Dating app usage and motivations for dating app usage are associated with increased disordered eating.

The centrality of physical appearance in dating app environments may constitute an appearance-related pressure that increases the likelihood of body dissatisfaction (BD) and disordered eating (DE), thus exacerbating the relationship between DE-predictive traits and DE itself. Although dating app use has been linked to BD and DE, prior research has also neglected the role of individuals' dating app use motivations and relevant traits in eating pathology. To address these gaps, the current study investigated whether dating app usage moderated the effects of appearance-based rejection sensitivity, fear of negative evaluation, emotion dysregulation, and perceived social rank on DE. We also examined the unique effects of individuals' dating app use motivations on DE. Participants (N = 690) completed baseline measures of demographic and trait variables including dating app usage. DE was positively associated with female gender, higher body mass index, a history of eating disorder (ED) diagnosis, appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and emotion dysregulation. There was a small, positive association between dating app usage and DE, indicating that dating app users were more likely to report DE symptoms, appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and emotion dysregulation. No investigated predictor was moderated by dating app usage, but four of the six measured motivations for using dating apps (love, self-worth, ease of communication, and thrill of excitement motivations) were associated with DE among the dating app user sample (casual sex and trendiness motivations were not). Given that DE behaviours can lead to EDs, the present findings suggest that lifetime dating app usage may increase socio-cultural appearance pressures that confer risk for DE.

Existing research evidence, although scant, has linked dating app use to body dissatisfaction (BD) and disordered eating (DE). Yet, little is known about the relationship between individuals' dating app use motivations and relevant traits in eating pathology. To address these gaps, the current study investigated whether dating app usage moderated the effects of appearance-based rejection sensitivity (appearance-RS), fear of negative evaluation (FNE), emotion dysregulation, and perceived social rank on DE, and the unique association between individuals' dating app use motivations and DE. Participants (N = 690) completed baseline measures of demographic and trait variables including dating app usage. We found that dating app users were more likely to engage in DE behaviours, appearance-RS, and emotion dysregulation than non-users. Furthermore, four of the six measured motivations for using dating apps were associated with DE among the dating app user sample. We conclude that lifetime dating app usage may constitute a socio-cultural appearance pressure which confers DE risk. Our results showed also novel insights into the varied motivations for dating app use and their impacts on DE. As dating app use continues to proliferate, enhancing our understanding of how, why and for whom it may be harmful remains a salient area of research.

Size at Birth, Postnatal Growth, and Reproductive Timing in an Australian Microbat.

Reproductive phenology, size at birth, and postnatal growth are important life history traits that reflect parental investment. The ability to document detailed changes in these traits can be a valuable tool in the identification and management of at-risk wildlife populations. We examined reproductive traits in a common, widespread Australian microbat, Chalinolobus gouldii, at two sites over two years and derived growth curves and age estimation equations which will be useful in the study of how intrinsic and extrinsic factors alter parental investment strategies. We found that male and female offspring did not differ significantly in their size at birth or their postnatal growth rates. Bats born in 2018 were smaller at birth but grew at a faster rate than those born in 2017. When date of birth was compared across sites and years, we found bats born in 2018 had a later median birthdate (by 18 days) and births were more widespread than those born in 2017. Cooler and wetter weather during late gestation (Nov) in 2018 may have prolonged gestation and delayed births. With many bats facing threatening processes it is important to study reproductive plasticity in common and widespread "model" species, which may assist in the conservation and management of threatened microbats with similar reproductive traits.

Temperature surpasses the effects of velocity and turbulence on swimming performance of two invasive non-native fish species.

Global climate change continues to impact fish habitat quality and biodiversity, especially in regard to the dynamics of invasive non-native species. Using individual aquaria and an open channel flume, this study evaluated the effects of water temperature, flow velocity and turbulence interactions on swimming performance of two lentic, invasive non-native fish in the UK, pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) and topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva). Burst and sustained swimming tests were conducted at 15, 20 and 25°C. Acoustic Doppler velocimetry was used to measure the flume hydrodynamic flow characteristics. Both L. gibbosus and P. parva occupied the near-bed regions of the flume, conserving energy and seeking refuge in the low mean velocities flow areas despite the relatively elevated turbulent fluctuations, a behaviour which depended on temperature. Burst swimming performance and sustained swimming increased by up to 53% as temperature increased from 15 to 20°C and 71% between 15 and 25°C. Furthermore, fish test area occupancy was dependent on thermal conditions, as well as on time-averaged velocities and turbulent fluctuations. This study suggests that invasive species can benefit from the raised temperatures predicted under climate change forecasts by improving swimming performance in flowing water potentially facilitating their further dispersal and subsequent establishment in lotic environments.

