Suicide and self-harm in prisoners

2.1 Abstract Aims: To investigate internal and external entrapment as risk factors for suicide ideation in a sample of male prisoners. Further, the study aims to investigate the role of goals (i.e. being able to adjust goals, and individual perceptions about goals) in relation to perceptions of entrapment and suicide ideation. Method: A total of 106 male prisoners took part in this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study over a four month period at a category C prison. Over-sampling was used to recruit higher-risk prisoners. Results: Univariate analyses showed that several variables significantly predicted current suicide ideation and these were included in a hierarchical logistic regression. Internal entrapment, external entrapment, goal re-engagement and goal ambivalence (i.e. a factor of goal perceptions), as a set, were able to independently predict current suicide ideation over and above established risk factors e.g. hopelessness, χ2 (6) = 64.42, p <0.01. Internal entrapment, perceived quality of social support and external entrapment made unique statistically significant (p values <0.05) contributions to the model, with odds ratios of 1.42, 1.03 and, interestingly, -0.78, respectively. Interaction terms between goal variables and entrapment variables were not significant in predicting suicide ideation, indicating no moderation. Conclusions: The results suggest a differential impact of internal and external entrapment on suicide ideation. There are preliminary findings that difficulty in engaging with, and feeling ambivalent about goals may contribute to suicide ideation, however these are not as important as other factors. These findings are discussed in relation to the current literature, along with the clinical implications for identification and management of at-risk prisoners and recommendations for future research

The Trickster In Nella Larsen\u27s Passing (1929): Performing And Masquerading An American Identity

This thesis examines Nella Larsen\u27s novel Passing (1929) and the performative nature of `passing\u27 as white through the perspective of the archetypal trickster myth. I read the novel as a trickster tale that challenges gender roles and the construct of race in defiance of the dominant power structure that defines the American identity. I position the character Clare Kendry Bellew as a trickster figure, who performs an identity to defy race and gender roles. My argument challenges the general theory that black passing novels are solely tragic, and the perception that humor is not a pedagogical tool or representation of culture. My analysis focuses on the trickster as a universal figure, on American opportunism, and on the necessity of performance to attain upward mobility. A trickster reading of the novel and its protagonist provides a method of perceiving the irony and absurdity of racial, gender, and socio-economic constructs

Junior Recital: Rachael Miller

Kemp Recital HallApril 10, 2016Sunday Afternoon2:30 p.m

Optimal Control Applied to Population and Disease Models

This dissertation considers the use of optimal control theory in population models for the purpose of characterizing strategies of control which minimize an invasive or infected population with the least cost. Three different models and optimal control problems are presented. Each model describes population dynamics via a system of differential equations and includes the effects of one or more control methods. The first model is a system of two ordinary differential equations describing dynamics between a native population and an invasive population. Population growth terms are functions of the control, constructed so that the value of the control may affect each population differently. A novel existence result is presented for the case of quadratic growth functions. With parameters chosen to mimic the competition between cottonwood and salt cedar plants, optimal schedules of controlled ooding are displayed. The second model, a system of six ordinary differential equations, describes the spread of cholera in a human population through ingestion of Vibrio cholerae. Equations track movement of susceptible individuals to either an asymptomatic infected class or a symptomatic infected class through ingestion of bacteria, both in a hyperinfectious state and a less-infectious state. Recovered individuals temporarily move to an immune class before being placed back in the susceptible class. A new result quantities contributions to the basic reproductive number from multiple infectious classes. Within the model, three control functions represent rehydration and antibiotic treatment, vaccination, and sanitation. The cost-effective balance of multiple cholera intervention methods is compared for two endemic populations. The third model describes the spread of disease in both time and space using a system of three parabolic partial differential equations with convection-diffusion movement terms and no-flux boundary conditions. A control function representing vaccination is incorporated. State variables track the number of susceptible, infected, and immune individuals. Detailed analysis for the characterization of the optimal control is provided. The model and optimal control results are applied to the spread of rabies among raccoons with the control function determining the timing and placement of oral vaccine baits. Results illustrate cost-effective vaccine distribution strategies for both regular and irregular patterns of rabies propagation

Electric clothes dryers: An underestimated source of microfiber pollution

It is well-established that microplastics in the form of textile fibers enter the environment via washing machines and wastewater treatment effluent. Less is known about the release of microfibers from electric clothes dryers. In this study we measure microfiber emissions direct to the environment from home installed dryers at two different sites. Fibers from the pink polyester fleece blankets used in this study were found in plots throughout a 30ft (9.14m) radius from the dryer vents, with an average number across all plots of 404 ± 192 (SD) (Site 1) and 1,169 ± 606 (SD) (Site 2). The majority of the fibers collected were located within 5 ft (1.52m) of the vents. Averages of 35 ± 16(SD)mg (Site 1) and 70 ± 77 (SD)mg (Site 2) of lint from three consecutive dry cycles were collected from dryer vent exhaust. This study establishes that electric clothes dryers emit masses of microfiber directly into the environment. Microfiber emissions vary based on dryer type, age, vent installation and lint trap characteristics. Therefore, dryers should be included in discussions when considering strategies, policies and innovations to prevent and mitigate microfiber pollution.Ope

Are We Contaminating Our Samples? A Preliminary Study to Investigate Procedural Contamination During Field Sampling and Processing for Microplastic and Anthropogenic Microparticles.

Methods for sampling, analysis and interpretation of fresh and saltwater microplastics and anthropogenic microfibers have improved since 2004, but techniques for reducing and monitoring procedural contamination are still limited. Quantifying the amount of procedural contamination introduced to samples improves the robustness of counts of microplastics and anthropogenic microfibers in the environment. This pilot study investigates procedural contamination introduced into water samples when rigorous QA/QC anti-contamination protocols are used and removed. Procedural contamination accounted for 33.8% of the total microfibers and microplastics found in samples when protocols were used (n=81), but 70.7% when they were not (n=8). With the use of extensive control sampling and full characterization of samples (morphological, optical and chemical) it was possible to identify the predominant sources of contamination (crew clothing) and make recommendations for anti-contamination and procedural contamination identification/reduction protocol-for-shoreline and small/medium sized vessel sampling for microplastics and anthropogenic microfibers.Ope