Search

I evaluate the 2006 Adam Walsh Act (AWA) and the sex offender registration and notification requirements that it established. I find that the law expands registry size in compliant states but does not reduce sex crimes, including those made registerable or more severe by the AWA. My results suggest that the conviction-based approach to determining inclusion on registries mandated by the AWA instead has the counterproductive effect of making registries less likely to reduce sex crimes and notification requirements are not effective at alerting prospective victims about unfamiliar offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Daily use of cannabis is increasing in Australia, yet there is limited understanding of the driving behaviours within this cohort, including how they perceive and manage the risks of being apprehended for drug driving and involved in a crash after consumption. Methods: An online survey was completed by 487 Australians who reported daily cannabis use (30% medically prescribed patients, 58% male). Results: Current drug driving (i.e., driving within 4 h of consuming cannabis each week) was reported by 86% of participants. Future drug driving was anticipated by 92% of the sample. While most participants (93%) disagreed that their risk of crash increased following cannabis use, participants reported that they would drive more carefully (89%), leave greater headway (79%) and/or drive slower (51%) following cannabis consumption. Half of the sample (53%) perceived the risk of apprehension for drug driving to be likely to some extent. Strategies to reduce the likelihood of being detected were used by 25% of participants, and included using Facebook police location sites (16%), driving on back roads (6%) and/or consuming substances to mask the presence of drugs (13%). The regression analysis revealed that individuals who reported more occasions of cannabis use per day, and who perceived that cannabis does not reduce driving ability, reported a greater extent of current drug driving. Discussion and Conclusions: Interventions and education which aim to challenge this perception that 'cannabis does not reduce driving ability' may prove important for reducing drug driving among the most frequent consumers of cannabis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Almost half the sample reported driving immediately after consuming cannabis. • 26.8% of participants reported waiting a sufficient time to avoid drug driving. • 173,455 drug driving events were anticipated by the sample in the next year. • Medically prescribed users were willing to wait longer before driving. • Offending behaviours stem from a history of drug use, and a lack of perceived risk. This study aimed to explore the length of time cannabis users typically wait between drug consumption and driving a vehicle, and what factors influence such decisions. A total of 839 Australian cannabis users participated in an online survey (26.3% had a prescription for cannabis). Participants ranged in age between 18 years and 75 years (M = 43.3) and 38.2% were female. Driving immediately after consuming cannabis was reported by 41.6% of the sample and waiting 1 h was the next most common response (17%). About one-quarter of participants reported that they waited at least 4 h, thus driving at a time they may no longer be impaired (26.8%). Factors that predicted waiting less time included: a greater frequency of drug consumption (times per day and per month), earlier age of cannabis use onset, using cannabis without a prescription, reporting past-year driving within four hours of consuming cannabis with an illegal drug, and lower perceptions of risk related to driving after consuming cannabis. Participants were asked to report how many days in the next year they would drive within four hours of cannabis consumption, with the most common response being 365 days (37.9% of sample). Given cannabis use is likely to increase through impending decriminalisation and expansion of prescription access, identifying ways to educate cannabis users and extend the length of time they wait between consumption and driving is critical for road safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Incomplete anchoring of the Watchman left atrial appendage closure (LAAO) device can result in substantial device migration or device embolization (DME) requiring percutaneous or surgical retrieval. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of Watchman procedures (January 2016 through March 2021) reported to the National Cardiovascular Data Registry LAAO Registry. We excluded patients with prior LAAO interventions, no device released, and missing device information. In‐hospital events were assessed among all patients and postdischarge events were assessed among patients with 45‐day follow‐up. Results: Of 120 278 Watchman procedures, the in‐hospital DME rate was 0.07% (n = 84) and surgery was commonly performed (n = 39). In‐hospital mortality rate was 14% among patients with DME and 20.5% among patients who underwent surgery. In‐hospital DME was more common: at hospitals with a lower median annual procedure volume (24 vs. 41 procedures, p <.0001), with Watchman 2.5 versus Watchman FLX devices (0.08% vs. 0.04%, p =.0048), with larger LAA ostia (median 23 vs. 21 mm, p =.004), and with a smaller difference between device and LAA ostial size (median difference 4 vs. 5 mm, p =.04). Of 98 147 patients with 45‐day follow‐up, postdischarge DME occurred in 0.06% (n = 54) patients and cardiac surgery was performed in 7.4% (n = 4) of cases. The 45‐day mortality rate was 3.7% (n = 2) among patients with postdischarge DME. Postdischarge DME was more common among men (79.7% of events but 58.9% of all procedures, p =.0019), taller patients (177.9 vs. 172 cm, p =.0005), and those with greater body mass (99.9 vs. 85.5 kg, p =.0055). The rhythm at implant was less frequently AF among patients with DME compared to those without (38.9% vs. 46.9%, p =.0098). Conclusion: While Watchman DME is rare, it is associated with high mortality and frequently requires surgical retrieval, and a substantial proportion of events occur after discharge. Due to the severity of DME events, risk mitigation strategies and on‐site cardiac surgical back‐up are of paramount importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation has become increasingly safer, rehospitalization and emergency department (ED) evaluations can occur in the postablation period. Better understanding of the frequency, causes, and predictors for hospitalization and ED evaluation after ablation are needed, particularly as same‐day discharge programs expand. Methods: The Optum Clinformatics database was used to define rates, causes, and predictors of hospital and ED care after AF ablation performed between January 2016 and May 2019. Primary outcomes were all‐cause hospital and ED care within 30 days of discharge. Independent predictors of all‐cause ED and hospital admissions care were determined via logistic regression. Results: Of the 18 848 patients in this study, the mean age was 67.5 ± 10 years, 37.9% were female, and the mean CHA2DS2‐VASc score was 3.27 ± 1.84. Within 30 days of AF ablation, 1440 of 18 848 patients (7.6%) required hospital care of which 15% had >1 admission; 7.9% required ED care of which 28.6% had >1 ED visit. The most common reasons for hospital admission (which occurred on average 12.3 days after discharge) were supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or AF (33.2%), heart failure (12.7%), and infection (12.2%). The most common reasons for ED care were SVT/AF (15.0%), noncardiac chest pain (13.3%), and noninfectious respiratory illness (12.2%). Age, female sex, ablation in an inpatient setting, and co‐morbidities were associated with increased risk of rehospitalization. Age, female sex, patient comorbidities, and non‐use of direct oral anticoagulation were associated with increased risk of ED visit. Conclusion: Approximately 7%–8% of patients require unplanned hospitalization or ED care after AF ablation, most commonly due to SVT/AF. Predictors of unscheduled care include patient age, sex, and several patient comorbidities. This study can inform quality improvement initiatives by identifying common causes for unscheduled care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first investigation into drug driving recidivism in Australia. • Of those detected between Dec 2007 and Jun 2020, 25% were recidivists. • Of recidivists, 30% offended 3 times or more. • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol was most commonly found among one-time offenders. • Methamphetamine was most common among recidivists. Introduction : While research has reported on overall prevalence rates of drug driving, the extent of recidivist offending has yet to be explored. The objective of this research was to examine recidivistic behaviors detected through Roadside Drug Testing (RDT) in Queensland (between December 2007 and June 2020), with a focus on: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 3,4-Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA), and methamphetamine (MA). Method : Data were provided by the Queensland Police Service, and contained information on positive drug detections that were confirmed via laboratory analysis. Results : The analyses revealed 50,442 unique offenders with a total of 67,727 offenses, as 25% (N = 12,490) of all offenders had been apprehended more than once (ranging from 2 to 11 offences). MA use was more common among recidivist offenders, whereas THC was more common for those with one offense. On average, the days between