bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The exclusion of prison informant evidence for unreliability in New Zealand
Authors: High Anna
Published: May 2021

Prison informant or ‘jailhouse snitch’ evidence is a notoriously unreliable category of evidence. In light of reliability concerns, the New Zealand Supreme Court has adopted a progressive approach to the exclusion of prison informant evidence, centred on greater use of general exclusionary provisions as a threshold of reliability for the admission of suspect evidence. In so doing, the court has shifted the emphasis from deference to the jury as arbiter of ultimate reliability and towards more robust judicial gatekeeping as a safeguard against false testimony. This article critically analyses the New Zealand approach, including by way of comparison with Canada, Australia and England and Wales. The New Zealand approach is presented as a principled and important example of adapting fundamental evidentiary principles and provisions in line with emerging social science evidence. However, in light of the general concerns surrounding this class of evidence, ultimately further safeguards are still needed
Experimental study on seismic performance of partially precast steel fiber high-strength concrete columns with high-strength steel bars
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Zhang Deli , Li Xiangyu , Shen Zhaoxv
Published: May 2021

To study the cyclic behavior of partially precast steel fiber high-strength concrete columns with high-strength steel bars, four full-sized square column specimens were fabricated and tested under constant axial load and horizontal cyclic load. The effects of the strength of precast concrete shell and the diameter of cast-in-place column core were analyzed in detail. The results show that partially precast steel fiber high-strength concrete columns have good seismic performance and deformation ability. Compared to the concrete column with lower strength of precast concrete shell, the concrete column with higher strength of precast concrete shell showed higher bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity while lower ductility. Moreover, with the increase of the diameter of cast-in-place column core, the bearing capacity and the deformation ability of the specimen decreased. Finally, based on the experimental research and theoretical analysis, a calculation model for predicting the maximum bearing capacity was proposed, and the results obtained from the formulas were in good agreement with those from the experiments.
Helicopter parenting and alcohol use in adolescence: A quadratic relation
Authors: Pistella Jessica , Isolani Stefano , Morelli Mara , Izzo Flavia , Baiocco Roberto
Published: May 2021

Aims: Research has underscored that an excessively intrusive parental style, defined as helicopter parenting, could be a risk factor for maladaptive behaviours in youth, including alcohol use and drug consumption. However, such at-risk behaviours have also been associated with low levels of parental involvement and warmth. Thus, the relationship between parental involvement and at-risk behaviours in adolescents is not clear. The purpose of the current study was to identify the relation between helicopter parenting and alcohol use in a sample of Italian youth. Design: The participants were 402 adolescents (233 female) between the ages of 14 and 19 years ( M age= 17.20, SD = 1.66). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine linear, quadratic, and exponential models and to verify which model best described the correlation. Results: The results showed a quadratic correlation between mothers’ helicopter parenting and alcohol use, whereby higher and lower levels of mothers’ helicopter parenting were associated with adolescents’ alcohol use. Conclusions: The empirical data are essential for improving our understanding of the implications and potential outcomes of helicopter parenting during adolescence.
Identification and validation of an extended Stewart-Cazacu micromechanics damage model applied to Ti–6Al–4V specimens exhibiting positive stress triaxialities
Authors: Rojas-Ulloa Carlos , Valenzuela Marian , Tuninetti Víctor , Habraken Anne-Marie
Published: May 2021

In this research, the Stewart-Cazacu micromechanics coupled damage model is extended and validated adding nucleation and coalescence models as new damage mechanisms. The Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy is chosen as a suitable hcp ductile material to be modeled using this extended damage law. The characterization of the damage evolution in this alloy is addressed throughout a quasi-static experimental campaign. Damage characterization relies on in situ X-ray tomography data and scanning electron microscopy imaging technique. The validation procedure consists in the implementation into the finite element research software Lagamine of ULiège and in the comparison of numerical predictions and experimental results. Load–displacement curves and damage-related state variables at fracture configuration from smooth and notched bar specimens submitted to tensile tests are analyzed. The nucleation and coalescence model extensions as well as an accurate elastoplastic and damage material parameter identification for Ti–6Al–4V samples are essential features to reach a validated model. The prediction capabilities exhibited for large strains are in good agreement with experimental results, while the near-fracture strains can still be improved.
Shielding performance of T-shaped periodic barrier for surface waves in transversely isotropic soil
Authors: Ji De-Xin , Yu Gui-Lan
Published: May 2021

