Effects of Global Warming on Gonadal Functions, Cellular Apoptosis, and Oxidative Stress in the American Oyster

Global warming due to climate change is predicted to intensify the heat stress in marine and coastal organisms, affecting their development, growth and reproductive functions. In this study. I analyzed gonadal development, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), nitrotyrosine protein (NTP), dinitrophenyl (DNP) expressions, cellular apoptosis, and coelomic fluid (CF) conditions in American oyster. Oysters were placed in six aquariums and exposed to control (24°C), medium (28°C), and high (32°C) temperatures for one week. Higher temperature significantly decreased the number of eggs and sperm. CF protein concentrations also declined compared to control. In contrast, CF pH and HSP70 expression in gonad increased after heat-exposure, consistent with increased gonadal apoptosis. The enhanced apoptosis in gonads of heat-exposed oysters was associated with increased NTP and DNP expressions in gametes. Collectively, these results suggest that higher temperatures drastically increased oxidative stress leading to increased cellular apoptosis, which subsequently declined gonadal functions in American oyster

Cyberbullying Prevention: Intervention Effects on Student Involvement

Repeated studies show that cyberbullying is pervasive amongst adolescents. Cyberbullying can lead to self-harm, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Educators are called to intervene in educating students about cyberbullying through research and federal legislation. However, there is little research examining whether this education is taking place or having an effect. This study investigates the relationship between the incidences of cyberbullying victimization and offending over time and the direct cyberbullying instruction and activities facilitated by classroom teachers. The study took place amongst sixth graders in Jefferson County Public Schools, a large urban school district located in northern Kentucky. Students in one school were assessed on multiple measures of cyberbullying incidences (n=78). In the other school, students (n=45) were assessed on cyberbullying incidences, given 135 minutes of cyberbullying instruction, assessed again, and assessed three months later. The lessons were provided by Common Sense Media. Wilcoxon Signed-rank tests and Mann-Whitney tests were conducted using data collected from the responses on the surveys. There was also qualitative evidence gathered such as interviews and anecdotes from teachers to assess the fidelity of implementation. This study indicates that cyberbullying intervention can have a significant effect on students’ tendencies to be a cyberbullying victim but not in being a cyberbullying offender

Developing Stable Isotope Biomarkers Of Yup'ik Traditional And Market Foods To Detect Associations With Chronic Disease Risk

Thesis (Ph.D.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2013This dissertation addresses the need for valid measures of dietary intake for use in studies of chronic disease risk in the Yup'ik population of Southwest Alaska. The Yup'ik people have experienced dietary changes over the past century, as consumption of traditional foods has been increasingly supplemented or replaced by market-purchased foods. Determining whether this dietary change is associated with increases in chronic disease risk is important for making nutritional recommendations for disease prevention. However, monitoring dietary change is challenging, in part due to the limitations of self-reported methods of dietary assessment. Dietary biomarkers are promising alternatives to self-reported methods, because they can provide unbiased, reliable estimates of intake. In this dissertation, I present evidence towards the validation of stable isotope dietary biomarkers. Stable isotope ratios vary among foods that are important in Yup'ik diets, and are incorporated into tissues, including several commonly collected biological sample types. They are simple, inexpensive and reliable measures that would be powerful tools for dietary assessment if they could be validated as biomarkers of certain foods. This work was conducted with two Yup'ik study populations that participated in studies conducted by the Center for Alaska Native Health Research. I begin by showing that the nitrogen isotope ratio is a marker of the marine component of traditional food intake, and the carbon isotope ratio is a marker of market food intake. I then calibrate a model of sugar intake based on both the carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. I focus specifically on sugars because intake of sugary foods and beverages has been linked to obesity-related disease risk in other US populations. Finally, I use this dual isotope model to assess associations of sugar intake with chronic disease risk factors. I find that sugar intake is associated with blood pressure, blood lipids, leptin and adiponectin, suggesting a potential adverse effect of sugar intake on Yup'ik health. The findings of this dissertation provide substantial evidence to support carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios as markers of Yup'ik dietary intake, and demonstrate their potential to be informative in studies of associations between dietary intake and the health of Yup'ik people

