Using Social Disorganization Theory to Explore Neighbourhood Effects on Violent Crime: A Case Study of the City of Brantford, Ontario

The purpose of this study was to explore neighbourhood characteristics related to social disorganization theory and to ascertain whether socioeconomic disadvantage, family disruption, residential instability and young population structure were predictive of neighbourhood violent crime in the city of Brantford, Ontario, as a case study. A two-step analysis was conducted using data derived from the National Household Survey (NHS), the 2011 census and the Brantford Police Service records management system (BPS-RMS). A descriptive analysis of Brantford’s 21 census tracts (CT) was conducted to explore patterns of social disorganization variables and violent crime in each of the city’s 21 CT neighbourhoods. A series of regression analyses were then carried out to examine the relationship between social disorganization variables and violent crime. Results of the regression analyses revealed that low education attainment and young population structure were associated with violent crime in neighbourhoods, lending partial support to social disorganization theory as an explanation for the violent crime. Residential instability was not associated with the outcome. Family disruption could not be tested due to multiple assumption violations. Implications of the research findings include the consideration of enhanced intervention (e.g., community resources and community policing) in neighbourhoods in Brantford demonstrating high levels of social disorganization in an effort to reduce neighbourhood violence

3-Butyl-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium bis­(1,2-dicyano­ethene-1,2-dithiol­ato-κ2 S,S′)nickel(III)

In the title compound, (C8H15N2)[Ni(C4N2S2)2], the NiIII atom is coordinated by four S atoms of two maleonitrile­dithiol­ate ligands and exhibits a distorted square-planar geometry. In the crystal, the cations and anions are connected alternately by weak inter­molecular C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming a zigzag chain along [201]

Mechanical and biodeterioration behaviours of a clayey soil strengthened with combined carrageenan and casein

In the last decade, biopolymers have been used as organic soil binders in ground improvement and earthen construction material modification. Although biopolymer-treated soils have substantially enhanced mechanical strength, the deformation characteristics under external loads and material durability (e.g. biodeterioration due to microbial activity) have not yet been fully understood, which limits the in situ practical application of the biopolymer-based soil treatment technology. This study investigated the efficiency of combined carrageenan and casein in strengthening a clayey soil with the biodeterioration consideration. Both mechanical tests (e.g. unconfined compressive strength and one-dimensional consolidation) and biological tests (e.g. high throughput sequencing and rating of mould growth) were conducted. Results indicated that the usage of the carrageenan–casein mixture induced a higher soil compressive strength compared with either carrageen or casein, due to the formation of a three-dimensional gel network. In addition, carrageenan–casein mixture and casein decreased the compressibility of the clayey soil, which might be attributed to the casein’s peculiarity of self-associating into micelles, leading to minimal interactions with water molecules. Carrageenan, due to its affinity for water, increased the soil compressibility. Under the impact of microbial activity, the biopolymer-treated soils underwent deterioration in both surface appearance (i.e. coloured stains and patches caused by mould growth) and compressive strength. A linear relationship was proposed, in which a reduction in compressive strength by approximately 11% is expected while the rating of mould growth is increased by one in a five-rating system. The current research demonstrates that the soil reinforcement with combined carrageenan and casein is able to improve both soil strength and deformation behaviours. It is also suggested to take into account the biodeterioration considerations in the design and implementation of biopolymer-based soil reinforcement practices

Bis[1-(2,6-dichloro­benz­yl)-3-methyl­pyrazin-1-ium] bis­(maleonitrile­dithiol­ato)nickelate(II)

In the crystal structure of the title compound, (C12H11Cl2N2)2[Ni(C4N2S2)2], the NiII complex dianion is located on an inversion centre. The NiII atom is coordinated by four S atoms in a square-planar geometry. In the cation, the dihedral angle between the benzene and pyrazine rings is 85.2 (2)°

Smartphone Use and Psychological Well-Being among College Students in China: A Qualitative Assessment

Background: Problematic smartphone use is widespread, and college-age youth faces an especially high risk of its associated consequences. While a promising body of research has emerged in recent years in this area, the domination of quantitative inquiries can be fruitfully and conceptually complemented by perspectives informed through qualitative research. Toward that end, this study aimed to interrogate the myriad behavioral, attitudinal, and psychological tendencies as a side effect of college students’ engagement with the smartphone in their everyday lived experience through in-depth interviews. Methods: We recruited 70 participants from seven college campuses hailing from different geographic regions in China, and conducted semi-structured in-depth virtual interviews via WeChat in November and December 2020. Subjective experiences, personal narratives and individual perceptions in the context of routine interaction with the smartphone were thematically analyzed through a reiterative process in an effort to detect prevailing threads and recurring subthemes. Results: The smartphone has established a pervasive presence in college students’ everyday life. Time-based use characteristics generated a typology of four distinct user groups: hypo-connected antagonists, balanced majority, hyper-connected enthusiasts, and indulgent zealots. Habitual usage falls on predictable patterns matched onto temporal, locale-based and contextual cues and triggers. Students’ dependency relationships with the smartphone have both functional and emotional dimensions, as prominently manifested in occasions of detachment from the device. Self-regulatory effort in monitoring and limiting use is significantly impacted by mental focus and personal goal setting. Perspectives from our qualitative data suggest the need for taking into account a variety of contextual cues and situational factors in dissecting psychological and emotional outcomes of smartphone use and abuse

Bis(4-dimethyl­amino-1-ethyl­pyridinium) bis­(1,2-dicyano­ethene-1,2-dithiol­ato-κ2 S,S′)nickelate(II)

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, (C9H15N2)2[Ni(C4N2S2)2], comprises one 4-dimethyl­amino-1-ethyl­pyri­din­ium cation and one half of a [Ni(mnt)2]2− (mnt2− = maleo­nitrile­dithiol­ate) anion; the complete anion is generated by the application of a centre of inversion. The NiII ion is coordinated by four S atoms of two mnt2− ligands and exhibits a square-planar coordination geometry

Is gender equality a prerequisite for economic advancement?

published_or_final_versionInternational and Public AffairsMasterMaster of International and Public Affair