164 research outputs found

    This is exactly why we sweep things under the rug: A Polite approach to ABC\u27s Modern Family

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    The sitcom has remained a popular choice for television viewers since its inception. They have evolved in their methods of entertaining their audiences, often depicting unlikeable characters engaging in antisocial behaviors. This study examines one such sitcom, Modern Family, through the lens of Brown and Levinson\u27s politeness theory, and related concepts contributed by other theorists. These theorists maintain that a primary motive behind any interaction is the presentation and maintenance of a chosen identity or face. Those actions that fail to maintain face, for either participant are called face-threatening acts. This study attempts to determine if the characters behave in ways consistent with the assumptions of these theories. The researcher examined the complete first season of Modern Family and found that half of the main characters freely and frequently commit politeness violations. The ramifications of such a narrative are discussed, as well as limitation of the current study. Finally possible avenues of future related research are provided

    Physics Experiments For Online Courses

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    In 2007 a Faculty Technology Grant was awarded by the Office of the Provost, the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, and the Educational Technology Department of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). The goal of the grant was to develop 8-10 experiments that could be used in an online physics class offered by the University. These experiments, designed to be performed totally online using the Internet, would introduce students to new instructional practices and involve them in an effective way in using the current technology. This paper is about the development of those experiments and how they have recently been incorporated into ERAU\u27s Worldwide curriculum

    Phenols and antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo of aqueous extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction from artichoke by-products.

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    Artichoke by-products are rich in phenolic compounds although they represent a waste for the food industry. This paper examines the application of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for obtaining organic solvent-free extracts rich in nutraceuticals from artichoke scraps. Application of ultrasounds for 60 minutes on test samples, using water as a solvent, improved recovery of phenolic substances compared with untreated samples. Among the phenols detected by high performance liquid chromatography, 5- O-caffeoylquinic and 1,5-di- O-caffeoylquinic acids were identified. In vivo treatments of tobacco BY-2 cells with ultrasonic extracts consistently enhanced their antioxidant power, making the cells more resistant to heat stress. UAE applied to artichoke by-products, using water as a solvent, appears to be a powerful eco-friendly technique that can provide extracts rich in nutraceuticals and turn waste products into resources. The extracts could be advantageously utilized in the food industry to produce functional foods

    Alexithymia, Attachment styles and Dissociative experiences in a sample of drug addicts

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    Background: Many studies demonstrate that early trauma affects the development of cognitive and affective processing, the integration between thoughts and feelings and the ability to understand and regulate emotional experiences. Some researchers emphasize the role of dissociation. Methods: In our study, we involved 62 participants that have completed the following questionnaires:  TAS-20, TEC, DES-II, PBI, and RQ. The aim was to evaluate, through descriptive statistics, univariate variant analysis and hierarchical regression analysis, the correlation between alexithymia, traumatic, dissociative experiences, parenting style, and adult relational style in two groups. Results: The results of our research have partially confirmed the significant differences between clinical group and control group. In the clinical group we observed dysfunctional parenting and relationship style in rapport with an alexithymic condition. In addition, alexithymia would also represent a risk factor for the development of an addictive behavior. Regarding to the relationship between dissociation and trauma, our data confirm a significant relationship between these two variables. Conclusions: Our study underlines the importance to consider the role of emotional experiences linked to early traumatic experiences and dissociative defensive reactions.

    Exploitation of grape marc as functional substrate for lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria growth and enhanced antioxidant activity

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    This study aimed at using grape marc for the growth of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria with the perspective of producing a functional ingredient having antioxidant activity. Lactobacillus plantarum 12A and PU1, Lactobacillus paracasei 14A, and Bifidobacterium breve 15A showed the ability to grow on grape marc (GM) based media. The highest bacterial cell density (>9.0 CFU/g) was found in GM added of 1% of glucose (GMG). Compared to un-inoculated and incubated control fermented GMG showed a decrease of carbohydrates and citric acid together with an increase of lactic acid. The content of several free amino acids and phenol compounds differed between samples. Based on the survival under simulated gastro-intestinal conditions, GMG was a suitable carrier of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria strains. Compared to the control, cell-free supernatant (CFS) of fermented GMG exhibited a marked antioxidant activity in vitro. The increased antioxidant activity was confirmed using Caco-2 cell line after inducing oxidative stress, and determining cell viability and radical scavenging activity through MTT and DCFH-DA assays, respectively. Supporting these founding, the SOD-2 gene expression of Caco-2 cells also showed a lowest pro-oxidant effect induced by the four CFS of GMG fermented by lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria

    The Impact of School Closures and Isolation on Parents in the US

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    The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented global event. Research demonstrates the impact the pandemic had on both parents and children regarding their mental health and learning abilities. The current study examined parents’ experiences during the pandemic. This study had a particular focus on how changes to schooling impacted school experiences and social emotional experiences. The sample was comprised of parents whose children were in K-12 schooling and data was collected during Fall of 2020. The findings suggest that while there were several challenges, parents also reported some positive outcomes. This study serves as a foundation for future research to be conducted as long-term effects need to be examined. The study also provides a better understanding of the impacts that school closures have on children and adults. Limitations and future research are further discussed

    Proceedings from the Turner Resource Network symposium: The crossroads of health care research and health care delivery

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    Turner syndrome, a congenital condition that affects ∼1/2,500 births, results from absence or structural alteration of the second sex chromosome. There has been substantial effort by numerous clinical and genetic research groups to delineate the clinical, pathophysiological, cytogenetic, and molecular features of this multisystem condition. Questions about the molecular-genetic and biological basis of many of the clinical features remain unanswered, and health care providers and families seek improved care for affected individuals. The inaugural “Turner Resource Network (TRN) Symposium” brought together individuals with Turner syndrome and their families, advocacy group leaders, clinicians, basic scientists, physician-scientists, trainees and other stakeholders with interest in the well-being of individuals and families living with the condition. The goal of this symposium was to establish a structure for a TRN that will be a patient-powered organization involving those living with Turner syndrome, their families, clinicians, and scientists. The TRN will identify basic and clinical questions that might be answered with registries, clinical trials, or through bench research to promote and advocate for best practices and improved care for individuals with Turner syndrome. The symposium concluded with the consensus that two rationales justify the creation of a TRN: 1. inadequate attention has been paid to the health and psychosocial issues facing girls and women who live with Turner syndrome; 2. investigations into the susceptibility to common disorders such as cardiovascular or autoimmune diseases caused by sex chromosome deficiencies will increase understanding of disease susceptibilities in the general population.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U.S.) (Grant 1R13HD079209-01)March of Dimes Birth Defects FoundationAmerican Heart AssociationNational Institutes of Health (U.S.) Office of Women's HealthLeaping Butterfly MinistryTurner Syndrome Society of the United State

    Extracellular High-Mobility Group Box 1 Acts as an Innate Immune Mediator to Enhance Autoimmune Progression and Diabetes Onset in NOD Mice

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    OBJECTIVE—The implication of innate immunity in type 1 diabetes development has long been proposed. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an evolutionarily conserved chromosomal protein, was recently recognized to be a potent innate inflammatory mediator when released extracellularly. We sought to test the hypothesis that HMGB1 acts as an innate immune mediator implicated in type 1 diabetes pathogenesis
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