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A Caffeine and Theacrine Combination Improves Cognitive Performance in Tactical Personnel Under Physically Fatiguing Conditions
No full textBackground
Optimizing human performance under stressful physical and cognitive conditions is paramount during high-stakes military operations. As such, interventions to improve warfighter performance by mitigating task-induced cognitive performance deficits are necessary. While caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, common side effects (i.e. anxiousness, micro-saccades, irritability) may be detrimental to warfighter operations. Theacrine, a purine alkaloid similar in structure to caffeine but with a longer half-life, less habituation, and fewer side effects, is proposed as a caffeine-alternative to enhance cognitive resilience. Methods
Tactically trained participants (n = 20; F = 5; M = 16; age = 21.5 ± 3.8 y) completed one baseline and three experimental visits. Baseline included familiarization with cognitive tasks and a graded exercise test to determine VO2max. Experimental sessions, separated by ≥96 hours, were double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized. Participants completed cognitive testing (Dynavision, Trazer, Object Hit and Avoid, Anti-Saccade, Two-Back), consumed either 300 mg caffeine (CAF), 150 mg caffeine +150 mg theacrine (CTC), or placebo (PLA), and repeated cognitive tests 60-min post supplementation. After a high-intensity interval exercise session (10 intervals at \u3e90% VO2max with recovery), reaction time (RT) tests were repeated after the 4th and 8th intervals, as well as immediately and 30-min post-exercise. Heart rate was measured continuously. Change scores were calculated from baseline, and data analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05) with Bonferroni correction. Results
Both CAF and CTC consistently enhanced cognitive and physical performance compared to PLA. In the Two-Back task, CTC showed significantly higher total accuracy (p \u3c 0.01), while both CAF and CTC had fewer target (p \u3c 0.01) and non-target errors (CAF: p = 0.03; CTC: p \u3c 0.01) than PLA. CTC also had significantly faster RTs (p = 0.03) and lower RT variability for non-target trials compared to both PLA and CAF (p \u3c 0.01). For the Dynavision Go/NoGo task, both CTC (p = 0.01) and CAF (p = 0.03) had significantly faster RTs than PLA, regardless of time point. Post-exercise, accuracy (p = 0.01) and RTs (p \u3c 0.01) improved significantly compared to post-supplement. In the Object Hit & Avoid task, CAF and CTC significantly improved task accuracy (p \u3c 0.01) while reducing omission (p \u3c 0.01) and commission errors (p \u3c 0.01) compared to PLA. HRV measures (RMSSD, NN intervals, SDNN) significantly increased post-supplementation (p \u3c 0.01) but decreased immediately (p \u3c 0.01) and 30 min post-exercise (p \u3c 0.01). Blood lactate significantly declined at 5 (p \u3c 0.01) and 10 min (p \u3c 0.01) post-exercise compared to immediately post-exercise. Conclusion
SIngestion of CAF and CTC improved various measures of cognitive performance before, and after fatiguing exercise. Furthermore, CTC had additional cognitive benefits beyond CAF. Thus, combining lower-dose caffeine and theacrine may improve cognitive-behavioral performance before and after fatiguing exercise to an equal or greater degree than higher doses of caffeine alone. This combination offers a non-pharmacological intervention for those who experience side effects with caffeine to mitigate the impact of physical and cognitive stress. Future research should examine higher doses of theacrine alone or with caffeine, chronic supplementation, extended exercise durations, and different cognitive metrics under varied stress and environmental conditions
Examining Genomic Islands to Trace the Evolution of the Urinary Microbiome
No full textThere has been a longstanding misconception that the healthy human urinary tract is sterile; however, increasing evidence demonstrates the presence of a dynamic resident urinary microbiota. Emerging research suggests that the urinary microbiota plays a protective role against urological symptoms and infection, but interactions between urinary bacterial species remain understudied. Genomic islands (GIs) are large DNA segments acquired through horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and can provide fitness advantages, particularly to uropathogens. This research utilizes 1,301 genome sequences isolated from urine samples representing the bacterial diversity found within the human urinary tract. GIs were annotated using IslandViewer 4 and TreasureIsland. Even after filtering, both tools exhibited signs of GI overprediction, demonstrating the need for improved validation methods. Further analysis revealed Escherichia coli genomes from UTI patients carried significantly more antimicrobial resistance genes than those from patients without UTIs. Additionally, virulence factors from several key functions in adherence, effector delivery, and nutrient acquisition were identified. Evidence of horizontal gene transfer between species of Enterobacteriaceae further supports the key role GIs play in urinary microbiome evolution. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of accurate GI prediction and the influence of GIs on microbial pathogenicity and evolution within the urinary tract
