Functional Theory Research Articles

Subcortical Brain Volumes and Neurocognitive Function in Children With Perinatal HIV Exposure: A Population-Based Cohort Study in South Africa.

Children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected (HEU) are at risk for early neurodevelopmental impairment. Smaller basal ganglia nuclei have been reported in neonates who are HEU compared to HIV-unexposed (HU); however, neuroimaging studies outside infancy are scarce. We examined subcortical brain structures and associations with neurocognition in children who are HEU. This neuroimaging study was nested within the Drakenstein Child Health Study birth cohort in South Africa. We compared (T1-weighted) magnetic resonance imaging-derived subcortical brain volumes between children who were HEU (n = 70) and HU (n = 92) at age 2-3 years using linear regression. Brain volumes were correlated with neurodevelopmental outcomes measured with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III. Compared to HU children, on average children who were HEU had 3% lower subcortical grey matter volumes. Analyses of individual structures found smaller volume of the putamen nucleus in the basal ganglia (-5% difference, P = .016) and the hippocampus (-3% difference, P = .044), which held on adjustment for potential confounders (P < .05). Maternal viremia and lower CD4 count in pregnancy were associated with smaller child putamen volumes. Children who were HEU had lower language scores than HU; putamen and hippocampus volumes were positively correlated with language outcomes. Overall, children who are HEU had a pattern of smaller subcortical volumes in the basal ganglia and hippocampal regions compared to HU children, which correlated with language function. Findings suggest that optimizing maternal perinatal HIV care is important for child brain development. Further studies are needed to investigate underlying mechanisms and long-term outcomes.

An SFL Analysis of Dialogues in Elementary EFL Textbooks

Textbooks play a vital role in language instruction. The study aims to examine the three metafunctions of language based on the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) theory. As such, a descriptive qualitative approach along with content analysis is employed to examine dialogues that were selected conveniently from two elementary EFL textbooks. The findings indicate that the relational process is the most frequent process type indicating the ideational function of the two textbooks. For the sake of interpersonal function, declarative sentences are mostly utilized. Meanwhile, the textual function is mostly reflected by the T (Thing) and DT (Deictic + Thing) nominal group pattern. These findings have pedagogical implications for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL), particularly for elementary school students; providing simple language patterns that help students build a foundational vocabulary and understanding of grammar for proficient communication. The theoretical implication of the findings is the importance of scaffolded learning that helps learners grasp basic linguistic concepts before moving on to more complex and dynamic language use

Diffusion of Linguistic Functions in the Synonymy of "Demikian" and "Begitu" in 160-Year Literary Work

Diffusion of Linguistic Functions in the Synonymy of "Demikian" and "Begitu" in 160-Year Literary Work

Sensitivity to moral and conventional rules in temporal lobe epilepsy

ObjectivesSensitivity to moral and conventional rules (SMCR) is supported by bilateral brain networks and psychosocial input both of which may be altered in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This study evaluated the components of SMCR in patients with TLE, aiming to clarify their preservation and link to psychopathological and cognitive aspects. MethodsAdult patients with unilateral TLE and healthy controls were evaluated using neuropsychological tests for SMCR, memory, language, and executive functions, the Empathy Questionnaire (EQ), and the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R). ResultsThe SMCR test items showed good reliability and validity, yielding the Severity and Rules factors distinct from the Executive, Lexical and Memory factors. Patients with right TLE scored worse in moral rules recognition than controls, but this difference was nullified by a significant influence for age and sex. The Severity and Rules factors related to semantic fluency and age and, respectively, TLE side and psychoticism. However, these factors did predict TLE membership. ConclusionsIn adult patients with TLE, the SMCR test reflects a distinct cognitive domain. Conventional rules are well-retained, while moral reasoning may be only affected in right TLE if unfavorable demographics coexist. Although age, TLE side, semantic abilities, and psychoticism cooperate to determine SMCR, impairment of such domain is not a distinctive feature of TLE.

