bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ELECTRONIC BANKING ADOPTION AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA, NAIROBI CITY COUNTY
Authors: Jepchumba Priscah , Simiyu Dr.Eddie
Published: September 2020

ELECTRONIC BANKING ADOPTION AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA, NAIROBI CITY COUNTY

 

1*Priscah Jepchumba

1Post Graduate Student: Kenyatta University

*Corresponding Author’s Email: prjumbaa@gmail.com

2 Dr.Eddie Simiyu

Lecturer: Kenyatta University

 

Abstract

Purpose: This research was done to establish how e- banking adoption has improved the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya.

Methods: The study used descriptive research design and structured questionnaires to collect data.The target population was all the 41 commercial banks in Nairobi. The sampling design was census where general managers and credit managers were targeted in Nairobi headquarters. The source of data was primary and secondary data; Primary data was collected from source through questionnaires while secondary data was sourced from annual central bank reports, bank financial statements as well as periodical journals and reports.

Results: The findings of the study has indicated that most of the respondents had served the banking industry for a period of at least five years and education level of at least a college diploma.  The study also rejected all the null hypotheses and concluded that electronic banking has positive effect on financial performance of commercial banks.  The study has contributed to knowledge through provision of scholarly literature on electronic banking and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study’s recommendation to management is to implement strategies which: increase Speed in Electronic Services, increase investments in Electronic banking,  promote training programs to employees and adopt suitable techniques to reduce  threats to e-banking.  The study’s recommendation is that a similar research should be conducted with a moderating or mediating variable in the same industry.
Influence of important environmental parameters on the spread and severity of COVID-19: Part 1
Authors: Tiwari Vikrant , Sharma Nimisha
Published: September 2020

In the absence of the detailed COVID-19 epidemiological data or large benchmark studies, an effort has been made to explore and correlate the relation of parameters like environment, economic indicators, and the large scale exposure of different prevalent diseases, with COVID-19 spread and severity amongst the different countries affected by COVID-19. Data for environmental, socio-economic and others important infectious diseases were collected from reliable and open source resources like World Health Organization, World Bank, etc. Further, this large data set is utilized to understand the COVID-19 worldwide spread using simple statistical tools. Important observations that are made in this study are the high degree of resemblance in the pattern of temperature and humidity distribution among the cities severely affected by COVID-19. Further, It is surprising to see that in spite of the presence of many environmental parameters that are considered favorable (like clean air, clean water, EPI, etc.), many countries are suffering with the severe consequences of this disease. Lastly a noticeable segregation among the locations affected by different prevalent diseases (like Malaria, HIV, Tuberculosis, and Cholera) was also observed. Among the considered environmental factors, temperature, humidity and EPI should be an important parameter in understanding and modelling COVID-19 spreads. Further, contrary to intuition, countries with strong economies, good health infrastructure and cleaner environment suffered disproportionately higher with the severity of this disease. Therefore, policymaker should sincerely review their country preparedness toward the potential future contagious diseases, weather natural or manmade.
The Effects of Clozapine on Methylphenidate-Induced Conditioned Place Preference
Authors: Wilkins Tiffany E , McGovern Robin
Published: September 2020

Methylphenidate, (MPH), is commonly prescribed for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is similar to cocaine in that it inhibits the dopamine transporter to elevate extracellular dopamine levels and has reinforcing effects. As ADHD diagnoses have increased, MPH abuse has increased as well. There is evidence that DA antagonists such as Clozapine may be effective in mitigating cocaine abuse. Therefore, it is hypothesized that Clozapine will inhibit the rewarding effects of MPH in a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. The data showed that both MPH and Clozapine treated groups had a significant aversion to the drug-paired compartment. Because MPH produced a conditioned aversion, the effect of Clozapine on the rewarding effects of MPH remains to be elucidated. Future studies using lower doses of MPH, as well as those analyzing dopamine levels in the striatum and prefrontal cortex would provide evidence of the effect of Clozapine on mesolimbic dopamine systems.
Harmala Alkaloids as Bee Signaling Chemicals
Authors: Harrington Natalie
Published: September 2020

