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An Assessment of the Effects of COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Orders on Street and Cybercrimes in a Brazilian City
No full textWith the COVID-19 pandemic, public authorities established stay-at-home orders to contain the propagation of the virus. According to Stickle and Felson (2020), this phenomenon represented a natural criminological experiment, as it dramatically changed the routine activities of individuals. People spent less time on the streets and more time at home. Hence, opportunities for street crimes would decrease, and opportunities for cybercrimes would increase – leading to a decrease in the former and an increase in the latter. Most studies confirm this reasoning for street crimes, yet the results depend on the crime type and context assessed – with few studies investigating developing countries. For cybercrimes, the results are less clear. Few studies were conducted, and divergent results were obtained. The current dissertation aims to help fill the gaps in the literature by investigating the effects of the orders on both street crimes (theft, auto theft, residential burglary, and robbery) and cybercrimes (i.e., fraud committed in the virtual environment) in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte. Structured as a two-study dissertation, it uses routine activity theory to make predictions. The first study investigates the impact of the orders on street and cybercrimes, hypothesizing a decrease in street crimes and an increase in cybercrimes following the implementation of stay-at-home orders. The second study explores the effect of mobility fluctuations on street and cybercrimes, measured through the residential permanency indices from COVID-19 Google Mobility reports. These studies use ARIMA timeseries analysis models to investigate these issues. It is hypothesized that street crimes would decrease with higher residential permanency while cybercrimes would increase. The hypotheses regarding street crimes in both studies were mainly confirmed – especially for theft and auto theft. These crimes frequently occur in environments with crowds and events, which were reduced by the orders. The orders did not significantly impact robberies and residential burglaries, which may suggest that perpetrators swiftly adapted to finding new opportunities to commit them. Concerning residential burglaries, it is also possible that the orders' impact is contingent on the level of restrictions, as a significant association with residential permanency was found. Yet, the effects of the orders on residential burglaries dissipate over time. The evidence of crime displacement offers important lessons for future pandemics or events with mobility restrictions. To sustain reductions in property crimes, it is essential to monitor where and when crimes might be displaced and identify new offender tactics. The hypotheses regarding cybercrime were primarily rejected. Cyber-crimes did not increase and were not positively associated with residential permanency. A potential association between cybercrimes and street crimes (confirmed by ad hoc analysis) may help explain these unexpected findings. Street crimes could provide opportunities for cybercrimes. When electronic devices are stolen or private information is accessed (including credit cards, documents, passwords, and other confidential data), perpetrators can utilize these resources to commit further offenses in the digital domain. As a result, the decrease in street crimes may have mitigated the potential catalyzing effect of the orders on cybercrimes. Routine activity theory posits that crime happens when motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians intersect in time and space. However, the digital realm challenges this prediction due to the disruption of traditional concepts of time and space. Therefore, it is essential to refine theoretical frameworks that precisely capture the complexities of cybercrimes, thereby enhancing our understanding of crime in the digital age.Criminal Justice and Criminolog
Insights into (Cs0.22FA0.78)Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 triple halide perovskite films: Stability investigations via angle-resolved XPS analysis
No full textPerovskite materials have garnered significant attention from researchers due to their promising photovoltaic properties and cost-effective production processes. These films can be deposited using solvent-based techniques close to room temperature, such as spin-casting, blade-coating, slot-die printing, and inkjet printing. Triple halide perovskites, with their tunable wide bandgap, offer promising applications in tandem solar cells, particularly when paired with silicon-based cells. Despite their enhanced efficiencies and reduced production costs, the commercial viability of perovskite solar cells remains constrained by their limited stability. In our study, we employed angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to examine a spin- coated absorber layer formulated from (Cs0.22FA0.78)Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 with an added 3 mol % MAPbCl3, also referred to as Cs22Br15. The inks, based on DMF, were prepared in a glovebox, and applied to plasma-cleaned glass substrates. Following deposition, the wet films were annealed at 100°C for 30 minutes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the annealed samples transitioned to a photo-active α-phase, whereas the unannealed samples retained a photo-inactive δ-phase. The surface chemical composition of the perovskite films was analyzed using angle-resolved XPS, an effective technique for investigating the photochemical and thermal decomposition of perovskite materials. The samples were pre-cleaned using a low-energy ion/cluster beam to prevent damage to the perovskite layers. The survey spectrum of the freshly prepared perovskite/glass samples displayed characteristic peaks, including Pb4f, Br3d, I3d, Cs3d, and C1s. Closer examination between 283 eV and 287 eV identified a peak at approximately 286 eV and a secondary peak at around 284 eV, corresponding to C-N and C-C bonds, respectively. The Pb XPS spectra that were taken 625 hours later of sample preparation and sample treatment show larger Pbo peaks. So, degradation does not stop upon removing the heat and humidity stresses and storing the sample in a nitrogen filled glovebox. We also explored the impact of heat and moisture on the triple halide perovskite. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an XPS study on Cs22Br15.Materials Science, Engineering, and CommercializationPhysic
Cellular Copper Import Mechanisms via Secreted Cuproproteins: Exploring Metal Homeostasis in Pseudogymnoascus destructans
No full textThis thesis investigates the metal stress response of the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), which causes White-Nose Syndrome in bats. Special emphasis is placed on understanding how cellular metal status effects Bim1-like Proteins (BLPs) and high-affinity copper transporters (CTR proteins) transcription levels. These two families of copper-binding proteins have been shown to facilitate copper uptake, which is critical for fungal growth, survival, and virulence, especially in the nutrient-restrictive conditions encountered during host colonization niche. Kinetic growth assays demonstrated a dose-dependent relationship between fungal growth and copper concentrations, where copper acted both as a growth enhancer at lower concentrations and a stressor at higher levels. Iron supplementation similarly influenced fungal growth, while the presence of copper and iron chelators, such as bathocuproinedisulfonic acid (BCS) and bathophenanthroline disulfonate (BPS), restricted growth, underscoring the dependency of P. destructans on these metals. Differential gene expression analyses further highlighted copper-responsive pathways that modulate copper transport and oxidative stress responses. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) data revealed copper homeostasis adjustments, particularly under copper- or iron-limiting conditions. Microscopy with Phen Green FL provided visualization of intracellular copper dynamics, where copper chelation and supplementation induced marked changes in fluorescence, reflecting variations in intracellular copper levels. These findings support a model where BLPs, by scavenging copper and interfacing with CTR transporters, play a pivotal role in maintaining copper homeostasis. This function is essential for overcoming metal-limiting environments imposed by the host during infection. Collectively, the study provides insights into the metal acquisition strategies of P. destructans, contributing to broader understanding of fungal pathogenesis and opening avenues for anti-fungal strategies targeting metal homeostasis pathways.Chemistry and Biochemistr
A Systematic Review of the Lack of Mental Health Resources in Rural High Schools [paper]
No full textMental health is a relevant and sensitive subject in our world today. Adolescents are particularly apt to issues that arise when there is a lack of mental health treatment. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine how the lack of mental health resources affected rural high school adolescents compared to urban counterparts. Some problems that occur in adolescents who reside in rural areas due to the lack of mental health resources include substance and drug abuse, poor academic outcomes, and suicide. The literature review was conducted using four databases and quality appraisal tools. The data collected included randomized control studies, qualitative and quantitative studies, primary research articles, and cross-sectional studies. Six of the seven articles used were conducted in school settings. Participants in this study included 155,000 adolescents ages 14-18. Results yielded the common theme that the lack of mental health resources in rural areas produces negative outcomes for adolescents. Findings are discussed in the context of the importance for the increase of mental health resources and treatment for adolescents in rural areas.Nursin
Towards a Socratic Response to Chat-GPT: The Socratic Approach to Pedagogy in Neoliberalized Academia
No full textNo abstract prepared.Philosoph
Yoga Practice and Its Association with Health Promotion/ Health Risk Behaviors
No full textYoga practice is often seen in US culture as a way to decrease stress and avoid unhealthy reliance on alcohol, drugs, and other substances. The present study collected data via an online survey platform to evaluate how associated yoga practice is with health risk behaviors, such as substance use (alcohol, cannabis, and other substances) and mental health/mental state (generalized anxiety disorder, perceived stress, peace of mind, etc.) among US young adults (N = 279). It was hypothesized that higher levels of yoga practice would correlate with lower levels of substance use and higher levels of positive mental state (more peace of mind, less anxiety and stress). Initial analyses suggest that there is no significant difference in alcohol or cannabis use between yoga practitioners and non-yoga practitioners and a significant difference in peace of mind. However, in contrast with hypotheses, among those that have experience practicing yoga, analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between amount time in yoga practice and alcohol use. This unexpected finding, even when adjusting for personality traits and outlier scores, promotes the further exploration into this relationship to understand how stereotypically health-conscious practices can increase health consciousness for US young adults and the world.Psycholog
A Systematic Review of Reducing Rates of Seclusion and Restraint in Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitals [paper]
No full textIn inpatient psychiatric hospitals, restraints and seclusions are theoretically last resort interventions to de-escalate unsafe situations and minimize harm to the patients. Among staff that are improperly trained or burnout, there is a higher incidence of restraint use as a form of threat or punishment. Additionally, when restraints are incorrectly utilized or utilized for long periods of time, there are detrimental effects to a patient’s physical, emotional and mental health, sometimes leading to death. This paper explores whether improving staffing levels can help reduce rates of restraint and seclusion. A systematic review search of literature was conducted across three databases: PUBMED, CINAHL and PsychInfo. There were a total of 389 articles retrieved, with six removed due to being duplicates in preliminary search. After entering exclusion criteria, 253 articles were removed due to automation and 117 were removed manually. From the remaining 13 articles, 3 were removed for being an editorial article, a duplicate and being a systematic review. When reviewing the remaining ten articles, common themes included: education of staff in proper verbal and physical de-escalation techniques, early detection of escalation of agitation and aggression, and identifying patients who are at higher risk of restraint or seclusion during their hospitalization. Literature suggests the approach to reducing rates of seclusion and restraint is one that is multimodal. A proactive approach is required to create an environment that is a safe, comfortable environment that reduces risk of re-traumatization and ensures that rapport and trust is maintained between the patient and clinicians.Nursin
Assessing the Distribution and Survival of Mussel Communities in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Texas after Exceptional Drought Conditions
No full textNo abstract prepared.Biolog
Attracting Customers to Ivar's River Pub: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Identify Crucial Underlying Factors
No full textIvar’s River Pub, located in San Marcos Texas has been a staple for the town of San Marcos for nearly 30 years. But what exactly makes people want to visit Ivar’s River Pub? Is it the food? Atmosphere? Proximity to the river? Or are people’s intentions to visit Ivar’s River Pub based on what they already think, know, or believe about it? This study aims to uncover these factors. To that end, the study seeks to understand what determines people’s behavioral intention to visit Ivar’s River Pub based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). To gather data for the study, we utilized a Qualtrics survey. The survey took roughly 5-10 minutes to complete and asked questions about basic demographic information and questions related to constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior using Ivar’s River Pub as an example to understand how attitudes, beliefs, and subjective norms influence one’s decision in where they dine. The results from bivariate correlation tests indicate that there is a positive correlation between customer service at Ivar’s and intention to return; and between menu items and intention to visit/return to Ivar’s. The results also indicated a positive correlation between participants attitudes and intention to visit/return to Ivar’s; a positive correlation between peer attitudes and intention to visit/return to Ivar’s and between subjective norms and intention to visit/return to Ivar’s.Communication Studie