Aiming at the vibration isolation in transversely isotropic soil, a T-shaped partially embedded periodic barrier for surface waves is proposed, and its shielding performance is explored by using finite element method combined with Bloch-Floquet theory. Seven independent dimensionless material parameters are derived and their influences on band gaps are discussed numerically. The results show that the band gaps exhibit strong sensitivity to the three parameters out of seven, and the band gaps are far wider in transversely isotropic soils than that in the isotropic. The mass density ratio and the shear modulus ratio of the barrier to the soil, as well as the length ratio of the barrier above the ground to that below, can be used to adjust band gaps effectively to meet the shielding requirements for different frequency ranges under different anisotropic soils. As a case of study, the El Centro seismic wave is considered and found that it can be considerably attenuated by the designed periodic barrier.
Modelling the asymmetric tension–compression properties of additively manufactured alloys using continuum damage mechanics
Authors: Nayebi A , Rokhgireh H , Araghi M , Mohammadi M
Published: May 2021

Additively manufactured parts often comprise internal porosities due to the manufacturing process, which needs to be considered in modelling their mechanical behaviour. It was experimentally shown that additively manufactured parts’ tensile and compressive mechanical properties are different for various metallic alloys. In this study, isotropic continuum damage mechanics is used to model additively manufactured alloys’ tension and compression behaviours. Compressive stress components can shrink discontinuities present in additively manufactured alloys. Therefore, the crack closure effect was employed to describe different behaviours during uniaxial tension and compression tests. A finite element model embedded in an ABAQUS’s UMAT format was developed to account for the isotropic continuum damage mechanics model. The numerical results of tension and compression tests were compared with experimental observations for additively manufactured maraging steel, AlSi10Mg and Ti-6Al-4V. Stress–strain curves in tension and compression of these alloys were obtained using the continuum damage mechanics model and compared well with the experimental results.
Jet ignition prediction in a zero-dimensional pre-chamber engine model
Authors: Malé Quentin , Vermorel Olivier , Ravet Frédéric , Poinsot Thierry
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a multi-chamber, multi-zone engine model to predict the ignition of a lean main chamber by a pre-chamber. The two chambers are connected by small cylindrical holes: the flame is ignited in the pre-chamber, hot gases propagate through the holes and ignite the main chamber through Turbulent Jet Ignition (TJI). The model original features are: (i) separate balance equations for the pre- and main chambers, (ii) a specific model for temperature and composition evolution in the holes and (iii) a DNS-based model to predict the ignition of the main chamber fresh gases by the burnt gases turbulent jets exiting the holes. Chemical reactions during TJI are the result of two competing mixing processes: (1) the hot jet gases mix with the fresh main chamber to produce heated zones and (2) at the same time, these hot gases cool down. (1) increases combustion and leads to ignition while (2) decreases it and can prevent ignition. The overall outcome (ignition or failure) is too complex to be modelled simply and the present model relies on recent DNSs of TJI which provided a method to predict the occurrence of ignition. Incorporating this DNS information into the engine model allows to predicts whether ignition will occur or not, an information which is not accessible otherwise using simple models. The resulting approach is tested on multiple cases to predict ignition limits for very lean cases, effects of H2 injection into the pre-chamber and optimum size for the holes connecting the two chambers as a function of equivalence ratio.
The afterlife of interviews: explicit ethics and subtle ethics in sensitive or distressing qualitative research
Authors: Pascoe Leahy Carla
Published: May 2021

When conducting interviews about sensitive subject matter such as family life, powerful emotions may arise. The kinds of unexpected distress that can surface in interviews concerning topics laden with personal significance are different to the readily anticipated trauma that accompanies interviews in post-crisis or post-conflict situation. This article analyses the ethical considerations that accompany such research, drawing upon literature from oral history and qualitative sociology. The article traces ethical issues during the temporal phases of qualitative research – before, during and after an interview – before proposing three strategies that interviewers can adopt to help protect narrators from ongoing harm or distress after an interview. Such ethical safeguards include the self-interview, the post-interview follow-up with the narrator, and adopting an ethics of reciprocity that allows the narrator to feel that they are contributing to a larger purpose through involvement in research.
Expressive violence and the slow genocide of the Banyamulenge of South Kivu
Authors: Ntanyoma Rukumbuzi Delphin , Hintjens Helen
Published: May 2021

Recent warfare in Eastern DRC, especially since 2015, is marked by violence inspired by ‘race’ narratives. Identity politics around ‘race’ is used to legitimise ‘expressive’ or reprisal-oriented violence against ‘Hamitic’ or ‘Tutsi’ minorities. The case of the Banyamulenge of South Kivu is examined in this article. Following Autesserre, we show that one-dimensional narratives – in this case of ‘race’ – tend to over-simplify the dynamics of political violence. Anti-Hamitic racism is derived from colonial ideas around race hierarchies, and has resulted in systematic killings of Banyamulenge civilians in what resembles a ‘slow genocide’. Expressive violence has, in turn, produced a lack of concern for the plight of Banyamulenge civilians among the military, humanitarians, media, scholars and NGOs. Given armed alliances between local Maimai forces, Burundian and Rwandan opposition and the DRC army, such ‘race’ narratives cruelly legitimise violence against civilians from ‘Tutsi’ communities, associated by neighbouring communities with Rwanda. Resultant displacement, starvation and killing of Banyamulenge civilians in this context amount to an on-going, slow-moving genocide. As the COVID-19 crisis unrolls, the decolonisation of identity politics in Eastern DRC, and in South Kivu in particular still seems very remote.
What influences uptake of psychosocial interventions by people living with early dementia? A qualitative study
Authors: Field Becky , Coates Elizabeth , Mountain Gail
Published: May 2021

