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Purpose: Epidemiological studies of stochastic radiation health effects such as cancer, meant to estimate risks of the adverse effects as a function of radiation dose, depend largely on estimates of the radiation doses received by the exposed group under study. Those estimates are based on dosimetry that always has uncertainty, which often can be quite substantial. Studies that do not incorporate statistical methods to correct for dosimetric uncertainty may produce biased estimates of risk and incorrect confidence bounds on those estimates. This paper reviews commonly used statistical methods to correct radiation risk regressions for dosimetric uncertainty, with emphasis on some newer methods. We begin by describing the types of dose uncertainty that may occur, including those in which an uncertain value is shared by part or all of a cohort, and then demonstrate how these sources of uncertainty arise in radiation dosimetry. We briefly describe the effects of different types of dosimetric uncertainty on risk estimates, followed by a description of each method of adjusting for the uncertainty. Conclusions: Each of the method has strengths and weaknesses, and some methods have limited applicability. We describe the types of uncertainty to which each method can be applied and its pros and cons. Finally, we provide summary recommendations and touch briefly on suggestions for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop a virtual reality (VR) based intervention targeting community walking requirements. Methods: Two focus groups each involving 7 clinicians allowed exploring optimal features, needed support and perceived favorable/unfavorable factors associated with the use of the VR-based intervention from the clinicians' perspective. Three stroke survivors and 2 clinicians further interacted with the intervention and filled questionnaires related to acceptability and favorable/unfavorable perceptions on the VR intervention. Stroke participants additionally rated their perceived effort (NASA Tax Load Index), presence (Slater-Usoh-Steed) and cybersickness (Simulator Sickness Questionnaire). Results: Results identified optimal features (patient eligibility criteria, task complexity), needed support (training, human assistance), as well as favorable (cognitive stimulation, engagement, representativeness of therapeutic goals) and unfavorable factors (misalignment with a natural walking pattern, client suitability, generalization to real-life) associated with the intervention. Acceptability scores following the interaction with the tool were 28 and 42 (max 56) for clinicians and ranged from 43 to 52 for stroke participants. Stroke participants reported moderate perceptions of effort (range:20-33/max:60), high levels of presence (29-42/42) and minimal cybersickness (0-3/64). Conclusion: Findings collected in the early development phase of the VR intervention will allow addressing favorable/unfavorable factors and incorporating desired optimal features, prior to conducting effectiveness and implementation studies. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: This study presents the development process of a new virtual reality (VR) intervention for community walking and participation in stroke survivors. Results from the focus group and hands-on pilot trial suggest that the VR intervention is feasible and accepted by clinicians and stroke survivors. Addressing favorable/unfavorable factors and incorporating features desired by clinicians in the development of the VR tool should promote its eventual implementation in clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the important role fathers play in the lives of their children, social workers report that they do not feel prepared to work with fathers. It is ethically imperative that social workers are equipped to effectively serve diverse groups of fathers in practice, especially those who are marginalized within society. Human Behavior and the Social Environment (HBSE) courses provide an optimal opportunity for the incorporation of fatherhood content in social work education. Based on reflections on our own teaching experiences, research expertise, and existing literature, we recommend father-specific content for inclusion in HBSE courses. We also draw on person-in-environment and intersectionality to describe the lived experiences of specific marginalized father groups. Finally, we provide Council on Social Work Education competency-based course objectives and assignments that can be used by social work educators to incorporate fatherhood content in their respective HBSE courses, along with strategies that social work students can apply in their work with the father groups highlighted in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign language teachers' recognition of their identity is essential to their professional development. Drawing on bicultural theories, this study investigated two American teachers who recounted their experiences of teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at a university in China. This study leverages the Two-directional Extension Model as the theoretical framework for analysis. It employs interviews, reflective journals, and field observations to collect data to seek ways of improving foreign teachers' bicultural communication competence by exploring how the two American EFL teachers construct their bicultural identity. One major finding highlights the EFL teachers' bicultural identity construction as a dynamic and ongoing process upon which several have effects, affecting professional development in higher education in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although some influential officials saw value in it during peacetime, 1950s British governments decided to allow the national register and identity card wartime scheme to lapse without replacement. Scholars have not satisfactorily explained why they did so. This article argues that neither the surveillance imperatives for tracking citizens nor 'joined-up government' aspirations for service integration nor the limits of analogue systems were the decisive considerations. The article draws upon a very extensive study of the full range of files from all the departments of state involved in the decision-making process in Whitehall in the post-war years, to reconstruct in much greater detail than has been attempted before, just what the main considerations were and how the inter-departmental battles were fought over them, which resulted in the discontinuation of the wartime scheme and the decision to reject subsequent proposals to introduce a fresh one. In particular, it traces the crucial role of financial as well as of organisational imperatives, which are neglected in the standard surveillance, welfare improvement and technological