16119 research outputs found
Sort by
The Positive Cycle of Breastfeeding-Mental Health Outcomes of Breastfeeding Mothers Following Birth Trauma.
Get PDFBACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It is established that both birth and infant feeding experiences can impact maternal mental health, but little is known about how the two might interact. Potentially, a positive breastfeeding experience might help to mitigate feelings associated with birth trauma, but conversely, a difficult feeding experience might further compound birth trauma. The aim of this study was therefore to explore how mothers' experiences of breastfeeding following birth trauma might impact their mental health. METHODS: To explore this, mothers were invited to complete an online survey about their experiences of birth and breastfeeding and how they felt these affected their wellbeing. There were 501 responses, with 159 (32%) describing their birth experience as traumatic and therefore included in this analysis. A thematic analysis approach was used to explore themes around breastfeeding experiences and the impact on wellbeing. RESULTS: Mothers who described positive breastfeeding experiences felt that breastfeeding helped them to bond with their baby post birth trauma and that this protected their mental health. Conversely, mothers who had a difficult experience described how pain, exhaustion, and low milk supply further negatively impacted their wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show the importance of enhanced support for breastfeeding mothers who have experienced birth trauma, as feeding experiences can potentially help heal or compound challenging memories, thoughts, and emotions around birth
Do the biological characteristics of trout (Salmo trutta) smolts influence their spring migration timing and maiden marine sojourn duration?
Get PDFAnadromous salmonids migrate seaward to exploit feeding and growth opportunities in marine habitats, yet how smolt biological characteristics influence their marine migratory behavior remains poorly understood. This study used 9 years of trout (Salmo trutta) population monitoring data from 15,595 tagged age-0+ parr, 1033 smolts detected migrating downstream in spring, and 99 adults detected returning from their first marine migration to the River Frome (Dorset, UK) to investigate the influence of smolt biological characteristics on their migration timing and maiden marine sojourn duration. Age-specific differences in the influence of smolt length on migration timing were found, with longer 1-year-old smolts emigrating later than their shorter counterparts within the same age class, but the opposite association existed for 2-year-old smolts. A bespoke integrated statistical model quantified the effects of smolt emigration day of year, age, sex, and length on the probability of first-time migrants returning to the river after one or more sea winters. Younger, later migrating smolts had a longer marine sojourn duration than their older, earlier migrating counterparts, and females remained at sea for longer periods than males. Although the statistical model was designed to maximize the use of information available in the data, it revealed only weak effects of smolt biological characteristics on the maiden marine sojourn duration. A complementary simulation study suggested that detecting more spring migrating smolts and analyzing longer time series of trout population monitoring data would increase the ability to detect statistically significant effects. Therefore, a strategic review of the trout population monitoring program, including more long-term biological data collection, is recommended. The modelling work presented here can provide guidance on the size of the required dataset and how to maximize the power of imperfect data
The role of duopolistic rivalry in reducing the cost of sanctions for the sender?
No full textThis study explores the strategic use of sanctions as a tool for managing international power dynamics, focusing on the role of third-party regional rivals in offsetting the sender’s costs. Building on game-theoretical models and case studies, the research introduces the concept of "intended collateral damage," where sanctioning powers transfer some of the burden to third parties, thus mitigating their own economic losses. Specifically, the U.S. sanctions on Iran are examined through a three-player contest framework, where Saudi Arabia acts as the regional rival absorbing part of the cost. The analysis highlights how sanctions can be leveraged not only as coercive measures but also as strategic investments that exploit regional rivalries for geopolitical advantage. This approach challenges conventional views of sanctions as purely punitive, offering insights into their role as flexible, cost-sharing tools in international strategy. The findings have implications for policymakers seeking to refine sanctions as instruments of geopolitical influence
Influence of physical electrodeposition attributes on mechano-tribo and wettability characteristics of Ni-Co enhanced nanocoating
Get PDFThe current work presents a systematic exploration of the pulse electrodeposition process for Ni-Co nanocoating, with a focus on the impact of varying duty cycles (20% to 100%) and current density (3 A/dm² to 9 A/dm²). The work is marked by incremental changes in duty cycle and current density and employs state-of-the-art characterisation techniques to analyse surface properties, mechanical strength, tribological behaviour and wettability. Ni-Co pulse electrodeposition at 20% duty cycle and 3 A/dm² current density dominates with desired attributes for the electronics and aerospace sectors with improved mechano-tribo and contact angle properties. These coatings exhibited superior performance across all aspects that have been studied. The nanotribological experiments were conducted using a novel approach to look into the nanoscale tribological behaviours, thus setting a pioneering effort in this field. Reduction in grain size (~57-83%) and enhancement in surface roughness (~64-65%) were the crucial factors contributing to improved mechanical and tribological properties. The nanohardness of the coating increased to 4.36 GPa for the optimum coating, compared to other coatings with varying properties. Similar improvements were recorded in nanotribological properties, with an improvement of ~30%-70% for coatings at 20% duty cycle and 3 A/dm2. The synergetic effect of lower grain size, nano-hardness and surface roughness properties leads to an improved mechano-tribo coating. This advancement holds good potential for industrial applications where wear resistance and surface durability are critical. The optimal coating was analysed by employing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for chemical compositions of coatings, which confirms the formation of nickel oxide and cobalt oxide. This chemical insight adds a valuable layer of understanding, reinforcing the coatings' potential for corrosion resistance and other chemical interactions in a wide range of operation environments
Hierarchies of othering: Public discourses about Ukrainian refugees and immigrants in Romania
No full textRomania has gradually shifted from a country of emigration to a country of immigration after 2020, which led to a variety of positions and discourses about refugees and immigrants articulated in the public space. This chapter aims to map these positions and discourses about the recent newcomers in Romanian society. We are proposing an exploratory analysis of how different social actors and the media have responded and communicated about the Ukrainian refugee displacement after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as well as about the increased number of immigrants coming into Romania in recent years. We argue that (1) there is a gradual construction of Otherness and a Hierarchy of othering in relation to “the refugees”, “the foreign workers”, and “the immigrants working in Romania”, and (2) media played a key role in structuring these processes. Not only do they have implications for aid interventions, programs and inclusion policies for newcomers, but they equally interfere with the (de)legitimation of political agendas of various political actors
The palaeoenvironmental potential of bioarchaeological isotope data.