Labour and (Class) Struggle in James Barke’s Compositionist Imaginaries: Dreaming with Rob Roy, Marx & Burns
No full textJames Barke’s literary imagination of working lives is primarily concerned with how different modes of labour generate a tension between refusal of work and the material constraints on fully engaging in it. Putting into conversation the Marxist autonomist method of ‘compositionism’ with Barke’s own theories of art and class struggle, this article traces how Barke’s fiction represents toil on the one hand, and the yearning for a life beyond the tyranny of capital on the other, as defining the horizons of working-class life
From Pregnancy to Postpartum: A Longitudinal Analysis of Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Hemoglobin Concentration in Uttar Pradesh, India
No full textBackground: Perinatal depression and maternal anemia impact maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and infant growth in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the prevalence and risk factors of these conditions during pregnancy and postpartum in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 475 pregnant women recruited during early pregnancy (≤20 weeks gestation) and followed through late pregnancy (≥27 weeks) and postpartum (\u3c 42 days of childbirth). The outcome variables were, i) depressive symptoms, assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and ii) hemoglobin concentrations, measured using HemoCue Hb 301 analyzer from capillary blood. Multivariable linear regression examined associations of the outcome variables with sociodemographic, obstetric, nutritional, interpersonal, and perinatal factors. Path analysis evaluated direct and indirect paths influencing postpartum hemoglobin. Results: Prevalence of probable depression (EPDS score≥13) peaked in early pregnancy (24%) and declined in late pregnancy (17%) and postpartum (4%). Mean hemoglobin declined from early (10.5 g/dL) to late pregnancy (9.7 g/dL), and partially recovering in postpartum (10.4 g/dL). Household food insecurity was associated with higher depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum (early pregnancy:β=2.61, p=0.011; late pregnancy:β=2.84, p\u3c 0.001; postpartum:β=1.40, p=0.023). Psychological intimate partner violence was associated with greater depressive symptoms in early pregnancy (β=3.19, p=0.001). Receiving more antenatal visits was associated with decrease in depressive symptoms in late pregnancy (β=-0.46, p=0.001) and hemoglobin at postpartum (β=-0.11, p=0.070). Consumption of more food groups was associated with increase in depressive symptoms (β=0.63, p=0.004) and hemoglobin in late pregnancy (β=0.10, p=0.026). Iron folic acid (IFA) consumption was associated with increase in hemoglobin in late pregnancy (β=0.01, p\u3c 0.001) and postpartum (β=0.004, p=0.031). Experiencing postpartum health complications was associated with increase in depressive symptoms (β=0.41, p=0.013) and decrease in hemoglobin concentrations (β=-0.18, p=0.036). Antenatal hemoglobin concentrations mediated the associations of IFA supplementation and dietary diversity with postpartum concentrations. Conclusion: Perinatal depression was associated with socioeconomic vulnerabilities, food insecurity, and intimate partner violence, while hemoglobin concentrations were associated with maternal nutrition and perinatal care. Integrating mental health services and comprehensive nutrition interventions into antenatal and postpartum care can improve psychological and physical well-being of mothers during and after pregnancy
Improving Operational Effectiveness in Non-Profit Organizations and Social Enterprises
No full textThe key to improve the living conditions of those who are economically underprivileged is to provide them with food security and employment opportunities. Therefore, in this dissertation, I focus on varies strategies to improve the operational effectiveness of food banks and a social enterprise that provides sheltered employment services to people with disabilities (PWD). Fundraising performance is vital to the survival and sustainability of any non-profit organization. Thus, in the first chapter, “Enhancing Fundraising Productivity Through Revenue Diversification Decisions: Evidence from Food Banks,” I focus on how to strategically diversify fundraising revenue (the number and the type of solicitation methods to use) to improve fundraising productivity for food banks. Another important aspect of food bank operations is responding to disasters. Thus, in the second chapter, titled “Achieving Resilience with