Background

Health policy promotes post-diagnostic support for people affected by dementia. Evidence suggests psychosocial interventions can effectively support people living with dementia after diagnosis. Yet, what influences uptake of psychosocial interventions by people with early dementia is poorly understood. This research aimed to identify influences on uptake of psychosocial interventions by people with early dementia.

Methods

Sixteen face-to-face semi-structured interviews with people with early dementia, either alone or with a family member(s), were completed. Twelve staff participated in semi-structured interviews or a focus group. Thematic analysis and triangulation enabled identification of overall themes across different participant groups and interview types.

Main Findings

Four overarching themes influencing uptake were identified: (1) adjusting to a diagnosis, (2) appeal of activities and perception of benefit, (3) service and societal context, and (4) relationships and communication. Individual responses to diagnosis, experiences of dementia and dementia services influenced uptake. Group interventions were discussed the most by all participants. Group interventions offering social contact, peer support, information, enjoyable activities and mental stimulation were valued. However, group interventions specifically aimed at people with dementia did not appeal to all. Ability to travel and convenience of locations were important. Continuing with community activities not focused on dementia was valued. Stigma around dementia appeared to discourage uptake. Emotional and practical support from family was key to facilitating uptake as were the relationships between people with dementia and staff.

Conclusion

A complex interplay of individual, service and societal influences affect uptake of psychosocial interventions by people with early dementia. How interventions and which services can enable people with early dementia remain engaged in their everyday lives needs consideration. Further research examining uptake of specific interventions commonly offered to people living with early dementia is needed. Involving people with early dementia in designing interventions aiming to support them is paramount.
“The pain is real”: A [modified] photovoice exploration of disability, chronic pain, and chronic illness (in)visibility
Authors: Kattari Shanna K , Beltrán Ramona
Published: May 2021

This study uses an innovative modification to Photovoice methodology to explore the lived experiences of people who have non-apparent disabilities, chronic pain and/or chronic illness. Responding to limitations to mobility, movement, transportation, capacity, and access, the project provided a series of studio sessions with a professional photographer, in which participants directed the content and quality of photographs documenting their experiences with disability, chronic pain and/or chronic illness. Four themes emerged from the images and writing: unfettered anger, challenging expectations, duality of reality, and resistance/resilience. Social workers can use these findings and arts-based methodology to help build community among marginalized groups.
Temporary stays with housed family and friends among older adults experiencing homelessness: Qualitative findings from the HOPE HOME study
Authors: Knight Kelly R , Weiser Jeremy , Handley Margaret A , Olsen Pamela , Weeks John , Kushel Margot
Published: May 2021

Background

The proportion of adults age 50 and older experiencing homelessness is growing. People at risk for homelessness may stay with family and friends during homelessness episodes. Moving in with housed family and friends is a strategy used to exit homelessness. Little is known about these stays with family and friends. This study examined the motivations for and challenges of older adults experiencing homelessness staying with or moving in with family or friends.

Methods

We purposively sampled 46 participants from the HOPE HOME study, a cohort of 350 community-recruited adults experiencing homelessness age ≥50 in Oakland, CA. Inclusion criteria included having stayed with housed family/friends for ≥1 nights in the prior 6 months. We sampled 19 family/friends who had hosted participants experiencing homelessness. We conducted separate, semi-structured interviews, summarized, memoed and coded data consistent using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Older adults experiencing homelessness reported primarily temporary stays. Motivations for stays on the part of participants included a need for environmental, physical, and emotional respite from homelessness. Both individuals experiencing homelessness and hosts cited the mutual benefits of stays. Barriers to stays included feelings of shame, concerns about burdening the hosts, and interpersonal conflicts between older adults experiencing homelessness and host participants.

