Drug abuse and trafficking in universities: an emerging social phenomenon

According to Nova’s Policy for Self-Archiving, self-archiving of proofed chapters can be posted on the author’s website free of charge six months after publication. For Subject and Institutional Repositories, proofed chapters can be uploaded 12 months after publication. For more information, please see: https://novapublishers.com/open-access/Higher education is the environment in which the future senior managers that will guide the forthcoming of societies are wrought. Therefore, and in social terms, everything that people learn and develop in these higher education institutions has a crucial and a determinant impact. Young people acquiring skills and knowledge related to the technical and scientific fields in which they work in also end up acquiring competencies and knowledge in non-academic fields, such as anti-social behaviour or even criminal conducts. This is the case of drug use in a university context, which has been so studied in recent decades, and of drug trafficking in a university environment, widely known to all, but still little investigated in scientific terms. Therefore, and taking into consideration that universities play a social role that has a strong impact on the lives of young people and societies, this chapter is precisely dedicated to the phenomena of drug trafficking, and its use/abuse in universities. It is a serious social problem in which young students not only consume illegal drugs, but also frequently take an active part in illicit activities associated with drug trafficking, often compromising their future and causing undeniable social damage. It should be noted that the university context is a privileged target for the powerful individuals who manipulate these illegal drugs markets. It is therefore very important to pay attention and study this social problem of serious consequences. In this chapter, a comprehensive literature review and results of a study about drug trafficking and abuse in university context will be presented, in order to better understand the nature of this problem. Final considerations regarding the prevention/intervention on these phenomena are also presented.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Universities: An Emerging Social Phenomenon

According to Nova’s Policy for Self-Archiving, self-archiving of proofed chapters can be posted on the author’s website free of charge six months after publication. For Subject and Institutional Repositories, proofed chapters can be uploaded 12 months after publication. For more information, please see: https://novapublishers.com/open-access/Higher education is the environment in which the future senior managers that will guide the forthcoming of societies are wrought. Therefore, and in social terms, everything that people learn and develop in these higher education institutions has a crucial and a determinant impact. Young people acquiring skills and knowledge related to the technical and scientific fields in which they work in also end up acquiring competencies and knowledge in non-academic fields, such as anti-social behaviour or even criminal conducts. This is the case of drug use in a university context, which has been so studied in recent decades, and of drug trafficking in a university environment, widely known to all, but still little investigated in scientific terms. Therefore, and taking into consideration that universities play a social role that has a strong impact on the lives of young people and societies, this chapter is precisely dedicated to the phenomena of drug trafficking, and its use/abuse in universities. It is a serious social problem in which young students not only consume illegal drugs, but also frequently take an active part in illicit activities associated with drug trafficking, often compromising their future and causing undeniable social damage. It should be noted that the university context is a privileged target for the powerful individuals who manipulate these illegal drugs markets. It is therefore very important to pay attention and study this social problem of serious consequences. In this chapter, a comprehensive literature review and results of a study about drug trafficking and abuse in university context will be presented, in order to better understand the nature of this problem. Final considerations regarding the prevention/intervention on these phenomena are also presented.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Gas content derivative data versus diffusion coefficient

http://sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/issn/0144-5987/The study of the gas diffusion process has a main role in both Coalbed Methane (CBM) production and CO2 injection in geological sequestration projects. The accurate determination of gas diffusion coefficients in unconventional reservoirs such as coal seams, requires a consistent mathematical approach. The study of the gas diffusion process in coal seams was carried out using sorption isotherms. The Langmuir model for individual gases and the extended Langmuir model for multicomponent gas mixtures were applied to fit sorption isotherm data. “Gas content derivative data” and “gas content changes” emerged as crucial mathematical parameters to accurately study the gas diffusion process. The main goal of this paper is to define the degree of interaction between the gas content derivative data and the gas diffusion process. Experiments were performed on three samples selected from two different coals, which were submitted to three different gas compositions, viz 99.999% CH4; 99.999% CO2; and a gas mixture containing 74.99% CH4 + 19.99% CO2 + 5.02% N2, at 35ºC, and at pressures ranging from 0 up to 50 bar. Experimental results obtained from the three samples indicate that during adsorption/desorption processes, the diffusion coefficients increase and the gas content changes decrease when the pressure decreases, due to the sample saturation degrees and to the kinetic mechanisms increase. Additionally, the “gas content derivative data” scattering is slightly lower during the desorption process than during the adsorption process. These behaviors are clearly identified when using methane, but are even more evident when using CO2 and the gas mixture, due to the CO2 interaction with coal porous structure, which induces a considerable resistance to CO2 release. The results show that sample B (CH4 + CO2 + N2) displays higher diffusion coefficient values (this behaviour is mainly related to the presence of N2) than sample C (CH4) and than Sample A (CO2).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Increasing Sorption Isotherms Accuracy: Weibull Modelling and Linear Regression