Bridging the Climate Information Gap: A Framework for Engaging Knowledge Brokers and Decision Makers in State Climate Assessments

Large-scale analyses like the National Climate Assessment (NCA) contain a wealth of information critical to national and regional responses to climate change but tend to be insufficiently detailed for action at state or local levels. Many states now engage in assessment processes to meet information needs for local authorities. The goals of state climate assessments (SCAs) should be to provide relevant, actionable information to state and local authorities, and to generate primary sources, build networks and inform stakeholders. To communicate local climate impacts to decision makers, SCAs should express credibility, salience and legitimacy. They can provide information (e.g., case studies, data sets) and connect stakeholders to the NCA and its process. Based on our experience in the Vermont Climate Assessment (VCA), we present a framework to engage decision makers in SCAs using a fluid network of scientific experts and knowledge brokers to conduct subject area prioritization, data analysis and writing. The VCA addressed economic, environmental and social impacts of climate change at local scales to increase resiliency and manage risk. Knowledge brokers communicated VCA findings through their own stakeholder networks. We include a qualitative impact evaluation, and believe our framework for interaction among scientists, knowledge brokers and stakeholders to be an effective structure for SCAs and a transformative experience for students

Characterization of a Small Population of the Orangeblack Hawaiian Damselfly (Megalagrion xanthomelas) in Anchialine Pools at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Hawai‘i Island

The endangered orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion xanthomelas) is a lowland inhabitant of freshwater and brackish wetland environments. Formerly one of the most widely distributed native insects in Hawai‘i, it now appears restricted to small populations on the islands of O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i. On Hawai‘i island, anchialine pools provide important habitat for M. xanthomelas, and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (Park) supports one of only a few documented populations on the western side of the island. This study aimed to estimate the population size of M. xanthomelas at this Park, characterize its habitat, and identify substrates on which females oviposit eggs. We conducted visual surveys for adult M. xanthomelas at anchialine pools during June 2016–August 2017. On average, the observed population was 10.7 individuals per month (range = 5–20; standard error = 1.3). Males were observed 6.1 times more frequently than females, likely reflecting the less cryptic nature of males compared to females. Females exhibited oviposition behavior on a variety of substrates, but small branches were used most frequently. Factors restricting this population are poorly known, but invasive fish may limit its distribution across the Park. Removal of invasive fishes from anchialine pools and ‘Aimakapā Fishpond may restore much habitat for this rare species in the Park

From F.O.M.O. to Changxin: A Cross-cultural Exploration of Consumer Response to Newness in the Fast-moving Consumer Goods Industry

The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry is subject to quick and impulsive decision making by consumers. As a result, new products on the market have an opportunity to be purchased but do struggle to remain on the shelves. New products in EU markets are failing, whilst in emerging countries FMCG brand growth and new product success continues to increase. This paper extends the current literature on new product development, product design and line extensions to explore why newness is more attractive in emerging markets compared to EU markets. Data collected from focus groups in the UK, Brazil and China are analysed to develop four main themes for discussion. Hedonic consumption, utilitarian consumption, touchpoints and self-regulation are involved in the consumer purchasing of new FMCG products. An interesting hedonic consideration is the idea of F.O.M.O, (fear of missing out) or Changxin in China, when not purchasing a product would mean missing out on what others are using and a potentially better alternative to the present product. Finally, the identified themes demonstrate cultural differences between the subject countries and recognise why new products are more likely to be purchased in Brazil and China

Considering Vermont\u27s Future in a Changing Climate: The First Vermont Climate Assessment

The Vermont Climate Assessment (VCA) paints a vivid picture of a changing climate in Vermont and calls for immediate strategic planning to sustain the social, economic and environmental fabric of our state. The VCA is the first state-scale climate assessment in the country and speaks directly to the impacts of climate change as they pertain to our rural towns, cities and communities, including impacts on Vermont tourism and recreation, agriculture, natural resources and energy

