Gang Activity in English Prisons: The Prisoners’ Perspective.

Gang activity in American prisons has resulted in serious problems for prisoners and staff (e.g. Fong & Buentello 1991; Stevens 1997). This study assessed prisoners’ perceptions of gang-event frequency in the U.K. Interviews with 360 prisoners from 9 prisons in England and Wales indicated gang-related events were perceived as more frequent in all male categories of prison than they were in female institutions. Prisoners reported drug possession and prisoner groups being formed along regional origins as the most frequent gang related activities. Recidivists perceived higher levels of gang related activity than did first time prisoners. Gang related variables also predicted prisoners’ perceptions that groups of prisoners have more control over events in the prison than do staff and that order in the prison may not be maintained. The merits of interviewing prisoners and the implications of the results for maintaining order in prison are discussed

Determining decay rates of polar cap plasma using bservations of polar cap patches

Polar cap patches are large scale structures occurring in the high-latitude ionosphere. They are regions of enhanced plasma density of at least twice the background density, and they are often observed in the polar cap region. The primary decay mechanism is via a two-step rearrangement and recombination reaction involving Oxygen and Nitrogen. Small scale structures within polar cap patches can result in scintillation of radio signals such as those used in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). As such, quantifying the decay rate of the plasma is of importance if the effects on such communications are to be predicted. Observations were obtained during the Northern Deep Winter experiment, a series of incoherent scatter radar world days that took place in December 2014. Data from multiple incoherent scatter radars at high latitudes will be utilised to observe the same plasma at several locations as it is transported. From these observations, the decay of the plasma will be calculated and compared to the results of laboratory experiments

A study of the application of microwave techniques to the measurement of solid propellant burning rates Final report

Utilization of Doppler microwave interferometer for measuring solid propellant burning rate

Fabrication of PEM Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates by Indirect SLS

The paper presents a new manufacturing technique involving Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) bipolar plate fabrication. A material system for bipolar plate fabrication was identified to satisfy both the cell performance requirement and SLS operation restriction. Carbonization and liquid epoxy infiltration are subsequently performed following the completion of SLS green bipolar plate. The finished SLS bipolar plate showed impressive surface finish and mechanical strength, and a single fuel cell was assembled with two SLS end plates and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in between. Various physical property tests were performed with positive results. Fuel cell performance (voltage vs. current density, voltage vs. time, etc.) will be assessed in the near future.Mechanical Engineerin

Improvement of Electrical Conductivity of SLS PEM Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates

Previous work in this research demonstrated the feasibility of fabrication of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell bipolar plates by an indirect selective laser sintering (SLS) route. Properties of the SLS bipolar plate, such as flexural strength, corrosion resistance and gas impermeability, etc. are quite promising and satisfactory. However, initial results showed that there was still room for the improvement in electrical conductivity. This paper summaries the strategies investigated in an effort to increase the electrical conductivity, among which are: (1) infiltration of brown parts with conductive polymer (2) addition of a liquid phenolic infiltration/re-curing step prior to final sealing and (3) reduction of glassy carbon resistivity by curing process parameter control. Results show that the electrical conductivity value may be improved from 80 S/cm to around 108 S/cm, which is equivalent to a 35% jump, when the phenolic infiltration/re-curing step is applied before final epoxy sealing.Mechanical Engineerin

Gait characteristics of subjects with chronic fatigue syndrome and controls at self-selected and matched velocities

Background: Gait abnormalities have been reported in individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) however no studies exist to date investigating the kinematics of individuals with CFS in over-ground gait. The aim of this study was to compare the over-ground gait pattern (sagittal kinematics and temporal and spatial) of individuals with CFS and control subjects at their self-selected and at matched velocities. Methods: Twelve individuals with CFS and 12 matched controls participated in the study. Each subject walked along a 7.2 m walkway three times at each of three velocities: self-selected, relatively slow (0.45 ms-1) and a relatively fast (1.34 ms-1). A motion analysis system was used to investigate the sagittal plane joint kinematics and temporal spatial parameters of gait. Results: At self-selected velocity there were significant differences between the two groups for all the temporal and spatial parameters measured, including gait velocity (P = 0.002). For the kinematic variables the significant differences were related to both ankles during swing and the right ankle during stance. At the relatively slower velocity the kinematic differences were replicated. However, the step distances decreased in the CFS population for the temporal and spatial parameters. When the gait pattern of the individuals with CFS at the relatively fast walking velocity (1.30 ± 0.24 ms-1) was compared to the control subjects at their self-selected velocity (1.32 ± 0.15 ms-1) the gait pattern of the two groups was very similar, with the exception of both ankles during swing. Conclusion: The self-selected gait velocity and/or pattern of individuals with CFS may be used to monitor the disease process or evaluate therapeutic intervention. These differences may be a reflection of the relatively low self-selected gait velocity of individuals with CFS rather than a manifestation of the condition itself

