scholarly journals Silver Linings at the Dawn of a “Golden Age”

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Britton ◽  
Brooke E. Crowley ◽  
Clément P. Bataille ◽  
Joshua H. Miller ◽  
Matthew J. Wooller
Keyword(s):  
Golden Age ◽  
Strontium Isotope ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Feeding Experiments ◽  
Conservation Paleobiology ◽  
Non Local ◽  
Complementary Techniques ◽  
Novel Applications ◽  
Theoretical Considerations

Nearly four decades after the first applications of strontium isotope analyses in archaeology and paleoecology research, it could be said that we are entering a “Golden Age”. Here, we reflect on major past developments and current strengths in strontium isotope research, as well as speculate on future directions. We review (1) the currently limited number of (but much needed) controlled feeding experiments, (2) recent advances in isoscape mapping and spatial assignment, and (3) the strength of multi-proxy approaches (including both the integration of strontium isotopes with other isotope systems and complementary techniques such as ancient DNA analyses). We also explore the integration of strontium isotope research with other types of paleoecological or archaeology data, as well as with evidence and interpretative frameworks from other fields (such as conservation ecology, conservation paleobiology or history). This blending is critical as we seek to advance the field beyond simply distinguishing local or relatively sedentary individuals from those that were non-local or highly mobile. We finish with a call for future research centered on balancing methodological developments and novel applications with critical self-reflection, deeper theoretical considerations and cross-disciplinarity.

scholarly journals Optimization of Plasmodium vivax sporozoite production from Anopheles stephensi in South West India

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajeet Kumar Mohanty ◽  
Charles de Souza ◽  
Deepika Harjai ◽  
Prathamesh Ghavanalkar ◽  
Mezia Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Anopheles Stephensi ◽  
Parasite Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Gametocyte Density ◽  
Feeding Experiments ◽  
South West ◽  
Membrane Feeding

Abstract Background Efforts to study the biology of Plasmodium vivax liver stages, particularly the latent hypnozoites, have been hampered by the limited availability of P. vivax sporozoites. Anopheles stephensi is a major urban malaria vector in Goa and elsewhere in South Asia. Using P. vivax patient blood samples, a series of standard membrane-feeding experiments were performed with An. stephensi under the US NIH International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) for Malaria Evolution in South Asia (MESA). The goal was to understand the dynamics of parasite development in mosquitoes as well as the production of P. vivax sporozoites. To obtain a robust supply of P. vivax sporozoites, mosquito-rearing and mosquito membrane-feeding techniques were optimized, which are described here. Methods Membrane-feeding experiments were conducted using both wild and laboratory-colonized An. stephensi mosquitoes and patient-derived P. vivax collected at the Goa Medical College and Hospital. Parasite development to midgut oocysts and salivary gland sporozoites was assessed on days 7 and 14 post-feeding, respectively. The optimal conditions for mosquito rearing and feeding were evaluated to produce high-quality mosquitoes and to yield a high sporozoite rate, respectively. Results Laboratory-colonized mosquitoes could be starved for a shorter time before successful blood feeding compared with wild-caught mosquitoes. Optimizing the mosquito-rearing methods significantly increased mosquito survival. For mosquito feeding, replacing patient plasma with naïve serum increased sporozoite production > two-fold. With these changes, the sporozoite infection rate was high (> 85%) and resulted in an average of ~ 22,000 sporozoites per mosquito. Some mosquitoes reached up to 73,000 sporozoites. Sporozoite production could not be predicted from gametocyte density but could be predicted by measuring oocyst infection and oocyst load. Conclusions Optimized conditions for the production of high-quality P. vivax sporozoite-infected An. stephensi were established at a field site in South West India. This report describes techniques for producing a ready resource of P. vivax sporozoites. The improved protocols can help in future research on the biology of P. vivax liver stages, including hypnozoites, in India, as well as the development of anti-relapse interventions for vivax malaria.

scholarly journals Chitosan Applications on Pharmaceutical Sciences: A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-181
Author(s):  
Cintia Alejandra Briones Nieva ◽  
Mercedes Villegas ◽  
Alicia Graciela Cid ◽  
Analía Irma Romero ◽  
José María Bermúdez
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Immunological Response ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽  
Chemical Derivatization ◽  
Current State ◽  
Pharmaceutical Applications ◽  
Novel Applications ◽  
State Of Art

Background: Chitosan (CS) is a biomaterial derived from chitin, known for its excellent biological properties. One of the most interesting features of CS is its potential for chemical derivatization, which makes it a versatile material and allows to expand its applications. In the last years, the interest on this polymer and its pharmaceutical applications has notably increased. This biopolymer is being widely studied for its interesting properties, such as bioadhesion, antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Other promising properties of CS include its modulation of immunological response, hemostasis, and wound and bone healing activity. Objective: In this work, a critical review is performed covering its conventional and novel applications, specially focused on pharmaceutical area, providing a clear picture of the current state of art to serve as a basis to direct future research in this field. Conclusion: Despite all the qualities of this polymer, there are only few CS-based products in the market, so it is a priority to enhance the research to develop new technologies and CS-based systems to enforce this biopolymer in the industry.

scholarly journals The Impact of Board Capital on Internationalization of SMEs: Initial Theoretical Considerations

2020 ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Monika Bužavaitė ◽  
Renata Korsakiene
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Research Direction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Board Capital ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Theoretical Considerations ◽  
Agency Resource

The study aims to investigate the relationship between Board capital and internationalization of SMEs. The study implements a systematic review and synthesis of scientific literature. The article presents useful insights into the concept of Board capital, Agency, Resource dependency, Institutional theories, and Resource-Based view. These theories give us a better understanding of Board capital, the firm’s management and behavior. The analysis of recent studies suggests that external members of the Board might positively affect internationalization outcomes and be useful in overcoming obstacles during the initiation of international activities. Nevertheless, international entrepreneurship literature is still lacking studies considering Board capital. A deeper investigation of Board capital factors impacting the internationalization of SMEs can be stated as a future research direction. 