Harmala alkaloids are pharmaceutically active molecules that can be found in various plants. These alkaloids are fluorescent molecules in the range of 300-700nm. Coincidently, bees have a similar visible range of 300-600nm.  This study takes these observations and interweaves them into a hypothesis: since bees use their sight to find flowers to pollinate, then these flowers contain harmala alkaloids that would be visible to bees. It can then be inferred harmala alkaloids attract bees. In other words, harmala alkaloids are functional components of plants. In order to determine harmala alkaloids content, standard solutions of harmine, harmaline, harmane, harmol, and harmalol will be compared with extractions from plant samples using high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence.A variety of plants were chosen to represent three categories. The first is plants that are found to be insect pollinated, these include lemon balm (Melissa officinali), common rue (Ruta graveolens), meadow rue (Thalictrum aquilegifolium), hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), spirea (Spirea japonica), forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), blue star grass (Sisyrinchium augustifolium), common rue (Ruta graveolens) and meadow rue (Thalictrum aquilegifolium). The second category represents wind pollinated plants, including sugar maple (Acer saccharum), white velvet (Tradescantia sillamontana), meadow rue (Thalictrum ichangense), rhoeo (Rhoeo spathacea). Finally, a control was also analyzed. The lady fern (Athyrium felix-femina) was chosen because it is not genetically related to the plants in categories one or two and is not insect or wind pollinated.Following chemical analysis, each of the insect pollinated plants was found to contain harmala alkaloids. The lady fern (Athyrium felix-femina) contained no harmala alkaloids, as well as the wind pollinated plants. Due to these results as well as a study of bee behavior, we were able to conclude that harmala alkaloids are present in plants that attract bees. This study both contributes to an understanding of factors involved in pollination and can be used as a guide for further investigation into a natural source of harmala alkaloids.
Characterization of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Gene RSP1977
Authors: Green Arlie Joe , Setterdahl Aaron
Published: September 2020

Rhodobacter sphaeroides is a purple, non-sulfur, photosynthetic bacterium whose entire genomic DNA has been sequenced, however, many of the genes in its genome have not been characterized in order to determine their function in the bacterium.  Furthermore, many of the genes in R. sphaeroides are very similar to gene sequences in other organisms.  Therefore, upon determining the functions of R. sphaeroides genes, it will help lead to a better understanding of the functions of genes in other organisms.  This research is an attempt to isolate, purify and characterize proteins from R. sphaeroides using techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology, informatics, and genetics.  To date, the gene RSP1977 has been successfully isolate, cloned, and analyzed.  It has been attempted to insert the gene into the pSC-B-amp/kan cloning vector, to transform the vector into competent cells, then re-isolate the vector and confirm the insertion of RSP1977.  However, confirmation has not yet been obtained of successful insertion and re-purification.  The next steps, after confirmation would be to insert the gene into the pET-21b(+) expression vector and express the protein.  Once the protein is expressed, its functions will be studied and determined.
Speed Suits and Swimming t's
Authors: Ha Alyssa J. , Sommers Paul M.
Published: September 2020

The authors examine the impact of high-tech suits on swimmers in the New England Small College Athletic Conference championships in 2009.  The effect these high-tech suits had on drop times (that is, the difference between a swimmer's best in-season time prior to the championships and their best time in the preliminaries or finals of the championships) in the backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly was far greater for men than for women when compared to their drop times in 2010 (the first year of the speed suit ban) and 2008 (one year before the introduction of the speed suits to collegiate swimming).
Sexual Dimorphisms in Spatial Memory, Facial Recognition, and Reaction Time
Authors: Waller Hannah Rose , Lin Anthony L.
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Literature suggests that there is a female advantage in facial recognition, and a male one in spatial memory. Researchers in this study investigated whether females outperformed males on a Novel Faces and Places (NFAP) test, which uses both facial recognition and spatial memory measures. NFAP was adapted from the Novel Image Novel Location (NINL) test (Piper, Acevedo, Edwards, Curtiss, McGinnis, & Raber, 2011a). Methods: College students (N=95) completed a demographics survey and took NFAP at one of 5 different display duration conditions. Results: No significant differences were found among the sexes for total NFAP score or for novel faces or novel places identification. However, females had faster reaction times overall, and particularly when making correct judgments. Female correct reaction time was significantly faster than female incorrect reaction time and than both male correct and incorrect reaction times. Also observed was a display duration effect, where a 15 second display duration yielded the highest scores compared to 12, 9, 6, or 3 seconds. Conclusion: These findings indicate that males and females process visual information in different ways. Though no significant differences in score were found, the female advantage seen in NINL did in fact disappear on NFAP as was hypothesized.
Assessing Indicators of Central Obesity as Hypertensive Risk Factors
Authors: Stamatikos Alexis Dimitrios , Deyhim Farzad
Published: September 2020

Hypertension, colloquially known as high blood pressure, is a severe public health concern in the United States.  Nearly one in three American adults aged 20 or over suffers from hypertension.  Hypertension may lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, myocardial infarction, cerebral vascular accident, retinopathy, and renal failure. Risk factors for hypertension are numerous and include age, gender, ethnicity, sedentary lifestyle, excessive sodium intake, smoking, diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, and recreational drug abuse. One of the most familiar markers used as a risk factor for hypertension is obesity based on body mass index. However, while body mass index is easy and inexpensive to apply, it has disadvantages and may not be the best suited marker for certain populations. A better predicting marker for hypertension instead of body mass index may be to measure or estimate intra-abdominal adiposity, commonly known as visceral fat. The clinical name of excessive amounts of adipose tissue around the midsection is central obesity. There are many techniques and procedures to evaluate central obesity, ranging from taking simple measurements and performing straightforward calculations, to utilizing high technologically advanced and expensive equipment. The purpose of this review is to thoroughly assess the rationality of employing central obesity as a risk factor for hypertension and to analyze which diagnostic tests and criteria, if any, are superior compared to others during the testing of both general and special populations.
Toxicants and Environmental Health: A Psychological Issue
Authors: Leslie Kerry , Koger Susan
Published: September 2020