offenses decreased with increases in offense number. Conclusions : The findings provide evidence for the extent of drug driving recidivism on Queensland roads. To deter recidivists and the greater motorist population from drug driving, there is need for greater resources dedicated to RDT to increase both the perceived and real likelihood of detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pivotal trials of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) used specific postprocedure treatment protocols.Objectives: This study sought to evaluate patterns of postprocedure care after LAAO with the Watchman device in clinical practice and compare the risk of adverse events for different discharge antithrombotic strategies.Methods: We evaluated patients in the LAAO Registry of the National Cardiovascular Data Registry who underwent LAAO with the Watchman device between 2016 and 2018. We assessed adherence to the full postprocedure trial protocol including standardized follow-up, imaging, and antithrombotic agents and then evaluated the most commonly used antithrombotic strategies and compared the rates and risk of adverse events at 45 days and 6 months by means of multivariable COX frailty regression.Results: Among 31,994 patients undergoing successful LAAO, only 12.2% received the full postprocedure treatment protocol studied in pivotal trials; the most common protocol deviations were with discharge antithrombotic medications. The most common discharge medication strategies were warfarin and aspirin (36.9%), direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) and aspirin (20.8%), warfarin only (13.5%), DOAC only (12.3%), and dual antiplatelet therapy (5.0%). In multivariable Cox frailty regression, the adjusted risk of any adverse event through the 45-day follow-up visit were significantly lower for discharge on warfarin alone (HR: 0.692; 95% CI: 0.569-0.841) and DOAC alone (HR: 0.731; 95% CI: 0.574-0.930) compared with warfarin and aspirin. Warfarin alone retained lower risk at the 6-month follow-up.Conclusions: In contemporary U.S. practice, practitioners rarely used the full U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved postprocedure treatment protocols studied in pivotal trials of the Watchman device. Discharge after implantation on warfarin or DOAC without concomitant aspirin was associated with lower risk of adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• EURM-017 is human serum reference material for anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology assays. • Antibody fractions (S1 RBD, N, S1, S2, and full-length S) were affinity purified. • The five purified anti-sera were quantified, and neutralization activity compared. • Anti-sera ug/mL yield was: S1(17.7), S1 RBD(17.4), full-length S(34.1), S2(29.7), N(72.5). • Standardization is for assays with same antigen specificity/immunoglobulin class. • EURM-017 standardization will provide confidence to compare results across assays. Current serological methods for SARS-CoV-2 lack adequate standardization to a universal standard reference material. Standardization will allow comparison of results across various lab-developed and commercial assays and publications. SARS-CoV-2 EURM-017 is human sera reference material containing antibodies directed against SARS-CoV-2 proteins, S1/S2 (full-length spike [S]), S1 receptor-binding domain (S1 RBD), S1, S2, and nucleocapsid (N) protein. The goal of this study was to characterize five antigen-specific serum fractions in EURM-017 for standardization of serology assays. Five antigen-specific serum fractions were affinity purified, quantified, and PRNT 50 titers compared. Standardization methods were established for two anti-S1 RBD (IgG and Total Ig) and one N protein assay. For the anti-S1 RBD assays, standardization involved determining assay index values for serial dilutions of S1-RBD anti-sera. Index values for the anti-S1 RBD IgG assay and PRNT 50 titers were determined for 44 symptomatic COVID-19 patient sera. The index values were converted to EURM-017 ug/mL. Anti-sera protein content was as follows: S1 (17.7 µg/mL), S1 RBD (17.4 µg/mL), S1/S2 (full-length S) (34.1 µg/mL), S2 (29.7 µg/mL), and N protein (72.5 µg/mL). S1 anti-serum had the highest neutralization activity. A standardization method for S1 RBD anti-serum and an anti-S1 RBD IgG assay yielded the linear equation (y = 0.75x−0.10; y = index, x=µg/mL anti-serum). Patient sample index values for the S1-RBD IgG assay correlated well with PRNT 50 titers (Pearson r = 0.84). Using the equation above, patient index values were converted to standardized µg/mL. Standardization of different lab-developed and commercial assays to EURM-017 antigen-specific anti-sera will allow comparison of results across studies globally due to traceability to a single standard reference material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 58% of the sample reported drug driving, with 30,858 events reported in total. • 26% of participants reported seeing RDT, whereas 7% reported being tested at RDT. • Drug drivers were not more likely to see RDT compared to non-drug drivers. • Seeing RDT operations on 2+ occasions increased perceptions of certainty. • Certainty of apprehension was found to predict future offending intentions. Introduction: Maximizing the deterrent effects of Roadside Drug Testing (RDT) operations remains critical for improving road safety. While preliminary research has explored the impact of being tested at RDT sites, there is yet to be an investigation of different types of exposure (e.g., seeing an operation, being tested) and the subsequent relationship(s) with perceptions of certainty of apprehension and future intentions to offend. The overall objective of this research was to explore these relationships with a sample of drug takers. Method: A total of 803 Queensland motorists aged between 16 and 75 (M = 27.12, SD = 13.09) completed an online-based survey, and all reported consuming marijuana, MDMA, and/or methamphetamine at least once in the previous 12 months. A convenience sampling method was utilized (via Facebook). Results: The drug driving proportion of the sample (58%) reported a total of 30,858 instances of drug driving, or 66 instances on average. Seeing RDT in the previous 12 months (26% of sample) was more common than being tested at RDT (7%). The results indicated that seeing RDT two or more times was related to increased certainty of apprehension (compared to those who had seen it only once or never), although the increase was relatively small. Correlational analyses suggest there were some positive (albeit weak relationships) between exposure to RDT (seen and tested) and past and future offending. However, only three significant predictors of future offending emerged: older age, lower perceptions of apprehension certainty, and greater use of marijuana. Practical Applications: The results illuminate the extent of the drug driving problem and the need for greater resourcing to increase the real threat of detection. While the effect of exposure to enforcement was small, it was positive, incremental and supportive of increased roadside police enforcement as well as further research to quantify such deterrent processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 72% of participants perceived their crash risk was less than the average same-age, same-sex driver. • 74.2% of participants reported their driving ability was superior to the average same-age, same-sex driver. • 16% perceived their driving ability to be better than a professional race car driver. • Comparative optimism in driving ability was the most salient predictor of speeding. • Negative experiences did not deter speeding behaviours. Introduction: Preliminary research has indicated that numerous drivers perceive their risk of traffic crash to be less than other drivers, while perceiving their driving ability to be better. This phenomenon is referred to as 'comparative optimism' (CO) and may prove to inhibit the safe adoption of driving behaviors and/or dilute perceptions of negative outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate comparative judgments regarding crash risk and driving ability, and how these judgments relate to self-reported speeding. Method: There were 760 Queensland motorists comprised of 51.6% males and 48.2% females, aged 16–85 (M = 39.60). Participants completed either a paper or online version of a survey. Judgments of crash risk and driving ability were compared to two referents: the average same-age, same-sex driver, and the average same-age, same-sex V8 supercar champion. Results: Drivers displayed greater optimism when comparing their crash risk and driving ability to the average same-age, same- sex driver (respectively, 72%, 72.4%), than when comparing to a V8 supercar champion (respectively, 60%, 32.9%). When comparing judgements of crash risk and driving ability to a similar driver, it appears that participants in the present study are just about as optimistic about their risk of crash (i.e. 72%) as they are optimistic about their driving ability (i.e. 74.2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the fragment of a late medieval English folding almanac, analysed by historian Hilary Carey and academic J. P. Gumbert. Topics discussed include the acknowledgment of its textual contents in the 1963 book "A Catalogue of Incipits of Mediaeval Scientific Writings in Latin," the presence of schematic diagrams of the Vein Man and Zodiac Man on the parchment, and the accessibility of the fragment through the medieval manuscript collection of Cambridge University Library.