Conclusions

There are potential opportunities and concerns surrounding temporary stays between older adults experiencing homelessness and their family or friends. Policy solutions should support the potential mutual benefits of temporary stays, while addressing interpersonal barriers to strengthen kinship and friendship networks and mediate the negative impacts of homelessness.
Identifying space for mainstreaming multilingual pedagogies in European initial teacher education policies
Authors: Bergroth Mari , Llompart Júlia , Pepiot Nathalie , van der Worp Karin , Dražnik Tjaša , Sierens Sven
Published: May 2021

This study sought to explore the ideological and implementational spaces for mainstreaming multilingual pedagogies (MPs) in initial teacher education (ITE) policies and curricula across the European Union. The concept of linguistically sensitive teaching (LST) was used as a lens to examine inclusive, equity-centred MPs in ITE. A multi-sited comparative case study was conducted to collect data in nine locations. As a result, a general trend of ideological spaces was observed for MPs in language-in-education policies at the European and (sub)national levels. However, this ideological space was not always implemented in ITE. As a second result, explicit mentions of MPs and LST were identified in the ITE curricula of seven sites, and in each of the nine cases, a potential space for implementation was observed. As a third result we found that the greatest potential for opening implementational spaces for MPs lies in courses that aim to develop general pedagogical and sociolinguistic knowledge as well as professional beliefs in future teachers. In conclusion, we contend that the linguistic ecology and the organisational structure of education systems (decentralisation) are factors that help explain the successful mainstreaming of MPs in ITE institutions.
Research on dynamic behavior and traffic management decision-making of suspension bridge after vortex-induced vibration event
Authors: Dan Danhui , Yu Xuewen , Han Fei , Xu Bin
Published: May 2021

Long-span suspension bridges are susceptible to wind loads due to their lightweight, low stiffness, and small structural damping. Recently, two large-span suspension bridges in China that closed for several months due to COVID-2019 experienced large-scale and continuous vortex-induced vibration shortly after reopening to traffic, and the traffic was closed again for safety consideration, which has aroused widespread concerns in society. To provide a reference for owners and related decision-making departments whether to restore the traffic, this article intends to explore the impact mechanism of traffic loads on the dynamic behavior of suspension bridges. First, two mechanical models for suspension bridges considering traffic loads and structural damping are proposed in this article. Then, based on the extended dynamic stiffness method, the explicit expressions of modal damping ratio in the two models are derived for the first time. Subsequently, Wittrick–Williams algorithm is employed to solve the frequency equation to obtain the modal frequency of the structure that considers the effect of traffic loads. A numerical case is studied to inspect the influence of traffic loads on the structural dynamic characteristics. Moreover, field monitoring data of accelerations of a suspension bridge are utilized to demonstrate the reasonability and accuracy of the approach proposed. Analysis shows that the theoretical results are consistent well with the measured ones, which indicates the traffic loads will affect the dynamic characteristics of the suspension bridge, thus reducing the modal frequency and increasing the modal damping ratio. Besides, the measured results further explain that the contribution of traffic loads to the structural damping is significant, which has a positive effect on preventing and eliminating vortex-induced vibration response. Some interesting and enlightening conclusions are also obtained in this article.
Discursive representations of restorative justice in international policies
Authors: Pali Brunilda , Maglione Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

The European Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)8 concerning restorative justice in criminal matters, and the recently updated United Nations Handbook on Restorative Justice Programmes testify to the increasing policy recognition of restorative justice at the international level. And yet, despite the vast and burgeoning literature on restorative justice, limited research and critical analysis have been conducted on policies, and even less on international policies and instruments. As a result, we know little about how restorative justice is framed within policy and how such framings could contribute towards the development of this field in practice. Addressing this gap, this article seeks to understand the ways in which restorative justice is construed within international policies and their conditions of possibility, using a ‘policy-as-discourse’ analytical approach. The article also elicits implications for the study of the relationships between restorative justice policy and practice and for future research on the institutionalization of this ‘new’ frontier of penality internationally.
The impact of fear on young people’s mobility
Authors: Ceccato Vania , Langefors Linda , Näsman Per
Published: May 2021

This study makes use of a dataset recently collected among young people in Stockholm, Sweden ( N = 1122), to investigate the impact of fear on young people’s mobility and precautionary behaviour, after controlling for previous victimization as well as situational characteristics of daily trips. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and logistic regression models underlie the methodology of the study. Previous victimization, especially for sexual crimes, triggers precautionary behaviour among young people using trains and the metro. Signs of poorly maintained transit environments also affect young riders’ mobility patterns, as they state that they avoid particular stations or routes at particular times. Informed by principles of environmental criminology and the theory of fear of crime, the implications of the findings for both theory and practice are discussed.
Accurate prediction of HbA1c by continuous glucose monitoring using a kinetic model with patient-specific parameters for red blood cell lifespan and glucose uptake
Authors: Xu Yongjin , Hirota Yushi , Ajjan Ramzi A , Yamamoto Akane , Matsuoka Atsuko , Ogawa Wataru , Dunn Timothy C
Published: May 2021

Background:

A recent kinetic model proposed a new individualized glycaemic marker, calculated HbA1c (cHbA1c), based on kinetic parameters and glucose levels that are specific to each person. The aims of the current work were to validate the accuracy of this glucose metric for clinical use and evaluate data requirements for the estimation of personal kinetic factors.