It is widely accepted that physical and psychological health are interconnected and interdependent. Although human well-being and survival depends on the natural environment, environmental health is often treated as separate and distinct. A review of the literature reveals significant associations between various industrial, consumer, and household chemicals and psychological and physiological ailments such as developmental disabilities, mental health issues, neurological impairments, reproductive abnormalities, and cancer. Given that the health of humans is inextricably connected with the health of other species and the planet itself, psychologists and other health professionals play a critical role in addressing the risks associated with toxic exposures.
Kinetics of the Reaction between Ni(tetren)2+and Bipyridine
Authors: Kolopajlo Lawrence Hugh , Hollis Nekuma Korey , Pendelton Ian
Published: September 2020

We report a rate law, rate constants and a mechanism for the ligand substitution reaction between Ni(tetren)2+ and 2, 2'-bipyridine in aqueous solution at 25.0 0C. The rate law is: R = k [Ni(tetren2+)] [bipy]. The data supports a mechanism involving a hydrogen ion assisted pathway in which a ternary complex is not formed.
Reactions of College Students to the Sexuality of Older People
Authors: Waterman Emily Anne
Published: September 2020

The reactions of 153 college students to incidents of sexuality were measured using a series of scenarios. Age of target was manipulated with three levels (30-35, 50-55, and 70-75) to test reactions to the sexuality of different age groups. Gender of target was also manipulated with three levels (female, male, and couple). For sexual scenarios, age of target was found statistically significant for all reactions, with responses less favorable toward older targets. No gender differences were found for sexual scenarios. Results were evidence for a strong bias against the sexuality of older people.
A Pilot Study: Designing and Testing the Task Parameters
Authors: Ballan Meltem
Published: September 2020

The aim of this pilot study was to test the validity, efficiency and measurements of a two-digit number comparison study. Number perception, its neural basis and its relationship to how numerical stimuli are presented have been challenging research topics in cognitive neuroscience for many years. A primary question that has been addressed is whether the perception of the quantity of a visually presented number stimulus is dissociable from its early visual perception. The present study examined the possible influence of visual quality judgment on quantity judgments of numbers. To address this issue, a two-digit number comparison task was developed. We suggest that the design parameters affect the accuracy of the results.
Factors Influencing Length of Stay in 2007 National Hospital Discharge Survey of Individuals Diagnosed with Type II Diabetes
Authors: Torres Loren Nicole , Blanchard Steve
Published: September 2020

Type II diabetes has become a topic of overwhelming interest in our society.  Using the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) from 2007, we examine diabetes in relation to hospital care.  The NHDS includes a sample of persons discharged with the diagnosis of diabetes.  The sample size is approximately 36,000 persons.  We filter the sample from the NHDS aggregate with the ICD-9-CM codes: 250.00 and/or 250.02.  Our study focuses on the length of days of care in the hospital as our dependent variable and in relation to our predictive variables: sex, age, marital status, method of payment and type of admission.  We examine this data by conducting descriptive, explanatory and predictive analyses.  The latter set of analyses is by linear and by logistic regression.  Our hypotheses are that women, persons who are older, persons admitted by emergency, and persons for whom the payment is public are more likely to have a longer stay in the hospital than those who do not fit these criteria.  We found, for example, that, within 95% confidence intervals, women who are single, older, admitted as emergent, and for whom payment is public are more likely to have a longer length of stay than men with similar characteristics.  The significance of this study is that it enables hospitals to better prepare for the care of individuals admitted with the diagnosis of type II diabetes.
Human Nature and Confinement in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights
Authors: Muller Jessica L
Published: September 2020