Economic Implications of Environmental Sustainability for Companies: A Case Study of 3M

As awareness of sustainability grows, firms are being pressured to adopt social and environmental practices to keep pace with ethical standards and consumer demand. Firms must adapt to a changing marketplace, and new management strategies are being developed. Our central purpose in this paper is therefore to explore the economic implications of enhanced environmental sustainability through a case study of 3M, a chemical company that has been implementing sustainable solutions for over 30 years. We begin our case study by analyzing the effectiveness of the lifecycle management approach (LCM) currently advocated to businesses in search of sustainability. Although the LCM methodology is still developing at this stage, it has yielded great results for 3M when combined with employee expertise. We will then go on to analyze why these increases in sustainability have increased profits, and what effect tighter environmental legislation would have on competitive markets. The final section of this paper will analyze the performance of environmentally responsible firms on the stock market to determine whether increased sustainability makes firms more desirable to investors. Our critical analysis of the multi-faceted economic implications of enhanced environmental sustainability will therefore allow us to determine 1) the effectiveness of current approaches to sustainability; 2) the economic implications of enhanced corporate responsibility and legislation, and 3) the impact of enhanced sustainability on the performance of companies on the stock market

The Effect of Sleep Quality on Profile of Mood, Physiological Responses, and Athletic Performance

While the extent of an athlete’s physiological adaptations varies due to a range of external factors, sleep deprivation has been proven to negatively affect one’s training and, ultimately, one’s overall athletic success. Sleep deprivation, either for a short or prolonged period of time, also leads to adverse psychological effects, as measured by the alteration of genes in the brain. PURPOSE: This study investigates how both normal sleep and sleep deprivation affect an athlete’s recovery, overall skeletal muscle performance, and mental state. METHODS: Using a randomized-crossover design, 7 healthy individuals, 3 males and 4 females, with at least 1 year of experience in resistance training participated in this study. Exercise testing sessions were identical in nature and took place in the morning following either 3 consecutive nights of 8 hours of sleep (normal) or 3 consecutive nights of 5 hours of sleep (deprivation). Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and profile of mood state were collected each morning. Following warm-up, subjects performed the following tests in this order: 1 set of 15 repetitions of a maximal voluntary knee extension/flexion contraction at 300°•s-1, 4 repetitions of 4 seconds of isometric knee extension with EMG data collected, and 1 set of 50 repetitions of a maximal voluntary knee extension/flexion contraction at 60°•s-1. RESULTS: Although some variables in POMS and PSQI were statistically significantly (P\u3c0.05), no statistically significant muscular performance differences were found in normal sleep trials compared with sleep deprivation trials. However, there were trends toward decreased performance during sleep deprivation protocols. In sleep deprivation protocols peak extension and flexion power at 300°•s-1 were decreased 6.8% and 5.5% respectively. Peak torque and average torque during isometric testing decreased 15% and 10% respectively. Similarly, during the 50 repetitions at 60°•s-1, peak torque flexion and extension dropped 4.3% and 4.6% respectively. CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis that sleep deprivation has adverse effects was partially supported in the limited number of subjects, indicating that in an athletic setting, decreased sleep time might be detrimental with various types of athletic performance and one’s psychological well-being

Disrupting the knowledge-power politics of human mobility in the context of climate change. Questioning established categories

Research on security-related aspects of climate change is an important element of climate change impact assessments. Hamburg has become a globally recognized center of pertinent analysis of the climate-conflict-nexus. The essays in this collection present a sample of the research conducted from 2009 to 2018 within an interdisciplinary cooperation of experts from Universität Hamburg and other institutions in Hamburg related to the research group “Climate Change and Security” (CLISEC). This collection of critical assessments covers a broad understanding of security, ranging from the question of climate change as a cause of violent conflict to conditions of human security in the Anthropocene. The in-depth analyses utilize a wide array of methodological approaches, from agent-based modeling to discourse analysis