• 25.5% reported "possible" drink driving, 16% reported "acknowledged" drink driving. • Higher alcohol consumption predicted "possible" and "acknowledged" drink driving. • Avoiding detection and past drink driving predicted future intentions to offend. • Punishment avoidance is likely to be a salient predictor of offending. • Many drink driving events may be deliberate acts rather than errors in judgement. While attempts to identify the mechanisms to effectively deter drink driving remains a central focus for road safety researchers, scant scientific enquiry has simultaneously examined perceptions of apprehension risk in combination with substance abuse. This may be considered a significant oversight given that such constructs may create opposing forces, or alternatively, alcohol abuse and punishment avoidance may create cumulative effects and promote offending behaviours. This paper reports on an investigation of 718 Queensland motorists' self-reported perceptions of classical and reconceptualised deterrence constructs (as well as alcohol consumption) in order to determine what factors have the greatest effect on promoting drink driving, particularly alcohol consumption or punishment avoidance. The sample completed an online or paper version of the questionnaire. "Possible" drink driving events were slightly more common (25.5%) than "acknowledged" drink driving events (16.6%). Future intentions to drink and drive (23.4%) were more common among those who reported an "acknowledged" drink driving event (63.5% reported future intentions to drink drive) than a "possible" drink driving event (47.5%). Sequential binary logistic regression models conducted for each drink driving category revealed that having "risky" drinking behaviour and both direct personal and indirect experience of punishment for a drink driving offence were predictors of "possible" drink driving events. Similarly, "acknowledged" drink driving had the same significant predictors with the addition of increases in age and punishment severity reducing the likelihood of drink driving and direct punishment avoidance having a positive effect. However, and importantly, only direct punishment avoidance and past "possible" and "acknowledged" drink driving events predicted future intentions to offend in the final model, which further reinforces that drink driving is a deliberate decision (rather than stemming primarily from impairment). Practical applications: The findings provide support for increased policing efforts to identify drink drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A sizeable proportion (25%) acknowledged drink driving. • Motorists were regularly exposed to RBT operations. • Motorists observed RBT operations more often than were tested. • Motorists calculated that they needed to be tested more often. • Higher exposure to RBT operations reduced the risk of re-offending. Introduction: Random Breath Testing (RBT) remains a primary method to both deter and apprehend drink drivers, yet a large proportion of road fatalities continue to be caused by the offense. Outstanding questions remain regarding how much exposure to RBT operations is needed to influence deterrence-based perceptions and subsequent offending. Method: Given this, licensed motorists (N = 961) in Queensland were recruited to complete a questionnaire either in the community (N = 741) or on the side of the road after just being breath tested (N = 243). Survey items measured different types of exposure to RBT operations (e.g., "seen" vs. "being tested") and subsequent perceptions of apprehension as well as self-reported drink driving behaviors. Results: The key findings that emerged were: motorists were regularly exposed to RBT operations (both viewing and being tested), such exposure was not significantly correlated with perceptions of apprehension certainty, and a sizable proportion reported engaging in drink driving behaviors (e.g., approx. 25%), although roadside participants naturally reported a lower percentage of offending behaviors. Importantly, it was revealed that current "observations" of RBT was sufficient, but not actual levels of active testing (which needed to be doubled). Nevertheless, higher levels of exposure to RBT operations was found to be predictive of a lack of intention to drink and drive again in the future. Conclusions: This paper suggests that mere exposure to enforcement may not create the intended rule compliance, and that the frequency of exposure is also essential for the roadside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines recent developments in England and Wales regarding the options for judicial assistance in obtaining evidence in support of arbitration proceedings. Two sections of the Arbitration Act 1996 - sections 43 and 44 - set out related but distinct mechanisms for this judicial assistance to be provided, but cases under the two sections concerning the taking of evidence are rare. The decision of the Court of Appeal in A, B v C, D and E [2020] EWCA Civ 409 presents an opportunity to consider the practical aspects of an application under section 44(2)(a) (with which this case was concerned) as compared with section 43. In this case, the Court of Appeal held that section 44(2)(a) of the Arbitration Act 1996 empowered the English courts to compel a witness, present in England and Wales, who was not a party to the arbitration agreement, to give evidence for use in arbitration proceedings seated not only in England and Wales but also in other jurisdictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation has been evaluated in 2 randomized trials; post-approval clinical data are limited.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) LAAO Registry and present patient, hospital, and physician characteristics and in-hospital adverse event rates for Watchman procedures in the United States during its first 3 years.Methods: The authors describe the LAAO Registry structure and governance, the outcome adjudication processes, and the data quality and collection processes. They characterize the patient population, performing hospitals, and in-hospital adverse event rates.Results: A total of 38,158 procedures from 495 hospitals performed by 1,318 physicians in the United States were included between January 2016 and December 2018. The mean patient age was 76.1 ± 8.1 years, the mean CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, 65 years of age and older, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, 65 to 74 years of age, female) score was 4.6 ± 1.5, and the mean HAS-BLED (hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding history or predisposition, labile international normalized ratio, elderly, drugs/alcohol concomitantly) score was 3.0 ± 1.1. The median annual number of LAAO procedures performed for hospitals was 30 (interquartile range: 18 to 44) and for physicians was 12 (interquartile range: 8 to 20). Procedures were canceled or aborted in 7% of cases; among cases in which a device was deployed, 98.1% were implanted with <5-mm leak. Major in-hospital adverse events occurred in 2.16% of patients; the most common complications were pericardial effusion requiring intervention (1.39%) and major bleeding (1.25%), whereas stroke (0.17%) and death (0.19%) were rare.Conclusions: The LAAO Registry has enrolled >38,000 patients implanted with the device. Patients were generally older with more comorbidities than those enrolled in the pivotal trials; however, major in-hospital adverse event rates were lower than reported in those trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Snapchat while driving was prevalent social media behaviour in focus groups. • Legal sanctions had little impact on Snapchat while driving. • Not being caught predicts the use of Snapchat while driving. • Belief of safely being able to use Snapchat while driving predicts the behaviour. This research utilised a qualitative and quantitative study to examine a sample of young drivers' perceptions of deterrent forces, both legal and non-legal, for the behaviour of phone use while driving. First, focus groups were conducted with 60 drivers between the ages of 17 and 25 years who resided in Queensland, Australia. This qualitative study utilised an inductive approach to elicit participants' perceptions without omitting important ideas. Legal sanctions were associated with low perceptions of enforcement certainty. Meanwhile, the only non-legal sanction to emerge was the concept of "safety"; many participants were deterred from using their phone while driving for fear of injury or death to themselves or others. The types of social media most likely to be engaged in were explored and sending