The Role of Death in Life: Existential Aspects of Human Motivation

2012 ◽  
pp. 42-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pelin Kesebir ◽  
Tom Pyszczynski
Keyword(s):  
Self Regulation ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Existential Anxiety ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Human Motivation ◽  
And Behavior

The capacity for self-reflection, which plays an important role in human self-regulation, also leads people to become aware of the limitations of their existence. Awareness of the conflict between one's desires (e.g., to live) and the limitations of existence (e.g., the inevitability of death) creates the potential for existential anxiety. In this chapter, we review how this anxiety affects human motivation and behavior in a variety of life domains. Terror management theory and research suggest that transcending death and protecting oneself against existential anxiety are potent needs. This protection is provided by an anxiety-buffering system, which imbues people with a sense of meaning and value that function to shield them against these concerns. We review evidence of how the buffering system protects against existential anxiety in four dimensions of existence: the physical, personal, social, and spiritual domains. Because self-awareness is a prerequisite for existential anxiety, escaping self-awareness can also be an effective way to obviate the problem of existence. After elaborating on how existential anxiety can motivate escape from self-awareness, we conclude the chapter with a discussion of remaining issues and directions for future research and theory development.

Behavioural couple therapy: measuring therapist competence

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Rudolf von Rohr ◽  
S. Corrie ◽  
M.S. Fischer ◽  
D.H. Baucom ◽  
M. Worrell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Content Validity ◽  
Couple Therapy ◽  
Formative Feedback ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
List Type ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Therapist Competence ◽  
Two Stages

Abstract This paper outlines a pilot validation study of the newly developed Behavioural Couple Therapy Scale for Depression (BCTS-D). The BCTS-D aims to assess therapist competence in delivering behavioural couple therapy (BCT) and provide therapists with summative and formative feedback on their performance. Completed by both therapist and supervisor, this will aid therapists’ reflection on practice and improve performance. This paper will report on two stages in the development of the BCTS-D: (a) a study evaluating content validity, face validity and usability and (b) a focus group examining usability and utility. Both parts of the study were conducted in the context of a BCT training course and included 20 participants who were either BCT supervisors or BCT trainees. Results suggest that the BCTS-D has good face validity, content validity and usability, and provides a useful tool for promoting self-reflection and providing formative feedback. The studies also provided insight into the strengths of the scale and into areas of refinement, and a number of modifications were undertaken to improve the BCTS-D in response to feedback collected. Future research will need to focus on evaluating the psychometric properties of the BCTS-D and continue to adapt the scale to its users’ needs. Key learning aims (1) Readers will understand the importance of measuring therapists’ competence to improve practice. (2) Readers will understand the development of the BCTS-D scale and its initial psychometric properties. (3) Readers will know how to use the BCTS-D in everyday clinical practice. (4) Readers will know about the challenges of developing a therapist competence measure within a real-world clinical context.

scholarly journals Metacognitive reflection and insight therapy (MERIT) for patients with schizophrenia

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. de Jong ◽  
R. J. M. van Donkersgoed ◽  
M. E. Timmerman ◽  
M. aan het Rot ◽  
L. Wunderink ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Metacognitive Reflection ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

AbstractBackgroundImpaired metacognition is associated with difficulties in the daily functioning of people with psychosis. Metacognition can be divided into four domains: Self-Reflection, Understanding the Other's Mind, Decentration, and Mastery. This study investigated whether Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT) can be used to improve metacognition.MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled trial. Patients in the active condition (n = 35) received forty MERIT sessions, the control group (n = 35) received treatment as usual. Multilevel intention-to-treat and completers analyses were performed for metacognition and secondary outcomes (psychotic symptomatology, cognitive insight, Theory of Mind, empathy, depression, self-stigma, quality of life, social functioning, and work readiness).ResultsEighteen out of 35 participants finished treatment, half the drop-out stemmed from therapist attrition (N = 5) or before the first session (N = 4). Intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated that in both groups metacognition improved between pre- and post-measurements, with no significant differences between the groups. Patients who received MERIT continued to improve, while the control group returned to baseline, leading to significant differences at follow-up. Completers analysis (18/35) showed improvements on the Metacognition Assessment Scale (MAS-A) scales Self Reflectivity and metacognitive Mastery at follow-up. No effects were found on secondary outcomes.ConclusionsOn average, participants in the MERIT group were, based on MAS-A scores, at follow-up more likely to recognize their thoughts as changeable rather than as facts. MERIT might be useful for patients whose self-reflection is too limited to benefit from other therapies. Given how no changes were found in secondary measures, further research is needed. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document