Interrogating the prevention approach of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 for people with mental health needs who are homeless

Rates of homelessness and poor mental health present significant challenges across the globe. In this article, we explore how these intersecting issues have been addressed in Wales through Part 2 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 through a paradigm shift towards a prevention model. This article reports findings from a study (conducted between 2016 and 2018) which evaluated the processes and impacts of the Act against the backdrop of welfare reform and systemic changes taking place in Wales and the UK. Using new evidence, we offer a critical examination of how homelessness prevention policy operates in practice and how social values and power affect policy implementation. We offer new evidence of the translation of policy into practice through the experiences of two stakeholder groups: people with mental health needs and service providers. In doing so, we offer a critique of how policy and practice could be modified to improve outcomes for homeless people with implications for prevention policy in Wales and in other contexts and different welfare regimes

Assessment of Indiana bat reproductive condition, recapture trends, and temperatures of artificial roosts in Kentucky

Recovery of bat species impacted by white-nose syndrome (WNS) will necessarily require population growth. I assessed reproductive capability of the endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) in Kentucky, where WNS was first detected in hibernacula in April 2011. Due to loss of fat reserves associated with WNS infection, coupled with the energetic expenditures associated with pregnancy, I hypothesized mass of reproductively-active females captured during the maternity season would decrease across my data collection period (2017-2019). Further, I predicted that reproductive rates in the study population would be lower than historic rates for Kentucky. Mist net surveys around artificial maternity roosts at three focal management areas resulted in the capture of 866 Indiana bats across 22 netting events during the 2017-2019 maternity seasons. I examined changes in female mass (a measure of reproductive health) across years in order to determine how bats responded to WNS, and also assessed population trends in female pregnancy and lactation timing over the course of a season. A linear mixed model (LMM) was used to examine the effects of year (an analog for WNS impact) and wing score on the mass of female bats during the maternity season within my study term. To assess and account for the influence of other variables (reproductive condition, right-forearm length, capture date, site) on female mass, I conducted Akaike information criterion (AIC) model selection and restricted analysis to relevant models. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) with binomial distribution were implemented to determine if reproductive proportion differed between my field-collected data versus historic records for Kentucky. Counter to expectations, data at the population-level indicate 92% of adult female Indiana bat captures exhibited signs of reproduction (pregnancy, lactation, or post-lactation). Further, juvenile bats comprised 55% of captures in surveys during the post-parturition phase of the maternity season, and multiple juveniles were recaptured as reproductive adults during the study. Although reproductive proportion trended lower in post-WNS captures (92% compared to 99% pre-WNS) no significant difference was found between pre and post-WNS reproductive proportions. Across the three years of my study, post-WNS within-colony reproductive proportions did not differ. These data suggest reproductive potential has been sustained in the studied colonies despite bats’ exposure to WNS during hibernation; promising evidence for persistence of the species. Even so, optimized management of maternity habitat remains critical to support population recoveries from WNS. Additionally, I reported band recovery data of bats at the study colonies. While banding provides valuable information on migratory behavior, travel distances, survival rates and reproductive rates, among other behavioral insights, band recovery rates are persistently low. My study was designed to apply bands in large numbers to determine recapture rates at focal management locations of the Indiana bat during the maternity season, and to investigate bat movement within and from these locations. Relying on the same mist net surveys as my first chapter, a total of 119 recaptures were observed at an overall recapture rate of 14%. Within-year recapture rates in individual years of the study increased from 1% in 2017 to 18% in 2018, leveling at 17% in 2019. Most recaptures at each site occurred within June of each year. Recaptures at the more intensively sampled Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area (VWMA) demonstrated occurrences of roost switching and movement between three discrete clusters of roosts. Recoveries were recorded in 4 Kentucky hibernacula, two of which (Bat and Saltpeter Caves) ranked within the 10 most populous Indiana bat hibernacula in the 2019 range-wide population survey. Links were also revealed between a hibernaculum in Indiana and two capture sites, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest (BARF) and Yellowbank Wildlife Management Area (YWMA). Five of these recoveries were recorded in Jug Hole Cave, reported as the second largest Indiana bat hibernaculum in 2019 range-wide surveys. Most female hibernacula recaptures with known reproductive condition (80%) showed signs of reproduction upon first capture. Additionally, two females exhibited reproductive capability prior to and following their recovery in caves. These observations demonstrate the ability of female Indiana bats to continue the migratory cycle despite WNS-related energy depletions coupled with expenditures of pregnancy, and provide evidence that female Indiana bats can engage in reproduction following potential WNS exposure during the hibernation period. Finally, I investigated temperature conditions and use of artificial roosts by Indiana bats. Deployment of artificial roost structures is an increasingly common strategy in bat research and management, and understanding potential benefits and impacts of these structures on roosting bats is imperative to management of imperiled species. Although all roosts fluctuate in temperature, roosts that remain cool (\u3c15°C) for extended periods may cause bouts of torpor, potentially impacting females during maternal seasons. Overheating roosts (\u3e40°C) can cause heat stress, while extreme overheating events cause mortality. I hypothesized that temperatures would differ across three roost clusters based on differing levels of solar exposure at our focal study site, VWMA, a location with well-documented presence of Indiana bats in Kentucky and discrete sections of BrandenBark™ artificial roosts spread across the landscape. I also predicted that live potential roost trees at the site would be cooler than artificial roosts, and when comparing artificial habitat only, that bats would be found in greater densities at warmer artificial roosts due to preference for solar exposed snags. To record roost temperatures, data loggers were placed on the exterior of false bark on roost structures at northeast and southwest aspects (n = 38) and set to capture hourly temperature through the maternity season. Data loggers were placed in the same orientation on one live tree in each cluster (n = 6). Bat use of structures was indexed via standardized guano screens, with guano collected every 2-3 days from different clusters. Generalized linear models (GLM) approximating a gamma distribution and AIC model selection processes were used to determine the most influential variables on daily mean, minimum, and maximum roost temperature. Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to determine if artificial roosts differed in temperature from live trees. Graphing approaches were implemented to explore relationships between temperature and roost use by bats. North, Central and South roost clusters did not vary significantly from one another in temperature profile, and aspect placement of roost data loggers did not cause deviations in mean, minimum, or maximum daily temperature of roosts. Comparisons between live trees and artificial roosts resulted in no significant difference between daily mean and minimum temperature, while daily maximum temperature was slightly higher at artificial roosts. No temperature measurements were collected that exceeded the maximum temperature threshold of 40°C. Daily minimum temperature for individual loggers fell below the minimum threshold on 648 instances across 29 days, representing temperatures across all roosts, leading to the conclusion that bats at VWMA are under greater threat from roosts falling under 15°C than overheating. However, results may have differed had loggers been placed on the interior of false bark on roosts. Bats exhibited the highest densities at the South cluster of roosts, followed by the Central and North clusters. However, the colony appeared to spread across VWMA throughout the season, and cumulative collection from the greatest-use roost in each cluster accounted for 36% of all guano collected in the study. The lack of significant temperature difference between clusters, and persistent use of all roost clusters at VWMA indicates each provides suitable habitat for Indiana bat maternity colonies. All artificial roosts were used at VWMA in 2019 and roost switching was confirmed, indicating suitability of roosts placed in a variety of habitat conditions, and the ability of bats to successfully relocate. Reproduction and pup rearing were observed at all three clusters, indicating the importance of variation in roost placement on the landscape for opportunistic selection. Selection of roosts by Indiana bats is likely the result of additional unknown factors

Challenges to implementing the new homelessness prevention agenda in Wales

Devolution presented an opportunity for the Welsh Government to introduce changes to housing and homelessness policy, and the subsequent homelessness reforms are seen as one of the best examples to date of the Welsh Government using its powers. However, devolved governments in small countries face a number of challenges in terms of realising their housing policy ambitions. In this article we argue that there is inevitable dissonance between the policy behind the Welsh Government legislation (prevention) and practice (implementation) associated with structural challenges (for example austerity and budget restrictions, Welfare Reform and the availability of affordable accommodation). In response we propose a number of actions the Welsh Government might undertake to attempt to mitigate such structural challenges which also resonate in the English context where welfare retrenchment and homelessness prevention policies operate simultaneously

A theory on reports of constructive (real) and illusory posttraumatic growth

It has been suggested that self-reported posttraumatic growth could sometimes be considered as a way for people to protect themselves from the distress of trauma. In this case, reports of posttraumatic growth could be illusory. We suggest a theory on self-reported constructive (real) posttraumatic growth and illusory posttraumatic growth by using Rogers’s (1959) theory and the work by Vaillant (1995). Through this theoretical framework we attempt to explain when reports of posttraumatic growth are likely to be constructive and real and when such reports are likely to represent aspects of illusions. We will also consider the implications for research practice

Clonality, virulence and antimicrobial resistance of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli from Bangladesh

Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) is a global cause of gastrointestinal infection yet little is known about the virulence or antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of EAEC in regions of the world where diarrhoeal disease is most common. In Bangladesh diarrhoeal disease is one of the leading causes of mortality and extensive case control studies have linked specific EAEC clonal complexes with pathogenic potential

Polly’s story : using structural narrative analysis to understand a trans migration journey

There is scant theoretical and empirical research on experiences of trans and its significance for social work practice. In this paper we premise that research on trans identity and practice needs to be located in particular temporal, cultural, spatial/geographical contexts and argue that a structural narrative analytical approach centring on plot, offers the opportunity to unravel the ‘how’ and ‘why’ stories are told. We posit that attending to narrative structure facilitates a deeper understanding of trans people’s situated, lived experiences than thematic narrative analysis alone, since people organise their narratives according to a culturally available repertoire including plots. The paper focuses on the life and narrative of Polly, a male-to-female trans woman, and her gender migration journey using the plot typology ‘the Quest’. We are cognisant of the limitations to structural narrative analysis and Western conventions of storytelling, and acknowledge that our approach is subjective; however, we argue that knowledge itself is contextual and perspective ridden, shaped by researchers and participants. Our position holds that narratives are not – and cannot – be separated from the context in which they are told, and importantly the resources used to tell them, and that analysing narrative structure can contextualise individual unique biographies and give voice to less heard communities