Catherine Earnshaw’s famous statement, “I am Heathcliff” in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, has often been thought to signify the depth of the passionate love between Catherine and Heathcliff (73).  It seems, however, that Heathcliff and Catherine’s relationship may have more to do with symbolic possession and control than romance.  In their famous feminist work, The Madwoman in the Attic, Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar make a well-known assertion about the relationship between the characters of Jane Eyre, a novel written by Emily Bronte’s sister, Charlotte Bronte.  They suggest that Bertha, the deranged and malicious wife of Edward Rochester, can be considered as a symbol of the rebellious spirit that rages inside the seemingly quiet female protagonist, Jane Eyre, against the constraints of her class and gender role in society (356-367).   I suggest that, similarly, Heathcliff is not a “devil” that possesses Catherine and inflicts misery on her, but that like Jane Eyre’s Bertha, Heathcliff is a symbolic manifestation of the raging spirit trapped inside Wuthering Height’s socially confined protagonist—Catherine Earnshaw. Catherine’s statement, “I am Heathcliff” could be said to signify, not a passionate relationship of love, but rather a literal truth.  After Edgar forces Heathcliff to leave Thrushcross Grange, Catherine confines herself to her room for 3 days without food or water, bringing on an illness which eventually becomes fatal. Catherine is unable to unite herself with her true nature in life, and she therefore seeks unity with him in death.  Though she cannot be united with Heathcliff while she remains the civilized wife of Edgar Linton, she can achieve unity with him in death by imprisoning and then eradicating the symbol of her civilized identity—her physical body.
Interaction of Methylphenidate and External Cue in an ADHD Behavioral Training Model
Authors: Kimmick Erica , McGovern Robin , Gittis Alan
Published: September 2020

Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) include hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity, which are caused by dopamine dysfunction in the medial prefrontal cortex.  A six-hydroxydopamine lesion model of ADHD was used to examine response accuracy on an attentional task under one of three conditions: cue only, methylphenidate only (MPH), and MPH with cue.  Results indicated rats injected with methylphenidate and exposed to an external cue showed a significant increase in response accuracy compared to the MPH and cue only groups.  Also, the results indicate animals in the cue only condition had an increase performance in response accuracy compared to just methylphenidate group.  This study provides evidence that combination of a stimulant and external cue would have a stronger affect than a stimulant or external cue was given alone. Keywords: dopamine, hyperactivity, methylphenidate, external cue, medial prefrontal cortex
The Relationship between Alternate Language Exposure and English Comprehension in Infants
Authors: Parasar Krutika , Morgan James L. , Rolfe Lori
Published: September 2020

Most language acquisition research to date focuses on monolingual infants. In American society there is a burgeoning population of bilingual families where infants must learn the nuances of two languages simultaneously. To extend understanding of language development to this population, research specific to bilingual infants is needed. This study investigates 19-20 month old infants’ abilities to understand English when exposed to varying levels of alternate languages, including Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Punjabi, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, and Urdu. Participants included 26 babies whose language exposure consisted of at least 99% English, and 22 babies exposed to English and at least 15% of an alternate language. Infants’ English noun comprehension was measured using the Intermodal Preferential Looking Paradigm. During a four minute session, infants’ gazes were tracked while they looked at simultaneous images, one of which corresponded to a spoken English noun. Before or afterwards, parents identified which of the 16 trial words they believed their infants were able to understand and say. Comparisons were made through two-tailed t-tests that assumed unequal variances. Results showed that infants whose daily language exposure consists of 15-39% of an alternate language understood more English nouns than infants exposed to 40-90% of an alternate language and more than monolinguals. Comparisons of parental reports of infants’ speech similarly showed that infants exposed to higher levels of alternate language said fewer English nouns than infants exposed to lower levels of alternate language and fewer than monolingual infants. Validity of parental reports was evaluated through comparisons of parental estimations and experimental results. Monolingual parents reported higher levels of English comprehension than infants showed in the experimental task, while parents of bilinguals did not demonstrate this effect. Possible explanations for these results are discussed in light of past research and implications for English acquisition of bilingual children are considered.
A Game of Genders: Comparing Depictions of Empowered Women between A Game of Thrones novel and Television Series
Authors: Jones Rebecca
Published: September 2020

The main women in George R. R. Martin's novel Game of Thrones, first published in 1996, and the adapted television series in 2011, are empowered female figures in a world dominated by male characters. Analyzing shifts in the characters’ portrayals between the two mediums conveys certain valences of the cultures for which they are intended. While in the novel the characters adhere to a different set of standards for women, the television series portrays these women as more sympathetic, empowered, and realistic with respect to contemporary standards. Using literary archetypes of queen, hero, mother, child, maiden and warrior and applying them to Cersei Lannister, Catelyn Stark, Arya Stark, Sansa Stark, and Daenerys Targeryen, provides a measure for the differences in their presentations. Through the archetypical lens, the shifts in societal and cultural standards between the novel and series’ airing reveal changing pressures and expectations for women. By reading the novel and watching the series with the archetypes in mind, the changes in gender norms from 1996 to 2011 becomes clear. The resulting shift shows the story’s changes in the realm of fantasy in relation to the American society that consumes it.
Sexual and Physical Aggression Involve Different Relationship Dynamics
Authors: Wright Joshua D. , Cogan Rosemary , Taylor Nathanael
Published: September 2020

