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SSRI use is not associated with the intensity of romantic love, obsessive thinking about a loved one, commitment, or sexual frequency in a sample of young adults experiencing romantic love
No full textFor >15 years, researchers have speculated that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use is associated with negative romantic love outcomes. No one has empirically investigated this, however. Drawing on 810 participants from the Romantic Love Survey 2022, we used binary logistic regression to identify differences between young adults experiencing romantic love who were and were not taking SSRIs. Predictor variables were biological sex, mental health problems, intensity of romantic love, obsessive thinking about a loved one, commitment, and frequency of sex. Only biological sex and mental health problems were associated with SSRI use. None of our romantic love variables were associated with SSRI use. This is the first evidence to demonstrate that SSRI use is not associated with some features of romantic love in a sample of young adults experiencing romantic love. The findings have implications for clinical practice and can be used to allay some concerns among individuals considering commencing SSRIs for common mental health problems.</p
Uncovering key components of semi-public spaces in multi-unit residences for enhancing social sustainability
No full textSemi-public spaces in residential complexes act as intangible bridges between private areas and public urban spaces, playing a vital role in the overall social sustainability of neighborhoods. While the importance of public and private spaces in fostering social interaction and cohesion has been widely studied, the role of semi-public spaces in enhancing social sustainability from different aspects has not received the same attention. This study seeks to identify key indicators of semi-public spaces that contribute to the social sustainability of multi-unit residential complexes, using the Story and Simulation (SAS) approach. Fuzzy-logic Cognitive Mapping (FCM) software was used to model relationships between variables, drawing on input from both experts and residents. The findings indicate that key indicators—such as security, accessibility, socioeconomic inclusivity, distribution of green spaces, sense of belonging, and perception of privacy in semi-public spaces—are crucial for enhancing social sustainability. Based on the significance of these indicators, a framework for the future development of multi-unit residential projects was designed. As case studies, three residential complexes with different typologies were selected to test and validate the extracted indicators. Data analysis revealed significant variations in these indicators across the selected complexes, attributable to differences in infrastructure, facilities, management, planning policies, and residents' social engagement. Additionally, the design, typology, and morphology of these complexes played a key role in influencing the social sustainability of their semi-public spaces. This research presents a scenario highlighting the current unsustainable outlook for semi-public spaces, which, if left unaddressed, could undermine the livability of residents in critical situations
The Reserve Bank has cut rates for the first time in four years. But it is cautious about future cuts
No full textThe impacts of alien species on river bioassessment
No full textThe extent of alien taxa impacts on river ecosystem health is unclear, but their frequency continues to rise. We investigated 1) the prevalence of including alien taxa in common bioindicators used in river bioassessment, 2) the effect of alien taxa on the richness and abundance of natives, and 3) whether including alien taxa in bioassessment tools increased their sensitivity to river degradation. In the 17 countries analyzed fish represented the greatest number of alien species (1726), followed by macrophytes (925), macroinvertebrates (556), and diatoms (7). Yet, alien species are only distinguished from natives in some fish and macrophyte indices. In addition, the analyses of 8 databases with fish, macroinvertebrate, or macrophyte data showed that abundance of alien taxa was associated with different stressors and pressures resulting in river degradation, and had a significant effect on native community composition. When alien species were accounted for, there was a strong negative correlation between the values of a fish index with alien richness and abundance while when alien taxa was not or only partially considered the results varied. Thus, we recommend: 1) Include specific metrics for alien species in biological quality indices. 2) Increase the investigation of alien taxa of small organisms (e.g. diatoms, small benthic invertebrates). 3) Eliminate sites with confirmed biological invasions for use as reference sites. 4) Remove alien from calculations of total richness and diversity. 5) Identify to the species level in biomonitoring programs. 6) Avoid legislation and management that protect alien species. 7) Encourage behaviors that prevent alien invasions of aquatic biota.</p
Judicial Narratives and ‘Reality’: A Thematic Analysis of References to Family Violence in Sentencing Remarks for the Offence of Threat to Kill
Get PDFFor domestic and family violence (‘DFV’) offences, sentencing remarks present a unique opportunity for dialogue between the Court, the offender, the victim-survivor, and the public. At the point of sentencing an offender, the judicial officer provides a rationale for the sentence imposed. This rationale includes a consideration of the impact of the offending on the victim, but can also carry narratives about the harms, dynamics, and outcomes of DFV offences. This article seeks to evaluate the narratives present within sentencing remarks for the offence of threat to kill occurring in a DFV context in the Australian jurisdictions of the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. The authors use thematic analysis to compare themes generated within the judgments to the sentencing considerations required by the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 (ACT) and the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic). Our findings support the idea that if required to refer to the nature and dynamics of DFV in sentencing offenders, judicial officers’ understanding of DFV may be improved. We therefore suggest such requirements could potentially play a similar role in other jurisdictions
Elevated Humidity Impairs Evaporative Heat Loss and Self-Paced Exercise Performance in the Heat
Get PDFThis study investigated the effects of absolute humidity on heat dissipation and subsequent thermal, cardiovascular, and performance responses during self-paced exercise in the heat. Twelve trained male cyclists performed a 700-kJ time trial in four different humidity conditions (Low: 1.6 kPa, Moderate: 2.5 kPa, High: 3.5 kPa, and Very high: 4.5 kPa) in 33°C. The gradient in partial water vapor pressure at the saturated skin surface and in air, which determines sweat evaporation, decreased significantly with increasing humidity (Low: 3.53 ± 0.30 kPa, Moderate: 2.74 ± 0.24 kPa, High: 1.99 ± 0.20 kPa, Very high: 1.19 ± 0.16 kPa; p < 0.001). The maximum evaporative capacity of the environment (E max) also decreased with greater humidity (Low: 309 ± 26 W m -2, Moderate: 240 ± 21 W m -2, High: 175 ± 18 W m -2, Very high: 104 ± 14 W m -2; p < 0.001), as did sweating efficiency (S eff) (Low: 0.50 ± 0.13, Moderate: 0.39 ± 0.10, High: 0.28 ± 0.09, Very high: 0.16 ± 0.04; p ≤ 0.003). Power output was similar between Low (260 ± 33 W) and Moderate humidity (257 ± 27 W; p = 0.999), but lower in Very high (222 ± 37 W) than in all other conditions (p < 0.001) and lower in High (246 ± 31 W) than in the Low and Moderate humidity (p < 0.001). Peak core temperature was higher in Very high (39.49°C ± 0.56°C) than in Low (38.97°C ± 0.44°C; p < 0.001), Moderate (39.04°C ± 0.39°C; p = 0.002) and High humidity (39.12°C ± 0.47°C; p = 0.010). Mean skin temperature was higher with elevated humidity (p < 0.001) and mean heart rate was not significantly different between conditions (p ≥ 0.056). These data indicate that reductions in evaporative potential and efficiency with elevated humidity exacerbate thermal and cardiovascular strain during self-paced cycling in the heat, resulting in marked performance impairments. </p
Domestic Violence, Behavior Change Programs, Positive and Negative Outcomes:A Scoping Review
Get PDFObjective: Despite considerable investments, the effectiveness of domestic violence (DV) interventions varies, with shelters for battered women acknowledged for their success and programs targeting abusers considered less effective. A feminist philosophy that views DV as an expression of men’s attempt to uphold gender dominance through control and coercion underlies most DV initiatives. While hundreds of battered women historically have contributed their experience to this viewpoint, that of their abusers mostly remains unsolicited. This is a crucial knowledge gap, with abusers best able to contribute insight into their motivations and help design effective interventions. This scoping review explores the involvement of perpetrators in DV research and behavior change programs. Method: The databases CINAHL, Medline, APA PsycInfo, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched for male offender, domestic violence, behavior change, and positive and negative outcome and their synonyms. Studies were included if they (a) targeted a population of adult partner-violent males within a heterosexual relationship; (b) examined proximal variables, such as attitudes and well-being; and (c) involved behavior change programs. Results: Out of 52 studies identified between 1987 and 2023, making up less than 0.2% of all DV research, findings were mixed. Nomothetic studies failed to conclusively determine the causes of domestic violence or propose significant intervention strategies. Conversely, idiographic studies highlighted the complexity of individual relationship issues contributing to violence, suggesting the value of incorporating perpetrators’ perspectives in prevention efforts. Conclusions: The review proposes a two-step approach refocusing research on DV perpetrators’ views to bridge the knowledge gap and enhance intervention strategies.</p
Nigerian journalists are harassed by the public, the state and paid ‘data boys’ – what must change
Get PDFA Scoping Review of the Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Small-Scale Residential Dementia Care
Get PDFBackgroundThere is a need to understand the benefits and limitations of innovative models of dementia care to ensure models meet the needs of people living with dementia, their families and staff. The aim of this scoping review was to explore and synthesise the barriers and facilitators to the widespread implementation of small-scale residential dementia care.MethodA scoping review was conducted in 2023 in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL to identify empirical, peer-reviewed studies, published in English from database inception to October 2023. Studies of small-scale residential dementia care with 6-15 people were included.ResultForty-four studies were identified and synthesised into five focus areas for investigation: People with dementia (n = 19), families (n = 2), staff (n = 12), the built environment (n = 8) and other studies with a focus on a program of care or studies with two or more study populations (n = 3). Studies were published between 1990 and 2023 and included quantitative (n = 29), qualitative (n = 13) and mixed methods (n = 2) approaches. Multiple barriers and facilitators were identified in each focus area that either support or limit the widespread implementation of small-scale residential dementia care. A key facilitator is the presence of a clear philosophy of small-scale care that guides the planning of a small-scale setting or adaptation of a traditional care setting to incorporate principles of small-scale care. The philosophy should be articulated through policies, communicated to stakeholder groups and implemented consistently in the delivery of care. A key barrier relates to the ability of the care organisation to adjust staff roles to deliver small-scale care. With broader caring roles and greater decision-making authority, organisational changes are required to staff ratios, training and education to empower staff to deliver this care.ConclusionSmall-scale residential dementia care has the potential to benefit people with dementia, their families, the staff and the wider community. Through the establishment of a clear philosophy of small-scale care, there is an opportunity to place the person with dementia at the centre of care, provide access to meaningful and appropriate activities of daily living, create a home-like environment and prioritise relationship building at all levels
Game changers: An objective assessment of players’ contribution to team success in women’s rugby league
No full textThis study introduces new performance metrics to address the lack of objective player evaluations in women’s rugby league. Using data from six seasons (2018–2023) of the Women’s National Rugby League (NRLW), five machine learning algorithms generated two key metrics: “Wins Created” for offensive performance and “Losses Created” for defensive performance. These were adjusted by a situational importance modifier based on player positions and combined into a final metric called “Net Wins Added”. An Elo rating variant modified to suit a rugby league context was also created to provide a strength of opponent multiplier for player performance. The validity of these metrics against traditional objective and subjective performance measures in rugby league were evaluated. The metrics predicted seasonal team wins with a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.9 and Player of the Year top 10 leaderboard points with an RMSE of 8.2. The metrics displayed substantial agreement (Gwet AC1 = 0.82) when predicting experts’ Team of the Year award recipients and substantial agreement (Gwet AC1 = 0.75) when predicting players’ Team of the Year awards. Developing and validating these objective player performance metrics provide women’s rugby league with a unique system to enhance talent evaluation and player recruitment