The Language of Anti-Digital Resistance: Features of Protest Nomination Formation in Russian-Language Media Texts

The specifics of the word formation reflecting the certain protest of a society part against the Digital Society concept implementation in the country are considered on the material of Russian-language media texts. The aim of the study is to determine the semantic dominants and pragmatic peculiarities of the new nominations as the interpretive language function realization. The analysis of the material is carried out in line with functional sociolinguistics using the methodology of establishing the cognitive conditionality of language processes. The research resulted in revealing the contents of nominations, which reflect the protest attitude towards the concept of Digital Society. According to the type of the referent the following groups of lexical units are identified: the nominations of digitalization members, of the process itself and its consequences, as well as the foreseen future. The word-building peculiarities of the protest nominations are noted, their role in the key term elements structure of the Digital Society language is emphasized. The ‘restriction of freedom’ has been revealed to be the common semantic dominant of the new nominations. The coining of the units under consideration is characterized by the use of label-words and word-building formants that are typical of protest nominations. The semantic modification of the Digital Society terms shifts towards the ideologisation of meaning. The language and rhetoric of the official Digital Society concept followers, using their own ideologemes and word markers, are opposed to the language of the anti-digital resistance. The research outlook is in the analysis of pseudo arranging Digital Society nominations, which disguise the actual state of affairs.

Metalanguage in the Reflection of Its Functions

The research is devoted to the topical issues of linguistics, determined by the necessity of clarifying the scientific approaches to identification of the natural language functions, systematization of data on its metalanguage function, and the construction of a scientifically grounded representation of the metalanguage function implementation in a modern text (discourse). The relevance of the work is explained by the increased number and diversity of metalanguage contexts in modern communicative practice. The paper represents the results of a comprehensive study and description of the content and variants of manifestation in the text (discourse) of the metalanguage function of the language. The taxonomy of metalanguage functions is presented on the material of modern Russian literature works. The metalanguage is revealed to perform two basic functions: information research and modelling. The information and research function has an ontological basis and is characterized by a substantial heterogeneity, which made it possible to identify a number of specific functions: metaphatic, explanatory, characterizing, evaluative, searching, connecting and categorizing. The modelling function has psychological foundations, meaningfully aimed at creative understanding of the code for the purpose of its subsequent processing and creative use in speech activity, which provides a new modelling of reality. It is shown that when updating this function, the potential of pun, or play on words, is widely used. It is established that the modelling function is characterized by the implicitness of its realization in the text.

Pragmatic Translation: Application of Relevance Theory in Film Dialogue Translation

As a type of cultural medium that transcends national boundaries, films are not only conveys rich story lines and profound theme thoughts, but also shows the charm of various languages in communication. Pragmatics, as a branch of linguistics, studies the meaning and function of language in practical use and provides crucial theoretical support and practical guidance for film dialogue translation. From the pragmatics point of view, film dialogue translation should not only pay attention to the accuracy of language, but also focus on the influence of context and culture on language comprehension. This paper aims to explore the principles and methods of film dialogue translation from the perspective of pragmatics, and to analyze how to achieve effective translation of film dialogue on the basis of maintaining the original style and emotional expression, in order to provide new ideas and methods for the practice and research of film translation.

Clinical and functional characteristics of children and young adults with cerebral palsy and co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BackgroundEmerging research shows that children and young adults (CYAs) with cerebral palsy (CP) are at higher risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about the clinical and functional characteristics of CYAs with these co-occurring disorders. AimTo estimate associations between a diagnosis of ADHD among CYAs with CP and clinical and functional characteristics. MethodsThis retrospective, cross-sectional study used data from the electronic health records of CYAs (aged 4–26 years) with CP (n = 1145). We used bivariate and multivariable analyses to estimate associations between an ADHD diagnosis, CP type, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, speech or language disorder, and intellectual disability. Results18.1 % of CYAs with CP had a diagnosis of ADHD. CYAs with spastic-bilateral CP had lower odds of ADHD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.58; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.35–0.96). Odds of having ADHD were significantly lower for those with GMFCS levels III-V (AOR = 0.10; 95 % CI, 0.06–0.15). ConclusionsOur study found that a diagnosis of ADHD among CYAs with CP was associated with greater clinical and functional impairments compared to counterparts without ADHD. Findings highlight the need to screen for both conditions because of the high comorbidity rates in this population.