We assessed differences in relationship functioning in physically and in sexually aggressive student men and women. Forty-seven university students in beginning psychology classes completed the Bornstein Relationship Profile Test (RPT) and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) for partners and for others. The RPT categorizes people on dependency-detachment and yields three subscales: Destructive Overdependence, Dysfunctional Detachment, and Healthy Dependency. The CTS2 measures both the extent of to-partner and to-other aggression and the use of physical and sexual aggression in dealing with conflict. Students who were sexually aggressive toward partners and/or others had lower scores on Bornstein’s Healthy Dependence scale than those who were not sexually aggressive, F(1,43) = 6.57, p = .01.
Gastrointestinal Parasites in Road-Killed Raccoons and Opossums in Western Maryland
Authors: Raley Ainsley , Price Rebecca , Seddon William , Keller Karen Lee
Published: September 2020

Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) harbor several types of endoparasites, including various nematode and cestode species. The purpose of this study was to identify endoparasites from the gastrointestinal tract of road-killed opossums and raccoons collected in Fall 2011 in Allegany and Garrett counties in Maryland. A total of 2 opossums and 3 raccoons were collected and dissected and several endoparasitic worms were removed. Sex of each worm was determined and eggs were removed from selected females for examination. Two nematode species were identified in the opossum: Physaloptera turgida was found in the stomach; and Cruzia americana was found in the intestine. One nematode species was identified in the raccoon: Baylisascaris procyonis was found in the intestine. Also, approximately 12 damaged proglottids from a tapeworm were found in the intestine of 1 raccoon, but definitive identification of the species was not possible. Our results are similar to previous studies which have found these same nematodes in opossums and raccoons, although recent reports of these species in Western Maryland have not been reported. Endoparasite species are usually specific to their definitive host; however, B. procyonis is considered a zoonotic agent because accidental ingestion of eggs can cause visceral larval migrans in humans. Even though our sample size was too small to assign any statistical significance to our data, the fact remains that B. procyonis poses a serious risk to human health and further studies to determine the number of raccoons and other animals infected in Western Maryland may be warranted.
The Role of Apoptosis in Sepsis-Induced Kidney Dysfunction
Authors: Crum Jo A. , Del Gaizo Moore Victoria
Published: September 2020

Sepsis is a system-wide inflammatory response to infection in the blood, which can be caused by any type of pathogen such as bacteria or fungi. During severe sepsis, end-organs often shut down as the body goes into shock, causing irreparable damage and eventual fatality. Even though sepsis is the third highest cause of death in the world, only one third of Americans have heard of the condition. Such unawareness reflects the deficit in knowledge about of how end-organ damage that results from sepsis. Consequently, most current treatments for sepsis address symptoms rather than the cause. While the effects of sepsis on immune cells have been thoroughly examined, the effect on other organs, such as the kidneys, has not been elucidated. In septic patients, a condition caused by excessive cell death resulting in massive tissue damage called acute kidney injury (AKI), becomes considerably more dangerous in septic patients, doubling the mortality rate of AKI. Programmed cell death, otherwise known as apoptosis, is a natural form of cell death, and is only damaging when it behaves in an irregular manner such as not being triggered in cancer cells or excessively occurring after ischemia-reperfusion. Apoptosis is one mechanism that is thought to be responsible for AKI during sepsis, and therefore studying apoptotic  regulatory proteins  may provide insight into how renal cell death occurs during sepsis-induced AKI (SI-AKI).  Furthermore, unraveling the molecular mechanism of kidney cell death could lead to the development of more effective treatments or preventative measures for this widespread condition.
Michael Vick’s Pit Bulls & Dogfighting: Ramifications of Media Coverage
Authors: Pickens Rebecca Crinean
Published: September 2020

According to The Humane Society of the United States from 2006 to 2008 there were more than 3,000 pit bulls removed from dogfighting rings. The majority of surviving dogs were euthanized upon confiscation by authorities. The purpose of this research was to examine the possible impact of Michael Vick’s dogfighting case on print media coverage of pit bull-type dogs.  The research questions were whether the extensive coverage of his dogfighting charges would change how media portray these dogs, and whether the issue of dogfighting would become a more widely-covered topic. The research process included a literature review of scholarly works written about pit bulls, and a qualitative analysis of articles from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today published one year before and after the Vick case broke, using “pit bull” as the key phrase. Articles were divided into different categories depending on the contextual use of the term “pit bull.”  Findings were based on the analysis of those categories. The results indicated positive portrayals of pit bulls and discussions of dogfighting were primarily isolated to the coverage of Vick’s case and dogs. The more than 200 other recorded raids on dogfighting rings that same year went unmentioned, but six stories about aggressive pit bull-type dogs were covered. This indicates media coverage of pit bulls did not change.  Media can learn there is more to cover than limiting the focus on celebrity dogfighters and the cliché of pit bulls as vicious. These changes in coverage could lead to an overall positive change in the public’s perception of pit bull-type dogs.
Physical and Emotional Impacts of the Caregiving Experience
Authors: Cosper Pamela Rose , Moyer Cindy L
Published: September 2020