http://sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/search.php?issn=0144-5987Relying on an adequate mathematical approach, two different mathematical procedures can be applied to the huge database produced during gas sorption isotherm experiments in order to obtain accurate data to be used in the industrial practice. To treat data determined from gas sorption isotherms without a careful mathematical support will produce inaccurate results, because all the determinations will be dependent on human decision. The minimum error reported since the first stage of a sorption isotherm determination, which corresponds to volume calibrations of reference and sample cells performed through the use of helium, will produce enormous inaccuracies on sorption isotherm behavior. These inaccurate behaviors may sometimes invalidate any Coalbed Methane recovery and CO2 injection programs. The study consisted on investigating gas sorption isotherm accuracies determined during the first part of the sorption process, which is mainly conducted by monitoring the pressure decline with time, in the reference and the sample cells (when both cells are not in contact), until the stabilization stage is achieved. Three samples from two different coals were selected in order to study their gas sorption behavior, in terms of a clear mathematical approach, when submitted to three different gas compositions, viz. 99.999% methane (CH4); 99.999% carbon dioxide (CO2); and a gas mixture containing 74.99% CH4 + 19.99% CO2 + 5.02% nitrogen (N2). Sorption experiments allow to conclude that the three samples present the same mathematical response during the first part of the sorption process. However, all gas sorption data (adsorption and desorption) collected from reference cell have a better fitting to a Modified Weibull Model, and all gas sorption data (adsorption and desorption) collected from sample cell respond in a trustworthy way to a Linear Regression Model. Confidence bands and prediction intervals (or bands) were also computed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Youth victims of community violence: developmental outcomes and prevention challenges

This work was financed by National Funds through FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) under the project LookCrim - Looking at Crime: Communities and Physical Spaces - PTDC/DIR-DCP/28120/2017 and within the framework of the CIEC (Research Center for Child Studies of the University of Minho) project under the reference UID/CED/00317/2019.Community violence (CV) is recognized as a complex problem, with multiple origins and expressed in variable ways, encompassing different types of violence and crimes (e.g., assault, rape, robbery), as a result of circumstances that are related to the characteristics of the environment. Due to socialization and independence processes that are part of youth developmental pathways, young people tend to spend more time away from home and on the street, becoming more exposed to violence and thus also contributing to repeated victimization processes. Different studies have shown that distinct situations may promote numerous victimization processes, with a particular impact on the developmental outcomes of youth and causing great suffering. It has been reported that exposure to violence in the community is associated with mental health issues, i.e., post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, aggressive and antisocial behaviours, alcohol and substance abuse, along with multiple adverse health risk behaviours, suicidal ideation, and also resulting in subsequent homelessness in adulthood. With this review chapter, it is intended to analyse and discuss the impact that CV exposure has on youth, accompanied with practical proposals to prevent it. The concept of CV and the different types of violence and crimes that could be involved are examined, mapping the prevalence of youth affected by this form of violence, analysing the effects of exposure to CV, and concluding with initiatives aimed to contribute to the prevention against this sort of violence, and to minimize the consequences and suffering involved.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

School personnel perception of parental involvement and students’ behavior problems: practical implications

School is a privileged context to prevent specific behavior problems. Parental involvement in school activities is crucial to promote social functioning. This study aimed to access the Portuguese school personnel perception of parental involvement and students’ behavior problems. A study with 333 school personnel, aged between 29 and 66 (M = 50.84, SD = 7.54), was developed. School personnel’s participants rated parental involvement as low and nearly one in five professionals rated student’s general behavior as bad. A significant association between parental involvement and the perception of students’ general behavior was found. 80% of the professionals rating student’s general behavior as bad also rating parental involvement as poor. Additional research into implications of parental involvement in school activities and school students’ behavior problems is necessary aiming assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies in this area.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Climate-friendly healthcare: reducing the impacts of the healthcare sector on the world’s climate

If the global healthcare sector were a country, it would be the fifth-largest carbon emitter, also producing massive volumes of waste. A revolutionary transition to an environmentally sustainable model of healthcare is required. Decarbonisation efforts are initially focused on transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency in healthcare facilities (Scopes 1 and 2). One of the major challenges is to reduce the carbon intensity of the broader healthcare sector, especially operational and supply chain-related emissions, which represent 71% of the sector’s worldwide emissions (Scope 3). This comment briefly describes the connections between the healthcare sector and climate change and describes several high-impact decarbonisation opportunities, focusing on transitioning from current resource and waste-intensive procurement models and highlighting the planetary co-benefits of fostering low-emissions healthcare. To succeed, this transition will require high-level advocacy and policy changes supported by international collaboration at the global level