Lexicalisation of discourse strategies in the national anthems of selected African states

ABSTRACT A national anthem is an official song of a nation. Extant studies have examined national anthems from philosophical, thematic, and historical points of view with insufficient attention paid to the lexicalisation of discourse strategies in the anthems of African states. This study, therefore, investigates how lexical choices and discourse strategies are deployed in the construction of national identities and ideologies. Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics and Wodak’s Discourse-Historical Approach were adopted as framework. Data were purposively selected from ideology-laden anthems, four from each of the five African sub-regions namely: Central (Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea); East (Djibouti, Eritrea, Rwanda, and Uganda); North (Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Tunisia); Southern (Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe); and West (Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, and Gambia). The study discovers that lexicalisation of discourse strategies of construction, transformation, perpetuation, and representation reflects socio-cultural, political, and cultural experiences of African states.

Multimodal Discourse Analysis on Female Representations in Film Posters

This study aims to identify the multimodal features used in film posters of Filipino movies produced between 2010 and 2023 that are currently found on Netflix. It aims to highlight the various stereotypes of women depicted through various multimodal modes using Multimodal Discourse Analysis and anchored on Visual Grammar by Kress and Van Leeuwen and Systemic Functional Linguistics by Halliday. Moreover, through this study, the researcher examined how these representations affected female viewers’ construction of their feminine images and their overall impression on the film posters. There were 40 film posters analyzed and 11 female participants interviewed. The results revealed that the interactional (gaze, size of frame, and perspective), compositional meanings (salience and informational value) of the film posters were tools to display different female representations. Also, the representational meanings made up by vectors and different structures and process underscored different female representations. These representations were also observed in the themes that were developed from the responses of the participants, which include: women’s stereotypical image portrayal, progressive female characters, stereotype subversion, and objectification. Finally, the participants also had similar opinions regarding the influence that film posters have on them when choosing which movies to watch, and the most prominent visual elements that attract the viewers.

Atypical lateralization of visuospatial attention can be associated with better or worse performance on line bisection

The causal and statistical hypotheses diverge in determining whether the lateralization of language function in one cerebral hemisphere entails the lateralization of visuospatial function in the opposite hemisphere. Additionally, it remains unclear if the atypical segregation of these functions could influence cognitive performance. This study addresses these questions by examining the hemispheric lateralization of visuospatial attention during a line bisection judgement (landmark) task in three groups of healthy non-right-handed individuals with different language production segregations: left (typical), ambilateral (atypical), and right (atypical). Consistent with the causal hypothesis, results indicate that the groups with left and right language lateralization primarily utilize the opposite hemisphere for visuospatial attention. The ambilateral group, however, displays a pattern compatible with an independent segregation, supporting the statistical hypothesis. Behavioral analyses reveal that atypical lateralization of visuospatial attention (non-right) can lead to either better or worse performance during the landmark task, depending on the specific pattern. Bilateral organization is associated with reduced overall accuracy, whereas the left segregation results in improved performance during the most challenging trials. These findings suggest the existence of diverse pathways to lateralization, akin to either the causal or statistical hypothesis, which can result in cognitive advantages or disadvantages.

Group decision making based on dice similarity measure and 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy weighted arithmetic aggregation operator for 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy variables

In the process of decision-making, it usually applies 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy variable (2DLFV) to describe the uncertainty caused by the decision objects and the decision makers. This proposal aims to design group decision making method based on dice similarity measure (DSM) and 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy weighted arithmetic aggregation (2DLFWAA) operator for 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy framework. Based on the psychological theory and prospect theory, 2-dimension linguistic scale function (2DLSF) about 2DLFV is firstly proposed, and new operational rules of 2DLFV are introduced. Two forms of DSM are proposed to measure the closeness between two 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy sets (2DLFSs). A definition is given for 2DLFWAA operator and some of its properties are studied. Based on the DSM and the 2DLFWAA operator for 2DLFSs, the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method is extended to handle the multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems under 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy environments. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to show the concrete process of the proposed method. Comparative analysis and sensitivity analysis are conducted to test the rationality and robust of the proposed method. The results suggest that the proposed method offers a flexible and reliable approach in 2-dimension linguistic fuzzy scenarios.

