Microcystin Concentrations in Lake Erie Walleye and Implications for Public Health

Lake Erie’s cultural and economic resources, which are enjoyed by millions of people, are now threatened by cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (HABs). Microcystis, the most common cyanobacteria in these HABs, produces microcystin, a toxin that causes gastrointestinal illness, damages the liver, and is capable of promoting tumors or animal death. While the most common pathways of human exposure are through consumption of contaminated drinking water and absorption through skin while swimming, the possibility of exposure via fish consumption is not as well studied. To address this gap in knowledge, this study analyzed potential public health risks due to the consumption of Lake Erie Walleye living in waters with HABs. Microcystin concentrations in walleye muscle were measured and compared to public health thresholds established by the World Health Organization. Data was also compared between pre- and post-bloom as well as between 2013 and 2014 to further assess the trends in levels and forms of microcystin. Walleye samples collected between July and October 2014 were processed through three rounds of extraction with 75% methanol and analyzed for microcystin using an ELISA. Microcystin concentrations were below the detection limits in all July and August samples. However, microcystin was detected in a majority of the October samples, possibly due to the fact that blooms peak in late summer. Two samples had concentrations above the recommended public health thresholds. The present data differs from the 2013 data where only 3 of 40 samples were below the detection limit, but the 2013 bloom was larger than that of 2014. The 2014 data suggests there is not an obvious public health risk due to fish consumption. It is necessary to continue fish-tissue analysis in the future to evaluate yearly variation, and obtain associated water quality and HAB data.Ohio Sea GrantNSFNo embargoAcademic Major: Environmental Scienc

Recharacterization of Unreasonable Compensation: An Equitable Mandate

This note identifies the inequities inherent in the failure to recharacterize unreasonable compensation payments and proposes that the taxpayer be allowed to present evidence of an alternative characterization after the government determines a reasonable allowance. Part I of this note demonstrates the historical applications of section 162 supporting a purpose of challenging payments disguised as compensation with an accompanying tax advantage. It will explore the legislative history and statutory implications, as well as applications in case law. Part II explains the highly subjective character of the determination of reasonableness and explores the numerous dimensions of that judgment. Part III explains the impact of that subjective determination in the formulation of intents, i.e., the intent to compensate and the intent to make a gift. Part IV deals with the issues surrounding recharacterization as constructive dividends. Part V compares the section 162 limitation on deductible compensation to other statutory provisions limiting the deduction for compensation and distinguishes the statutory purpose of such limitations in the publicly traded setting from the section 162 limitation in the closely-held setting. Part VI integrates the findings to conclude that there is an equitable demand for recharacterization and an entitlement of the taxpayer to present evidence of an alternative characterization

Profile of teriparatide in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis

One out of every 2 women within postmenopause are at risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. Fortunately, a growing arsenal of therapies is becoming available to treat this disease and prevent fracture. A new class of anabolic agents has emerged within the last decade that brought with it a new concept in osteoporosis therapy: building new stronger bone rather than simply inhibiting bone turnover. Evidence is accumulating to understand how to best utilize these new agents, and which patients benefit most. This article will review the effectiveness, risks, timing and clinical uses of teriparatide in postmenopausal osteoporosis

UPAYA MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI DAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA MELALUI LITERASI SAINS PADA PEMBELAJARAN LARUTAN ASAM BASA DI SMA