videos or photos via the application Snapchat emerged as the most common social media application used among the sample. Consequently, the subsequent quantitative study focused on deterrent forces associated with Snapchat use while driving. A survey was utilised with a separate sample of young drivers aged 17–25 years (n = 503). The impact of the threat of legal sanctions on Snapchat use while driving was examined through classical deterrence theory and Stafford and Warr's (1993) reconceptualised deterrence theory. The non-legal factor of perceived safety was also included in the quantitative study. None of the classical deterrence variables (e.g., certainty, severity and swiftness) reached significance while all the reconceptualised deterrence variables (e.g., direct and indirect punishment and punishment avoidance), as well as perceived safety, were significant predictors of Snapchat use while driving. It is suggested that perceptions of certainty of apprehension need to be increased for phone use while driving. The findings show the current impact of deterrent initiatives for phone use while driving as well as provide the first examination of deterrents for the specific mobile phone behaviour of Snapchat use while driving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While drink driving continues to be significantly more common among male drivers, there is evidence from many countries that shows a growing trend of women engaging in this risky behaviour. The aims of the current study were threefold: (i) determine to what extent a sample of women drivers reported engaging in drink driving behaviour by expanding the construct into a range of definitions, (ii) determine if there were significant differences in self-reported engagement in drink driving behaviours in accordance with hazardous drinking behaviour, and (iii) identify which situational or personal factors would increase women drivers’ likelihood to engage in drink driving through presenting a range of scenarios. Method: Data were collected using an on-line, purpose-designed survey and promoted to reach women aged 17 years and older, living in Queensland, Australia. In addition to questions relating to demographic characteristics, participants completed items relating to engagement in seven drink driving related behaviours in the previous 12-month period, hazardous drinking as measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and likelihood of driving when unsure if over the legal limit for licence type across a range of scenarios manipulating different situational factors. A total of 644 valid responses were received in the two-week period the study was advertised. Results: The results demonstrate women’s self-reported engagement in drink driving behaviour ranged from 12.6% (driving when they believed they were over the legal limit) to over 50.0% (driving when unsure if over the legal limit the morning after drinking alcohol) and was significantly more likely among those who reported hazardous levels of alcohol use. Circumstances in which women reported they would drive when unsure if over the legal BAC limit were when they were a few blocks from home, if they subjectively felt they were not too intoxicated, or if they needed their car to get somewhere the next morning. Conclusion: Examining drink driving behaviour by way of responses to nuanced definitions provided valuable insight into self-reported engagement in the behaviour and highlights the usefulness of multi-measure dependent variables in order to illuminate a more accurate acknowledgement into both the type (and extent) of drink driving behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A BCR analysis of a biometric interlock to prevent unlicensed driving is conducted. • Unlicensed driving costs $480 million per year in QLD and VIC. • Fingerprints and vascular patterns-based interlocks are the best technologies. • Deployment should be mandated to all banned drivers. • Previous recommendations to target all young drivers are not substantiated. Abstract Unlicensed driving is a serious problem in many Australian states, with unlicensed driving-related crashes (UDC) costing up to $304 million per year in Queensland, and $176 million in Victoria. In this paper, we present a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) analysis of a set of Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies aimed at preventing unlicensed driving by verifying the driver's identity through biometric technology, as well as the validity of their licence. Utilised together, the technology would essentially take the form of a licence interlock. The goal of this program of research (from which this paper stems) was to provide preliminary recommendations as to which technology is the most beneficial and should be implemented as part of a government-led program increasing the functionalities of electronic driving licences (EDL). The corresponding BCR analysis revealed that fingerprints and finger vascular patterns recognition technologies were found to systematically have the best BCRs. In regard to the most effective manner to implement the technology, a corresponding investigation with five scenarios revealed that the greatest benefits would be achieved with: (a) a mandatory system for all banned drivers (e.g., suspensions & disqualifications), and (b) a mandatory system for banned drivers under the age of 21 only. Scenario (b) performs extremely well, with returns of up to 16 times the investment with a simple fingerprint-based interlock. Although often more modest, all systems were found to have BCRs above 1 in all of the implementation scenarios except one. This paper further outlines the findings in regard to addressing the significant problem of unlicensed driving via emerging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A methodology for the outdoor testing of hybrid PVT collectors is presented. • Glazed and unglazed collectors featuring c-Si and thin-film PV modules are compared. • Steady state and dynamic thermal performance of the PVT collectors are characterised. • Thermal and electrical energy yields over diurnal operating periods are assessed. • Experimental performance is compared to model simulations under intermittent cloud conditions. Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors have been proposed for the combined generation of electricity and heat from the same area. In order to predict accurately the electrical and thermal energy generation from hybrid PVT systems, it is necessary that both the steady-state and dynamic performance of the collectors is considered. This work focuses on the performance characterisation of non-concentrating PVT collectors under outdoor conditions. A novel aspect concerns the application of existing methods, adapted from relevant international standards for flat plate and evacuated tube solar-thermal collectors, to PVT collectors for which there is no formally established testing methodology at present. Three different types of PVT collector are tested, with a focus on the design parameters that affect their electrical and thermal performance during operation. Among other results, we show that a PVT collector suffers a 10% decrease in thermal efficiency when the electricity conversion is close to the maximum power point compared to open-circuit mode, and that a poor thermal contact between the PV laminate and the copper absorber can lead to a significant deterioration in thermal performance. The addition of a glass cover improves the thermal efficiency, but causes electrical performance losses that vary with the glass transmittance and the solar incidence angle. The reduction in electrical efficiency at large incidence angles is more significant than that due to elevated temperatures representative of water-heating applications. Dynamic performance is characterised by imposing a step change in irradiance in order to quantify the collector time constant and effective heat capacity. This paper demonstrates that PVT collectors are characterised by a slow thermal response in comparison to ordinary flat plate solar-thermal collectors, due to the additional thermal mass of the PV layer. A time constant of ∼ 8 min is measured for a commercial PVT module, compared to < 2 min for a flat plate solar-thermal collector. It is also concluded that the use of a lumped, first-order dynamic model to represent the thermal mass of the PVT collector is not appropriate under certain irradiation regimes and may lead to inaccurate predictions of the system performance. This paper outlines a procedure for the testing and characterisation of solar collectors, provides valuable steady-state and dynamic