Abstract proceedings book of the III OPVC International Congress - violence, crime and security

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Long-term Negative Psychological Impact of Presymptomatic Testing on Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy: Efecto psicológico negativo a largo plazo de las pruebas genéticas presintomáticas en la polineuropatía amiloide familiar

http://sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/search.php?issn=2174-0550This study addresses the profile of at-risk subjects whose long-term psychological impact of presymptomatic testing (PST) for Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP) TTR V30M is negative. The sample consisted of 177 subjects, aged over 20 years that were 50% at-risk for FAP, and performed the PST at least three years ago. Participants were contacted by mail, one time only, to answer the sociodemographic questionnaire and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale of Zung (SAS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). From the sample, 22.6% (BSI), 16.4% (SAS), and 9% (BDI) subjects presented negative psychological impact, after having performed the PST for more than 3 years. Subjects with clinically significant values in BSI, SAS, and BDI have an overlapping profile concerning the total sample, except regarding age, since clinically depressed subjects have a higher mean age. Married women or living in unmarried unions, aged between 30 and 45 years, employed, carriers, and having performed the PST test for 6-7 years are a group raising higher concern and requiring a more active role with respect to the psychological impact of the PST for FAP. The role of the clinical and health psychologist with these patients is critical in the adjustment to the presymptomatic test result as well as in adherence to the available treatments conducive to a better quality of life, in carriers.Este estudio aborda el perfil de sujetos en riesgo cuyo impacto psicológico a largo plazo de las pruebas presintomáticas (PST) para la polineuropatía amiloide familiar (FAP) TTR V30M es negativo. La muestra consistió en 177 sujetos mayores de 20 años que tenían un 50% de riesgo de FAP, que habían realizado el PST hacía al menos tres años. Se contactó con los participantes por correo, solo una vez, para responder el cuestionario sociodemográfico y el Inventario de síntomas breves (BSI), la Escala de ansiedad de autoclasificación de Zung (SAS) y el Inventario de depresión de Beck (BDI). El 22.6% (BSI), el 16.4% (SAS) y el 9% (BDI) de los sujetos de la muestra presentaron un impacto psicológico negativo después de haber realizado el PST durante más de 3 años. Los sujetos con valores clínicamente significativos en BSI, SAS y BDI tienen un perfil superpuesto con respecto a la muestra total, excepto con respecto a la edad, ya que los sujetos clínicamente deprimidos tienen una edad media más alta. Las mujeres casadas o que viven en pareja, con edades entre 30 y 45 años, que trabajan, son portadoras y han realizado la prueba PST durante 6-7 años son un grupo que suscita una mayor preocupación y requiere un papel más activo con respecto al impacto psicológico del PST para FAP. El papel del psicólogo clínico y de la salud con estos pacientes es decisivo en el ajuste del resultado de la prueba presintomática, así como en la adhesión a los tratamientos disponibles que conducen a una mejor calidad de vida en los portadores.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Segurança e vitimação entre estudantes universitários na cidade do Porto

An exploratory study with 307 students from higher education institutions in Porto is presented. Participants of both sexes, aged 18-48 (M=23; SD=5.6), responded to a local security diagnostic questionnaire in order to capture perceptions of crime and victimization in the area, the feelings of security and the conceptions about the police action. The results point to a general perception of security, despite reported robbery or panhandle. The experience of victimization (15%), not always reported to the authorities, translated into a weakened perception as to the police action. The study concludes by the importance of the strategic formulation of security plans based on community participation.Apresenta-se um estudo exploratório com 307 estudantes de instituições de ensino superior do Porto. Os participantes de ambos os sexos, com idades entre os 18 e os 48 anos (M = 23; DP = 5.6) responderam a um questionário de diagnóstico local de segurança, a fim de captar as perceções sobre o crime e a vitimação na área, os sentimentos de segurança e as conceções sobre a atuação policial. Os resultados apontam para uma perceção geral de segurança, apesar dos roubos ou dos peditórios reportados. A experiência de vitimação (15%), nem sempre reportada às autoridades, traduziu-se numa perceção fragilizada quanto à atuação policial. O estudo permite concluir pela importância da formulação estratégica de planos de segurança baseada numa participação da comunidade