Latvian Folk Dance: Sustaining Cultural Heritage in the Context of Christianity and Communism

In times of chaos and violence, brutality and oppression, one would not think of the arts as a guiding light for maintaining cultural identity and establishing peace and independence. However, the small country of Latvia serves as a prime example of how the arts, specifically folk dance, helped to maintain Latvian culture through centuries of oppression and war. As Swedish and German missionaries sought to spread Christianity throughout the pagan tribes in the 11th century, dance helped to sustain the cultural and religious beliefs of the ancient Latvians. Folk dance created a sense of unity within their communities, and the Christian missionaries were not able to suppress the art form enough to discontinue its ritualistic use. Jumping forward to the 20th century, folk dance played an important role in what is known as the Singing Revolution that began in 1987 and eventually led to the independence of the Baltic States in 1991. Large-scale Song and Dance Festivals served as the platform for this artistic protest movement. Whilst under the grasp of the Soviet Union, Latvian folk dance served as a form of political protest, which created a sense of unity by reminding Latvians of their cultural heritage, and ultimately bolstering their national movement. This thesis will attempt to answer the question: How has Latvian folk dance helped to sustain Latvian cultural identity in spite of the introduction of Christianity and the oppression of communism? Through the analysis of historical, cultural and theological texts, notated folk dances, interviews with current Latvian theological historians, and my own experience as a Latvian folk dancer, I will gain an understanding of the Latvian folk dances and their connection to the culture and beliefs of ancient and modern Latvians. I will specifically focus on how changes in the fabric of society affected Latvian folk dancing during two periods: the introduction of Christianity in the 11th century and communist rule from 1918-1991

Variation in the woodland cover of the Morar Basin, with particular reference to the palaeolimnology and palaeomagnetic record from Loch Morar, Highland Region, Scotland.

This thesis examines aspects of the palaeolimnological and palaeomagnetic records from Loch Morar, Highland Region, Scotland. The palaeoecological interpretation of these records is augmented by a review of the floristic character of the current vegetation. Palaeomagnetic data from a long core display secular variations of declination and inclination for an unknown time interval. The top metre has been compared with records from northwest Europe covering the last 10,000 years and has been tentatively assigned to that time interval. A preliminary pollen analysis appears to confirm this interpretation. Stabilization of terrain is indicated by declining magnetic susceptibility, coupled with constant sediment accumulation rates during the period represented by the top metre of the sediment core. The fossil diatom record from the same provides an insight into the tophic status of the lake and catchment areas, suggesting significant acidification during the Holocene Period. Iron Oxide deposition suggests a widespread development of waterlogged soils during the same period. A qualitative examination of woodland sites within the catchment area indicates that relict native oak (Quercus petraea x robur) and birch (Betula pubescens ssp. odorata) woodland, referable to the Betuletum Oxaleto-Vaccinetum and Betula-herb noda, survives at several sites around Loch Morar, and that native Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. scotica) woodland, referable to a combination of the Pinetum Hylocomieto-Vaccinetum and Pinetum Vaccineto-Callunetum association, occurs on an archipelago in the loch. The presence of Pinus sylvestris var. scotica at this site suggests that the geographical distribution range of this taxon extends farther westwards in mainland Scotland than previously recorded. A phytosociological study of the epiphytic (corticolous) lichen flora previously record from these woodland sites by Dr Francis Rose, and the application of the Revised Index of Ecological Continuity sensu Rose (1976) indicates that they have experienced ecological continuity of high tree cover, as opposed to coppice, over a long period. <p

Co-location of health and leisure to promote physical activity: a realist synthesis