Informal caregiving has become a widespread phenomenon, with family members and friends providing care for patients who have chronic or terminal illnesses and prefer to remain in their homes. The physical and emotional impacts of this unpaid work upon the caregiver can range from minor to severe. This study sought to identify qualities about the caregiving situation that may relate to the presentation of physical and/or emotional symptoms in the caregiver.
Relations Among Parentification, Parenting Beliefs, and Parenting Behaviors
Authors: Black Brittney TaShawn
Published: September 2020

Instrumental parentification occurs when children take on adult chores, and emotional parentification occurs when children take the responsibility for providing an adult-level of emotional support. This study examined how the level of parentification and perceived unfairness in the childhood home affected adults’ parenting beliefs and future parenting behaviors. One hundred and seven young adults responded to the Parentification Questionnaire which assessed levels of instrumental parentification, emotional parentification, and perceived fairness. Participants were asked to imagine themselves as parents and then respond to questions that assessed their parenting beliefs, planned parenting behaviors, and demographics. Results revealed that emotional parentification and perceived unfairness were related to adults’ decreased self-esteem and feelings of attractiveness. In addition, parentification and perceived unfairness in the childhood home were linked to negative feelings toward participants’ own parents; however, parentification did not clearly predict factors associated with parenting.
Who Was z-Best Olympian in 2008 and 2012?
Authors: MacKay Ian Douglas , Markusen John Woodward , Sommers Paul M.
Published: September 2020

The authors use z-scores (i.e., the number of standard deviations above the mean) to gauge the dominance of gold medalists in individual swimming, track, and gymnastic events at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games.  Since a last place finisher’s time or score could dramatically skew the results, the ninety-six z-scores (forty-eight for each Olympics) are recalculated for the women’s and men’s other seven finalists in each of twenty-six individual swimming events, twelve track events, and four (six) gymnastic events for women (men).  Surprisingly, using these standardized scores (and recalculated z-scores), the most dominant Olympic champion was neither swimmer Michael Phelps nor sprinter Usain Bolt.
Development of a Tetracycline Resistant Strain of E. coli Sensitive to Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Reesor Meredith Joy , King Isaac Joseph , Copeland Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

Multidrug resistance bacteria pose a significant threat to human health and the efforts of the medical community.  Given our reliance on antibiotics for therapeutic treatment of bacterial infections it is imperative to understand the mechanism by which bacteria develop antibiotic resistance.  In the present report we develop a strain of Escherichia coli capable of resisting high levels of tetracycline and other protein synthesis inhibitors.  Furthermore the tetracycline resistant strain is approximately 1/3rd in length and is sensitive to UV radiation.
The OPUS Effect: An Investigation of how Magnum OPUS may Influence Athletic Performance
Authors: Conley Nicholas , Campisi Jessica , Dolder Christian
Published: September 2020

The goal of this study was to investigate the Magnum OPUS supplement in terms of its ability to enhance athletic performance and possess a tolerable safety profile.  Two groups (placebo and experimental) performed a series of exercises (pushups, dips, squats, lunges) with each repetition being recorded and compared to the baseline.  Upon completion of four sessions by all twenty participants, the results were scored and significant differences were noted (t(18)= -5.41, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-24.25, -10.68]).  In addition, participants recorded all adverse effects experienced with the use of the supplement.  It was concluded that the participants taking OPUS had a significant increase in athletic performance when compared against the placebo group.  OPUS was shown to be a reasonably safe supplement that may help athletes with their training and other athletic activities.
Effects of Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent on Survival, Growth, and Vitellogenin Concentrations of Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Griffin Lisa A. , Harrahy Elisabeth A.
Published: September 2020

Concern over pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in surface waters has increased as scientists have detected these contaminants in streams and rivers nationwide. One source of PPCPs is wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), where some PPCPs are being deliveredand then discharged to receiving waters in effluent.  Estrogens, the primary female sex hormones, have been found in natural and synthetic forms in effluent and in receiving waters. Field and laboratory studies were carried out to determine if a local WWTP’s effluent affects survival, egg production, and vitellogenin (an egg precursor protein) concentrations in fathead minnows.  Results from a 24-day field study showed no significant difference in survival or egg production between fish caged at sites located upstream and downstream of the WWTP effluent pipe. Vitellogenin was detected in some male fish at both sites. A comparison of male fish that produced vitellogenin showed higher concentrations in those located downstream. Because there may be other sources of estrogens or estrogen mimics to the stream, acute and chronic whole effluent toxicity (WET) tests were conducted with larval fathead minnows, and a reproduction assay was conducted with adult fathead minnows in the laboratory. Results of the WET tests showed no significant difference in survival among fish exposed to different dilutions of whole effluent. The laboratory reproduction assay showed no significant differences in survival or egg production between fish in 100% effluent and control treatments. Vitellogenin was detected in all male fish analyzed, including controls. This indicates there may be other sources of estrogenic compounds in the laboratory as well. While biomarkers such as vitellogenin may be more sensitive than other endpoints, it is important to have a good understanding of their selectivity.  Combining field and laboratory studies can provide a better understanding of the potential effects of WWTP effluent on aquatic organisms.
Have you no shame? Infrahumanization of promiscuous sexual assault victims as moderated by dispositional and situational Just World orientation
Authors: Gillmor Katherine , Bernstein Michael J , Benfield Jacob A
Published: September 2020