Scaffolding instruction in an EFL drama lesson: a systemic functional analysis

Abstract This paper presents analyses of an EFL drama lesson at a university in China from the perspective of systemic functional linguistics (SFL) to explore the managing of the complexity of learning tasks through scaffolding instruction. Based on pedagogic activity analysis and exchange structure analysis, we show that scaffolding is achieved through the strategic arrangement of classroom activities and the deployment of the multilingual discourse resource of knowledge and action. First, the evaluation of student acting and/or the elaboration based on it frequently serves to prepare the students for acting in the next learning cycle. Second, modelling and explaining acting are achieved through the teacher taking on the roles of secondary actor and primary knower in non-Task phases. Third, the teacher uses students’ L1 in non-Task phases either to model alternative ways of acting or to explain motivations for particular ways of acting. The observations reported in this study have potential implications for teacher education that focuses on teaching drama in EFL programmes.

The Dialectical Relationship of the Arbitrariness and Iconicity of Linguistic Semiotics

The enduring debate surrounding the arbitrariness and iconicity of linguistic signs centers on the relationship between form and meaning, or signifier and signified. This study aims to clarify the dialectical relationship between these two foundational principles in linguistics. Historically, arbitrariness, as proposed by Ferdinand de Saussure, posits that the connection between a linguistic sign's form and its meaning is conventional and lacks inherent justification. Conversely, iconicity suggests a natural or motivated connection between form and meaning, a view supported by cognitive and functional linguistics. This paper critically reviews the historical and contemporary arguments from both camps, highlighting significant contributions from scholars such as Saussure, Peirce, and Haiman. Through a comprehensive analysis, it is demonstrated that arbitrariness and iconicity are not mutually exclusive but coexist at different levels within language systems. The paper argues for a nuanced understanding that considers both synchronic and diachronic perspectives, ultimately suggesting that these two principles can complement each other, providing a deeper insight into the nature and function of linguistic signs. This study contributes to the broader discussion on the inherent characteristics of language, with implications for linguistic theory, language teaching, translation, and cognitive science.

Childhood exposure to organophosphate pesticides: Functional connectivity and working memory in adolescents

BackgroundEarly life exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides is linked with adverse neurodevelopment and brain function in children. However, we have limited knowledge of how these exposures affect functional connectivity, a measure of interaction between brain regions. To address this gap, we examined the association between early life OP pesticide exposure and functional connectivity in adolescents. MethodsWe administered functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to 291 young adults with measured prenatal or childhood dialkylphosphates (DAPs) in the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) study, a longitudinal study of women recruited during pregnancy and their offspring. We measured DAPs in urinary samples collected from mothers during pregnancy (13 and 26 weeks) and children in early life (ages 6 months, 1, 2, 3, and 5 years). Youth underwent fNIRS while they performed executive function and semantic language tasks during their 18-year-old visit. We used covariate-adjusted regression models to estimate the associations of prenatal and childhood DAPs with functional connectivity between the frontal, temporal, and parietal regions, and a mediation model to examine the role of functional connectivity in the relationship between DAPs and task performance. ResultsWe observed null associations of prenatal and childhood DAP concentrations and functional connectivity for the entire sample. However, when we looked for sex differences, we observed an association between childhood DAPs and functional connectivity for the right interior frontal and premotor cortex after correcting for the false discovery rate, among males, but not females. In addition, functional connectivity appeared to mediate an inverse association between DAPs and working memory accuracy among males. ConclusionIn CHAMACOS, a secondary analysis showed that adolescent males with elevated childhood OP pesticide exposure may have altered brain regional connectivity. This altered neurofunctional pattern in males may partially mediate working memory impairment associated with childhood DAP exposure.

A framework for teaching a moral dilemma narrative to multilingual middle school students: A genre‐based approach

AbstractIn this article, the researchers employ a linguistically informed approach to close reading that teaches a moral dilemma through an autobiographical short story. The approach, based on systemic functional linguistics, uses genre analysis that can draw students' attention to the structure, vocabulary, and grammar within literary texts, helping them better understand how meaning is constructed in the text. The authors exemplify this approach through the close reading of “Little Things Are Big” by Jesús Colón (1961) and provide implications for teaching literature about moral dilemmas and close reading to multilingual learners in a middle school ELA classroom. Through this analysis of the story, the authors demonstrate the power of close reading in a multilingual educational setting, showing how genre analysis enables a functional focus on language and meaning in literary reading.