Abstrak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan motivasi dan hasil belajar siswa  kelas XI IPA SMA Kristen Abdi Wacana Pontianak pada materi larutan asam basa melalui pembelajaran literasi sains. Bentuk penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian tindakan kelas. Subjek penelitian dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas XI IPA SMA Kristen Abdi Wacana Pontianak. Adapun instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini berupa lembar observasi, tes hasil belajar dan angket. Tindakan dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dalam 2 siklus. Setiap siklus terdiri dari perencanaan, tindakan observasi dan refleksi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya peningkatan motivasi dan hasil belajar siswa. Motivasi belajar siswa pada siklus 1 sebesar 77,88% dan siklus II sebesar 79,80%. Hasil belajar pada siklus I sebesar  61,53%  dan pada siklus 2 sebesar 88,46%. Pembelajaran literasi sains dapat meningkatkan motivasi dan hasil belajar siswa. Kata Kunci    : Literasi sains, motivasi belajar, hasil belajar, larutan asam basa. Abstrak. The study aims to improve motivation and learning outcomes of eleven grade student of IPA Christian High School Abdi Wacana Pontianak on acid-base materials through science literacy learning. Form of research is classroom action research. The study subjects in the study were students of eleven grade of IPA Christian High School  Abdi Wacana Pontianak. The instruments used in this study is observation sheet, achievement test and questionnaire. Action in the study was conducted in two cycles. Each cycle consists of plan, action, observation and reflection. The results showed as increase in motivation and student learning outcomes. Student motivation in first cycle was 77,88% and 79,80% for the second cycle. Result of study on the first cycle was 61,53% and in the second cycle was 88,46%. Science literacy learning can improve students motivation and learning outcomes. Keywords: Science Literacy, learning motivation, learning outcomes, acid-base solution

What is the evidence for the effectiveness, appropriateness and feasibility of group clinics for patients with chronic conditions? A systematic review

Background Group clinics are a form of delivering specialist-led care in groups rather than in individual consultations. Objective To examine the evidence for the use of group clinics for patients with chronic health conditions. Design A systematic review of evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) supplemented by qualitative studies, cost studies and UK initiatives. Data sources We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from 1999 to 2014. Systematic reviews and RCTs were eligible for inclusion. Additional searches were performed to identify qualitative studies, studies reporting costs and evidence specific to UK settings. Review methods Data were extracted for all included systematic reviews, RCTs and qualitative studies using a standardised form. Quality assessment was performed for systematic reviews, RCTs and qualitative studies. UK studies were included regardless of the quality or level of reporting. Tabulation of the extracted data informed a narrative synthesis. We did not attempt to synthesise quantitative data through formal meta-analysis. However, given the predominance of studies of group clinics for diabetes, using common biomedical outcomes, this subset was subject to quantitative analysis. Results Thirteen systematic reviews and 22 RCT studies met the inclusion criteria. These were supplemented by 12 qualitative papers (10 studies), four surveys and eight papers examining costs. Thirteen papers reported on 12 UK initiatives. With 82 papers covering 69 different studies, this constituted the most comprehensive coverage of the evidence base to date. Disease-specific outcomes – the large majority of RCTs examined group clinic approaches to diabetes. Other conditions included hypertension/heart failure and neuromuscular conditions. The most commonly measured outcomes for diabetes were glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure and cholesterol. Group clinic approaches improved HbA1c and improved systolic blood pressure but did not improve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A significant effect was found for disease-specific quality of life in a few studies. No other outcome measure showed a consistent effect in favour of group clinics. Recent RCTs largely confirm previous findings. Health services outcomes – the evidence on costs and feasibility was equivocal. No rigorous evaluation of group clinics has been conducted in a UK setting. A good-quality qualitative study from the UK highlighted factors such as the physical space and a flexible appointment system as being important to patients. The views and attitudes of those who dislike group clinic provision are poorly represented. Little attention has been directed at the needs of people from ethnic minorities. The review team identified significant weaknesses in the included research. Potential selection bias limits the generalisability of the results. Many patients who could potentially be included do not consent to the group approach. Attendance is often interpreted liberally. Limitations This telescoped review, conducted within half the time period of a conventional systematic review, sought breadth in covering feasibility, appropriateness and meaningfulness in addition to effectiveness and cost-effectiveness and utilised several rapid-review methods. It focused on the contribution of recently published evidence from RCTs to the existing evidence base. It did not reanalyse trials covered in previous reviews. Following rapid review methods, we did not perform independent double data extraction and quality assessment. Conclusions Although there is consistent and promising evidence for an effect of group clinics for some biomedical measures, this effect does not extend across all outcomes. Much of the evidence was derived from the USA. It is important to engage with UK stakeholders to identify NHS considerations relating to the implementation of group clinic approaches. Future work The review team identified three research priorities: (1) more UK-centred evaluations using rigorous research designs and economic models with robust components; (2) clearer delineation of individual components within different models of group clinic delivery; and (3) clarification of the circumstances under which group clinics present an appropriate alternative to an individual consultation

