820 research outputs found

    The Influences of Syndication on Broadcast Programming Decisions

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    Syndication is a major factor in the market for television programming. These papers analyze the effects of the off-network syndication market on prime time programming decisions that are made by broadcast networks. The first paper investigates the effects of the off-network syndication (rerun) market on the optimal number of seasons for a prime time television series. The theoretical model predicts that syndication could potentially either increase the number of seasons if the price elasticity of demand for syndication is elastic or vice versa. The empirical analysis consists of a duration model and estimates the effects of first run ratings and syndication on the probability that the show will not be cancelled in that season. The second paper proposes that the removal of the Financial Interest and Syndication Rules in 1995 changed the incentives for the networks to air more reality programming even if these programs are less popular and receive lower ratings than dramatic programs. This hypothesis is evaluated using a model borrowed from Wildman and Robinson (1995), a profit maximization model as well as a stock and flow model to help explain the timing of the shift. A simple t-test does show that the average amount of reality programming is significantly different (and higher) after the Fin-Syn Rules were revoked. In addition, the regression analysis indicates that there is a shift in the number of seasons that the average syndicated program is aired during the first run

    The Pandemic Pivot at an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology: A Review of International and Domestic Student Success

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    Building on an earlier action research project looking at international student grades at an Ontario College, the researchers explored the impact of learning in an online learning environment on international student performance. The researchers asked: 1) Is there a significant difference in the average student grades (regardless of country of residence or origin) between online delivery and in-person delivery? 2) Is there a statistically significant difference in average student grades between delivery methods, based on country of origin or residence?; and 3) Is there a statistically significant difference in average student grades between domestic and international students, based on delivery? A comparison of grade data of in-person classes versus online learning indicate that both international and domestic students showed improved grade performance in online learning. Further, while the earlier study indicated that international students had lower grade performance than domestic students, the gap between international and domestic student grade performance closed slightly with online learning

    La Crosse virus infectivity, pathogenesis, and immunogenicity in mice and monkeys

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>La Crosse virus (LACV), family Bunyaviridae, was first identified as a human pathogen in 1960 after its isolation from a 4 year-old girl with fatal encephalitis in La Crosse, Wisconsin. LACV is a major cause of pediatric encephalitis in North America and infects up to 300,000 persons each year of which 70–130 result in severe disease of the central nervous system (CNS). As an initial step in the establishment of useful animal models to support vaccine development, we examined LACV infectivity, pathogenesis, and immunogenicity in both weanling mice and rhesus monkeys.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Following intraperitoneal inoculation of mice, LACV replicated in various organs before reaching the CNS where it replicates to high titer causing death from neurological disease. The peripheral site where LACV replicates to highest titer is the nasal turbinates, and, presumably, LACV can enter the CNS via the olfactory neurons from nasal olfactory epithelium. The mouse infectious dose<sub>50 </sub>and lethal dose<sub>50 </sub>was similar for LACV administered either intranasally or intraperitoneally. LACV was highly infectious for rhesus monkeys and infected 100% of the animals at 10 PFU. However, the infection was asymptomatic, and the monkeys developed a strong neutralizing antibody response.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In mice, LACV likely gains access to the CNS via the blood stream or via olfactory neurons. The ability to efficiently infect mice intranasally raises the possibility that LACV might use this route to infect its natural hosts. Rhesus monkeys are susceptible to LACV infection and develop strong neutralizing antibody responses after inoculation with as little as 10 PFU. Mice and rhesus monkeys are useful animal models for LACV vaccine immunologic testing although the rhesus monkey model is not optimal.</p

    Racial discrepancies in the association between paternal vs. maternal educational level and risk of low birthweight in Washington State

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    BACKGROUND: The role of paternal factors in determining the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes has received less attention than maternal factors. Similarly, the interaction between the effects of race and socioeconomic status (SES) on pregnancy outcomes is not well known. Our objective was to assess the relative importance of paternal vs. maternal education in relation to risk of low birth weight (LBW) across different racial groups. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using Washington state birth certificate data from 1992 to 1996 (n = 264,789). We assessed the associations between maternal or paternal education and LBW, adjusting for demographic variables, health services factors, and maternal behavioral and obstetrical factors. RESULTS: Paternal educational level was independently associated with LBW after adjustment for race, maternal education, demographic characteristics, health services factors; and other maternal factors. We found an interaction between the race and maternal education on risk of LBW. In whites, maternal education was independently associated with LBW. However, in the remainder of the sample, maternal education had a minimal effect on LBW. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of association between maternal education and LBW delivery was different in whites than in members of other racial groups. Paternal education was associated with LBW in both whites and non-whites. Further studies are needed to understand why maternal education may impact pregnancy outcomes differently depending on race and why paternal education may play a more important role than maternal education in some racial categories

    Gender perspectives on views and preferences of older people on exercise to prevent falls: a systematic mixed studies review