Policy mixes to achieve sustainable mobility after the COVID-19 crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have lasting impacts on energy and the environment at the global scale. Shelter-in-place measures implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have resulted in expectations for 2020 global energy demand to contract by nearly 5% with related global CO2 emissions declining by as much as 7%. Exactly how long and to what extent we will see continue to see energy demand, CO2 and related greenhouse gas (GHG) emission destruction resulting from COVID-19 is uncertain but dependent on global policy responses to the pandemic. Policy responses targeting the transportation sector, particularly ground-based transportation, can stimulate a sustainable mobility transition that mitigates the potential for long-term environmental damage. This paper reviews and examines social and cultural dynamics of transportation and extends state-of-the-art knowledge to consider how events surrounding the COVID-19 crisis may have created a sustainable mobility opportunity though (1) avoiding unnecessary transportation volume, (2) shifting transportation norms and practices and/or (3) improving the carbon-efficiency of transportation systems. Relevant policies for a low-carbon transportation transition are considered and those most appropriate to the current context are proposed with consideration of key factors that may help or hinder their implementation success.

A comparison between water uptake and root length density in winter wheat: effects of root density and rhizosphere properties.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We aim to quantify the variation in root distribution in a set of 35 experimental wheat lines. We also compared the effect of variation in hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere on water uptake by roots. METHODS: We measured the root length density and soil drying in 35 wheat lines in a field experiment. A 3D numerical model was used to predict soil drying profiles with the different root length distributions and compared with measured soil drying. The model was used to test different scenarios of the hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere. RESULTS: We showed that wheat lines with no detectable differences in root length density can induce soil drying profiles with statistically significant differences. Our data confirmed that a root length density of at least 1 cm/cm3 is needed to drain all the available water in soil. In surface layers where the root length density was far greater than 1 cm/cm3 water uptake was independent of rooting density due to competition for water. However, in deeper layers where root length density was less than 1 cm/cm3, water uptake by roots was proportional to root density. CONCLUSION: In a set of wheat lines with no detectable differences in the root length density we found significant differences in water uptake. This may be because small differences in root density at depth can result in larger differences in water uptake or that the hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere can greatly affect water uptake.

Vulnerability to psychosocial disability in psychosis.

Psychosocial disability affects a number of individuals with psychosis and often begins years before the formal onset of disorder. This suggests that for many, their psychosocial disability is enduring, and targeted interventions are therefore needed earlier in their developmental trajectories to ensure that psychosocial disability does not become entrenched. Poor psychosocial functioning also affects individuals with a range of different emerging mental health problems, putting these young people at risk of long-term social marginalisation and economic disadvantage; all of which are known risk factors for the development of psychosis. Identification of the markers of poor psychosocial functioning will help to inform effective treatments. This editorial will discern the early trajectories and markers of poor psychosocial outcome in psychosis, and highlight which individuals are most at risk of having a poor outcome. This editorial will also discuss whether early interventions are currently being targeted appropriately and will propose how intervention and preventative strategies can be implemented, to restore psychosocial trajectories in a way that enables young people to maximise their life chances.