Redundancy in Food Bank Operations,” I investigate the role of two redundancy-building strategies in affecting a food bank’s level of resilience in food distribution in the case of a major disruption: building a large partner agency network and empowering partner agencies to pick up food directly from donors. I find that both strategies allow food banks to ramp up food distribution at a larger scale when facing disruptions, despite the corresponding coordination challenges. In addition, there exists conditional complementarity between the two strategies, i.e., empowering agencies in a large network can further help with food distribution ramp up. Both papers utilize actual data sets from 200 food banks that are members of the Feeding America network, the largest hunger-relief charity in the United States. In the third chapter, titled “the Role of Spontaneous vs Flexible Breaks in Affecting the Productivity of Call Center Agents with Disabilities: A Mediation Analysis,” I identify strategies to accommodate call center agents with different severity levels of disability to improve their productivity by configuring the length of idle time between two calls. These easily implementable and low-cost accommodations can promote the employers’ willingness to hire PWD as well as the economic conditions of PWD
Understanding the Factors Influencing Movement Behaviors Among Dog Owners
No full textThis dissertation investigates two key objectives: 1) to understand influences of physical activity among dog owners, and 2) to determine if there were differences in objectively measured physical activity levels and/or affect at times when dog owners are with their dogs compared to times when they are not with their dogs. To address the first objective, a qualitative study was conducted with 20 dog owners using semi-structured interviews, constant comparative methodology, grounded theory, and open coding. The findings revealed several key barriers to physical activity and dog walking such as physical health, seasons/weather, time/schedules, and dog specific limitations. Key facilitators of activity and dog walking that emerged include access to resources, environment/infrastructure, partner/social support, physical and mental health, weather, dog personality and behavior, and obligation to dog and/or dog owner lifestyle. Strategies to overcome these barriers and leverage the existing human-dog relationship, along with current facilitators, are essential to increasing physical activity levels, particularly among inactive dog owners. For the second objective, an ecological momentary assessment study was conducted with 46 dog owners to assess differences in physical activity and affect in real-time. The results indicated no differences in physical activity levels (steps, METs, LPA, and/or MVPA) among dog owners at times when they were with their dogs compared to times they were not with their dogs. However, LPA was lower among dog owners who spent more time with their dogs compared to those who spent less time with their dogs. At times when dog owners were with their dogs, sedentary behavior was lower, positive affect was higher, and negative affect was lower, compared to times they were not with their dogs. These findings highlight the complex relationship between the company of a dog and physical activity levels and affect among dog owners
A Performance and Pedagogical Guide to William Butler Yeats Songs by Ben Moore
No full textAmerican composer, Ben Moore, has written music that has spanned genres including operas, children’s operas, art songs, cabaret songs, and musical theatre songs. His career spans multiple decades, but his music is not performed as often as it should in the Classical Music community. Moore’s music can be daunting at first glance, but many of his composition stylings are present in many of his works. Should one learn how to navigate one of his art songs, they will have a guide that should translate over to his other works. I have decided to focus on the seven art songs with texts by William Butler Yeats and will analyze them through technical and stylistic lenses. Ben Moore’s style is detailed but is attainable with ample score study. Interviews with prominent musicians that have recorded his works help supplement the analysis in chapter one. Each proceeding chapter will begin with a chart of the piece’s basic musical information that will then discuss the technically difficult vocal passages and piano accompaniments. Pedagogical suggestions will be presented to use in the voice studio as well as suggestions to improve the collaborative process for both the singer and pianist. The purpose of this study is to expose a larger audience to the musical works of Ben Moore and to help musicians give an informed and efficient performance of his music
Essays in Real Estate and Household Finance
