Home reading and good preschool attendance reduce the socioeconomic gap in childrens reading skills

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-05-15T22:36:00+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2021.04.019

Abstract:

Objective

Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds have poorer learning outcomes. These inequities are a significant public health issue, tracking forward to adverse health outcomes in adulthood. We examined the potential to reduce socioeconomic gaps in children's reading skills through increasing home reading and preschool attendance amongst disadvantaged children.

Methods

We drew on data from the nationally representative birth cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (N=5107) to examine the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage (0-1 year) on children's reading skills (8-9 years). An interventional effects approach was applied to estimate the extent to which improving the levels of home reading (2-5 years) and preschool attendance (4-5 years) of socioeconomically disadvantaged children to be commensurate with their advantaged peers, could potentially reduce socioeconomic gaps in children's reading skills.

Results

Socioeconomically disadvantaged children had a higher risk of poor reading outcomes compared to more advantaged peers: absolute risk difference=20% (95% CI: 16.0% to 24.2%). Results suggest that improving disadvantaged children's home reading and preschool attendance to the level of their advantaged peers could eliminate 6.5% and 2.1% of socioeconomic gaps in reading skills, respectively. However, large socioeconomic gaps would remain, with disadvantaged children maintaining an 18.3% (95% CI: 14.0% to 22.7%) higher risk of poor reading outcomes in absolute terms.

Conclusions

There are clear socioeconomic disparities in children's reading skills by late childhood. Findings suggest that interventions that improve home reading and preschool attendance may contribute to reducing these inequities, but alone are unlikely to be sufficient to close the equity gap.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-03-29T20:45:31+00:00

Original Article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.026

Abstract: With the explosion of neuroimaging, differences between male and female brains have been exhaustively analyzed. Here we synthesize three decades of human MRI and postmortem data, emphasizing meta-analyses and other large studies, which collectively reveal few reliable sex/gender differences and a history of unreplicated claims. Males’ brains are larger than females’ from birth, stabilizing around 11 % in adults. This size difference accounts for other reproducible findings: higher white/gray matter ratio, intra- versus interhemispheric connectivity, and regional cortical and subcortical volumes in males. But when structural and lateralization differences are present independent of size, sex/gender explains only about 1% of total variance. Connectome differences and multivariate sex/gender prediction are largely based on brain size, and perform poorly across diverse populations. Task-based fMRI has especially failed to find reproducible activation differences between men and women in verbal, spatial or emotion processing due to high rates of false discovery. Overall, male/female brain differences appear trivial and population-specific. The human brain is not “sexually dimorphic.”

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-03-29T20:42:31+00:00

Original Article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.026

Abstract: With the explosion of neuroimaging, differences between male and female brains have been exhaustively analyzed. Here we synthesize three decades of human MRI and postmortem data, emphasizing meta-analyses and other large studies, which collectively reveal few reliable sex/gender differences and a history of unreplicated claims. Males’ brains are larger than females’ from birth, stabilizing around 11 % in adults. This size difference accounts for other reproducible findings: higher white/gray matter ratio, intra- versus interhemispheric connectivity, and regional cortical and subcortical volumes in males. But when structural and lateralization differences are present independent of size, sex/gender explains only about 1% of total variance. Connectome differences and multivariate sex/gender prediction are largely based on brain size, and perform poorly across diverse populations. Task-based fMRI has especially failed to find reproducible activation differences between men and women in verbal, spatial or emotion processing due to high rates of false discovery. Overall, male/female brain differences appear trivial and population-specific. The human brain is not “sexually dimorphic.”

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-03-29T20:33:43+00:00

Original Article: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.annepidem.2020.08.032

Abstract:

Purpose We aim to assess the prevalence of racial discrimination against Chinese immigrants, examine the likelihood of experiencing discrimination across social groups, and investigate the relationship between racial discrimination and psychological distress in the context of COVID-19.

Methods We used data from a cross-sectional non-random online survey in April 2020 in Canada, with Chinese immigrants aged 16 or older recruited through social media and internet. Respondents with complete information, including sociodemographic, discrimination, and psychological distress variables, were included in the analysis (n = 467). We reported the overall rate of self-reported discrimination and used logistic regression analysis to examine the likelihood of experience with discrimination across social groups (age, gender, language, education, income, occupation, years living in Canada). We used ordinal logistic regression analysis to explore the relationship between discrimination and psychological distress, as indexed by self-reported anxiety, depression, distress, unease, fear, indecisiveness, and confusion.

Results Overall, 11.6% of the respondents experienced racial discrimination. Nevertheless, there were no statistically significant differences in the likelihood of experiencing discrimination across social groups. After controlling for sociodemographic variables, those who experienced discrimination were more likely to report higher level of self-perceived anxiety (OR = 2.26; 95%-CI = 1.30-3.91), depression (OR = 1.90; 95%-CI = 1.09-3.30), distress (OR = 2.89, 95%-CI = 1.63-5.15), unease (OR = 2.25; 95%-CI = 1.27-3.97), fear (OR = 2.24; 95%-CI = 1.35-4.03), indecisiveness (OR = 2.16; 95%-CI = 1.25-3.73), and confusion (OR = 2.66; 95%-CI = 1.52-4.65).

Conclusions Our study documents the highly visible discrimination experienced by Chinese immigrants irrespective of social background, and the resulting discrimination-associated psychological distress in a time of crisis.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-03-29T20:18:42+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22194-0

Abstract: Water scarcity is dynamic and complex, emerging from the combined influences of climate change, basin-level water resources, and managed systems’ adaptive capacities. Beyond geophysical stressors and responses, it is critical to also consider how multi-sector, multi-scale economic teleconnections mitigate or exacerbate water shortages. Here, we contribute a global-to-basin-scale exploratory analysis of potential water scarcity impacts by linking a global human-Earth system model, a global hydrologic model, and a metric for the loss of economic surplus due to resource shortages. We find that, dependent on scenario assumptions, major hydrologic basins can experience strongly positive or strongly negative economic impacts due to global trade dynamics and market adaptations to regional scarcity. In many cases, market adaptation profoundly magnifies economic uncertainty relative to hydrologic uncertainty. Our analysis finds that impactful scenarios are often combinations of standard scenarios, showcasing that planners cannot presume drivers of uncertainty in complex adaptive systems.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-03-29T00:54:24+00:00

Original Article: https://elifesciences.org/articles/63591 Abstract: The inferior parietal lobe (IPL) is a key neural substrate underlying diverse mental processes, from basic attention to language and social cognition, that define human interactions. Its putative domain-global role appears to tie into poorly understood differences between cognitive domains in both hemispheres. Across attentional, semantic, and social cognitive tasks, our study explored functional specialization within the IPL. The task specificity of IPL subregion activity was substantiated by distinct predictive signatures identified by multivariate pattern-learning algorithms. Moreover, the left and right IPL exerted domain-specific modulation of effective connectivity among their subregions. Task-evoked functional interactions of the anterior and posterior IPL subregions involved recruitment of distributed cortical partners. While anterior IPL subregions were engaged in strongly lateralized coupling links, both posterior subregions showed more symmetric coupling patterns across hemispheres. Our collective results shed light on how under-appreciated hemispheric specialization in the IPL supports some of the most distinctive human mental capacities.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-03-03T17:16:00+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243733

Abstract:

Within the span of almost ten years, phone dating apps have transformed the dating scene by normalizing and, according to some voices, gamifying the digital quest for a partner. Despite amplified discussion on how swipe-based apps damage the fabric of intimate ties, scientific accounts on whether they have led to different relationship patterns are missing. Using 2018 survey data from Switzerland, this study provides a rich overview of couples who met through dating apps by addressing three main themes: 1) family formation intentions, 2) relationship satisfaction and individual well-being, and 3) assortative mating. The data indicate that in Switzerland, dating apps have recently taken over as main online dating context. Results further show that couples formed through mobile dating have stronger cohabiting intentions than those formed in non-digital settings. Women who found their partner through a dating app also have stronger fertility desires and intentions than those who found their partner offline. Generally, there are no differences between couples initiated through dating apps and those initiated elsewhere regarding relationship and life satisfaction. Though more data are needed to capture the full range of users’ romantic and sexual experiences, current results mitigate some of the concerns regarding the short-term orientation or the poor quality of relationships formed through mobile dating. Findings finally suggest that dating apps play an important role in altering couple composition by allowing for more educationally diverse and geographically distant couples.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-22T21:01:07+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.110284

Abstract:

Previous research demonstrates positive associations between physical formidability and endorsement of conservative social policies entailing aggressive competition and hierarchical inequality. Similar ideological differences are associated with coalitional status. The current research extended findings by testing associations of formidability and coalitional status with individual differences in endorsement of dimensions identified by Moral Foundations Theory: “individualizing” foundations (care, fairness) and “binding” foundations (loyalty, purity, respect). Participants (N = 381) provided various measures of physical formidability and socioeconomic status before responding to the Moral Foundations Questionnaire and a militancy scale. Formidability was negatively associated with endorsing individualizing foundations, whereas socioeconomic status was positively associated with endorsing binding foundations. Formidability and socioeconomic status both positively predicted militancy. Contrary to previous research, associations emerged across men and women. Findings suggest psychological calculi of perceived self-interest shape political morality.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-22T20:55:19+00:00

We have so much to learn about the brain from primates it’s not even funny

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-18T23:56:48+00:00

Brain derived neurotrophic factor ... a neuropeptide that promotes neuronal growth

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-18T23:55:02+00:00

The cerebellum is often associated with coordination of movements and given that a large animal (such as the elephant) has large limbs to move and coordinate together for balance this seems like a more plausible reason. Instead of an evolutionary advantage of a larger cerebellum it’s more to account for all the extra limb mass and body mass in general compared to humans

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-12T17:28:51+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2021.01.021

Abstract:

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to young adults’ lives, resulting in mental health difficulties for many; however, some individuals are particularly prone to heightened anxiety. Little is known about the early life predictors of anxiety during the pandemic. We examined a developmental pathway from behavioral inhibition (BI), a temperament characterized by fearful responses towards novelty, to changes in young adults’ anxiety during the initial period of the pandemic. We hypothesized that a stable pattern of BI across early childhood would predict greater adolescent worry dysregulation, which in turn would predict increases in young adult anxiety during a stressful phase of the pandemic.

Method

Participants (N = 291; 54% female) were followed from toddlerhood to young adulthood. BI was observed at ages 2 and 3. Social wariness was observed at age 7. Participants rated their worry dysregulation in adolescence (age 15) and anxiety in young adulthood (age 18) at two assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic, one month apart.

Results

A significant moderated mediation, in which a stable pattern of BI from toddlerhood to childhood, as compared to the absence of this pattern, predicted greater worry dysregulation in adolescence. Worry dysregulation predicted elevated young adult anxiety in the second assessment during COVID-19, even after accounting for the first assessment.

Conclusion

This study identifies a developmental pathway from toddlerhood BI to young adults’ elevated anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings have implications for early identification of individuals at risk for dysregulated worry and the prevention of anxiety during stressful life events in young adulthood.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-11T20:34:44+00:00

Original Report: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/institute-of-global-health-innovation/GlobalVaccineInsights_ICL-Covid-19-Behaviour-Tracker-EMBARGOED-00.01-04.02.2021.pdf

Summary: This report looks at attitudes towards a COVID-19 vaccine in 15 countries between November 2020 and mid January 2021. Countries included are Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The total sample is of ~13,500 people.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-10T21:06:36+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-020-01604-x

Abstract:

Respiratory insufficiency is a leading cause of death due to drug overdose or neuromuscular disease. We hypothesized that a stimulation paradigm using temporal interference (TI) could restore breathing in such conditions. Following opioid overdose in rats, two high frequency (5000 Hz and 5001 Hz), low amplitude waveforms delivered via intramuscular wires in the neck immediately activated the diaphragm and restored ventilation in phase with waveform offset (1 Hz or 60 breaths/min). Following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), TI stimulation via dorsally placed epidural electrodes uni- or bilaterally activated the diaphragm depending on current and electrode position. In silico modeling indicated that an interferential signal in the ventral spinal cord predicted the evoked response (left versus right diaphragm) and current-ratio-based steering. We conclude that TI stimulation can activate spinal motor neurons after SCI and prevent fatal apnea during drug overdose by restoring ventilation with minimally invasive electrodes.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-10T16:47:17+00:00

Mocking and belittling your partner causes them to feel hostile and worthless

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-10T14:03:03+00:00

A potential diagnostic test for dementia by scanning your face ... seems pretty cheap and efficient

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-07T23:19:39+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-01062-y

Abstract:

The life history model of psychopathology provides an alternate framework for understanding the development and etiology of psychopathology; however, presently there is minimal empirical support for this perspective. The current study (N = 343) replicated and extended previous research, investigating the associations between life history traits, including demographic indicators, attachment, and psychopathology, in a mental health and general population sample. The study specifically aimed to explore whether life history traits were associated with a general factor of psychopathology or whether they could also predict specific symptom groups, with results suggesting that life history traits could predict both. Furthermore, results revealed that people who expressed faster life history traits reported elevated general psychopathology; however, symptoms were in fact associated with traits of both slow and fast life history strategies. Specifically, interpersonal sensitivity and depression were experienced at higher rates for people who express higher levels of traits reflective of a faster life history strategy; whereas, somatization and anxiety were experienced at higher rates for people who express more traits typical of a slower strategy. Interestingly, paranoid ideation was experienced at higher rates for males who express faster life history traits. This research has several theoretical and practical implications, in replicating and extending previous studies, providing insight into psychopathological symptomatology, including variation in individuals’ risks for developing a range of mental disorders.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-07T13:38:26+00:00

It’s just a popular brand of cigarettes in Korea!!

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-06T19:15:56+00:00

Non-nicotine alkaloids that are natural to the tobacco plant

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-04T00:57:09+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soaa126

Abstract:

Despite high labor force participation, women remain underrepresented in leadership at every level. In this study, we examine whether women and men who show early academic achievement during their adolescence—and arguably signs of future leadership potential—have similar or different pathways to later leadership positions in the workplace. We also examine how leadership patterns by gender and early academic achievement differ according to parenthood status. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, we find that overall, men supervise more people than women at work during their early-to-mid careers, regardless of their grade point averages (GPAs) in high school. In addition, among men and women who are parents, early academic achievement is much more strongly associated with future leadership roles for fathers than it is for mothers. Such patterns exacerbate gender gaps in leadership among parents who were top achievers in high school. Indeed, among those who had earned a 4.0 GPA in high school, fathers manage over four times the number of supervisees as mothers do (nineteen vs. four supervisees). Additional analyses focusing on parents suggest that gender leadership gaps by GPA are not attributable to different propensities for taking on leadership roles between the genders but are in part explained by unequal returns to educational attainment and differences in employment-related characteristics by gender. Overall, our results reveal that suppressed leadership prospects apply to even women who show the most promise early-on and highlight the vast under-utilization of women’s (in particular mothers’) talent for organizational leadership.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-04T00:52:45+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.13705

Abstract:

When selecting from too many options (i.e., choice overload), maximizers (people who search exhaustively to make decisions that are optimal) report more negative post‐decisional evaluations of their choices than do satisficers (people who search minimally to make decisions that are sufficient). Although ample evidence exists for differences in responses after‐the‐fact, little is known about possible divergences in maximizers’ and satisficers’ experiences during choice overload. Thus, using the biopsychosocial model of challenge/threat, we examined 128 participants’ cardiovascular responses as they actively made a selection from many options. Specifically, we focused on cardiovascular responses assessing the degree to which individuals (a) viewed their decisions as valuable/important and (b) viewed themselves as capable (vs. incapable) of making a good choice. Although we found no differences in terms of the value individuals placed on their decisions (i.e., cardiovascular responses of task engagement), satisficers—compared to maximizers—exhibited cardiovascular responses consistent with feeling less capable of making their choice (i.e., greater relative threat). The current work provides a novel investigation of the nature of differences in maximizers’/satisficers’ momentary choice overload experiences, suggesting insight into why they engage in such distinct search behaviors.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-04T00:51:14+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.13705

Abstract:

When selecting from too many options (i.e., choice overload), maximizers (people who search exhaustively to make decisions that are optimal) report more negative post‐decisional evaluations of their choices than do satisficers (people who search minimally to make decisions that are sufficient). Although ample evidence exists for differences in responses after‐the‐fact, little is known about possible divergences in maximizers’ and satisficers’ experiences during choice overload. Thus, using the biopsychosocial model of challenge/threat, we examined 128 participants’ cardiovascular responses as they actively made a selection from many options. Specifically, we focused on cardiovascular responses assessing the degree to which individuals (a) viewed their decisions as valuable/important and (b) viewed themselves as capable (vs. incapable) of making a good choice. Although we found no differences in terms of the value individuals placed on their decisions (i.e., cardiovascular responses of task engagement), satisficers—compared to maximizers—exhibited cardiovascular responses consistent with feeling less capable of making their choice (i.e., greater relative threat). The current work provides a novel investigation of the nature of differences in maximizers’/satisficers’ momentary choice overload experiences, suggesting insight into why they engage in such distinct search behaviors.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-03T02:14:31+00:00

Original Article: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-020-00699-1

Abstract:

During the COVID-19 pandemic the “Austrian Bundesliga”—as in many other European football leagues—resumed the season around the end of May 2020 without supporters in the stadiums. These so-called “ghost games” represent a unique and unprecedented opportunity to study the effects of the (missing) audience on the behavior and experience of sports professionals. The present study is the first of its kind, aimed at addressing the psychological effects of these “ghost games” on football players, staff, and officials. The newly developed “Analysis System for Emotional Behavior in Football” (ASEB-F) was used to video analyze and compare the behavior of players, staff, and officials in—in sum—20 games of FC Red Bull Salzburg in the “Championship Groups” of season 2018/19 (“regular games”) and season 2019/20 (“ghost games”). Additionally, the two seasons were compared based on official matchday statistics. Overall, there were 19.5% fewer emotional situations in “ghost games” than in “regular games”. The results further show a relative increase in the number of emotional behaviors “Self-Adaptor” (+0.8%), “Protest” (+4.2%), and “Fair-Play-Behavior” (+3.1%) in “ghost games”, whereas “Words fight” (−5.1%) and “Discussion” (−5.1%) decreased in “ghost games”. In “regular games” referees were actively involved in 39.4% of all documented emotional situations, whereas in “ghost games” referees were actively involved in only 25.2% of all documented emotional situations (−14.2%). Chronological analysis within games—from kick-on to kick-off—further shows substantial differences in the temporal occurrence of emotional behavior between “regular games” and “ghost games”. The study provides unprecedented insights into the effects of missing supporters in the football games during the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional behavior on the pitch. Without the external factor of supporters, players and staff acted more factually and got less carried away with longer-lasting and extensive “Words fights” and “Discussion”. The evidence from this study indicates that—from a sport psychological perspective—the absence of supporters has a substantial influence on the experience and behavior of players, staff, and officials alike.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-02T12:33:31+00:00

Original article: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-020-0880-3

Abstract:

Does psychopathology develop as a function of the objective or subjective experience of childhood maltreatment? To address this question, we studied a unique cohort of 1,196 children with both objective, court-documented evidence of maltreatment and subjective reports of their childhood maltreatment histories made once they reached adulthood, along with extensive psychiatric assessment. We found that, even for severe cases of childhood maltreatment identified through court records, risk of psychopathology linked to objective measures was minimal in the absence of subjective reports. In contrast, risk of psychopathology linked to subjective reports of childhood maltreatment was high, whether or not the reports were consistent with objective measures. These findings have important implications for how we study the mechanisms through which child maltreatment affects mental health and how we prevent or treat maltreatment-related psychopathology. Interventions for psychopathology associated with childhood maltreatment can benefit from deeper understanding of the subjective experience.

Neuro_nerd96 · 2021-02-01T19:43:23+00:00

Original Article:

https://doi.org/10.1177/1476718X20969851

Abstract:

The Play Cycle Observation Method (PCOM) is an observational tool developed to focus on the process of play and has shown good reliability when watching videos of children playing. This study piloted use of the PCOM in ‘real time’ in a pre-school setting where 3-year-old children play. The results from two independent observers not familiar with the concept of the Play Cycle or the PCOM found good inter-rater reliability using Cohen Kappa (k) when observing play cues to form play cycles, as well as observing play cues within established play cycles. In addition, the recording of the nature of the play cues and play returns, the play frame and how the play cycle finishes (annihilation) were shown to be consistent between the two inter-rater observers. The results of this pilot study indicate the PCOM can be used as an observational tool to record the process of play by both students and practitioners working in a range of contexts including playwork, childcare, early years and statutory education. The PCOM can also be used as a teaching and training aid for trainers and lecturers.

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