More than half of adolescent E-Cigarette users had never smoked a cigarette: findings from a study of school children in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are known for their use as a smoking cessation aid; however, experimental use in adolescence is a growing international concern. The proportion of adolescent EC users who have never used tobacco is rising. EC use is associated with later tobacco initiation in young people. Understanding adolescent beliefs about ECs is needed to inform public health campaigns and school education regarding the EC and the associated risks. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based design was used. METHODS: As part of a larger study, questionnaires to assess beliefs about ECs and current use were distributed to 499 school pupils aged 11-16 years in a county in England, UK. RESULTS: More than half of EC users had never used tobacco (52.6%), a substantially greater proportion than previously reported in the literature. Adolescents were aware that ECs were less harmful than tobacco but many were unaware that they contain nicotine and the subsequent risk of addiction could lead to later tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS: Given the possible association of EC use and later smoking initiation, education in schools may warrant greater emphasis on ECs, the role of nicotine and the risk of addiction associated with experimentation. Young people who deem ECs as a 'safe' option, and may otherwise have never experimented with tobacco, could be at risk of later tobacco use.

Fear of Negative Evaluation and Weight/Shape Concerns among Adolescents: The Moderating Effects of Gender and Weight Status.

Fear of negative evaluation has been linked with weight/shape concerns among adults, however, similar research among adolescents is lacking. We investigated the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns, including the moderating roles of gender and body mass index (BMI) in adolescents. Participant were 4045 Australian adolescents (53.7% girls) aged 11-19 years (Mage = 14 years 11 months), who completed a self-report questionnaire about weight/shape concerns, fear of negative evaluation, and weight and height. Results showed a positive association between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns, with the association being stronger among girls. Furthermore, the association between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns was stronger among adolescents with higher BMIs, especially so for boys. These results highlight the role of fear of negative evaluation in weight/shape concerns and suggest potential avenues for prevention programs.

Thromboelastography (TEG®) demonstrates that tinzaparin 4500 international units has no detectable anticoagulant activity after caesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Low molecular weight heparin is routinely used for thromboprophylaxis in pregnancy and the puerperium. Consensus guidelines recommend waiting 10-12h after administration of a thromboprophylactic dose of low molecular weight heparin before performing a neuraxial block or removing an epidural catheter. Thromboelastography (TEG®) has been reported to be sensitive to the effects of enoxaparin 4h after administration. The purpose of this study was to use TEG to examine coagulation changes in the first 10h after a thromboprophylactic dose of tinzaparin in an attempt to ratify the current consensus guidelines about timing of neuraxial blockade and epidural catheter removal. METHODS: Twenty-four women who had undergone caesarean delivery and were classified as low or intermediate risk of thrombosis were recruited. Blood samples were taken before subcutaneous administration of tinzaparin 4500IU, and at 4, 8 and 10h post-dose. Standard TEG analyses were performed using plain and heparinase cuvettes and samples were also sent for laboratory anti-Xa assay. Thromboelastograph profiles were analysed for a low molecular weight heparin effect. RESULTS: Analysis revealed no significant differences in R time, K time, alpha angle or maximum amplitude between plain and heparinase samples at any time point. Apart from a small statistically significant (P=0.033) decrease in maximum amplitude of 2.8% (95% CI 0.3 to 5.4%) at 4h, there were no significant changes in coagulation for any TEG parameter. Anti-Xa levels were virtually undetectable in all patients over the 10h period (median 0.00U/mL; range 0.00-0.13U/mL). CONCLUSION: A thromboprophylactic dose of tinzaparin 4500IU had little detectable effect on coagulation as assessed by TEG and anti-Xa assay. These findings support consensus guidelines which state that it is acceptable to perform neuraxial blockade or remove an epidural catheter 10-12h after a thromboprophylactic dose of tinzaparin. Rather than suggesting a lack of anticoagulant activity, the findings indicate that TEG may not have the sensitivity to detect a tinzaparin effect when this dose is used in this patient group.

Dietary supplement comprised of ß-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium: failure to prevent music-induced temporary threshold shift.

This study examined potential prevention of music-induced temporary threshold shift (TTS) in normal-hearing participants. A dietary supplement composed of ß-carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium was assessed using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study design. Dosing began 3 days prior to the music exposure with the final dose consumed approximately 30-min pre-exposure. There were no group differences in post-exposure TTS or music-induced decreases in distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitude. Transient tinnitus was more likely to be reported by the treatment group, but there were no group differences in perceived loudness or bothersomeness. All subjects were monitored until auditory function returned to pre-exposure levels. Taken together, this supplement had no effect on noise-induced changes in hearing. Recommendations for future clinical trials are discussed.