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    Background: To offer fall prevention exercise programs that attract older people of both sexes there is a need to understand both womens and mens views and preferences regarding these programs. This paper aims to systematically review the literature to explore any underlying gender perspectives or gender interpretations on older peoples views or preferences regarding uptake and adherence to exercise to prevent falls. Methods: A review of the literature was carried out using a convergent qualitative design based on systematic searches of seven electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Amed, PsycINFO, Scopus, PEDro, and OTseeker). Two investigators identified eligible studies. Each included article was read by at least two authors independently to extract data into tables. Views and preferences reported were coded and summarized in themes of facilitators and barriers using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Nine hundred and nine unique studies were identified. Twenty five studies met the criteria for inclusion. Only five of these contained a gender analysis of mens and womens views on fall prevention exercises. The results suggests that both women and men see women as more receptive to and in more need of fall prevention messages. The synthesis from all 25 studies identified six themes illustrating facilitators and six themes describing barriers for older people either starting or adhering to fall prevention exercise. The facilitators were: support from professionals or family; social interaction; perceived benefits; a supportive exercise context; feelings of commitment; and having fun. Barriers were: practical issues; concerns about exercise; unawareness; reduced health status; lack of support; and lack of interest. Considerably more women than men were included in the studies. Conclusion: Although there is plenty of information on the facilitators and barriers to falls prevention exercise in older people, there is a distinct lack of studies investigating differences or similarities in older womens and mens views regarding fall prevention exercise. In order to ensure that fall prevention exercise is appealing to both sexes and that the inclusion of both men and women are encouraged, more research is needed to find out whether gender differences exists and whether practitioners need to offer a range of opportunities and support strategies to attract both women and men to falls prevention exercise.Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council [2015-03481]; Strategic Research Programme in Care Sciences, Umea University; Karolinska Institute, Sweden; Umea University</p

    Perceived locus of causality and internalization: Examining reasons for acting in two domains.

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    Theories of internalization typically suggest that self-perceptions of the &quot;causes&quot; of(i.e., reasons for) behavior are differentiated along a continuum of autonomy that contains identifiable gradations. A model of perceived locus of causality (PLOC) is developed, using children&apos;s self-reported reasons for acting. In Project 1, external, introjected, identified, and intrinsic types of reasons for achievementrelated behaviors are shown to conform to a simplex-like (ordered correlation) structure in four samples. These reason categories are then related to existing measures of PLOC and to motivation. A second project examines 3 reason categories (external, introject, and identification) within the domain of prosoeial behavior. Relations with measures of empathy, moral judgment, and positive interpersonal relatedness are presented. Finally, the proposed model and conceptualization of PLOC are discussed with regard to intrapersonal versus interpersonal perception, internalization, causereason distinctions, and the significance of perceived autonomy in human behavior. A central issue for theories of motivation concerns the perceived locus relative to the person of variables that cause or give impetus to behavior, Heider (1958) introduced the concept of perceived locus of causality (PLOC) primarily in reference to interpersonal perception, and more specifically with regard to the phenomenal analysis of how one infers the motives and intentions of others. He distinguished between personal causation, the critical feature of which is intention, and impersonal causation, in which environments, independent of the person&apos;s intentions, produce a given effect. DeCharms (1968) elaborated and extended Heider&apos;s phenomenal analysis, particularly with regard to the explanation of behavior (as opposed to outcomes). DeCharms argued that there is a further distinction within personal causation or intentional behavior between an internal PLOC, in which the actor is perceived as an &quot;origin&quot; of his or her behavior, and an external PLOC, in which the actor is seen as a &quot;pawn&quot; to heteronomous forces. The distinction between internal and external PLOC has since been crucial for studies of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and of perceived autonomy more generally (Deci &amp

    Daily energy expenditure and water turnover in female netball players from the Netball Super League : a doubly labeled water observation study

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    DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article. Any further information is available upon request.Please read abstract in the article.Leeds Beckett University.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15367290hj2024Sports MedicineSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein

    Quantitative evaluation of the beneficial effects in the mdx mouse of epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant polyphenol from green tea

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    In two separate previous studies, we reported that subcutaneous (sc) or oral administration of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) limited the development of muscle degeneration of mdx mice, a mild phenotype model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, it was not possible to conclude which was the more efficient route of EGCG administration because different strains of mdx mice, periods of treatment and methods of assessment were used. In this study, we investigated which administration routes and dosages of EGCG are the most effective for limiting the onset of dystrophic lesions in the same strain of mdx mice and applying the same methods of assessment. Three-week-old mdx mice were injected sc for 5 weeks with either saline or a daily average of 3 or 6 mg/kg EGCG. For comparison, age-matched mdx mice were fed for 5 weeks with either a diet containing 0.1% EGCG or a control diet. The effects of EGCG were assessed quantitatively by determining the activities of serum muscle-derived creatine kinase, isometric contractions of triceps surae muscles, integrated spontaneous locomotor activities, and oxidative stress and fibrosis in selected muscles. Oral administration of 180 mg/kg/day EGCG in the diet was found the most effective for significantly improving several parameters associated with muscular dystrophy. However, the improvements were slightly less than those observed previously for sc injection started immediately after birth. The efficacy of EGCG for limiting the development of dystrophic muscle lesions in mice suggests that EGCG may be of benefit for DMD patients

    A mathematical model of quorum sensing regulated EPS production in biofilm communities

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Biofilms are microbial communities encased in a layer of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The EPS matrix provides several functional purposes for the biofilm, such as protecting bacteria from environmental stresses, and providing mechanical stability. Quorum sensing is a cell-cell communication mechanism used by several bacterial taxa to coordinate gene expression and behaviour in groups, based on population densities.</p> <p>Model</p> <p>We mathematically model quorum sensing and EPS production in a growing biofilm under various environmental conditions, to study how a developing biofilm impacts quorum sensing, and conversely, how a biofilm is affected by quorum sensing-regulated EPS production. We investigate circumstances when using quorum-sensing regulated EPS production is a beneficial strategy for biofilm cells.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We find that biofilms that use quorum sensing to induce increased EPS production do not obtain the high cell populations of low-EPS producers, but can rapidly increase their volume to parallel high-EPS producers. Quorum sensing-induced EPS production allows a biofilm to switch behaviours, from a colonization mode (with an optimized growth rate), to a protection mode.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A biofilm will benefit from using quorum sensing-induced EPS production if bacteria cells have the objective of acquiring a thick, protective layer of EPS, or if they wish to clog their environment with biomass as a means of securing nutrient supply and outcompeting other colonies in the channel, of their own or a different species.</p
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