Among the many consequences stigmatized individuals face, infrahumanization (e.g., a subtle form of dehumanization) may be another novel consequence. We used experimental and quasi-experimental methods to examine whether victims of sexual assault (a stigmatized group) are infrahumanized, with the prediction that victims perceived as being sexually promiscuous will be infrahumanized more than sexually conservative ones. We predicted that, given prior work on the topic, individuals with a strong belief in a just world orientation would be most likely to show this effect. In three studies we show that promiscuous victims are infrahumanized relative to conservative victims (Study 1), this is moderated by dispositional belief in a just world orientation (Study 2), and the same effect occurs when we experimentally manipulate belief in a just world orientation (Study 3). We discuss these findings in terms of the relationship between stigma, dehumanization, and system justifying ideologies; that individuals who have a tendency to have a strong belief in a just world orientation or can be made to have such an orientation judge promiscuous victims as more to blame for their actions than is of particular importance for understanding not only the legal system but for the field of psychology more generally.
Investigating Motivation for Physical Activity among Minority College Females using the BREQ-2
Authors: Hassel Gherdai , Milroy Jeffrey John , Orsini Muhsin Michael
Published: September 2020

Adolescents who engage in regular physical activity experience increased academic performance and grades, improved academic behavior, such as time on task, as well as an increase in other factors that influence academic achievement. Despite physical activity recommendations, regular engagement in physical activity is still an issue among American adolescents. Furthermore, physically inactive lifestyles are highest among minority populations, lower socioeconomic groups, and women. Self Determination Theory provides a basis for investigating the cognitive, affective and motivational processes of physical activity. At present time, there is a dearth of research exploring motivation of physical activity among minority female college students. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the type of motivation that is most strongly related to moderate physical activity, vigorous physical activity, strength training and stretching among college-aged African American females in an effort to consider ways to improve physical activity promotion efforts on a college campus. Students enrolled in a required basic studies physical education and wellness course at a southeastern state university were invited to participate in data collection activities. Participants were invited to complete the modified Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2), a 19-item questionnaire designed to measure motivation for physical activity. Of the 1422 college students that agreed to participate, 54 identified themselves as a non-Caucasian female. Results offered limited support for the hypothesis that those who are extrinsically motivated would engage in more physical activity. Nevertheless, a required physical activity class for college students could potentially provide an opportunity for those who would otherwise be amotivated for physical activity to engage in regular physical activities.
Classification of Wild Isolate Nematode Strains Using Classical Systematics and Molecular Sequencing
Authors: Seacor Taylor , Striluk Miranda , Howell Carina
Published: September 2020

Nematode worms account for the vast majority of the animals in the biosphere.  They are critically important to public health and agriculture, reside in virtually all ecosystems, and are extremely diverse. To investigate nematode morphological diversity, three soil nematode species isolated in the wild where characterized (strains EM435, AF8130 and AF7340). These isolates were examined using differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We used both classical systematics of the phenotypic data obtained from microscopy and phylogenetic evidence of ribosomal RNA sequencing data to classify these isolates.  Data obtained confirmed strain EM435 to be a member of order Rhabditida, genus Oscheius, evidence was consistent with strain AF8130 belonging to the species Pristionchus pacificus, and the previously unclassified strain AF7340 was found to be a member of order Rhabditida, genus Oscheius.
Providers, Prescriptions and Patients: Methodology for U.S. Health Care Reform
Authors: Cabeceiras Peter
Published: September 2020