Delivery of Allied Health Interventions Using Telehealth Modalities: A Rapid Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objectives: To determine whether allied health interventions delivered using telehealth provide similar or better outcomes for patients compared with traditional face-to-face delivery modes. Study design: A rapid systematic review using the Cochrane methodology to extract eligible randomized trials. Eligible trials: Trials were eligible for inclusion if they compared a comparable dose of face-to-face to telehealth interventions delivered by a neuropsychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, podiatrist, psychologist, and/or speech pathologist; reported patient-level outcomes; and included adult participants. Data sources: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases were first searched from inception for systematic reviews and eligible trials were extracted from these systematic reviews. These databases were then searched for randomized clinical trials published after the date of the most recent systematic review search in each discipline (2017). The reference lists of included trials were also hand-searched to identify potentially missed trials. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool Version 1. Data Synthesis: Fifty-two trials (62 reports, n = 4470) met the inclusion criteria. Populations included adults with musculoskeletal conditions, stroke, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and/or pain. Synchronous and asynchronous telehealth approaches were used with varied modalities that included telephone, videoconferencing, apps, web portals, and remote monitoring, Overall, telehealth delivered similar improvements to face-to-face interventions for knee range, Health-Related Quality of Life, pain, language function, depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This meta-analysis was limited for some outcomes and disciplines such as occupational therapy and speech pathology. Telehealth was safe and similar levels of satisfaction and adherence were found across modes of delivery and disciplines compared to face-to-face interventions. Conclusions: Many allied health interventions are equally as effective as face-to-face when delivered via telehealth. Incorporating telehealth into models of care may afford greater access to allied health professionals, however further comparative research is still required. In particular, significant gaps exist in our understanding of the efficacy of telehealth from podiatrists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and neuropsychologists. Protocol Registration Number: PROSPERO (CRD42020203128).

Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the L2 Savoring Beliefs Inventory

The rise of positive psychology (PP) in applied linguistics has led to a focus on the role of positive emotional functioning in second language (L2) learning and teaching. This field has identified key constructs from PP to understand how to replace negative emotions with positive ones in L2 learning. Despite these advancements, there is a need for a specific framework and scale to foster and measure positive emotions in this context. The concept of savoring, which involves recognizing and embracing positive emotions, addresses this need. The paper investigates the factorial structure and psychometric properties of the Language-Specific Savoring Beliefs Inventory (L2SBI) through exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). The results revealed that the bifactor ESEM solution is the most suitable model for assessing L2SBI. In other words, the L2SBI can be better represented by a comprehensive general component of L2 savoring beliefs, distinct from the three specific factors of anticipating progress in learning English, savoring the moment while learning English, and reminiscing about experiences in learning English. The study confirms the consistency of the L2SBI across genders and language levels, offering insights into varying belief patterns among learners and explaining differences in positive learning outcomes.

Inclusive language in health policy – a timely case (study) of cervical screening in Australia

ABSTRACT Language is important in health policy development. Policy changes in Australia to increase cervical screening offers a timely case example to explore the function of inclusive language in health policy. Gender and sexuality diverse people with a cervix have been largely invisible within health promotion programs, which has led to reduced awareness of, and access to, cervical screening. Twenty-eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 key informants between April and October 2022 about the role of inclusive language in cervical screening policy, promotion, and delivery in the context of a national program to promote cervical screening. Three themes were identified from what key informants believed to be the role of inclusive language: (1) the common goal of inclusive language as policy advocacy for broader inclusivity; (2) the inevitable partiality of inclusive language in policy as an opportunity to start conversation; and (3) policy as a bridge between essential but diffuse components of the health sector with multidirectional influences. Inclusive language was seen to operationalise equity in health policy within the broader aim of eliminating cervical cancer among under-screened populations.

Formal definitions and proofs for partial (co)recursive functions

Partial functions are a key concept in programming. Without partiality a programming language has limited expressiveness – it is not Turing-complete, hence, it excludes some constructs such as while-loops. In functional programming languages, partiality mostly originates from the non-termination of recursive functions. Corecursive functions are another source of partiality: here, the issue is not termination, but the inability to produce arbitrary large, finite approximations of a theoretically infinite output.Partial functions have been formally studied in the branch of theoretical computer science called domain theory. In this paper we propose to step up the level of formality by using the Coq proof assistant. The main difficulty is that Coq requires all functions to be total, since partiality would break the soundness of its underlying logic. We propose practical solutions for this issue, and others, which appear when one attempts to define and reason about partial (co)recursive functions in a total functional language.