Methods:

We retrieved HbA1c and glucose data from a group of 51 Japanese T1D patients under sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy. Two patient-specific kinetic parameters were identified by data sections, defined as continuous glucose data between two laboratory HbA1c measurements. The cHbA1c was prospectively validated employing subsequent HbA1c data that were not originally used to determine personal kinetic parameters.

Results:

Compared to estimated HbA1c (eHbA1c) and glucose management indicator (GMI), cHbA1c showed clinically relevant accuracy improvement, with 20% or more within ±0.5% (±5.5 mmol/mol) of laboratory HbA1c. The mean absolute deviation of the cHbA1c calculation was 0.11% (1.2 mmol/mol), substantially less than for eHbA1c and GMI at 0.54% (5.9 mmol/mol) and 0.47% (5.1 mmol/mol), respectively.

Conclusion:

Our study shows superior performance of cHbA1c compared with eHbA1c and GMI at reflecting laboratory HbA1c, making it a credible glucose metric for routine clinical use.
Investigating the Influence of COVID-Related Worry on University Enrollment Intentions: An Application of the Reasoned Action Model
Authors: Thomas Christopher L. , Allen Kristie
Published: May 2021

The current study was designed to investigate the influence of COVID-19-related worry and online learning attitudes on enrollment behavior using the Reasoned Action Model. Participants (N = 246) completed measures of other-focused COVID-19 worry, self-focused COVID-19 worry, attitudes, perceived normative pressure, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention during the Spring and Summer 2020 academic semesters. Additionally, participants allowed us access to their university records to determine their enrollment status during the Fall 2020 semester. Mediation analysis results indicated the relationship between other-focused COVID-19 worry and enrollment intention was mediated by both perceived normative pressure and perceived behavioral control. Further, behavioral intention was found to share a positive relationship with enrollment behavior. Our discussion focuses on how the findings of the current research can be used to enhance student enrollment and retention.
Universal Intervention to Strengthen Parenting and Prevent Child Maltreatment: Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Branco Marília Souza Silva , Altafim Elisa Rachel Pisani , Linhares Maria Beatriz Martins
Published: May 2021

Child maltreatment is a severe worldwide public health problem because of its negative consequences and should therefore be prevented through parenting programs to improve parental behavior and practices. The present review aimed to update a published review of 5 years of empirical studies on universal parenting programs to strengthen positive parenting and prevent child maltreatment. A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Lilacs, and SciELO databases was performed to identify the studies of group-based structured parenting programs published from 2015 to 2019. Eighteen studies were found that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results showed that 14 different parenting programs were conducted in high-, medium-, and low-income countries, showing an increase in the number of studies in low-income countries compared with the previous review. In 89% of the studies, the parenting outcomes improved in the post-intervention. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that these programs also improved other parental outcomes such as mental health, couple relationships, coparenting, and coping ability of parents. From 18 studies, nine child variables were evaluated, and eight of them showed a decrease in behavior problems. Regarding the methodological quality of the studies, 55%, 28%, and 17% were classified as moderate, weak, and strong, respectively. In conclusion, the positive changes in parenting and child behavior outcomes encourage the implementation of parenting programs as a universal prevention strategy. Further research should increase the methodological quality of the design study.
Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma Among Young People Who Offend: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Malvaso Catia G. , Cale Jesse , Whitten Tyson , Day Andrew , Singh Sara , Hackett Louisa , Delfabbro Paul H. , Ross Stuart
Published: May 2021

This systematic review synthesized current knowledge about the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among young people known to have offended and examined evidence of associations between ACEs, trauma symptoms, and offending behavior. A systematic search of English-language, peer-reviewed studies published from the year 2000 onwards was conducted. A final pool of 124 studies that reported quantitative data were included in the review. The Cambridge Quality Checklist for the assessment of studies on offending was used to assess methodological quality of included studies. Pooled data indicated that almost 87% of justice-involved young people across 13 countries experienced at least one traumatic event. The odds of experiencing at least one ACE were over 12 times greater for justice-involved young people compared with nonjustice-involved young people. Prevalence of individual ACEs ranged from 12.2% for childhood sexual abuse to 80.4% for parental separation among justice-involved young people. Those who reported both a higher number and multiple types of ACEs were more likely to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress symptoms. However, when considering only high-quality studies, there was minimal evidence to suggest that a higher incidence of ACEs predicted trauma symptoms or that trauma symptoms mediated the association between ACEs and offending behavior. Further research is needed to elucidate factors that differentiate young people exposed to ACEs who go on to offend from those who do not. This research is essential to understanding whether ACEs and trauma are drivers of offending behavior and for informing prevention and intervention strategies.
Safety Planning With Marginalized Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Challenges of Conducting Safety Planning Intervention Research With Marginalized Women
Authors: Sabri Bushra , Tharmarajah Saraniya , Njie-Carr Veronica P. S. , Messing Jill T. , Loerzel Em , Arscott Joyell , Campbell Jacquelyn C.
Published: May 2021

Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionately affects marginalized women in the United States. This calls for effective safety planning strategies to reduce the risk for future revictimization and address safety needs of survivors from marginalized groups. This review identified types of interventions that incorporated safety planning and were successful in reducing the risk for future revictimization among IPV survivors from diverse groups, examined elements of safety planning in effective interventions, and described challenges or limitations in safety planning intervention research with marginalized women. A systematic search of five databases was performed. The search resulted in inclusion of 17 studies for synthesis. The included studies were quantitative, U.S.-based, evaluated interventions with a safety planning component, and had an outcome of change in IPV. Effective interventions that incorporated safety planning were empowerment and advocacy focused. Elements included were comprehensive assessments of survivors’ unique needs and situations, educating them about IPV, helping them identify threats to safety, developing a concrete safety plan, facilitating linkage with resources, providing advocacy services as needed, and conducting periodic safety check-ins. For survivors with mental and behavioral health issues, effective interventions included psychotherapeutic approaches along with safety planning to address survivors’ co-occurring health care needs. Although most studies reported positive findings, there were limitations related to designs, methods, adequate inclusion, and representation of marginalized women and cultural considerations. This calls for additional research using rigorous and culturally informed approaches to establish an evidence base for effective interventions that specifically address the safety planning needs of marginalized survivors of IPV.
Losses Associated With Childhood Sexual Abuse in Women Survivors: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kays Ebrahim Baaqira , Fouche Ansie , Walker-Williams Hayley
Published: May 2021

Childhood sexual abuse is a complex trauma with unique trauma-causing factors that could have devastating long-term, negative effects on survivors. To date, little attention has been given to loss and specifically stigmatized or hidden loss as a unique trauma-causing factor.

Method:

This article reports the findings of a scoping review designed to identify research exploring the losses associated with childhood sexual abuse in women survivors. A systematic search of databases for articles published between 1983 and 2019 were conducted using keywords related to loss and women survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Findings:

Twenty studies were selected for review using predefined inclusion criteria: studies that include adult women survivors of childhood sexual abuse, studies that include child/childhood sexual abuse, studies that include stigmatized loss, studies that indicate stigmatized loss in adult women survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Sources were subject to quality appraisal and data were extracted in line with the review question.

Discussion and Contribution:

Findings acknowledged and extended on Bloom’s model of stigmatized loss and suggested that female survivors of childhood sexual abuse may experience an overall loss of self-efficacy, presenting as a loss of personal agency, interpersonal agency, and sexual agency. The results of this research suggest that loss be considered in support interventions with women self-reporting childhood sexual abuse. It is recommended that further research be conducted to confirm these findings so that they may advocate for inclusion in childhood sexual abuse treatment interventions.
Theory of Mind in Offending: A Systematic Review
Authors: Karoğlu Nilda , Ferguson Heather J. , Ó Ciardha Caoilte
Published: May 2021

Theory of mind (ToM) impairment is associated with poor social functioning in some psychological disorders (e.g., autism and schizophrenia). ToM deficits have also been linked with offending behavior in the theoretical literature. However, no review has examined the empirical evidence for such a link. We carried out a systematic review to provide a critical overview of studies involving ToM ability in offenders. We included studies published in English that used an instrument to measure at least one aspect of ToM. Twenty-eight eligible studies were identified and coded. Our findings reveal a generally mixed literature. Taking study quality into account, our findings suggest that offenders and nonoffenders do not differ in their first-order ToM. For second-order ToM, findings are mixed, even when only the highest quality studies are examined. Studies exploring advanced ToM showed mixed results overall, though the highest quality research appeared to indicate that offenders have impairments in advanced ToM which means that they may have difficulty understanding various mental states such as pretense, white lies, irony, double bluffs, and sarcasm. We suggest that well-controlled future studies, which also measure other facets of ToM (e.g., distinguishing between cognitive and affective ToM or examining ToM content), are needed to fully understand the role of ToM in offending.
“It’s a Whole Different Atmosphere”: A Qualitative Examination of Social Support as a Facilitator of Exercise During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Carter Andrew , Alexander Adam C.
Published: May 2021