No full textThe first chapter examines how the deterioration of a household’s balance sheet alters its propensity to sue another entity for damages in civil court. Using state-level administrative judicial data longitudinally linked to the value of individual plaintiffs’ real estate holdings, this study finds that a 5% decline in housing value is associated with an 8% increase in the probability of filing a civil suit. Similarly, a household entering a negative equity position on its mortgage is associated with a 14% increase. When facing distress, households are more likely to engage in civil action against both firms and other households, particularly for relatively small cases that can be resolved quickly and have low costs to initiate. When examining case outcomes, I find individuals are successful in extracting value through the civil court system in times of crisis. Overall, this is the first evidence on the financial determinants of individual civil action, and the results indicate financial distress is a key driver of household-level civil litigation. The second chapter examines the relationship between sleep and decision-making in online financial environments. Using online lending microdata, I show that sleep has important consequences for household financial outcomes. Insufficient sleep raises default risk, particularly for loan applications made in the morning when the effects of a lack of sleep are strongest. For identification, I apply a spatial regression discontinuity design leveraging exogenous discontinuities in sunset time across time zone boundaries, supplemented by analyses utilizing daylight savings time shifts. The results suggest that a behavioral mechanism behind this effect is increased levels of heuristic thinking in the application process, signaling a lack of deliberation in acquiring additional credit under the conditions of poor sleep. In summary, this study provides the first evidence of the influence of insufficient sleep on household financial behavior. The third chapter investigates how financial literacy shapes the propensity of individuals to commit financial crime. Using state-level administrative data on criminal charges linked to comprehensive public records, we exploit a policy-based discontinuity in grade level assignment based on individual birth dates that exogenously requires certain high school cohorts to attend a financial literacy course. Our estimates suggest that exposure to the course reduces the propensity to commit financial crime by 37%. The reduction is driven by declines in embezzlement and is stronger for low-income individuals. Additional evidence suggests that the reductions are primarily explained by improvements in household balance sheets
Exploring Sport Leaders’ Sensemaking and Enactment of Inclusive Leadership
No full textWhile diversity, inclusion, and leadership shape individual behaviors and organizational culture, historically they have been researched as independent theoretical streams. Examining these lines has been fruitful to advance our understanding of diversity, inclusion, and leadership separately; however, we lack an understanding of how leaders understand and engage in inclusive leadership. Thus, this study explores how college sport leaders make sense of and enact inclusive leadership. Through 16 semi-structured interviews with senior-level athletic administrators we constructed four themes: fostering employees’ uniqueness, strengthening team belongingness, learning centered development, and actioning values-based care. This work both bolsters and extends Korkmaz and colleagues’ (2022) framework by introducing learning centered development and actioning values-based care themes. These two themes illustrate the need for leaders to continually learn and grow to reduce bias and align personal, professional, and organizational values to create inclusive spaces. Theoretical and practical implications for sport researchers and practitioners to intentionally invite, create, and hold more inclusive spaces for employees are discussed
The Impact of the Flipped Learning Approach on Student Engagement in a High School Chemistry Classroom
No full textThis mixed-methods action research study investigated the impact of the flipped classroom approach on student engagement and attitudes within a science classroom. Data was collected using student-reported responses on the Classroom Engagement Inventory, Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire, student journal entries, teacher reflective journals, and an observation tracking chart kept by the classroom teacher. Findings revealed that the flipped classroom model significantly increased affective and cognitive engagement among students in a larger class size, as well as for medium-achieving students and girls. These results suggest that while the flipped classroom has the potential to enhance engagement, its effectiveness is influenced by contextual factors such as class size and student demographics. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on new instructional models and their role in shaping how technology is best utilized in today’s classrooms