WWE: Redefining Working-Class Womanhood through Commodified Feminism

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is the largest professional wrestling promotion in the world (Bajaj & Banerjee, 2016). Their programs air in 20 languages in over 180 countries, and in the United States approximately 11 million people watch their programs each week (“FAQ,” n.d.). These programs include six hours of televised weekly events and 16 annual pay-per-view events (“WWE Reports,” 2017). In the first quarter of 2017 the company grossed $188.4 million (“WWE Reports,” 2017). They have close ties with the current presidential administration, as Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon was the CEO of the company from 1980 to 2009 (Reuters, 2009) and President Trump has made several appearances on WWE programming in the past (“Donald Trump,” n.d.). As of 2013, 81$50,000 (Miller & Washington, 2014). It can therefore be argued that WWE has a large cultural influence, especially for poor and working-class people. Its consistent popularity with this demographic suggests the working class supports the company because WWE’s content aligns with working-class values and the product evolves with its audience. Since there has been strong academic interest in America’s working class since the 2016 election, especially the white working class (Bobo, 2017; Morgan & Lee, 2017; Clark, 2017; Walley, 2017; Lamont, Park, & Ayala-Hurtado, 2017), WWE and their product are relevant to contemporary socioeconomic research. My research addresses two central questions. How does WWE and influence working-class beliefs about gender and gender roles? And how do WWE’s products and business practices reflect the value society places on different ideas and identities

Recharacterization of Unreasonable Compensation: An Equitable Mandate

This note identifies the inequities inherent in the failure to recharacterize unreasonable compensation payments and proposes that the taxpayer be allowed to present evidence of an alternative characterization after the government determines a reasonable allowance. Part I of this note demonstrates the historical applications of section 162 supporting a purpose of challenging payments disguised as compensation with an accompanying tax advantage. It will explore the legislative history and statutory implications, as well as applications in case law. Part II explains the highly subjective character of the determination of reasonableness and explores the numerous dimensions of that judgment. Part III explains the impact of that subjective determination in the formulation of intents, i.e., the intent to compensate and the intent to make a gift. Part IV deals with the issues surrounding recharacterization as constructive dividends. Part V compares the section 162 limitation on deductible compensation to other statutory provisions limiting the deduction for compensation and distinguishes the statutory purpose of such limitations in the publicly traded setting from the section 162 limitation in the closely-held setting. Part VI integrates the findings to conclude that there is an equitable demand for recharacterization and an entitlement of the taxpayer to present evidence of an alternative characterization

Stori Bilong Ruben Sikon - Yumi Sanap Strong

Ruben Sikon comes from Henganofi in the Eastern Highlands in Papua New Guinea. He has observed many tribal fights and sorcery accusations in his community. In his story Ruben describes the challenges he faced in trying to rescue a woman from being attacked. He comments on the impacts of tribal fights and sorcery accusations on his community. Not only is there fear within his own community, but also others from outside might think of his community as not welcoming. Ruben is deeply concerned about the representation of his community and is determined to work towards creating a peaceful environment in communities in Henganofi. Stori Bilong Ruben Sikon was produced as part of the Yumi Sanap Strong initiative, a community led initiative that emerged from an action research project undertaken by Queensland University of Technology in partnership with the University of Goroka and community-based partner organisations. The project develops communication strategies and materials to address sorcery accusation related violence in Papua New Guinea. The community partner organisation for this digital story was Kafe Urban Settlers' Women's Association in the Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea