Effects of Impulsivity and Self-control on Calorie Intake

Neoclassical economic theory models individuals as making consistent choices over time and it assumes these choices are the outcome of rational utility maximization. Recent theoretical developments in the theory of consumer decision-making have drawn evidence from other disciplines such as, neuroscience (McClure et al, 2004) and psychology, and proposed more generalized models in a dual-self framework explicitly accounting for self-control or impulsivity (Gul and Pesendorfer, 2004; Fudenberg and Levine, 2006; and Brocas and Carillo, 2008). This study attempts to understand the dietary choices in a dual-self framework while explicitly identifying calorie intake owing to impulsivity and self-control. We construct standard psychological measures using the responses to the Dutch Eating Behavioral Questionnaire (DEBQ) filled by the respondents of the UK Diet and Nutrition Survey. These measures have been tested for their validity and apply to a broad range of population: of different weights, across gender, ethnicity (Bardone-Cone, and Boyd, 2007) and are used in experiments (Ouwens, 2005).Using panel data methods, we find that impulsivity increases calorie intake and self-control decreases calorie intake. Further, caloric intake is larger than one can restrain and therefore the result of the intrapersonal conflict is positive calories intake on average.Self-control, Nutrition, diet, health, impulsivity, BMI, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Health Economics and Policy, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, D12, D03, I00,

Herbert Spencer's theory of social justice

Our one clear purpose in this thesis is to expound and criticise Spencer’s theory of social justice. We do not use his theory as a peg on whieh to hang all, or nearly all, that has been said and written on the vital problem of social justice. Neither do we use it as an excuse for propounding a totally different and i independent view of social justice.All this does not exclude, however, a careful examination and appreciation of Spencer's theory in the light of other theories; nor does it prevent us from indicating clearly the direction in which our personal convictions lie. We examine Spencer to discover what help he can give us in finding a satisfactory solution of the problems arising out of our complex social relationships, and to find how far he succeeds in justifying the many claims that he makes for himself as against other ethical writers.In Part I, which is mainly expository, we aim at stating concisely, and largely in Spencer's own words, his views on the subject; and we incidentally direct attention to some of the features which seem to characterise much of his social and ethical writings, such as internal inconsistencies, ambiguities, and tendency to argue in a circle. We also note the chief points of criticism which we develop in Part II. In the nature of the case, a considerable part of our thesis must appear to be negative in character. But we believe that in following carefully, from step step, the argument of a great thinker like Spencer, and in examining critically the many claims made by him in support of his universal and abstract formula of justice, we are able to discover where not to look for a solution of the problem of the individual in his relation to society.The outline which we follow in both the expository and the critical parts is the same. In Section I of both parts, we first deal with the relation, on which Spencer insists, between social justice and his peculiar view regarding the "ideal" state, with a view to seeing whether, because of this connection, his particular doctrine of social justice is really of more permanent value than the doctrines of others. We then concern ourselves with the way in which Spencer deduces his principle of social justice (l) from the doctrine of the Moral Sense or Intuition, and (2) from the principles of biology. Thereafter we pass to a consideration of the particular meaning that Spencer assigns to justice from his Utilitarian point of view, bringing out at the same time, as clearly as we can, the relation that he maintains between justice and its twin-principle of beneficence. We devote Section II of both parts to the many applications to the practical questions of social life that Spencer makes of his fundamental formula. Our reason for devoting a whole section to this division of our thesis is the conviction that, in the case of such an intensely practical subject as social justice, even though any particular theory of it may be Philosophically defective, the results derived from the application °f this theory to practical issues may be highly valuable, as in the case of the Utilitarianism of Bentham and his followers.The two chief writings of Spencer which we have studied in detail, and which we use as the basis of our discussion, are "Social Statics" (1350 edition as well as the abridged and revised edition of 1892) and the "Principles of Ethics" (particularly Parts I and IV entitled the "Data of Ethics" and "Justice"). Some of the other writings of Spencer, we use only as reference

Did Implementing Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990 Improve Diet?

Nutrition labeling, in the words of the then FDA commissioner, David Kessler, was to “help millions of Americans make more informed, healthier choices.” Although the NLEA primarily focused on standardizing the nutrition facts label, its implementation also involved an informational and educational campaign on how to use the new nutrition facts label and the benefits of using it. Evidently label use more than doubled between 1989-91 and 1994-96. Most of the studies provide evidence of the effects of nutrition label use by comparing label users against non-users using data after NLEA was in effect. Using pseudo-panel data method, we find that implementing NLEA did not improve diet quality but use of labels did. Further, label usage showed no improvement in diet quality within a cohort but it did reveal significant differences among or between cohorts. We also test for differences in diet quality between the two periods by comparing individuals of similar characteristics using a non-parametric approach, the Mahalnobis distance matching technique. Differences across the two periods would be tested at different quantiles of the diet quality with an emphasis on label use and education levels.Nutrition, diet, nutrition facts label, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

