evaluation suggest that preparation of a whole virion vaccine for COVID-19 using this specific photochemical method may have potential utility in the preparation of one such vaccine candidate.

Symptoms and laboratory manifestations of mild COVID-19 in a repatriated cruise ship cohort.

Much of our current understanding about novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) comes from hospitalised patients. However, the spectrum of mild and subclinical disease has implications for population-level screening and control. Forty-nine participants were recruited from a group of 99 adults repatriated from a cruise ship with a high incidence of COVID-19. Respiratory and rectal swabs were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Sera were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and microneutralisation assay. Symptoms, viral shedding and antibody response were examined. Forty-five participants (92%) were considered cases based on either positive PCR or positive ELISA for immunoglobulin G. Forty-two percent of cases were asymptomatic. Only 15% of symptomatic cases reported fever. Serial respiratory and rectal swabs were positive for 10% and 5% of participants respectively about 3 weeks after median symptom onset. Cycle threshold values were high (range 31-45). Attempts to isolate live virus were unsuccessful. The presence of symptoms was not associated with demographics, comorbidities or antibody response. In closed settings, incidence of COVID-19 could be almost double that suggested by symptom-based screening. Serology may be useful in diagnosis of mild disease and in aiding public health investigations.

COVID-19 testing in outbreak-free care homes: what are the public health benefits?

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 care home outbreaks represent a significant proportion of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in the UK. National testing initially focused on symptomatic care home residents, before extending to asymptomatic cohorts. AIM: The aim was to describe the epidemiology and transmission of COVID-19 in outbreak free care homes. METHODS: A two-point prevalence survey of COVID-19, in 34 Liverpool care homes, was performed in April and May 2020. Changes in prevalence were analysed. Associations between care home characteristics, reported infection, prevention and control interventions, and COVID-19 status were described and analysed. FINDINGS: No resident developed COVID-19 symptoms during the study. There was no significant difference between: the number of care homes containing at least one test positive resident between the first (17.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.8-34.5) and second round (14.7%, 95% CI 5.0-31.1) of testing (p>0.99); and the number of residents testing positive between the first (2.1%, 95% CI 1.2-3.4) and second round (1.0%, 95% CI 0.5-2.1) of testing (P=0.11). Care homes providing nursing care (risk ratio (RR) 7.99, 95% CI 1.1-57.3) and employing agency staff (RR 8.4, 95% CI 1.2-60.8) were more likely to contain test positive residents. Closing residents shared space was not associated with residents testing positive (RR 2.63, 95% CI 0.4-18.5). CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic COVID-19 care homes showed no evidence of disease transmission or development of outbreaks; suggesting that current infection prevention and control measures are effective in preventing transmission. Repeat testing at two to three weeks had limited or no public health benefits over regular daily monitoring of staff and residents for symptoms. These results should inform policies calling for regular testing of asymptomatic residents.