To address the burden of non-communicable chronic disease (NCDs), many initiatives focus on increasing physical activity (PA) through healthcare. In Sheffield, as part of a London 2012 Olympic Legacy programme, the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine - National Health Service (NHS) clinics were co-located within leisure centres. The aim was to promote PA as prevention and treatment option in healthcare and to bring care out of hospitals and into the community. Although policy calls for co-location of healthcare in alternate settings, there is little evidence that leisure centres might represent a suitable environment. It is unknown what impact delivering healthcare in leisure centres might have on promotion of PA within those services. This research seeks to understand how, why, for whom and under what circumstances co-location of healthcare with leisure works (or does not work). This research was grounded in realist methodology in two phases. In Phase 1, initial programme theories were developed through a realist review of academic, grey and policy literature on co-location. Initial rough programme theories from the realist review were subsequently ‘tested’ and ‘refined’ using data from semi-structured realist interviews with stakeholders involved in development of the co-location model in Sheffield. Phase 1 ended with nine theories regarding how, why, for whom and in what circumstances co-locating health and leisure services might work (or not). In Phase 2, theories were tested through semi-structured interviews with ten healthcare professionals and ten patients across four clinical services based in the co-located sites. Subsequently, five refined programme theories emerged. These theories suggest that colocation works best for patients with NCDs who are motivated but need support. Colocation of health and leisure works best for HCPs that are active, knowledgeable about PA and make time to discuss PA with patients. Co-location of health and leisure creates a salutogenic environment which enables patients and HCPs to become active. Enabling contexts include aligned business models, shared clinical and PA scheduling and teamwork between HCPs and exercise professionals. Logistical challenges and individual motivations serve as barriers to co-location working to promote PA. Co-location, under the right conditions has the potential to result in promotion of PA through healthcare and more individuals with NCDs becoming physically active

Standardizing and Disseminating Knowledge: The Role of the OECD in Global Governance

If ‘knowledge is power’, it is unsurprising that the production, legitimation, and application of social scientific knowledge, not least that which was designed to harness social organization to economic growth, is a potentially contentious process. Coping with, adapting to, or attempting to shape globalization has emerged as a central concern of policy-makers who are, therefore, interested in knowledge to assist their managerial activities. Thus, an organization that can create, synthesize, legitimate, and dissemination useful knowledge can play a significant role in the emerging global governance system. The OECD operates as one important site for the construction, standardization, and dissemination of transnational policy ideas. OECD staff conducts research and produces a range of background studies and reports, drawing on disciplinary knowledge (typically economics) supplemented by their ‘organizational discourses’. This paper probes the contested nature of knowledge production and attempts to evaluate the impact of the OECD’s efforts to produce globally applicable policy advice. Particular attention is paid to important initiatives in the labour market and social policy fields—the Jobs Study and Babies and Bosses

Characteristics and outcomes of atrial fibrillation in patients without traditional risk factors:an RE-LY AF registry analysis

Aims: Data on patient characteristics, prevalence, and outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients without traditional risk factors, often labelled 'lone AF', are sparse. Methods and results: The RE-LY AF registry included 15 400 individuals who presented to emergency departments with AF in 47 countries. This analysis focused on patients without traditional risk factors, including age >= 60years, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, congenital heart disease, pulmonary disease, valve heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and prior cardiac surgery. Patients without traditional risk factors were compared with age- and region-matched controls with traditional risk factors (1:3 fashion). In 796 (5%) patients, no traditional risk factors were present. However, 98% (779/796) had less-established or borderline risk factors, including borderline hypertension (130-140/80-90mmHg; 47%), chronic kidney disease (eGFR30; 19%), diabetes (5%), excessive alcohol intake (>14 units/week; 4%), and smoking (25%). Compared with patients with traditional risk factors (n=2388), patients without traditional risk factors were more often men (74% vs. 59%, P Conclusion: Almost all patients without traditionally defined AF risk factors have less-established or borderline risk factors. These patients have a favourable 1-year prognosis, but risk of AF-related re-hospitalization remains high. Greater emphasis should be placed on recognition and management of less-established or borderline risk factors

Global mortality variations in patients with heart failure: results from the International Congestive Heart Failure (INTER-CHF) prospective cohort study

Background Most data on mortality and prognostic factors in patients with heart failure come from North America and Europe, with little information from other regions. Here, in the International Congestive Heart Failure (INTERCHF) study, we aimed to measure mortality at 1 year in patients with heart failure in Africa, China, India, the Middle East, southeast Asia and South America; we also explored demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic variables associated with mortality. Methods We enrolled consecutive patients with heart failure (3695 [66%] clinic outpatients, 2105 [34%] hospital in patients) from 108 centres in six geographical regions. We recorded baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and followed up patients at 6 months and 1 year from enrolment to record symptoms, medications, and outcomes. Time to death was studied with Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic and clinical variables, medications, socioeconomic variables, and region. We used the explained risk statistic to calculate the relative contribution of each level of adjustment to the risk of death. Findings We enrolled 5823 patients within 1 year (with 98% follow-up). Overall mortality was 16·5%: highest in Africa (34%) and India (23%), intermediate in southeast Asia (15%), and lowest in China (7%), South America (9%), and the Middle East (9%). Regional differences persisted after multivariable adjustment. Independent predictors of mortality included cardiac variables (New York Heart Association Functional Class III or IV, previous admission for heart failure, and valve disease) and non-cardiac variables (body-mass index, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). 46% of mortality risk was explained by multivariable modelling with these variables; however, the remainder was unexplained. Interpretation Marked regional differences in mortality in patients with heart failure persisted after multivariable adjustment for cardiac and non-cardiac factors. Therefore, variations in mortality between regions could be the result of health-care infrastructure, quality and access, or environmental and genetic factors. Further studies in large, global cohorts are needed

Frailty and outcomes in heart failure patients from high-, middle-, and low-income countries

Background and Aims: There is little information on the incremental prognostic importance of frailty beyond conventional prognostic variables in heart failure (HF) populations from different country income levels. Methods: A total of 3429 adults with HF (age 61 ± 14 years, 33% women) from 27 high-, middle- and low-income countries were prospectively studied. Baseline frailty was evaluated by the Fried index, incorporating handgrip strength, gait speed, physical activity, unintended weight loss, and self-reported exhaustion. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 39 ± 14% and 26% had New York Heart Association Class III/IV symptoms. Participants were followed for a median (25th to 75th percentile) of 3.1 (2.0–4.3) years. Cox proportional hazard models for death and HF hospitalization adjusted for country income level; age; sex; education; HF aetiology; left ventricular ejection fraction; diabetes; tobacco and alcohol use; New York Heart Association functional class; HF medication use; blood pressure; and haemoglobin, sodium, and creatinine concentrations were performed. The incremental discriminatory value of frailty over and above the MAGGIC risk score was evaluated by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve. Results: At baseline, 18% of participants were robust, 61% pre-frail, and 21% frail. During follow-up, 565 (16%) participants died and 471 (14%) were hospitalized for HF. Respective adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for death among the pre-frail and frail were 1.59 (1.12–2.26) and 2.92 (1.99–4.27). Respective adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for HF hospitalization were 1.32 (0.93–1.87) and 1.97 (1.33–2.91). Findings were consistent among different country income levels and by most subgroups. Adding frailty to the MAGGIC risk score improved the discrimination of future death and HF hospitalization. Conclusions: Frailty confers substantial incremental prognostic information to prognostic variables for predicting death and HF hospitalization. The relationship between frailty and these outcomes is consistent across countries at all income levels

Gastroliths of the Morrison(?) Formation Sanpete Valley, Utah

The question of whether dinosaurs utilized gastroliths has been speculated upon for almost a century. Over these years, certain questions appear to have been answered, yet others remain unresolved. The study or gastroliths associated with the remains of marine plesiosaurs, and comparisons with the stomach stones of modern crocodiles, indicates that some ancient reptiles did indeed utilize gastroliths. In marine reptiles, use of these stones is thought to be for hydrostatic purposes rather than for the maceration of food. The use of gastroliths by land-dwelling dinosaurs, however, still remains a mystery. The fossil record indicates that some dinosaurs utilized these stones, yet such finds are rare. What about the polished stones found so abundantly in the dinosaur-bearing beds in areas where skeletal remains are scarce? Evidence from highly polished stones collected from the Morrison(?) Formation in Utah suggests that some of these stones map actually be gastroliths.No embarg