Emerging research identified physical inactivity and weight-related comorbidities as significant risk factors for contracting SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), reinforcing the importance of maintaining regular exercise during the pandemic. Previous scholarship in this area examined the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across various populations. Currently, there is limited research examining how these populations engage in and navigate challenges relating to exercise during shelter-in-place mandates and no studies examining the role of social support in promoting exercise during the pandemic. In this study, we examine perceptions of social support during the COVID-19 pandemic among members who belong to a fitness community based in Oakland, California. In-depth interviews ( n = 31) were used to understand how the pandemic has affected participants’ perceptions of current exercise habits and how understandings of social support facilitate engagement in physical activity. Reported narratives encompassed two primary themes: (1) Facilitators of Social Support and (2) Challenges and Barriers to Social Support. Our findings highlight the importance of social support for reinforcing perceptions of exercise adherence amid challenges experienced by members of a fitness community to remain physically active during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effect of moisture condensation on vapour transmission through porous membranes
Authors: Khakpour Ariana , Gibbons Michael , Chandra Sanjeev
Published: May 2021

Porous membranes find natural application in various fields and industries. Water condensation on membranes can block pores, reduce vapour transmissibility, and diminish the porous membranes' performance. This research investigates the rate of water vapour transmission through microporous nylon and nanofibrous Gore-Tex membranes. Testing consisted of placing the membrane at the intersection of two chambers with varied initial humidity conditions. One compartment is initially set to a high ([Formula: see text]water vapour concentration and the other low ([Formula: see text], with changes in humidity recorded as a function of time. The impact of pore blockage was explored by pre-wetting the membranes with water or interposing glycerine onto the membrane pores before testing. Pore blockage was measured using image analysis for the nylon membrane. The mass flow rate of water vapour ( ṁv) diffusing through a porous membrane is proportional to both its area (A) and the difference in vapour concentration across its two faces ([Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text] where K is defined as the moisture diffusion coefficient. Correlations are presented for the variation of K as a function of [Formula: see text]. Liquid contamination on the porous membrane has been shown to reduce the moisture diffusion rate through the membrane due to pore blockage and the subsequent reduced open area available for vapour diffusion. Water evaporation from the membrane's surface was observed to add to the mass of vapour diffusing through the membrane. A model was developed to predict the effect of membrane wetting on vapour diffusion and showed good agreement with experimental data.
Political Ambition and Constituent Service: Does Ambition Influence How Local Officials Respond to Electoral and Non-Electoral Service Requests?
Authors: Dynes Adam M. , Hassell Hans J.G. , Miles Matthew R.
Published: May 2021

Theoretically, political ambitions paired with elections generate more responsive elected officials. In this paper, we test whether the progressive political ambitions of public officials affect whether and how they respond to their constituents by conducting a experimental audit study where local public officials receive both an electorally related service request and a generic service request. We combine their responses (or non-responses) with data from a survey of these public officials conducted months prior about their political ambition in seeking higher office. On the whole, we find that politically ambitious officials are not more responsive to electorally oriented service requests and that there are not systematic differences in the content of the responses of ambitious and non-ambitious elected officials. In areas of constituency service, ambition does not seem to affect representational behavior, regardless of whether the service requests are electorally related or not.
Continuous Low-Dose Apatinib Combined With WBRT Significantly Reduces Peritumoral Edema and Enhances the Efficacy of Symptomatic Multiple Brain Metastases in NSCLC
Authors: Ren Yue , Wang Shan-Bing , Zhou Lin , Liu Si-Qiao , Du Lei-Ya , Li Ting , Jiang Mao-Qiong , Lei Kai-Jian , Tan Bang-Xian , Jia Yu-Ming
Published: May 2021

Background:

Symptomatic multiple brain metastases with peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) occur in non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC) who are without driver mutations or are resistant to epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TKI) are often associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) which comes with many complications and unsatisfactory effects, is the only option for the treatment. Previous studies have shown that bevacizumab can reduce the volume of PTBE and improve efficiency of radiotherapy. This study evaluated the effects and safety of apatinib combined with WBRT in NSCLC patients with symptomatic multiple brain metastases and PTBE.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of 34 patients with symptomatic multiple brain metastases from NSCLC (number >4, and at least 1 measurable brain metastasis lesion with cerebral edema). Intracranial objective response rate (IORR), peritumoral edema and intracranial tumor volumetric measurement, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Median intracranial progression-free survival (mIPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) were also analyzed.

Results:

Thirteen cases received apatinib (125 mg or 250 mg, QD, oral) combined with WBRT and 21 cases received chemotherapy combined with WBRT were inclued. Apatinib combination group can better reduce the volume of intracranial tumors and PTBE and total steroid dosage used. It was associated with a better IORR (84.6% vs 47.6%, P = 0.067), longer mIPFS (6.97 vs 4.77months; P = 0.014). There was no significant difference in mOS(7.70 vs 6.67 months; P = 0.14) between the 2 groups. The most common adverse events of apatinib combination WBRT included grade 1/2 nausea (4/13), fatigue (3/13), hypertension (2/13) and white blood cell decrease (2/13). No grade 3/4 AEs were observed.

Conclusion:

Apatinib plus WBRT is well tolerated and may be a potential choice for relapsed or drug-resistant advanced NSCLC patients with symptomatic multiple brain metastases and PTBE.
Characterization of the Clinical Significance of PD-1/PD-Ls Expression and Methylation in Patients With Low-Grade Glioma
Authors: Mei Jie , Cai Yun , Xu Rui , Yang Xuejing , Zhou Weijian , Wang Huiyu , Liu Chaoying
Published: May 2021

Background:

Immune checkpoints play crucial roles in the immune escape of cancer cells. However, the exact prognostic values of expression and methylation of programmed-death 1 (PD-1), programmed-death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and PD-L2 in low-grade glioma (LGG) have not been well-defined yet.

Methods:

A total 514 LGG samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset containing gene expression, DNA methylation, and survival data were enrolled in our study. Besides, a total of 137 primary LGG samples from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database were also extracted for the survival analysis of the prognostic values of PD-1/PD-Ls expression.

Results:

PD-1/PD-Ls had distinct co-expression patterns in LGG tissues. The expression and methylation level of PD-1/PD-Ls seemed to be various in different LGG subtypes. Besides, overexpression and hypo-methylation of PD-1/PD-Ls were associated with worse prognosis. In addition, PD-1/PD-Ls expression was positively associated with TIICs infiltration, while their methylation was negatively associated with TIICs infiltration. Moreover, PD-1/PD-Ls and their positively correlated gene mainly participated in immune response related biological processes.

Conclusion:

To conclude, overexpression and hypo-methylation of PD-1/PD-Ls predicted unfavorable prognosis in LGG patients, suggesting those patients may benefit from PD1/PD-Ls checkpoint inhibitors treatment.
Stage 0 Charcot Neuroarthropathy in the Diabetic Foot: An Emerging Narrow Window of Opportunity?
Authors: Ahluwalia Raju , Armstrong David G. , Petrova Nina , Papanas Nikoloas , Edmonds Michael
Published: May 2021

In a world where popular culture and concepts can become the norm without all the rigors of normal scrutiny, our attention is focused on identifying Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) at a stage before radiological bone destruction occurs. The rationale is that early recognition can prevent a destructive chain of events and thus potentially reduce the burden to patients and health care providers. In this article, we describe the evolution of stage 0 CN, and the use of modern imaging in characterizing the abnormalities recognized by these modalities and how they aid our understanding and supplement our knowledge. We review the potential of these imaging modalities, assessing how far we have come in characterizing stage 0 and if we have robust criteria for the identification of stage 0 in the natural history of CN.
The Safety and Antimicrobial Properties of Stabilized Hypochlorous Acid in Acetic Acid Buffer for the Treatment of Acute Wounds—a Human Pilot Study and In Vitro Data
Authors: Burian Ewa A. , Sabah Lubna , Kirketerp-Møller Klaus , Ibstedt Elin , Fazli Magnus M. , Gundersen Glenn
Published: May 2021

Acute wounds may require cleansing to reduce the risk of infection. Stabilized hypochlorous acid in acetic buffer (HOCl + buffer) is a novel wound irrigation solution with antimicrobial properties. We performed a first-in-man, prospective, open-label pilot study to document preliminary safety and performance in the treatment of acute wounds. The study enrolled 12 subjects scheduled for a split-skin graft transplantation, where the donor site was used as a model of an acute wound. The treatment time was 75 s, given on 6 occasions. A total of 7 adverse events were regarded as related to the treatment; all registered as pain during the procedure for 2 subjects. One subject had a wound infection at the donor site. The mean colony-forming unit (CFU) decreased by 41% after the treatment, and the mean epithelialization was 96% on both days 14 (standard deviation [SD] 8%) and 21 (SD 10%). The study provides preliminary support for the safety, well-tolerance, and efficacy of HOCl + buffer for acute wounds. The pain was frequent although resolved quickly. Excellent wound healing and satisfying antimicrobial properties were observed. A subsequent in vitro biofilm study also indicated good antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a 96% mean reduction of CFU, when used for a treatment duration of 15 min ( P < .0001), and a 50% decrease for Staphylococcus aureus ( P = .1010). Future larger studies are needed to evaluate the safety and performance of HOCl + buffer in acute wounds, including the promising antimicrobial effect by prolonged treatment on bacterial biofilms.