performance characterisation data for various PVT collector designs, and also provides a framework for the application of this data in a system model to provide annual performance predictions in a range of geographical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is often assumed that 'Hayekian' or 'neoliberal' influences lay behind Conservative attacks on socialism in 1945 and subsequent calls to 'set the people free' in 1950 and 1951. This assumption has had consequences for our understanding of late-1940s Conservatism and for wider interpretations of post-war politics. Heeding recent calls to reconnect the inter-war and post-war parties and to pay closer attention to how opponents and contexts generate arguments, this article revisits senior Conservatives' rhetoric between 1945 and 1951 to break the link between neoliberal influence and freedom rhetoric. First, it argues that the rhetoric of 1945 was derived from a distinctly Conservative lineage of interwar argument and reflected strategies developed before the publication of F. A. Hayek's 'The Road to Serfdom'. Second, it demonstrates that senior Conservatives' emancipatory rhetoric in opposition after 1945 was neither a simple continuation of these themes nor primarily a response to the public's growing antipathy towards rationing and controls. Rather, such rhetoric was a complex response to Britain's immediate economic difficulties and the political challenges presented by austerity. Finally, the article sheds new light on the strategy that governed the party's campaigns in 1950 and 1951. Churchill and others' calls to 'set the people free' stemmed from a belief that the rhetorical opportunity lay in reconciling liberty with security. In that sense, the leadership had moved beyond begrudging compromises with the 'Attleean settlement' and was instead attempting to define a new identity within the parameters of the welfare state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely recognized that ‘the individual’ was prioritized by the Thatcher governments. However, there has been little analysis by historians of exactly how the Thatcher government conceptualized ‘the individual’. In this article, we attempt to remedy this deficiency by undertaking a case-study of a key Thatcherite social policy reform: the introduction of ‘personal pensions’. This approach allows us to understand the position of ‘the individual’ on the functional level of Thatcherite policy-making. In doing so, we argue that there was no coherent or fixed Thatcherite concept of the individual. Instead, we identify three fundamental tensions: (i) should individuals be capitalists or consumers; (ii) were they rational or irrational; and (iii) should they be risk-taking entrepreneurs or prudent savers? This reflected, in part, conflicts within the diverse tapestry of post-war neoliberal thought. We demonstrate in this article that these tensions undermined the Thatcher governments’ original attempt to create a society of entrepreneurial investor-capitalists, which in turn cemented their preference for simply maximizing individual freedom of choice within a competitive – yet tightly regulated – market environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A large body of road safety research has focused on developing self-report measurement scales that identify the type and frequency of risk driving behaviours that lead to crash involvement. With the dearth of Arabic measurement tools, the aim of the study was to develop a modified, valid and reliable measurement tool that can be utilized among young drivers within the Oman context. Methods A total of 1319 (27.1% female) young drivers aged 17–25 years completed a questionnaire that was distributed through a snowballing sampling technique across Oman. The survey included a range of demographic information and driving behaviours, and utilized aspects of the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) and the Behaviour of Novice Young Drivers Scale (BNYDS). An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken to examine the factor structure of the modified 40-items tool. Results A maximum likelihood and varimax rotation factor analysis revealed seven behavioural dimension comprising 39 items, which explained 49.28% of the variance in the behavioural scale of young drivers. These factors were transient violations (20.12% of the variance), mood driving (7.03% of the variance), speeding (6.59% of the variance), fatigue driving (4.36% of the variance), distracted driving (4.12% of the variance), seatbelt usage (3.55% of the variance) and close following (3.51% of the variance). The composite behavioural scale (39-items) showed an excellent internal consistency (α = 0.939) with transient violations exhibiting the highest internal consistency (α = 0.927) and close following showed the lowest internal consistency (α = 0.700). Crash predictability of the seven behavioural dimensions was investigated (as 39.6% of the sample reported crash involvement). Conducting logistic models between each behavioural dimensions and crash involvement adjusted for drivers’ characteristics found that mood driving, fatigue driving and distracted driving were strong predictors of crash involvement among young drivers. However, consistent with previous research, the full model was not an efficient predictor of crash involvement among the sample of young Omani drivers, as distracted driving was the only significant predictor in the model. Conclusions The modified risky driving behaviours scale exhibited appropriate psychometric properties and key aberrant driving behaviours were associated with crash involvement. This paper further outlines the key study findings and provides suggestions for future research that aims to develop effective self-report methods to identify “at risk” drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we argue that the pacification of strategic Rio de Janeiro favelas is a case of what David Harvey calls accumulation by dispossession, allowing for capital accumulation at multiple scales. Drawing on multi-year participant observation, we seek to show the particular form that this process takes as it works through Rio's social and spatial structures. Unlike the mass removals of the 1960s and 1970s, favela families have more recently been displaced through a process of thinning, in the context of a neoliberal development programme centred on a series of mega-events. Removal is carried out through a combination of threats, promises, disinformation, and the intentional generation of insecurity that together constitute a form of psychological terror. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Utilizing the Classical Deterrence theory and Stafford and Warr’s (1993) reconceptualized model of deterrence, the current study examined whether age, gender, and discounting the future tendencies influence perceptions of being apprehended for speeding offences. Licensed motorists ( N = 700; 57% female) in Queensland (Australia) were recruited to complete a self-report questionnaire that measured perceptual deterrence, speeding related behaviors and discounting the future tendencies. Data were analyzed utilizing descriptive, bivariate and multivariate regressions. Significant (albeit weak) positive correlations were found between age and perceptions of apprehension certainty. Males were significantly more likely to report higher incidences of speeding (including while avoiding detection) compared to females. In contrast, females were more likely to perceive high levels of apprehension certainty and consider impending penalties to be more severe. At a multivariate level, discounting the future tendencies (in addition to being male, reporting lower levels of perceptual severity and swiftness, and more instances of punishment avoidance) were predictive of lower perceptual certainty levels. This study is one of the first to reveal that being male and having a tendency to discount the consequences of the future may directly influence drivers’ perceptual deterrence levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data are lacking on national trends for atrial fibrillation (AF) hospitalization, particularly with regard to long-term outcomes including readmission and mortality.Methods: We studied all Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries between 1999 and 2013, and we evaluated rates of hospitalization for AF, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospital payments. We then evaluated rates of long-term outcomes, including 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality. To evaluate changes in rates of AF hospitalization and mortality, we used