The Price They Pay: Protecting the Mother-Child Relationship Through the Use of Prison Nurseries and Residential Parenting Programs

Over the past century, while advocates of prison nurseries have applauded their individual and societal benefits, opponents have criticized their touchy-feely undertones, arguing that children do not belong behind bars. New York instituted the first modern prison nursery program in 1901 at its Bedford Hills facility, and the nursery has existed ever since. The federal government and a number of other states have followed suit in developing programs that, to varying degrees, give mothers and infants an opportunity to remain together until the infant reaches a particular age. The requirements for such programs vary by state but generally only permit women with nonviolent criminal histories to take part. Some states have instituted alternative community-based residential parenting programs that fall between halfway houses and prisons; others have segmented off the prison to build a nursery that will hold both mothers and babies. These institutions recognize the emotional value of allowing mother and child to bond, while simultaneously giving incarcerated mothers an opportunity to learn about the basics of being a parent, both from a practical and an emotional standpoint. On the other hand, many onlookers take offense at the thought of young children being imprisoned for their mothers’ crimes. Why are women allowed to reside with their children, despite committing a punishable act? State governments, along with the federal government, have weighed these issues when creating such programs, and, in the process, have ultimately concluded that keeping families together outweighs the retributive value of incarceration. While nontraditional, this approach to imprisonment is useful for both its deterrent and rehabilitative aspects and may even create multigenerational benefits. As the female prison population continues to grow, many have argued for increasing the number of facilities that offer alternative prison programs for pregnant women. In 2009, 6.9% of U.S. prisoners were women, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2004, 4% of women in state prisons, 3% of women in federal prisons, and 6% of women in jails were pregnant. A large majority of women in this group also have at least one child under the age of eighteen at home, and many are single parents. Conversely, less than one in five incarcerated men are single parents. A number of scholars have investigated the societal impact of these family arrangements and have found that, while children whose fathers are incarcerated more often than not live with their mothers, children whose mothers are incarcerated typically live with a nonparent family member or become part of the foster care system. Studies have shown that children who fail to sufficiently bond with their mothers are more likely to suffer from developmental delays, an inability to connect with others, and a greater likelihood of being convicted of a crime later in life. Consequently, it is difficult not to wonder whether incarcerating mothers is more detrimental for the mother or the child. Considering these negative effects, many children may believe they are the ones being punished for their mothers’ crimes. While children who are left with their fathers or other relatives may be subject to poverty, a lack of stimulation, violence, non-nutritious food, or any number of other negative side effects, the in-prison or alternative programs would, in an ideal world, give children a stable, nurturing environment in which they are given significant attention and at least three meals a day. Even though they are surrounded by concrete walls and barbed wire, these babies may ultimately have a better opportunity to begin their lives on the right foot than those children who are separated from their mothers and sent out into the world. Furthermore, using community-based residential parenting programs as a transitional tool equips both mother and child with a sturdy foundation before releasing them into regular society. This Note advocates a hybrid approach to alternative prison programs in which community-based residential parenting programs are not used in lieu of, but in addition to prison nurseries. The combination of the two approaches would maximize the individual emotional benefits to both mother and child and the more general societal benefits while being less susceptible to political criticism. Part I examines the effects prison nurseries and community-based residential parenting programs can have on the cognitive and emotional well-being of both the mother and child in arguing that these programs are beneficial to both parties. Part II explores some of the existing programs and looks to empirical evidence in determining whether the states and federal government have instituted programs that best cater to the emotional needs of mothers and babies. Part III argues for the combined use of these programs to ensure a socially appealing punishment and a logical transitional period for mother and child. Finally, Part IV addresses the arguments against prison nurseries and community-based residential parenting programs and concludes that the individual and societal benefits of these programs outweigh the financial burdens and moral opposition

The Price They Pay: Protecting the Mother-Child Relationship Through the Use of Prison Nurseries and Residential Parenting Programs

