Investigating planar distributions of satellites around Local Group analogs

Among the various outstanding small scale challenges to ACDM Cosmology is the observation of apparently thin, kinematically coherent planes of satellites around galaxies in the Local Group and beyond. The issue remains remarkably contentious, with conflicting claims about the significance of observed planes, the efficacy of dark matter only simulations in exploring this phenomenon, and broad theoretical disagreement about the occurrence of planes of satellites even between analyses of the same suites of simulations. In this paper, we build upon existing analyses planes of satellites around z=0 Local Group analogs in the ELVIS suite of dissipationless simulations by making use of the full ELVIS merger trees. These allow us to track the kinematic coherence and evolution of "present-day" planes back through cosmic time, and weigh in on their relation to host galaxy properties and environment. Modeling our plane search on observational claims about M31, we find that comparable distributions of z=0 satellites are rare in the ELVIS simulations, but they do exist. However, their co-rotation ratios are less impressive than, for example, the apparently strong co-rotation of M31's plane of satellites, and their other properties do not hold up under further scrutiny. These planes are rarely uniquely-defined or kinematically coherent by more robust measures at z=0, and their properties vary significantly across cosmic time, even with our most generous selection criteria. We interpret these results with the aid of z=0 analogs from the FIRE Latte simulations -- both with and without the contribution of a stellar disk component. The Latte sample suggests that a stellar disk potential helps create less radially concentrated, more statistically significant present-day planes but, as with our ELVIS DMO sample, these configurations are not particularly kinematically coherent by our metrics. We therefore conclude that, to the degree that planes like M31's exist in the ELVIS simulations, they are chance alignments of satellites that do not constitute a significant challenge to CDM. Finally, we weigh in on existing arguments concerning the utility of DMO simulations in plane analyses, demonstrating that thoughtful subhalo sample selection can help systems from DMO simulations recreate the kinematic effects of a baryonic contribution in the form of a stellar disk potential.Astronom

Urban Congolese Refugees in Kenya: The Contingencies of Coping and Resilience in a Context Marked by Structural Vulnerability

The global increase in refugee migration to urban areas creates challenges pertaining to the promotion of refugee health, broadly conceived. Despite considerable attention to trauma and forced migration, there is relatively little focus on how refugees cope with stressful situations, and on the determinants that facilitate and undermine resilience. This article examines how urban Congolese refugees in Kenya promote psychosocial well-being in the context of structural vulnerability. This article is based on interviews (N = 55) and ethnographic participant observation with Congolese refugees over a period of 8 months in Nairobi in 2014. Primary stressors related to scarcity of material resources, political and personal insecurity, and emotional stress. Congolese refugees mitigated stressors by (a) relying on faith in God’s plan and trust in religious community, (b) establishing borrowing networks, and (c) compartmentalizing the past and present. This research has broader implications for the promotion of urban refugees’ psychosocial health and resilience in countries of first asylum

Generational Perceptions of Support Among Congolese Refugees in Urban Tanzania

Urban refugees frequently fall outside of the scope of humanitarian assistance programs. Despite a growing body of research describing the experiences of urban refugees in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) of first asylum, little is known about generational differences in perceived support in these contexts. This phenomenological study used in-depth, semi-structured interviews and small group discussions to identify sources and meanings of support among older adult (50+; n= 23) and younger adult (18–30; n= 11) Congolese refugees in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Family and fictive kin emerged as central sources of support across age groups. However, instrumental support was sought outside of extended family networks. Older adults relied on religious networks for material assistance while younger adults sought instrumental assistance from friends and nongovernmental organizations. Implications for practice include supporting the unique needs of older adult urban refugees through family reunification, multi-family support interventions, and delivering assistance through religious networks

Healthcare Workers’ Perceptions, Practices, and Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care in the Hospital Setting

Psychological trauma has become a pervasive term throughout the mental health field but has been slow to gain momentum in the healthcare field. Hospitals have always been a place where people with mental health concerns or psychosis seek help, but hospitals have historically not implemented a trauma-informed care (TIC) approach. As the mental health crisis continues to become more detrimental, trauma-informed care skills will become more valuable. This study measured the knowledge, opinions, perceptions healthcare professionals in West Texas have regarding trauma-informed care. This study hypothesized that healthcare workers in West Texas would benefit from TIC training. This study hypothesized that healthcare workers in West Texas would have lower levels of TIC knowledge and have negative perceptions of TIC, but instead the study found that workers have sufficient knowledge in TIC and perceive TIC positively. The study concluded that healthcare workers would benefit from more training. Due to scope of this study, further research is needed to determine a more accurate measure of knowledge, perceptions, and use of TIC. As seen with this study, there continues to be a need for research that focuses on different methods of training in TIC