mixed-effects models, adjusting for age, sex, race, and comorbidity. To assess changes in rates of 30-day readmission, we constructed a Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for age, sex, race, and comorbidity.Results: Adjusted rates of hospitalization for AF increased by ≈1% per year between 1999 and 2013, and although geographic variation was present, this trend was consistent nationwide. Median hospital length of stay remained unchanged at 3.0 (interquartile range 2.0-5.0) days, but median Medicare inpatient expenditure per beneficiary increased from $2932 (interquartile range $2232-$3870) to $4719 (interquartile range $3124-$7209) per stay. During the same period, the rate of inpatient mortality during AF hospitalization decreased by 4% per year, and the rate of 30-day readmission decreased by 1% per year. The rates of 30-day and 1-year mortality decreased more modestly by 0.4% and 0.26% per year, respectively.Conclusions: Between 1999 and 2013, among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, patients were hospitalized more frequently and treated with more costly inpatient therapies such as AF catheter ablation, but this finding was associated with improved outcomes, including lower rates of in-hospital mortality, 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collisions between trains and pedestrians continue to be the most likely accident to result in severe injuries and fatalities on the rail network. While a range of countermeasures have been utilised in an attempt to reduce the incidence of risky behaviours at level crossings, limited focus has been directed towards deterrence-based approaches to improve crossing safety. As a result, this study explored pedestrians’ perceptions of legal and non-legal sanctions at level crossings, with particular emphasis directed towards identifying factors that maximise perceptual deterrence and reduce the occurrence of rule violations. In total, 636 individuals volunteered to participate in the study that required completion of either an online or paper version of a questionnaire that focused on behaviours and perceptions. Participants were more likely to report intentionally violating level crossing rules (24.52%, n = 156) compared to making crossing errors (3.46%, n = 22). Knowledge of the possibility of sanctions (e.g., monetary fines) was low. The threat of being injured and feeling shame when breaching crossing rules were the highest reported perceptual deterrent factors, higher even than the certainty and severity of sanctions. Regression analysis revealed that males who had lower perceptions of certainty of apprehension and displayed a tendency to repeat the behaviour were most likely to deliberately break crossing rules. However, this group also recognised the physical risks of violating rules and that it breached social norms. In regards to identifying effective countermeasures, increasing police presence was considered the most effective approach to reduce violations, which is directly linked to deterrence processes such as increasing perceptual certainty. This paper will further outline the study findings in regards to perceptual deterrence-based research as well as provide direction for future research efforts to develop effective countermeasures designed to improve pedestrian safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine the electrical power-generation potential of a domestic-scale solar combined heating and power (S-CHP) system featuring an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) engine and a 15-m 2 non-concentrated solar-thermal collector array. The system is simulated with a range of organic working fluids and its performance is optimised for operation in the UK climate. The findings are applicable to similar geographical locations with significant cloud coverage, a low solar resource and limited installation areas. A key feature of the system’s design is the implementation of fixed fluid flow-rates during operation in order to avoid penalties in the performance of components suffered at part-load. Steady operation under varying solar irradiance conditions is provided by way of a working-fluid buffer vessel at the evaporator outlet, which is maintained at the evaporation temperature and pressure of the ORC. By incorporating a two-stage solar collector/evaporator configuration, a maximum net annual electrical work output of 1070 kW h yr −1 (continuous average power of 122 W) and a solar-to-electrical efficiency of 6.3% is reported with HFC-245ca as the working fluid at an optimal evaporation saturation temperature of 126 °C (corresponding to an evaporation pressure of 16.2 bar). This is equivalent to ∼32% of the electricity demand of a typical/average UK home, and represents an improvement of more than 50% over a recent effort by the same authors based on an earlier S-CHP system configuration and HFC-245fa as the working fluid [1] , thus highlighting the gains possible when using optimal system configurations and fluids and suggesting that significant further improvements may be possible. A performance and simple cost comparison with stand-alone, side-by-side PV and solar-thermal heating systems is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The effectiveness of drink driving countermeasures (such as sanctions) to deter motorists from driving over the legal limit is extremely important when considering the impact the offending behavior has on the community. However, questions remain regarding the extent that both legal and non-legal factors influence drink driving behaviors. This is of particular concern given that both factors are widely used as either sanctioning outcomes or in media campaigns designed to deter drivers (e.g., highlighting the physical risk of crashing). Method This paper reports on an examination of 1,253 Queensland motorists' perceptions of legal and non-legal drink driving sanctions and the corresponding deterrent impact of such perceptions on self-reported offending behavior. Participants volunteered to complete either an online or paper version of the questionnaire. Results Encouragingly, quantitative analysis of the data revealed that participants' perceptions of both legal sanctions (e.g., certainty, severity and swiftness) as well as non-legal sanctions (e.g., fear of social, internal or physical harm) were relatively high, with perceptual certainty being the highest. Despite this, a key theme to emerge from the study was that approximately 25% of the sample admitted to drink driving at some point in time. Multivariate analyses revealed six significant predictors of drink driving, being: males, younger drivers, lower perceptions of the severity of sanctions, and less concern about the social, internal, and physical harms associated with the offense. However, a closer examination of the data revealed that the combined deterrence model was not very accurate at predicting drink driving behaviors (e.g., 21% of variance). Practical applications A range of non-legal deterrent factors have the potential to reduce the prevalence of drink driving although further research is required to determine how much exposure is required to produce a strong effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV, TB and malaria are the five major causes of infectious disease death worldwide. In a breakthrough that rivals the invention of penicillin, drugs that cure hepatitis C, with minimal side effects and high success rates, have reached the market, but, in what must be one of the greatest tragedies of modern times, these life-saving medications are not being deployed on a mass scale. Pharmaceutical patents are gifted to private corporations by governments for the dual purposes of protecting R&D expenditure and encouraging innovation. Unfortunately the monopoly pricing power these patents provision currently lacks adequate checks and balances, is open to abuse, and is quite clearly being abused. The sort of legislative changes required to deliver on the original goals of pharmaceutical patents will take years or even decades to eventuate. Parallel importation of generic medication offers hope to the millions of patients with HCV unable to afford access to vastly overpriced originator medications. Doctors prescribing and monitoring patients taking generics can take comfort from the fact that the REDEMPTION trial results show, like the HIV generics that came before them, that HCV generics deliver robust clinical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explains the objectives of the "Journal of Latin American Geography" editorial team in publishing geographical and interdisciplinary studies on Latin America and the Caribbean.