Over the past century, while advocates of prison nurseries have applauded their individual and societal benefits, opponents have criticized their touchy-feely undertones, arguing that children do not belong behind bars. New York instituted the first modern prison nursery program in 1901 at its Bedford Hills facility, and the nursery has existed ever since. The federal government and a number of other states have followed suit in developing programs that, to varying degrees, give mothers and infants an opportunity to remain together until the infant reaches a particular age. The requirements for such programs vary by state but generally only permit women with nonviolent criminal histories to take part. Some states have instituted alternative community-based residential parenting programs that fall between halfway houses and prisons; others have segmented off the prison to build a nursery that will hold both mothers and babies. These institutions recognize the emotional value of allowing mother and child to bond, while simultaneously giving incarcerated mothers an opportunity to learn about the basics of being a parent, both from a practical and an emotional standpoint. On the other hand, many onlookers take offense at the thought of young children being imprisoned for their mothers’ crimes. Why are women allowed to reside with their children, despite committing a punishable act? State governments, along with the federal government, have weighed these issues when creating such programs, and, in the process, have ultimately concluded that keeping families together outweighs the retributive value of incarceration. While nontraditional, this approach to imprisonment is useful for both its deterrent and rehabilitative aspects and may even create multigenerational benefits. As the female prison population continues to grow, many have argued for increasing the number of facilities that offer alternative prison programs for pregnant women. In 2009, 6.9% of U.S. prisoners were women, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2004, 4% of women in state prisons, 3% of women in federal prisons, and 6% of women in jails were pregnant. A large majority of women in this group also have at least one child under the age of eighteen at home, and many are single parents. Conversely, less than one in five incarcerated men are single parents. A number of scholars have investigated the societal impact of these family arrangements and have found that, while children whose fathers are incarcerated more often than not live with their mothers, children whose mothers are incarcerated typically live with a nonparent family member or become part of the foster care system. Studies have shown that children who fail to sufficiently bond with their mothers are more likely to suffer from developmental delays, an inability to connect with others, and a greater likelihood of being convicted of a crime later in life. Consequently, it is difficult not to wonder whether incarcerating mothers is more detrimental for the mother or the child. Considering these negative effects, many children may believe they are the ones being punished for their mothers’ crimes. While children who are left with their fathers or other relatives may be subject to poverty, a lack of stimulation, violence, non-nutritious food, or any number of other negative side effects, the in-prison or alternative programs would, in an ideal world, give children a stable, nurturing environment in which they are given significant attention and at least three meals a day. Even though they are surrounded by concrete walls and barbed wire, these babies may ultimately have a better opportunity to begin their lives on the right foot than those children who are separated from their mothers and sent out into the world. Furthermore, using community-based residential parenting programs as a transitional tool equips both mother and child with a sturdy foundation before releasing them into regular society. This Note advocates a hybrid approach to alternative prison programs in which community-based residential parenting programs are not used in lieu of, but in addition to prison nurseries. The combination of the two approaches would maximize the individual emotional benefits to both mother and child and the more general societal benefits while being less susceptible to political criticism. Part I examines the effects prison nurseries and community-based residential parenting programs can have on the cognitive and emotional well-being of both the mother and child in arguing that these programs are beneficial to both parties. Part II explores some of the existing programs and looks to empirical evidence in determining whether the states and federal government have instituted programs that best cater to the emotional needs of mothers and babies. Part III argues for the combined use of these programs to ensure a socially appealing punishment and a logical transitional period for mother and child. Finally, Part IV addresses the arguments against prison nurseries and community-based residential parenting programs and concludes that the individual and societal benefits of these programs outweigh the financial burdens and moral opposition

Electron emission at very low electron impact energy: experimental and Monte-Carlo results

The behaviour of electron emission under electron impact at very low energy is of great importance in many applications such as high energy physics, satellites, nuclear reactors, etc. However the question of the total electron reflectivity is still in discussion. Our experimental and theoretical studies show that the total reflectivity at very low energy is far from being an obvious fact. Moreover, our results show that the yield is close to zero and not equal to one for low energy incident electron.Comment: 3 pages, contribution to the Joint INFN-CERN-EuCARD-AccNet Workshop on Electron-Cloud Effects: ECLOUD'12; 5-9 Jun 2012, La Biodola, Isola d'Elba, Italy; CERN Yellow Report CERN-2013-002, pp.137-13

Percutaneous Mechanical Right Ventricular Support

Ventricular assist devices are used in patients with heart failure refractory to standard management. Though left ventricular assist devices are more often used, patients with severe right ventricular dysfunction may also be treated with mechanical support. This case presents a patient with mixed cardiogenic and septic shock requiring placement of a percutaneous right ventricular assist device. A 38-year-old obese male with a medical history of alcoholism presented to the hospital with a complaint of dyspnea. He was found to have volume overload and was given intravenous diuretics. However, he had progressive renal insufficiency, hypotension requiring vasopressor support, and worsening respiratory status requiring mechanical ventilation. An echocardiogram showed a severely enlarged right ventricle, reduced RV function, normal RV wall thickness, moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation, a severely dilated right atrium, ventricular septal flattening, and mild pulmonary hypertension. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 65-70%, LV diastolic function was normal, and there were no other significant valvular abnormalities. Troponin levels, ECG, and CT pulmonary angiography were unrevealing. Right heart catheterization showed a right atrial pressure of 29 mmHg (2 – 6 mmHg), right ventricular pressures of 50/24 mmHg (15-25/0-8 mmHg), pulmonary artery pressures of 56/35/43 mmHg (15-25/8-15/10-20 mmHg), a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 22 mmHg (6-12 mmHg), and a Prognostic Impact of Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index (PAPi) score of 0.3 to 0.6 (\u3e1). Cardiac chamber oxygen saturations did not demonstrate intracardiac shunting. A right-sided mechanical circulatory support device was placed. The hospital course was complicated by sepsis due to pneumonia and presumed central line-associated bloodstream infection requiring antibiotic therapy, anemia secondary to device-related hemolysis requiring blood transfusions, renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy, and candidemia requiring antifungal therapy. Due to concern for device-associated infection, his central lines were replaced. The mechanical circulatory support device was able to be removed after ten days. Subsequent cardiac imaging did not reveal any other structural abnormalities, and a definitive cause for the right heart failure was not determined. Etiologies of right-sided heart failure include left-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, myocarditis, valvular dysfunction, and congenital anomalies. Mechanical circulatory support may be used to support cardiac function, to allow the ventricular function to improve. Potential complications of mechanical circulatory support include infection, hemolysis, bleeding, device migration, and malfunction. RVAD therapy should be considered for patients with isolated right ventricular failure refractory to less invasive therapy

Lived Experiences of Elementary School Principals in Dubai

Limited research exists about leadership styles and influences of elementary private school principals in Dubai, who identify as transformational leaders. Insights from this study can inform further research into school leadership in the Arab world, as well as how best to share leadership experiences among elementary private school principals Dubai. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the lived experiences of self-reported transformational leaders in elementary private schools in Dubai. The conceptual framework for this research was transformational leadership. The research question addressed in this study is: How do elementary private school principals in Dubai describe their lived experiences as self-reported transformational leaders. Semi structured interviews were used as the data collection method for this phenomenological research. Twelve self-reported transformational school principals, who met the inclusion criteria of a minimum of 2 years as elementary school principal in Dubai, participated in the study. Following a five-step analysis strategy, 4 key themes (teamwork, empathy, community, and versatility) and 15 codes emerged. The participants shared how engaging in transformational leadership approaches impacts teamwork among stakeholders, allows them to demonstrate empathy towards others, promotes a sense of community within the school, and encourages versatility for the school leaders. The results of the current study can be used to affect positive social change within the elementary private school leadership community by inspiring the creation of platforms within the elementary private school community in Dubai, for principals to share their experiences candidly, and build on best practices

