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“There’s Got to be More to Life than this”: Resources and Needs of Children living with Parental Intimate Partner Violence
Get PDFAbstract Purpose
Children’s experience of parental intimate partner violence (IPV) often coexists with other types of victimization and is associated with negative short- and long-term health and well-being outcomes in both childhood and adulthood. Research on factors that protect against these adverse outcomes is mostly quantitative in nature and limited by the lack of qualitative exploratory work in this area. This paper reports on the resources on which children exposed to IPV have relied, the barriers they have identified to talking about IPV and other victimizations, and their unmet needs.
Methods
Data were collected in 2022 through semi-structured individual interviews with 20 youth aged 14–28 years who had been exposed to IPV while they were minors, and whose parent had consulted a clinical forensic consultation for IPV between 2011 and 2018. The interviews covered all major areas of the participants’ lives since birth. A thematic content analysis was conducted on the interview transcripts. The study utilized Brofenbrenner’s ecological framework, as adapted by Heise, and the analysis drew on Grych, Hamby and Banyard’s Resilience Portfolio Model to explore children’s resources.
Results
Participants reported personal strengths and assets known to be particularly important for resilience: meaning making strengths, self-regulatory strengths and interpersonal assets including support from family, and especially from the victimized parent. Engaging in hobbies provided them with various benefits, as did some interactions with various professionals. However, participants rarely discussed IPV and other victimizations with professionals or with family and friends, and barriers to doing so were identified. In terms of unmet needs and advice to parents and professionals, participants argued that violence should stop, and identified their need to be heard and protected, and that IPV should not be a taboo. In their view, professionals need to be particularly attentive to changes in children, and be proactive with them. Involving children in decision-making processes was also identified as important. Finally, the analysis showed that these children’s resources and needs evolve over time.
Conclusions
Children exposed to IPV use a full range of resources, both personal and external to them, and demonstrate agency to cope with adversity. Professionals need to be aware of each child’s specific resources and needs in order to support them. Results also suggest the need for long-term follow-up. Recommendations address prevention, detection and intervention
Temporal trends in the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the Middle East and North Africa over the past three decades.
No full textBackground: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common hematologic malignancy globally, with rising incidence, particularly in high-income countries. While global trends indicate an expanding burden, the epidemiology of NHL in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remains understudied. This study uses data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database to analyze NHL incidence trends across the MENA over the past three decades. Methods: Data on age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) for NHL in the MENA from 1990 to 2019 were obtained from the GBD database. Joinpoint analysis software was used to calculate the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) in ASIR, with stratification by sex and country. Results: From 1990 to 2019, 464,321 NHL cases were reported in the MENA, with 61.5% of cases in males. A significant increase in ASIR was observed across the region, with an AAPC of 1.30 (95%CI 1.27 to 1.33, p<0.001). Significant increases were observed in Saudi Arabia (AAPC 3.49, 95%CI 3.45 to 3.55, p<0.001) and Libya (AAPC 2.33, 95%CI 2.27 to 2.40, p<0.001), while Afghanistan showed a decline (AAPC -0.10, 95%CI -0.15 to -0.03, p=0.007). Kuwait and Bahrain showed no significant changes. Sex-based stratification revealed a decline for males in Afghanistan, Yemen, and Bahrain, while females in most countries saw significant increases, except for Kuwait, where a decline was observed (AAPC -1.07, 95%CI -1.57 to -0.47, p<0.001). Among females, the UAE had the highest increase (AAPC 4.21), followed by Saudi Arabia (AAPC 4.10) and Iran (AAPC 3.12). Conclusions: Our analysis shows a significant rise in NHL incidence across the MENA from 1990 to 2019, with males accounting for the majority of cases. The overall increase in ASIR (AAPC of 1.30) aligns with global trends, especially in Saudi Arabia and Libya. However, Afghanistan showed a decline in ASIR, while Kuwait and Bahrain showed no significant changes. Sex-based stratification reveals significant increases in ASIR for females in most countries, except Kuwait. The UAE saw the highest increase among females. These trends underscore the need for region-specific healthcare strategies to address the growing NHL burden in the MENA
Impact of Severe COVID-19 Infection on Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in ANOCA Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground and aims
Millions of survivors from severe COVID-19 infection suffer from residual symptoms including anginal chest pain. The pathophysiological mechanisms, particularly the role of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), however, remain elusive. We compared the incidence and endotypes of CMD in patients with angina without obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA) between those who had a history of severe COVID-19 infection (COVID group, defined as COVID patients needing supplemental oxygen therapy with SpO2 < 90% on room air), versus those who didn’t (Control group).
Methods
This multicentre, prospective cohort study enrolled 117 ANOCA patients (COVID group n=59, Control group n=58). All participants underwent exercise stress testing and invasive coronary physiology assessment to measure coronary flow reserve (CFR), and the index of microvascular resistance (IMR). CMD was defined as CFR<2.0 or IMR≥25. Patients also completed the modified Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ-7) after invasive functional assessment.
Results
CMD was diagnosed in 42 patients (35.9%): 47.5% in the COVID group and 24.1% in the Control group (p=0.015). The prevalence of structural CMD was significantly higher in the COVID group (28.8% vs. 5.2%, p<0.001). The median IMR was significantly higher in the COVID versus the Control group (20.00 [15.00, 42.00] vs. 17.00 [12.00, 21.00], p=0.002) while no significant differences were observed in CFR and FFR. The SAQ-7 summary scores (54.44 vs. 59.44, p=0.003) and physical limitation and quality-of-life domain scores were all significantly lower in the COVID group.
Conclusions
The incidence of CMD, particularly structural CMD, was higher in ANOCA patients with a history of severe COVID-19 infection, suggesting a link between persistent angina and CMD in this population
Relative age effect at Concacaf championships: Influence of sex, age, nationality, playing position, and playing status
Get PDFRelative age effects in soccer are typified by an overrepresentation of players born earlier in the selection year. Examinations of relative age effects remain limited in female players and developing soccer nations. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of sex, age, nation, playing position, and playing status in international level soccer players under Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf). The sample consisted of a total of 1,959 active soccer players from 24 soccer nations that competed in recent Concacaf Championships. Results indicated an evident relative age effect in male [p < 0.05] but not female [p = 0.81] players. Male players were over‐represented by players born in the first quartile for the U17 [p < 0.01] level, however, this over‐representation did not transfer to the U20 or senior levels. No relative age effects were observed at any level for female players. A large proportion of nations demonstrated relative age effects in male, but not female samples. Relative age effects were shown for players participating at age group level, but not those ‘playing-up’. Results from this study highlight the continued disparity in relative age effects prevalence between male and female players raises further questions regarding the value of selecting relatively older players to metrics of success, transition, and selection for senior international soccer. This information can be used to advance talent identification and development in Concacaf nations
Optimization of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Ultrafine Palm Oil Fuel Ash Using Response Surface Methodology for Enhanced Rheological Performance and Sustainability
No full textSelf-compacting concrete (SCC) enhances workability and eliminates the need for vibration but is prone to segregation and extended setting times. This study investigates the use of ultrafine palm oil fuel ash (UPOFA) as a partial cement replacement to improve SCC performance and sustainability. UPOFA, processed through sieving, grinding, and heating, was incorporated at 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% replacement levels, and its effects on filling ability, passing ability, segregation resistance, and setting times were evaluated following EFNARC standards. A Customized Single-Factor Response Surface Methodology (CSF-RSM) model identified 40% UPOFA as the optimal replacement level, achieving a desirability score of 1.000. At this level, SCC exhibited an initial setting time of 8.8 h, final setting time of 11.8 h, slump flow of 729 mm, flow T500 of 2.6 s, blocking ratio of 0.95, and segregation resistance index of 12.5%, all within EFNARC standard limits. Experimental validation showed deviations below 4%, confirming the model’s predictive accuracy. UPOFA improved SCC workability by increasing paste volume and lubrication while enhancing mix cohesion and reducing segregation risks. These findings confirm UPOFA as an effective supplementary cementitious material, optimizing SCC rheological properties while ensuring compliance with EFNARC standards for sustainable concrete production
SEESAW: An Educational App for Smart Kiosks
Get PDFThis paper discusses the authors’ experience with designing and developing an interactive app for smart kiosk devices. The app implementation uses a layered design approach, with graphical components operating independently in layers, and is designed to deliver an engaging and reliable user experience on smart kiosks. Early feedback indicates that the app provides an effective way for engaging passers-by, and for delivering an informative, educational experience
Understanding and mitigating the risks that environmental DNA contamination poses to the recovery of forensic evidence from victims and suspects of rape and sexual assault
Get PDFThe high sensitivity of current DNA analysis technologies poses significant anti-contamination challenges when recovering evidence from individuals in sexual assault referral centres (SARC)s and police custody forensic medical examination rooms where background DNA levels cannot be controlled as effectively as within a DNA laboratory setting. In response to reported instances of DNA evidence becoming compromised during recovery within SARCs, the UK Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) established anti-contamination guidelines for these facilities including requirements for environmental monitoring (EM) and target levels for air replacement with a view to managing the risk of air-borne contamination.
Forensic samples were recovered from different volunteers during 24 forensic medical examinations across four SARC and four police custody suites, all utilising different cleaning and air replacement regimes. Of the 144 EM samples taken from high contamination risk areas of the forensic medical room, DNA was present in 84 % of these swabs. Significantly less DNA was found to be present in the SARC when compared to custody suites.
Despite the high environmental DNA levels observed, none resulted in contamination of the forensic evidence recovered from the volunteer patients. This study assessed the real-life risk to evidential samples and the results demonstrated that provided appropriate anti-contamination measures were used in recovering and handling evidential samples, the risk of DNA contamination was effectively managed, even within facilities displaying high background levels of DNA. The results from this assessment of risk have enabled target levels of cleanliness to be defined in FSR guidelines1 together with revised requirements for airflow rates
The Mormon Moons of Lancashire: Accounts of Religious Dissent, Migration, and Persecution
No full text‘The Rule of Law and European Values in the modern ages: Toolkit for citizen empowerment' Across and Beyond EU Studies Series
No full textThis present toolkit presents the results, findings and conclusions of three Citizen empowerment: Sustainable Rule of Law and European Values in Europe’ training workshops and focus groups, organised in 2022, 2023 and 2025 under the the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for the Rule of Law and European Values (CRoLEV) at UCLan Cyprus, in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Centre for Law, Alternative, and Innovative Methods (ICLAIM). The second workshop in the series, in 2023, was organised with the generous participation of the Council of Europe’s Academy on Participatory Democracy.
The overall objective of the workshop series was to bring together practising lawyers, civil society professionals and members of the public to discuss alternative tools and methods to foster citizen empowerment, democracy and the rule of law in the European Union and beyond
COVID‐19 Vaccination and Autoimmune Disorders: A Scoping Review
No full textBackground: Upon the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign, unprecedented in the history of public health, concerns have emerged regarding potential associations between vaccination and autoimmune disorders. Historical research has long identified mechanisms by which vaccines might trigger or unmask autoimmune processes. However, systematic synthesis of evidence concerning COVID-19 vaccines and autoimmunity remains limited.Objective: To review the literature on associations between COVID-19 vaccination and autoimmunity, focusing on six conditions: Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and type 1 diabetes mellitus.Methods: Following a published protocol, we conducted a scoping review of studies retrieved from PubMed and the WHO COVID-19 database. Inclusion criteria required empirically verifiable clinical manifestations of autoimmune disease following COVID-19 vaccination.Results: Across 109 included studies, relapses or flares in patients with autoimmune disorders were reported in nearly 60% of studies, while about one-quarter described new-onset autoimmune disorders in persons without prior autoimmunity. Several mechanisms of action linking COVID-19 vaccination and autoimmune disorders were identified such as autoimmune inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants, molecular mimicry, bystander immune activation, and interactions with immunosuppressive and disease modifying therapies. Serious adverse events, though less common than mild or moderate ones, were also documented. Vaccine efficacy was claimed but empirical support was often lacking. Conclusions: This review highlights the substantial patterns of reported associations of autoimmune disorders following COVID-19 vaccination, in patients with and without prior autoimmunity. The benefits of vaccination are claimed but evidence for them is lacking. A proper evaluation of risks and benefits is needed to support vaccination recommendations given the reported associations between it and autoimmune disorders