Clinical Effectiveness of an Aquatic Exercise Program on Strength, Balance, Quality of Life and Emotional Well-Being in Those with Visual Impairments

Background Information Numerous disabilities have been shown to benefit with aquatic exercise by research. There is a dearth of research on the health effects of aquatic exercise for individuals with visual impairments. Adults with visual impairments generally have a lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than their peers without visual impairments. Additionally, living a sedentary lifestyle increases the chance of developing diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, and sarcopenic obesity. After reading about the positive and long-lasting effects of aquatic exercise in previous studies, these researchers investigated the effects of an aquatic fitness program for individuals with visual impairments. Goal: The aim is to ascertain whether there are notable variations among individuals with vision impairments who participate in an aquatic therapy program in the following areas: strength, balance, quality of life, and emotional well-being. The researchers hypothesize that aquatic exercise generates positive changes in participant\u27s strength, balance, quality of life, and emotional well-being. Methods: This eight-week mixed methods experimental study with repeated measures design followed a protocol study produced by the PI and students and IRB approved at Misericordia University (2023). Following inclusion criteria, the participants were ages 30-80 with visual impairments from Northeast Sight Services, in Pennsylvania. The participants attended 2 times per week for 8 weeks using an exercise program approved by Ohio State University (60 minutes) consisting of aerobics and strengthening exercises. The objective measures used in this study were the BERG Balance Scale, 30 Second Sit to Stand Test, and SF-36. Additionally, 10 open-ended questions were devised using 4 questions from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Results: The analysis included repeated measures with all outcomes measures set at alpha level p=/\u3c 0.001 with paired t-tests. The 30-second sit-to-stand demonstrated a Cohen’s d of 2.15 and with the BERG, a Cohen’s d of 2.62. The SF36 demonstrated improvements in a few areas. The open-ended questions emphasized phrases such as: I am better than I used to be, “increased comradery with this study, I gained endurance, From this program, it spurred me to continue exercising,” and liked exercises in a pool. Conclusion: This study suggests that aquatic exercise is an effective intervention for this population to improve strength, endurance, and quality of life. The qualitative questions helped to obtain rich feedback from the participants. In Rinehimer et al, 2024, the participants with visual impairment pointed out during the SF 36, that more in-depth questions were needed as vision, not health, impaired their lifestyles. Implications: The results could provide rehabilitation specialists an opportunity to promote health and well-being as well as promoting a fun activity to encourage socialization in aquatic programs for those with visual impairment. Additionally, aquatic exercise is shown to be effective in improving strength, endurance, and quality of life in participants with the improvement of interpersonal relationships. Further research is needed: with a larger number of participants, to investigate cardio pulmonary outcomes and have more open ended questions to explore more avenues of the explicit needs of a people with a visual impairment.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2024/1051/thumbnail.jp

Low-temperature superstructure of [(N,N-diisobutyl­carbamo­yl)meth­yl]oct­yl(phen­yl)phosphine oxide (CMPO)

At 120 K, the title compound, C24H42NO2P, crystallizes in a unit cell with a doubled a parameter compared with the room-temperature structure. There are four mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit, one of which shows extensive disorder in a 0.588 (3):0.412 (3) ratio. In the crystal, numerous C—H⋯O inter­actions link the mol­ecules

The Change Up Project : using social norming theory with young people to address domestic abuse and promote healthy relationships

This paper presents the findings of a secondary analysis of data collected during a pilot project, Change Up, which used a social norming approach (SNA) to address domestic violence and abuse (DVA) with young people aged 13–14. A SNA is based upon a well-articulated theory of behavior and evidence-based methodology for addressing social justice issues. This reflects a paradigm shift focusing upon strengths and positives, rather than pathologizing behaviours. Adopting a SNA, the Change Up project comprised a baseline survey followed by the intervention (workshop and peer-to-peer campaign), ending with a post-intervention survey. It was delivered in two high schools in a UK city between 2015 and 16. A secondary analysis of the survey data collected during the surveys and qualitative data collected at the end of each workshop was undertaken and this is reported here. Change Up data illustrates that most young people in the sample thought that DVA is unacceptable. There was, however, a gender difference in the norms held about the social acceptability of girls using physical violence against boys (and vice versa). The analysis of Change Up data indicates that a social norming approach to DVA programs aimed at young people can be successful in promoting attitude and behaviour change. It also highlights a continuing need for young people’s education about relationships and gender equality

Effects of antiplatelet therapy on stroke risk by brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases: subgroup analyses of the RESTART randomised, open-label trial

Background Findings from the RESTART trial suggest that starting antiplatelet therapy might reduce the risk of recurrent symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage compared with avoiding antiplatelet therapy. Brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases (such as cerebral microbleeds) are associated with greater risks of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage. We did subgroup analyses of the RESTART trial to explore whether these brain imaging features modify the effects of antiplatelet therapy