Compartment syndrome of the hand: A case report and review of literature

© 2017 The Authors Elevation of pressure within tightly bound myofascial compartments has detrimental consequences if not treated promptly, leading to a loss of circulation, ischemia, myonecrosis, nerve damage, and limb loss. They are commonly seen in the distal upper and lower extremities; however, compartment syndrome of the hand is rarely encountered and prompt recognition can prevent permanent damage and tissue loss. This case study presents a complicated case of compartment syndrome of the hand and discusses the interrelationship between compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis. An emphasis is placed on pathophysiology of this relationship to allow a better understanding of the imaging features as well as early clinical recognition of compartment syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging findings are specifically discussed as it remains the best imaging tool to evaluate the extent of the damage and surgical planning

Performance Measurement Indicators in the Healthcare Industry: A Systematic Review

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore and investigate the types of employee performance measurement systems applied in healthcare services and assess their efficiency in providing accurate measurement of the performance of healthcare workers across the various job types with focus on performance indicators to measure soft skills. Study Design and Methodology: A systematic search in discipline specific databases included PsychInfo, Medline, ABI/Inform, and Business Source Elite; and in multidisciplinary databases included Academic Search Elite, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, ProQuest, and Science Direct. The used search terms were “employee performance indicators”, “employee performance appraisal”, and “healthcare”. The search was limited to publications in English language without any restrictions on year of publication. The search was supplemented with an independent manual search of references of relevant studies and bibliographies of review articles. Results: A total of 23 articles met the inclusion criteria. Articles were classified into 3 categories: Performance measurement systems and programs comprise of 10 studies, evaluation and development of measuring tools includes 7 studies, and problems and gaps of measuring performance of medical practitioners included 6 studies. Majority of the studies (65.22%), 15 studies, are healthcare related. Conclusions: There was wide diversity in the applicable methods. However, there appears to be no comprehensive approach to performance evaluation in healthcare. The systematic review of published literature does not provide or identify a clear solution to the weakness of applicable employee performance appraisal systems in healthcare organizations. There is a literature gap in covering performance measurement systems for non-medical employees working in healthcare organizations and in discussing performance indicators for soft skills. The findings have supported the statement of problem and provided direction for future research that is needed to address the existing gap in performance measurement literature and contribute to evidence-informed decision-making in healthcare performance management

Using Natural Language Processing to Mine Multiple Perspectives from Social Media and Scientific Literature.

This thesis studies how Natural Language Processing techniques can be used to mine perspectives from textual data. The first part of the thesis focuses on analyzing the text exchanged by people who participate in discussions on social media sites. We particularly focus on threaded discussions that discuss ideological and political topics. The goal is to identify the different viewpoints that the discussants have with respect to the discussion topic. We use subjectivity and sentiment analysis techniques to identify the attitudes that the participants carry toward one another and toward the different aspects of the discussion topic. This involves identifying opinion expressions and their polarities, and identifying the targets of opinion. We use this information to represent discussions in one of two representations: discussant attitude vectors or signed attitude networks. We use data mining and network analysis techniques to analyze these representations to detect rifts in discussion groups and study how the discussants split into subgroups with contrasting opinions. In the second part of the thesis, we use linguistic analysis to mine scholars perspectives from scientific literature through the lens of citations. We analyze the text adjacent to reference anchors in scientific articles as a means to identify researchers' viewpoints toward previously published work. We propose methods for identifying, extracting, and cleaning citation text. We analyze this text to identify the purpose (author's intention) and polarity (author's sentiment) of citation. Finally, we present several applications that can benefit from this analysis such as generating multi-perspective summaries of scientific articles and predicting future prominence of publications.PHDComputer Science & EngineeringUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/99934/1/amjbara_1.pd