To date, the contribution of sea-based sources to the global marine litter and plastic pollution problem remains poorly understood. Cruise ships produce large amounts of wastewater and concentrate their activities in fragile and ecologically valuable areas. This paper explores for the first time the sources of microplastics in cruise ship wastewater, as well as their pathways from source to sea. It thereto uses a novel approach for the identification of sources and pathways, based on scientific literature on microplastic sources and pathways, literature on cruise operations and wastewater management as well as a questionnaire among cruise lines. The study highlights personal care and cosmetic products, cleaning and maintenance products and synthetic microfibers released from textiles in laundry as relevant source categories. Untreated grey water and the overboard discharge of biosludge, resulting from the treatment of sewage and grey water, were identified as key pathways. Cruise lines can reduce microplastic emissions by adapting their purchasing policies for personal care, cosmetic, cleaning and maintenance products and professional textiles. In addition, the holistic management of all wastewater streams and resulting waste products is essential to prevent leakages of microplastics from cruise ships to vulnerable coastal and marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the approach can be used to guide company-level assessments and can be modified to address microplastic leakages in other maritime sectors.

Objective Mindfulness has been recognized as an evidence-based treatment in a range of psychological and medical (i.e., chronic pain, dementia, diabetes) conditions. Despite several randomized and non-randomized control trials, there continues to be a lack of consensus regarding mindfulness as an effective treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods PsychINFO, Medline, ProQuest, and Embase, were searched using a combination of terms such as “Parkinson’s” and “Mindfulness” or “Meditation.” Studies were included if they reported method, participants, interventions used, and outcomes. Results were extracted and assessed for quality and relevance. Data Synthesis The systematic analysis revealed that mindfulness was primarily effective in reducing non-motor symptoms of PD, except for one survey study of PD patients, which indicated that mindfulness was associated with improved motor symptoms. Otherwise, mindfulness resulted in decreased anxiety and distress while also improving social support. Of the two studies that included caregivers in treatment, mindfulness was associated with reduced caregiver burden. Conclusion The results supported the use of mindfulness as an effective adjunct to PD treatment, with the strongest effects on non-motor symptoms and caregiver distress. Notably, the studies included were limited by small sample sizes and patients with mild to moderate symptoms of PD. Further random controlled trials with larger sample sizes and differing degrees of PD severity are needed to conclusively determine the effects of mindfulness in treating PD.

Inquiry based collaborative learning is a vital asset of modern physiology curriculum. Application of this approach is severely impacted by Covid-19 pandemic when face-to-face physiology laboratories must be modified to comply with needs of social distancing. Introduction of a new technology may mitigate some impact, but it is associated with adding to the complexity of educational activities and may interfere with the proper social dynamic of the classroom. WVNCC team designed a new learning environment, employed, and assessed use of a new technology in our biology laboratory in Weirton Campus.  Originally, during a typical physiology lab, each student operated IWorx physiology stations using a personal computer. The progress of the work was not easily shared with the other students or instructor in the classroom, especially when social distancing was maintained. A new educational environment allowed for an on-demand connection to a large screen monitor for all classroom computers and was achieved using a wireless Polycom Pano content sharing and wireless presentation system (Polycom, San Jose, CA). In a survey, students indicated that the provided equipment is seamlessly incorporated into the lesson and encourages active engagement. Eighty percent agreed that the new technology makes it easier to ensure that social distancing is maintained during collaborative learning. The innovative learning layout presented here allows for prompt guidance, effective collaboration between students, appropriate assessment of student performance. Our design idea and technical solution can be modified for various laboratories and be used during and after Covid-19 pandemic.

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