Black and Blue: Exploring Racial Bias and Law Enforcement in the Killings of Unarmed Black Male Civilians

In late 2014, a series of highly publicized police killings of unarmed Black male civilians in the United States prompted large-scale social turmoil. In the current review, we dissect the psychological antecedents of the se killings and explain how the nature of police work may attract officers with distinct characteristics that may make them especially well-primed for negative interactions with Black male civilians. We use media reports to contextualize the precipitating events of the social unrest as we ground our explanations in theory and empirical research from social psychology and industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology. To isolate some of the key mechanisms at play, we disentangle racial bias (e.g., stereotyping processes) from common characteristics of law enforcement agents (e.g., social dominance orientation), while also addressing the interaction between racial bias and policing. By separating the moving parts of the phenomenon, we provide a more fine-grained analysis of the factors that may have contributed to the killings. In doing so, we endeavor to more effectively identify and develop solutions to eradicate excessive use of force during interactions between "Black" (unarmed Black male civilians) and "Blue" (law enforcement)

Vocal rehabilitation after total laryngectomy.

Vocal rehabilitation after total laryngectomy

Reefs at Risk Revisited

Updates estimated threats to coral reefs from human activities, such as overfishing and coastal development, as well as global climate change by type of threat and region. Outlines social and economic implications and approaches to sustainable management

Development of a single nucleotide polymorphism array for population genomic studies in four European pine species

Pines are some of the most ecologically and economically important tree species in the world, and many have enormous natural distributions or have been extensively planted. However, a lack of rapid genotyping capability is hampering progress in understanding the molecular basis of genetic variation in these species. Here, we deliver an efficient tool for genotyping thousands of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers across the genome that can be applied to genetic studies in pines. Polymorphisms from resequenced candidate genes and transcriptome sequences of P. sylvestris, P. mugo, P. uncinata, P. uliginosa and P. radiata were used to design a 49,829 SNP array (Axiom_PineGAP, Thermo Fisher). Over a third (34.68%) of the unigenes identified from the P. sylvestris transcriptome were represented on the array, which was used to screen samples of four pine species. The conversion rate for the array on all samples was 42% (N = 20,795 SNPs) and was similar for SNPs sourced from resequenced candidate gene and transcriptome sequences. The broad representation of gene ontology terms by unigenes containing converted SNPs reflected their coverage across the full transcriptome. Over a quarter of successfully converted SNPs were polymorphic among all species, and the data were successful in discriminating among the species and some individual populations. The SNP array provides a valuable new tool to advance genetic studies in these species and demonstrates the effectiveness of the technology for rapid genotyping in species with large and complex genomes

Do randomised controlled trials relevant to pharmacy meet best practice standards for quality conduct and reporting? : A systematic review

Funding This review received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not‐for‐profit sectors. Acknowledgements The study was conceived by CB, all authors contributed to the design, reviewed results and commented on successive drafts of the paper and approved the final version. AR undertook all the searches, data extraction and analyses, and prepared the first draft of the manuscript. The project was undertaken by AR as her Master of Pharmacy research project during a placement at the University of Aberdeen Scotland under the local supervision of Christine Bond. Special thanks to Moira Cruickshank, from the Health Services Research Unit at the University of Aberdeen for assistance in the construction of the search strategy.Peer reviewedPostprin

Examining the Effect of Exogenous Ketone Supplement on Indices of Peripheral Vascular Health/Function

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the US and worldwide. The risk for and prevalence of CVD are elevated by various factors including impaired micro- and macrovascular function. Associated mechanisms are multifactorial but are related to elevated oxidative stress and/or inflammation which contribute to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability and ultimately vasodilatory reactivity. Ketogenic diets, commonly used as a strategy to lose weight and improve health, have been reported to improve mitochondria function, as well as antioxidant and inflammatory status. To the best of our knowledge, the effects on vascular function are less understood. PURPOSE: This study tested the hypothesis that 14-days of increased daily Ketone supplementation would improve well-validated indices of peripheral micro and macrovascular function in otherwise young healthy adults. METHODS: Six young healthy adults (4 males; age: 22±4 yr.; BMI 24±3 kg/m2) have participated thus far. All measures were assessed at baseline and after 14-days of increased Ketone supplementation which was accomplished by adding ~13.7 g of Keto5 XOGenius powder to 16oz of water twice daily. Keto5 XOGenius contains increased levels of ketone body, e.g., β-hyroxybutyrate which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as neuroprotective effects. Peripheral macro and microvascular function/health were assessed before (baseline) and after Keto5 XOGenius supplementation as vasodilation in the brachial artery (flow mediated vasodilation; %FMD) and reactive hyperemia (peak mean forearm blood velocity (FBVmean)) in the forearm vasculature respectively following 5-min of forearm ischemia induced by suprasystolic cuff occlusion. RESULTS: Peripheral macrovascular function assessed as %FMD tended to be augmented following Keto5 XOGenius supplementation (Pre: 2.3±1.6% vs. Post: 3.8±1.8%, P=0.05). Whereas peripheral microvascular function assessed as peak FBVmean was NOT different following the intervention (Pre: 67±12 cm·s-1 vs. Post: 66±20 cm·s-1, P=0.88). Conclusion: These preliminary data indicate a positive effect of Keto5 XOGenius supplementation on peripheral macrovascular function/health. Future studies will continue to expand upon these findings in a larger cohort of individuals

Diageo's 'Stop Out of Control Drinking' Campaign in Ireland: An Analysis.

BACKGROUND: It has been argued that the alcohol industry uses corporate social responsibility activities to influence policy and undermine public health, and that every opportunity should be taken to scrutinise such activities. This study analyses a controversial Diageo-funded 'responsible drinking' campaign ("Stop out of Control Drinking", or SOOCD) in Ireland. The study aims to identify how the campaign and its advisory board members frame and define (i) alcohol-related harms, and their causes, and (ii) possible solutions. METHODS: Documentary analysis of SOOCD campaign material. This includes newspaper articles (n = 9), media interviews (n = 11), Facebook posts (n = 92), and Tweets (n = 340) produced by the campaign and by board members. All material was coded inductively, and a thematic analysis undertaken, with codes aggregated into sub-themes. RESULTS: The SOOCD campaign utilises vague or self-defined concepts of 'out of control' and 'moderate' drinking, tending to present alcohol problems as behavioural rather than health issues. These are also unquantified with respect to actual drinking levels. It emphasises alcohol-related antisocial behaviour among young people, particularly young women. In discussing solutions to alcohol-related problems, it focuses on public opinion rather than on scientific evidence, and on educational approaches and information provision, misrepresenting these as effective. "Moderate drinking" is presented as a behavioural issue ("negative drinking behaviours"), rather than as a health issue. CONCLUSIONS: The 'Stop Out of Control Drinking' campaign frames alcohol problems and solutions in ways unfavourable to public health, and closely reflects other Diageo Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity, as well as alcohol and tobacco industry strategies more generally. This framing, and in particular the framing of alcohol harms as a behavioural issue, with the implication that consumption should be guided only by self-defined limits, may not have been recognised by all board members. It suggests a need for awareness-raising efforts among the public, third sector and policymakers about alcohol industry strategies