Within the context of a trusting relationship our intentional choice of the words we use can open opportunities for connection, increased insight, and hope. This article explores the potential of such moments and offers examples of open-ended questions that can be used to promote insight and support the personal agency of a young person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The ability of current immunoassays to accurately measure equimolar amounts of 25(OH)D 2 and 25(OH)D 3 has been recently questioned. This study determined serum 25(OH)D 2 , 25(OH)D 3 and total serum 25(OH)D concentrations in healthy vitamin D 2 -supplemented subjects by isotope dilution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS); and, evaluated the ability of the Siemens, DiaSorin, Roche, and Abbott Vitamin D Total assays to monitor total serum 25(OH)D concentrations compared to an ID-LC-MS/MS method traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and that has achieved certification from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vitamin D Standardization Certification Program (VDSCP). Design and methods Twenty (20) healthy adults, with no history of prior vitamin D supplementation were administered oral vitamin D 2 (2400 IU/day for 6 months). Serum samples (140) from baseline and monthly blood draws were tested. Results After one month, the mean serum 25(OH)D 2 concentrations rose from 0.8 to 43.6 nmol/L, whereas 25(OH)D 3 concentrations declined from 84.0 to 63.4 nmol/L; total serum 25(OH)D concentrations rose from 86.6 to 107.0 nmol/L. The overall mean bias to ID-LC-MS/MS was − 7.1% for the Siemens ADVIA Centaur assay, − 15.3% for the DiaSorin LIAISON assay; − 8.4% for the Roche ELECSYS assay and − 16.3% for the Abbott ARCHITECT assay. Correlation coefficients (r) were 0.94, 0.79, 0.74, and 0.73; the mean bias for baseline [25(OH) D 3 -containing] versus six-month [25(OH)D 2 - and 25(OH)D 3 -containing] samples was − 13.4% and − 5.7%; − 3.5% and 20.3%, 9.6% and − 12.1%, and 0.2% and − 17.8%, respectively. Conclusions The bias results obtained for the Siemens ADVIA Centaur assay and Roche ELECSYS assay were slightly lower than those for the DiaSorin LIAISON assay and the Abbott ARCHITECT assay, but all 25(OH)D assays demonstrated acceptable performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Defining the BRAF mutation status in metastatic melanoma patients is critical to selecting patients for therapeutic treatment with targeted therapies. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) can provide an alternative source of contemporaneous tumour genetic material. However methodologies to analyse the presence of rare mutations in a background of wild-type DNA requires a detailed assessment. Here we evaluate the sensitivity of two technologies for cancer mutation detection and the suitability of whole genome amplified DNA as a template for the detection of BRAF-V600 mutations. Design and methods Serial dilutions of mutant BRAF-V600E DNA in wild-type DNA were tested using both competitive allele-specific PCR (castPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), with and without previous whole genome amplification (WGA). Using immunomagnetic beads, we partially enriched CTCs from blood obtained from metastatic melanoma patients with confirmed BRAF mutation positive tumours and extracted RNA and DNA from the CTCs. We used RT-PCR of RNA to confirm the presence of melanoma cells in the CTC fraction then the DNAs of CTC positive fractions were WGA and tested for BRAF V600E or V600K mutations by ddPCRs. Results WGA DNA produced lower than expected fractional abundances by castPCR analysis but not by ddPCR. Moreover, ddPCR was found to be 200 times more sensitive than castPCR and in combination with WGA produced the most concordant results, with a limit of detection of 0.0005%. BRAF-V600E or V600K mutated DNA was detected in 77% and 44%, respectively, of enriched CTC fractions from metastatic melanoma patients carrying the corresponding mutations. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that using ddPCR in combination with WGA DNA allows the detection with high sensitivity of cancer mutations in partially enriched CTC fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on suitable solar–thermal collectors for use in a combined heat and power system targeted at the UK market, based on an organic Rankine cycle. Concentrating and non-concentrating collector products are compared by way of annual energy and exergy analyses using London climate data. It is found that non-concentrating collectors show a wide range of annual power outputs, up to a highest of 67 kWh m−2 yr−1 attained by the best collector (or an average power of 115 W for a 15-m2 rooftop array, representing 30% of the electrical demand in a typical UK household). The maximum exergy delivered from a parabolic trough collector is 70 kWh m−2 yr−1. The choice of mains (municipal) water or air as the cooling medium makes only a small difference to the annual power output. Importantly, the optimal flow rates for the evacuated tube collectors are far lower than those recommended by the manufacturers, indicating that their application to power generation represents a significant departure from their design and intended mode of operation. New and improved designs would be a key development in this area. The importance of using high-resolution, non-aggregated climate data for predicting total annual work output is also demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the history of crime, horror, and science fiction programs in U.S. radio broadcasting that dealt with themes of death, burial, and the supernatural. Emphasis is given to topics such as the return of the dead to life, depictions of corpses, and retribution in radio programs produced by broadcasters such as Alonzo Deen Cole.

• This study analyzed content on Facebook sites that reveal police roadside drug testing (RDT) locations. • 282 RDT locations were posted on 5 Queensland-based (Australia) Facebook sites between Feb and April 2021. • The RDT location posts promoted discussion between users regarding drug driving, drug testing and punishment avoidance. • Some motorists use the RDT location posts to avoid detection for drug driving. Introduction : Enhancements to technology have transformed several aspects of road safety, communication, and connectivity. At the intersection of these, scholars have begun to speculate whether certain aspects of technology may provide motorists ways to engage in illegal and dangerous driving behaviors without consequences. Police traffic operations such as Roadside Drug Testing are intended to occur "anywhere, anytime" to communicate to motorists that they should not risk offending. A potential challenge for road safety is the emergence of Facebook police location pages and groups, where users can share the locations of police operations. Method: In this study, the authors examined two Facebook police location groups and three pages from Queensland (Australia) and conducted a content analysis of posts related to Roadside Drug Testing operations and a thematic analysis of comments on these posts. A total of 282 posts related to Roadside Drug Testing were identified between February and April 2021, with 1,823 comments made. Results: The findings suggest that some users: (a) had lived experiences of avoiding punishment for drug driving; (b) remain unaware of how long to wait between drug consumption and driving; (c) perceived Roadside Drug Testing operations to be for the purpose of revenue raising; and (d) changed their driving behavior upon seeing an operation. Conclusions: These findings suggest consideration is needed regarding the responsibility of both Facebook, and the government, in allowing groups and pages to exist that undermine law enforcement. Practical Applications: Regarding practice, the comments suggest that greater education is needed regarding "safe" times to drive after drug taking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Train pedestrian collisions are the most likely to result in severe injuries and fatalities when compared to other types of rail crossing accidents. However, there is currently scant research that has examined the origins of pedestrians’ rule breaking at level crossings. As a result, this study examined the origins of pedestrians’ rule breaking behaviour at crossings, with particular emphasis directed towards examining the factors associated with making errors versus deliberation violations. A total of 636 individuals volunteered to participate in the study and completed either an online or paper version of the questionnaire. Quantitative analysis of the data revealed that knowledge regarding crossing rules was high, although up to 18% of level crossing users were either unsure or did not know (in some circumstances) when it was legal to cross at a level crossing. Furthermore, 156 participants (24.52%) reported having intentionally violated the rules at level crossings and 3.46% ( n = 22) of the sample had previously made a mistake at a crossing. In regards to rule violators, males (particularly minors) were more likely to report breaking rules, and the most frequent occurrence was after the train had passed rather than before it arrives. Regression analysis revealed that males who frequently use pedestrian crossings and report higher sensation seeking traits are most likely to break the rules. This research provides evidence that pedestrians are more likely to deliberately violate rules (rather than make errors) at crossings and it illuminates high risk groups. This paper will further outline the study findings in regards to the development of countermeasures as well as provide direction for future research efforts in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses relational exchange using the Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) to promote change and growth in young people with lagging social skills. Topics covered include the transfer of learning, the complex communication skills required for social interactions, and interpreting social cues. Also mentioned are relational trauma and the alternative to punishment, lecturing or shame.