The Role of Schwann Cells in Nerve Injury: Forskolin-Mediated cAMP Activation Upregulates TNFα Expression Despite NF-κB Downregulation in LPS-Treated Schwann Cells

Although Schwann cells are known to play a role in axonal regeneration following nerve injury and inflammation, the exact mechanism is unknown. This study explores two potential mechanisms: the NF-κB and cAMP pathways. The NF-κB pathway produces cytokines, such as TNFα, to regulate inflammation, whereas the cAMP pathway is anti-inflammatory and regulates Schwann cell proliferation via AKAP95 and cyclin D3. Although it is well-known that NF-κB and cAMP are involved in inflammation, not much is known regarding the effects of forskolin-mediated cAMP activation on LPS-mediated NF-κB activation in Schwann cells. In this study, RT4-D6P2T immortalized rat Schwann cells were treated with 0.1, 1, or 10 μg/mL of LPS, with or without 2 μM of forskolin, for 3 hours, and then an MTT viability assay and Western blot were performed. It was found that cAMP activation decreased cell viability regardless of LPS dose compared to the control. It was also found that at high doses of LPS, cAMP activation upregulated TNFα expression despite a downregulation of NF-κB, meaning cAMP may regulate TNFα through NF-κB-independent mechanisms. Furthermore, at high doses of LPS, cAMP activation downregulated AKAP95 and cyclin D3 expression and decreased cell viability, meaning that at high LPS doses, NF-κB might inhibit cAMP\u27s ability to upregulate AKAP95 and cyclin D3, decreasing cell proliferation and thus viability. A better understanding of the potential interactions between the NF-κB and cAMP pathways in Schwann cells may help to find a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of nerve injury and inflammation.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2023/1029/thumbnail.jp

Simulation of an Inflammatory Model Using Schwann Cells

Schwann cells are a type of glial cell in the peripheral nervous system that produce the myelin sheath surrounding neuronal axons. This myelin insulates the neurons and promotes the rapid conduction of electrical impulses throughout the body. Schwann cells have also been found to play a critical role in neuron repair following nerve injury. During nerve injury, the myelin sheath is damaged, stimulating Schwann cells to release cytokines, or inflammatory mediators, that recruit immune cells to the site of injury so that the myelin debris can be cleared, and repair can take place.1 Then neuronal growth is facilitated by heregulin and an unknown growth factor that stimulates the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway.2,3 There is still yet to be known regarding the exact mechanisms by which Schwann cells mediate nerve repair. Two pathways of interest are the nuclear factor kappa B (NK-κB) and cAMP pathways. The NF-κB pathway plays a major role in inflammation through the production of cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and can be stimulated in vitro by treating cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a cell wall immunostimulatory component of Gram-negative bacteria.1 The cAMP pathway is a key regulator of cell division2,4 and can be stimulated by treating cells with an artificial plant extract called forskolin.2 This study aims to examine proteins of the NF-κB pathway when stimulated with cAMP-activating growth factors. It was hypothesized that cells treated with LPS and growth factors express less NF-κB and TNF-α than cells treated with LPS only. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying nerve injury and Schwann cell-mediated repair will hopefully shed light on a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of nerve injury and inflammation.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/surf2022/1001/thumbnail.jp

Forecasting COVID-19 epidemic in India and high incidence states using SIR and logistic growth models

Background Ever since the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak emerged in China, there has been several attempts to predict the epidemic across the world with varying degrees of accuracy and reliability. This paper aims to carry out a short-term projection of new cases; forecast the maximum number of active cases for India and selected high-incidence states; and evaluate the impact of three weeks lock down period using different models. Methods We used Logistic growth curve model for short term prediction; SIR models to forecast the maximum number of active cases and peak time; and Time Interrupted Regression model to evaluate the impact of lockdown and other interventions. Results The predicted cumulative number of cases for India was 58,912 (95% CI: 57,960, 59,853) by May 08, 2020 and the observed number of cases was 59,695. The model predicts a cumulative number of 1,02,974 (95% CI: 1,01,987, 1,03,904) cases by May 22, 2020. As per SIR model, the maximum number of active cases is projected to be 57,449 on May 18, 2020. The time interrupted regression model indicates a decrease of about 149 daily new cases after the lock down period, which is statistically not significant. Conclusion The Logistic growth curve model predicts accurately the short-term scenario for India and high incidence states. The prediction through SIR model may be used for planning and prepare the health systems. The study also suggests that there is no evidence to conclude that there is a positive impact of lockdown in terms of reduction in new cases

HRS white paper on clinical utilization of digital health technology.

This collaborative statement from the Digital Health Committee of the Heart Rhythm Society provides everyday clinical scenarios in which wearables may be utilized by patients for cardiovascular health and arrhythmia management. We describe herein the spectrum of wearables that are commercially available for patients, and their benefits, shortcomings and areas for technological improvement. Although wearables for rhythm diagnosis and management have not been examined in large randomized clinical trials, undoubtedly the usage of wearables has quickly escalated in clinical practice. This document is the first of a planned series in which we will update information on wearables as they are revised and released to consumers