“Don't treat autistic people like they're a problem, because we're not!”: An exploration of what underpins the relationship between masking and mental health for autistic teenagers

Autistic people have described masking, or ‘camouflaging’, parts of the self in order to avoid repeated bullying, discrimination, social rejection and in order to meet neuro-normative social expectations. This thesis explores the relationship between autistic people’s experiences of masking and mental health. Part 1 is a conceptual introduction to autism, mental health and masking. Explanations for the increased prevalence of mental health difficulties for autistic people are explored. Masking is identified as a potential factor mediating this relationship. The review discusses different ways of conceptualising masking and explores the drivers and consequences of masking for autistic people. The review concludes with a summary of existing research into the relationship between masking and mental health difficulties. Part 2 is a qualitative study seeking to understand autistic teenager’s experiences of masking and how this relates to their mental health. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 20 autistic teenagers and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Bidirectional relationships between masking and negative mental health related factors, and conversely between authenticity and positive mental health related factors, were described. Both processes were driven by social and environmental factors. The findings support a broader conceptualisation of masking and have implications for diagnostic and therapeutic clinical services. Part 3 is a critical appraisal of the research process. Personal reflexivity is used to consider the impact of the researcher’s perspective on the research. Introspection is used to identify broader theoretical perspectives to inform system-level implications of the research. Reflections on the essentiality of co-production are also presented

Intelligent Circuits and Systems

ICICS-2020 is the third conference initiated by the School of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at Lovely Professional University that explored recent innovations of researchers working for the development of smart and green technologies in the fields of Energy, Electronics, Communications, Computers, and Control. ICICS provides innovators to identify new opportunities for the social and economic benefits of society.　 This conference bridges the gap between academics and R&D institutions, social visionaries, and experts from all strata of society to present their ongoing research activities and foster research relations between them. It provides opportunities for the exchange of new ideas, applications, and experiences in the field of smart technologies and finding global partners for future collaboration. The ICICS-2020 was conducted in two broad categories, Intelligent Circuits & Intelligent Systems and Emerging Technologies in Electrical Engineering

The feasibility and potential effectiveness of a conventional and exergame intervention to alter balance-related outcomes including fall risk: a mixed methods study

Introduction: Fall risk, occurrence and injury is increasing as the world ages, and Africa and other emerging regions will not be spared. Similarly, the rise of noncommunicable diseases, compressed morbidity and lack of physical activity present major challenges. This novel feasibility study explored the use of an exergaming technology compared with a conventional, evidence-based exercise programme (Otago Exercise Programme) to reduce fall risk by improving balance, and to inform a large-scale randomised control trial. Methodology: Mixed methods study in independent older adults with established fall risk. The quantitative component employed feasibility RCT methodology. Cluster randomisation assigned interventions to sites. Single blinding was used. Both interventions were offered for six months. A variety of balance-related endpoints (e.g., Timed Up and Go, Dynamic Gait Index, Mini-BESTest) were used to find the most applicable. Patient-centred variables included questionnaires regarding depression, physical activity levels, quality of life and estimates of self-efficacy for exercise. Qualitative focus groups explored participants' experiences of falls and the exergaming intervention using a phenomenology lens. Results: Site and participant recruitment was simple and readily achievable, with low numbers need to screen required. Eligibility criteria were confirmed and more added. Adherence and attrition were major challenges. Cluster randomisation appeared to exacerbate between-group differences at baseline. The exergaming intervention produced preliminary evidence in its favour, with results approaching Minimal Clinically Important Difference compared with the evidence-based intervention. The experience of the exergaming intervention was regarded as positive by focus group participants. Barriers and facilitators are reported. Discussion: Methodological issues in the literature have prevented firm consensus on the use of exergaming in falls prevention, although studies are abundant. The current study used rigorous methodology in the novel context of a developing region, which offers numerous challenges for older adults. Implications for a large-scale, fully funded RCT are discussed. Lessons learned can be used to scale up service delivery for an under-served population; and promote the aim of well-being for all at all ages

Neuromorphic Engineering Editors' Pick 2021

This collection showcases well-received spontaneous articles from the past couple of years, which have been specially handpicked by our Chief Editors, Profs. André van Schaik and Bernabé Linares-Barranco. The work presented here highlights the broad diversity of research performed across the section and aims to put a spotlight on the main areas of interest. All research presented here displays strong advances in theory, experiment, and methodology with applications to compelling problems. This collection aims to further support Frontiers’ strong community by recognizing highly deserving authors

Public attitudes towards flooding and property level flood protection (PLFP) uptake

The number of residential properties at risk from flooding is predicted to rise as a result of the impacts of both climate change and increasing urbanisation. The flooding of residential properties comes with various impacts ranging from significant financial costs to less tangible social impacts, which are often lasting and of greater concern to flood victims. At the same time, it is now clear that large scale flood defence schemes are not always favourable due to their high cost, and there is an increasing onus on property owners to protect their own properties. The research reported here therefore aimed to investigate public attitudes towards flooding and property level flood protection (PLFP), and their willingness to pay (WTP) for such measures to reduce their exposure to flooding. This research employs different methods. An extensive stakeholder consultation in the form of questionnaire survey and focus group activities were used to collect primary data on flood experience and PLFP. Financial analysis of varying packages of PLFP products was carried out to assess the cost and benefit of using resistance and resilience products. Finally, a consultation with institutional flood risk management (FRM) stakeholders was undertaken to help contribute to the evidence needed to improve the uptake of PLFP measures. The stakeholder survey finding has highlighted significant financial impacts of household level flooding similar to previous studies, and suggests that flood education campaigns have been effective in raising the awareness and uptake of PLFP products. Again the findings have shown that more people are willing to contribute towards the cost of protecting their properties in order to reduce flood impacts, which appears to be at odds with past studies. The mean total WTP was £795, and was strongly linked with a number of factors including the scale of flood impacts and household income. In addition, the benefit cost ratios (BCR) of various PLFP products indicate that such measures are generally cost beneficial, and the manual resistance products in particular have higher (BCR>5) returns. Further analysis of models of incentivised PLFP scheme has demonstrated material benefit for both small scale and national level schemes, and signifies an opportunity to invest in a large scale PLFP projects. These findings are key and will provide valuable information needed to guide the development of strategies to encourage the uptake of PLFP products and improve community flood resilience

Engineering data compendium. Human perception and performance, volume 3

The concept underlying the Engineering Data Compendium was the product of a research and development program (Integrated Perceptual Information for Designers project) aimed at facilitating the application of basic research findings in human performance to the design of military crew systems. The principal objective was to develop a workable strategy for: (1) identifying and distilling information of potential value to system design from existing research literature, and (2) presenting this technical information in a way that would aid its accessibility, interpretability, and applicability by system designers. The present four volumes of the Engineering Data Compendium represent the first implementation of this strategy. This is Volume 3, containing sections on Human Language Processing, Operator Motion Control, Effects of Environmental Stressors, Display Interfaces, and Control Interfaces (Real/Virtual)

Exploring the C-SPAN Archives: Advancing the Research Agenda

Exploring the C-SPAN Archives is a collection of path-breaking research studies that use video drawn from the C-SPAN Archives. The book, based on the papers presented at a November 2014 conference, includes chapters that explore issues in presidential debates, minority representation, the presentation of the first ladies, stem research, and innovative ways to analyze video. The book is divided into five parts: Part 1 consists of an overview of and common scholarship using the C-SPAN Archives and how this research advances the conversation after previously published studies. Featured are the ways in which the collection is indexed and tips on how individuals can find particular materials. This section is essential for increased scholarship and pragmatic applications. Part 2 contains applied research using the video collection. Topics in this section include a look at oral histories of minority members of Congress, an analysis of presidential debates, and the presentation style of Michelle Obama. Part 3 is focused on STEM research, including concepts and contradictions in the debate over STEM initiatives, expertise and evidence in science presentations in the C-SPAN Archives, and the framing of technology issues in a C-SPAN television series, The Communicators. Part 4 presents innovative research using C-SPAN and new computer technology. Two scholars take different technical approaches to evaluate polarization and communication using audio levels and video images. Finally, in Part 5, David Caputo presents ideas on the value of massive open online courses (MOOCs) using C-SPAN and reflects on the use of C-SPAN for citizen education in what he terms the “postdigital world.” Additionally, Patrice Buzzanell contributes a reflective essay on the future directions of research using the C-SPAN Archives based on the essays in this volume