Performance calculations are presented for a small-scale combined solar heat and power (CSHP) system based on an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), in order to investigate the potential of this technology for the combined provision of heating and power for domestic use in the UK. The system consists of a solar collector array of total area equivalent to that available on the roof of a typical UK home, an ORC engine featuring a generalised positive-displacement expander and a water-cooled condenser, and a hot water storage cylinder. Preheated water from the condenser is sent to the domestic hot water cylinder, which can also receive an indirect heating contribution from the solar collector. Annual simulations of the system are performed. The electrical power output from concentrating parabolic-trough (PTC) and non-concentrating evacuated-tube (ETC) collectors of the same total array area are compared. A parametric analysis and a life-cycle cost analysis are also performed, and the annual performance of the system is evaluated according to the total electrical power output and cost per unit generating capacity. A best-case average electrical power output of 89 W (total of 776 kW h/year) plus a hot water provision capacity equivalent to ∼80% of the total demand are demonstrated, for a whole system capital cost of £2700–£3900. Tracking PTCs are found to be very similar in performance to non-tracking ETCs with an average power output of 89 W (776 kW h/year) vs . 80 W (701 kW h/year). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing foundational training in child and youth care helps to strengthen core competencies for effective child and youth work and improve services provided to youths in care. This project continues an evaluation study on the 40-hour Child and Youth: Basic Course created by the Academy for Competent Youth Work in the United States. This article focuses on the participants' transfer of training to the milieu and the lessons learned on how to cultivate conditions in the environment to achieve the most benefits for the youth and families served.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an in-depth review of training designed to build upon the foundational competencies of child and youth care staff. How to measure the organizational impact of such efforts is explored and the tangible outcomes of a training initiative are identified. Together with two previous articles, the authors provide CYC practitioners, program supervisors, managers, and administrators with insights into how to implement training which builds on staff competencies, supports transfer to the milieu, and measures how such training can affect the individual, the youth, and the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic safety culture is a relatively new concept which has recently gained attention in the field of traffic safety. There is currently little consensus regarding the nature of the concept, nor how it should be defined. Preliminary definitions have typically focussed on specific road safety problems and the anticipated effect of a strong traffic safety culture. The literature to date has tended to emphasise how traffic safety culture might be created or shaped. However, without a better understanding of the nature and structure of traffic safety culture, discussions regarding changes to traffic safety culture are restricted. An examination of different conceptualisations and definitions of organisational safety culture provides a preliminary theoretical framework for traffic safety culture. Two high risk driving behaviours within the Australian context are compared to illustrate how key factors within this framework can be used to understand and improve road safety outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• WHO 20/136 is standard reference material for SARS-CoV-2 serology assays. • Two assays were standardized to WHO 20/136 binding antibody units (BAU)/mL. • Atellica IM anti-S1 RBD IgG assay (sCOVG) cut-off, 1.00 Index = WHO 45.1 BAU/mL. • Atellica IM anti-S1 RBD Ig Total assay (COV2T) cut-off, 1.00 Index = WHO 6.70 BAU/mL. • Standardization will allow comparison of serology results between studies. WHO 20/136 is standard reference material for SARS−COV-2 serology assays. Standardization of serology assays that target the same antigen and class of immunoglobulin will enable comparison of results between studies that use various lab-developed and commercial assays around the world. Standardization of assays will help better define immune correlates of protection and possibly immune correlates of vaccine efficacy. Two automated SARS−COV-2 anti-S1 RBD immunoglobulin serology assays on the Atellica IM Analyzer were calibrated to WHO 20/136 Standard Reference Material which was assigned 1000 binding antibody units (BAU/mL). The anti-S1 RBD IgG assay (sCOVG) cut-off Index of 1.00 corresponded to WHO 45.1 BAU/mL, and the anti-S1 RBD Ig Total assay (COV2T) cut-off Index of 1.00 corresponded to WHO 6.70 BAU/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A list of full manuscripts, fragment manuscripts and excerpts from Ranulf Higden's "Polychronicon," discovered as of December 2016, is presented.

Vitamin D status in different populations relies on accurate measurement of total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations [i.e., 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2]. This study evaluated agreement between the ADVIA Centaur Vitamin D Total assay for 25(OH)D testing (traceable to the NIST-Ghent reference method procedure) and a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for various populations with different levels of vitamin D binding protein (DBP). Total serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured for 36 pregnant women, 40 hemodialysis patients, and 30 samples (DBP-spiked or not) from healthy subjects. ELISA measured DBP levels. The mean serum DBP concentrations were higher for pregnancy (415 μg/mL) and lower for hemodialysis subjects (198 μg/mL) than for healthy subjects and were highest for spiked serum (545 μg/mL). The average bias between the ADVIA Centaur assay and the LC-MS/MS method was -1.4% (healthy), -6.1% (pregnancy), and 4.4% (hemodialysis). The slightly greater bias for samples from some pregnancy and hemodialysis subjects with serum DBP levels outside of the normal healthy range fell within a clinically acceptable range--reflected by analysis of their low-range (≤136 μg/mL), mediumrange (137-559 μg/mL), and high-range (≥560 μg/mL) DBP groups. Thus, the ADVIA Centaur Vitamin D Total assay demonstrates acceptable performance compared with an LC-MS/MS method for populations containing different amounts of DBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In preparation for a series of mega-events culminating in the 2016 Summer Olympics, the state has been reclaiming select favelas in Rio de Janeiro. Territories that have been controlled by drug gangs and largely off-limits for as long as thirty years are being colonized through a series of aggressive government programs that involve military occupation, infrastructure provision, beautification and selected removal. Following James Scott I argue that the production of "legibility and simplification" associated with these programs is necessary for residents to fully participate in modern society, but that these measures expose residents to predatory aspects of the state and capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]