Abstract Health care reform should be considered equal parts moral and economic issues. The United States spends more on health care than any other nation in the world ($2.6 trillion annually), yet the U.S. has some of the worst health outcomes of developed nations.1,2 Although health care spending comprises over one-sixth of the economy (17.9% of GDP), over fifty million U.S. citizens live without health insurance. The U.S. needs to use finances more efficaciously not only to enhance quality of care and patient outcomes, but to avoid a looming economic crisis.3 Recently, the Congressional Budget Office reported that if Medicare cost inflation exceeds overall economic growth by 2.5%, the top marginal tax rates in 2050 will approach 92%.3,4 The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) addresses problems associated with cost, coverage and quality by introducing: the Individual Mandate, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) Initiative, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), and many more pilot programs that act as vehicles of site-specific reform. However, underlying health care problems still remain that must be resolved to facilitate the ACA reforms. These daunting issues include, but are certainly not limited to: the shortage of physicians, ACO practitioner liability, weaknesses of the Individual Mandate, the remaining uninsured and the outmoded practices of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The goal of this paper is to address these problems and propose strategic reforms that will either augment or exist concomitantly with the ACA.
Yeast require an Intact Tryptophan Biosynthesis Pathway and Exogenous Tryptophan for Resistance to Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
Authors: McClellan Amie Jo , Ammons Laura M. , Bingham Logan R. , Callery Sarah , Corley Elizabeth , Crowe Katherine A. , Lipton Jennifer K. , Mendez Carlos A. , Morrison Tessalyn , Rallis Claudia
Published: September 2020

Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, or SDS, is an anionic detergent with widespread use in industrial and household cleaning products, scientific laboratories, and personal care products such as toothpaste and shampoo.  The potential toxicity of SDS has been well-characterized in whole organism studies and its potential effects on the environment continue to be studied.  Herein, we undertake a chemical-genetic screen to explore whether low concentrations of SDS have any discernible effects at the cellular level.  Our screen of the homozygous diploid yeast deletion collection identified numerous gene deletions that confer sensitivity to SDS.  Subsequent bioinformatic and biological analyses reveal that yeast unable to synthesize  tryptophan are especially sensitive to the presence of SDS.  Interestingly, even wild-type yeast with an intact tryptophan biosynthetic pathway exhibit growth defects in the presence of SDS on media lacking tryptophan.  Altogether, we have shown that low levels of SDS, primarily through effects on tryptophan availability, impact the basic cell biology of a eukaryotic cell.
Mild Cognitive Impairment: Its Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Kim Ga Hye
Published: September 2020

As the baby boom generation nears retirement age and average life expectancy continues to rise, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is quickly becoming one of the most relevant disorders of our time. There has been an increasing focus on early detection of AD for its various advantages from advanced planning to possible preventive treatment. As such, the main objective of this paper is to explore the transient stage between normal aging and dementia (centered on AD)—how its conceptualization has evolved throughout the past, present, and future. At the core lies the term “mild cognitive impairment” (MCI) as the paper traces its history, current standing, and topics of debate in the field. Its future implications as framed under the impending DSM-5 are discussed.
Who Really Voted for President Obama in 2008 and 2012?
Authors: Hlavaty Helena N. , Hussein Mohamed A. , Kiley-Bergen Peter , Yang Liuxufei , Sommers Paul M.
Published: September 2020

The authors use simple bilinear regression on statewide exit poll data to gauge the popularity of President Barack Obama in election years 2008 and 2012 among voters in four age groups (18 to 29 year-olds; 30 to 44 year-olds; 45 to 64 year-olds; and voters 65 and older) and three income groups (under $50,000; $50,000 to $100,000; and voters earning more than $100,000).  While there was little change in his popularity among voters in all age groups, Obama’s popularity with the poorest group of voters (those earning less than $50,000) took a noticeable hit in 2012.
Have Gun Control Laws Changed Since Newtown?
Authors: Smith AnnaClare C. , Van Kula Anna M. , Howard Greer M. , Sommers Paul M.
Published: September 2020

Using data issued by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the authors examine the strength of statewide firearm laws across the United States one year before and after the 2012 school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.  Regressions fitted to the cross-section of all states in 2011 and 2013 show how Brady Scores differ across census divisions after allowing for statewide differences in firearm death rates and political party control of the state legislature.  In the aftermath of Newtown, gun laws have either not changed or in census divisions where they have significantly changed, they have become less restrictive.
Exploring the Impact of Religiosity and Socioeconomic Factors on Perceived Ideal Timing of Marriage in Young Adults
Authors: Fuller Jenifer N. , Frost Ami M. H. , Burr Brandon Kevin
Published: September 2020

In light of rising averages in the age of first marriage for men and women, as well as changes in attitudes regarding marriage and family life in young adults, the study of marital timing has received increased attention in recent years. Marital timing has been known to be associated with various aspects of marital satisfaction and stability, yet most research has focused on limited variables to assess perceptions of the ideal timing of marriage. This study explored the association of demographic, current and background socioeconomic (SES) factors, and religiosity with various measures of perceived ideal marital timing in a sample of 385 unmarried young adults. Overall, results indicate that religiosity and ethnicity have an impact on perceived ideal age and timing of marriage. Also, less pronounced associations were found between SES factors and perceived marital timing. Implications and future directions for family practitioners and researchers are discussed.