A focus on shape coexistence in nuclei

The present collection of articles focuses on new directions and developments under the title of shape coexistence in nuclei, following our 2011 Reviews of Modern Physics article (K Heyde and J L Wood)

Group and intergroup parameters of gang activities: An introduction and research agenda.

In introducing this Special Issue on gangs, we overview the thrust of its papers, demonstrating how they assist in plugging research gaps from the dearth of psychological attention to gangs. The papers therein raise important theoretical considerations of group process effects, social identity, and communication influences in gangs. Also included are empirical examinations of how attitudes to formal organized crime groups may nurture progang views, how social networks bridge gang divides, the dehumanization and social dominance association with gang membership, and how membership longevity associates with gang members’ attitudes to their group. We conclude with theoretical prospects and empirical vistas for future work. For instance, vitality theory may help explain members’ immersion in gangs, discursive strategies could explain how youth are enticed into gangs, and examinations of community and law enforcement attitudes to gangs may provide insight into how oppositional attitudes are fostered on both sides of the gang divide

Green care in the community

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that community based horticultural projects can be effective interventions for people experiencing mental health difficulties. Such programmes have been shown to provide a wide range of benefits, including increased confidence and self-esteem, improved mood, extended social networks as well as the development of new skills and a circadian rhythm. Whilst there is now considerable evidence demonstrating the beneficial outcomes of group gardening, there is a lack of understanding as to how psychological processes that contribute towards therapeutic outcomes might be affected by these interventions. This study explored experiences of community gardening programmes in order to better understand how attendance may affect the psychological health of people experiencing mental distress. In particular, it sought to understand the impact of nature on psychological experience during group attendance. Eleven people experiencing mental health difficulties were interviewed about their experiences of attending community gardening groups. The study adopted an ethnomethodological approach to constructionist grounded theory, in order to develop a framework within which participant experiences could be understood. Findings suggested that key processes of feeling safe, letting go, (re-)connecting and finding place provided mechanisms of positive psychological change. Fundamental to each process were changes in construal of, and relationships with, others, nature and importantly, the self, within the gardening group contexts. An increased sense of identification with other people and non-human nature, and the development of empathy and compassion, appeared to be key psychological processes which may account for the positive impact on participants’ mental health. Directions for future research and implications for future clinical interventions are suggested

Diabetic patient experiences of public and government messaging and help-seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences on the global population, impacting on both mental and physical health. Despite the increased risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, there is a paucity of research exploring the experiences of individuals with underlying health conditions during the pandemic, particularly in relation to government messaging and its impact on help-seeking behaviours. This thesis seeks to address these gaps by focusing on the experiences of people living with Type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Informed by a critical realist epistemology, this qualitative study employs semistructured interviews with 13 participants to explore how government and public health messaging was experienced and the resultant impact on help-seeking behaviours. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: 'Diabetes Identity,' 'Becoming [In]visible' and 'Going it Alone.' Participants reported experiences of stigmatisation and feelings of shame as a consequence of messaging, along with the psychological impact of losing both social and healthcare support. They also described challenges in grappling with being positioned as 'vulnerable' and the poor differentiation with the use of this label, as well as issues around self-disclosure and a renegotiation of their relationship with their diabetes. Recommendations for further research and improvements to government policy and guidelines are provided to better address the importance of considering the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with pre-existing health conditions, as well as the need for more inclusive and sensitive public health messaging to minimise stigmatisation and promote help-seeking behaviours