Get PDFBioarchaeology not only provides insights into human, animal, and environmental ecology, but also generates huge amounts of stable and radiogenic isotope data that are not well recognised by other disciplines. Here, we present potential avenues for the integration and interpretation of archaeological isotope data into environmental studies. We emphasise the large spatio-temporal scales on which isotope patterns can be observed, for example using isoscapes, the limitations and potential pitfalls that come with isotope data from archaeological research, and future cross-disciplinary collaborations between bioarchaeology and other palaeo-disciplines
Characterization of Cu-5Fe (wt. %) fabricated by powder consolidation using high-pressure torsion
No full textPrevalence, incidence, and progression of hip osteoarthritis in a young military population: The ADVANCE cohort study
Get PDFObjective: Prevalence of hip osteoarthritis (OA) is rarely reported in young populations (e.g., military). We will report the prevalence of hip OA in a young military cohort and investigate the relationship between injury and progression/incidence. Design: ADVANCE is a prospective cohort study comparing physical and psychosocial outcomes in 1145 men who served in Afghanistan including 579 men with combat injury (Exposed) who were frequency-matched to 566 controls (Unexposed). The Exposed group was sub-divided into hip injured (Exp-H), lower limb amputation (Exp-A) and other (Exp-NA). Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scores of pelvic radiographs and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) questionnaires were collected across two waves (Baseline and Follow-up). Prevalence at Baseline (KL ≥ 2), progression (KL ≥ 1 at Baseline, KL ≥ 2 at Follow-up) and incidence (KL0 at Baseline, KL ≥ 2 at Follow-up) at Follow-up were reported and compared between groups for KL and NAHS. Results: Baseline prevalence of radiographic hip OA was 8.5 % and 4.4 % in the Exposed and Unexposed groups, respectively. Exp-A and Exp-H groups had 3.88 (95%CI:2.27–6.63) and 7.18 (95%CI:3.44–14.98 times increased risk for radiographic hip OA than Unexposed. Exp-A and Exp-H had a 2.15 (95%CI:1.22–3.80) and 3.28 (95%CI:1.42–7.59) times increased radiographic progression risk, compared to Unexposed. Risk of NAHS Progression and Incidence were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Radiographic hip OA prevalence is higher in a young military population than in a similarly aged general population. Combat injury alone may not increase hip OA prevalence; but hip and lower limb loss injuries do. Progression risk is highest in those with hip or limb loss injuries
Rethinking success in policing: a moderation model of specialism’s interaction with self-reported competence, specialism endorsement, wellbeing and organisational support
Get PDFThis study explored specialism within policing in England and Wales, aiming to identify how personal, social, and contextual factors influence the implementation and perception of specialist roles and units. Through an online survey designed to capture current, former, and retired officers’ views on their competence, job satisfaction, and organisational support, the study sought to quantitatively assess whether 209 officers perceived specialism as beneficial for policing. Qualitative insights on survey responses were also captured. Previous research showed that, while specialism is widely adopted in policing, its operational effectiveness and the clarity of its definition are not nationally established. Many officers reported that the level of organisational support and specialist role availability can affect how satisfied they are with their police force. In this study, work satisfaction levels, wellbeing, and competence were reportedly higher for officers with prior experience of specialism. Moderation and mediation analyses showed that the interaction between specialism, organisational dynamics, and the other scale variables has substantial implications for officers’ self-perception of competence and overall job satisfaction. The findings also highlight the need for a clearer understanding and better contextualisation of specialism within police forces to enhance the effectiveness of specialist units and promote officers’ wellbeing. This novel research underscores the importance of fostering supportive environments that empower officers to thrive in specialist roles. It also suggests that officers’ needs and evidence-based practice should inform systemic change for specialism
Spatial and seasonal patterns in fish assemblages of the Bakırçay river are associated with physicochemical and habitat parameters
Get PDFThe significance of long-term biodiversity monitoring studies for the protection of natural biodiversity and human well-being is well recognised by the Turkish scientific community. Despite understanding the ecological importance of freshwater ecosystems, spatially or temporally congruent studies using high resolution biodiversity monitoring data from Turkish freshwater resources remain scarce. To determine a biodiversity baseline for future studies, biological and environmental sampling was carried out in 15 different locations from the highly anthropogenically impacted Bakırçay River and its catchment in Western Anatolia between 2017 and 2018. A total of 17 fish species from 10 families were recorded, belonging mainly to the Cyprinidae and Leuciscidae families. These included six non-native, six regionally endemic, and five native species. The endangered endemic Alburnus attalus was the most widespread species, whereas several non-native species were restricted to single sites. Patterns in community composition were primarily associated with pH and stream order. However, community metrics such as species richness, Pielou’s evenness, and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index were not significant. Intensifying anthropogenic activity within the Bakırçay basin suggests that sources of pollution and other detrimental stressors like non-native species should be managed to protect riverine biodiversity and maintain the provision of ecosystem services. Our findings therefore not only present a baseline for future studies on fish biodiversity and community composition, but also the possible onset of future monitoring studies in the region. Our findings underline the importance of long-term biomonitoring studies for the conservation of Türkiye’s freshwater ecosystems to monitor changes occurring over time