explanations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protection of civilians has moved from the periphery to the core of public perceptions of what UN peacekeeping is for. At the same time, the operational and tactical arts of civilian protection have become better developed, more sophisticated, and more widely known. This turn towards protection has improved UN peacekeeping and, more importantly, saved civilian lives. This piece shows that together, the essays in this collection suggest a need to think more holistically about by situating practices of UN peacekeeping along a broader continuum of practice comprising local actors, unarmed civilian protectors at one end, a more fulsome understanding of the role of UN police and national authorities in the middle, and – at the other end – difficult questions about humanitarian intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexuality and relationship education (SRE) for trans young people is fraught with ongoing institutional and informational erasure, even as trans young people display considerable agency in navigating their SRE needs. This paper reports on a survey of 112 Australian trans young people, who shared their experiences of SRE (in terms of delivery and content), and their views on three story completion tasks where they were asked to respond to prompts about three fictional stories focused on trans young people (and for some their cisgender partners) and intimacy. Participants reported that SRE was delivered in class and focused on puberty and anatomy, although many participants accessed SRE information informally. Participants overwhelmingly reported the erasure of trans-specific SRE content and suggested that SRE content should include a trans focus. Responses to the story completion task emphasised the agency of the fictional trans young people in asserting their boundaries, deserving respect, being knowledgeable about their bodies and ensuring their safety. Fictional cisgender young people in the story completion tasks were expected to be respectful, and to be guided by trans people (but also to educate themselves). The paper concludes with recommendations for harnessing trans young people's agency in the context of SRE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Fabulous Flotilla: Scotland's adventure on the rivers of Burma" by P. Strachan is a book that explores the history of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, one of the world's largest shipping companies. Established in 1865, the company operated a vast fleet of paddle steamers that navigated the sandbanks and strong currents of the Irrawaddy River. The book provides a company history, personal accounts, and a tour guide to the cities and countryside of Burma. While the author takes pride in the Scottish aspects of the company and its impact on the Burmese economy and society, there is also criticism of British colonial rule. However, the book lacks a conclusion or analysis of the company's significance in the wider context of imperial commerce. [Extracted from the article]

Across the world, natural resources play a critical role in shaping livelihoods among the ethnic and indigenous communities. This article highlights the struggles Garifuna in northern Honduras face regarding land ownership, despite being constitutionally recognized yet ignored by the government. For them, land struggles are also their racial struggles. Contested land ownerships are the outcomes of historical discriminations, leaving Garifuna vulnerable to violence. This article addresses the multidimensional aspects of land-based struggles that have resulted in social, cultural, and environmental damage, creating insurmountable pressures on local Garifuna livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed Drug Court employees' readiness and perceived commitment to peer worker integration. Results demonstrated readiness for change is a precursor of commitment to peer worker integration, and appropriateness and personal benefit are key readiness factors when assessing Drug Court employees' commitment to peer worker integration. Additionally, the mindset of desire or obligation drives employees' commitment to change and provides an opportunity to cultivate employees' behavioral support for peer worker integration. Results suggest that Drug Courts establish initial and ongoing training for staff that focuses on the peer worker's purpose while also ensuring a strategic communication plan on the role and function of the peer worker. Further, Drug Courts can consider focusing on formally incorporating peer workers into the policies and procedures of Drug Courts and establishing an evaluative process that includes peer workers in terms of Drug Court outcome measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lack of early warning by the United Nations Secretariat of the Rwandan genocide contributed, in part, to the failure of the international community to respond in a timely manner to this crisis. In the intervening decades, alongside the strengthening of the norm of civilian protection, the UN has enhanced its capacity for early warning through greater personnel numbers, as well as the refining of risk analysis through the development of frameworks of analysis for atrocity crimes. However, to date, there has been no systematic study of the evolution and practice of mass atrocity early warning within the United Nations Secretariat, and the impact this has had on UN-led responses to impending and unfolding cases of mass atrocity crimes. In this article, we analyse the evolution of early warning within the UN Secretariat and how the Secretariat responded (or failed to respond) to escalating violence in Rwanda, Darfur, Côte d'Ivoire and Ethiopia. This analysis finds that despite incremental improvements in mass atrocity early warning in the UN Secretariat (which contributed to more timely responses in Côte d'Ivoire), more recent cases demonstrate that failure is no longer due to lack of early warning, but a result of lack of political will. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is referred to here as the Needham thesis, after Joseph Needham, author of Science and Civilization in China, points to the strong affinity in China for dialectical materialism, and through it to modern ecological science, arising from the parallel roots in organic materialism associated with ancient Epicureanism in the West (which influenced classical Marxism) and ancient Daoist and Confucian philosophies in China. This parallel development of organic materialism in Europe (where it was largely submerged in the dominant capitalist culture) and in China embodied in each case deep ecological conceptions. Hence, dialectical materialism, once it arrived in China, served to mediate between these organic traditions within the framework of modern materialist science. It was in this general context that the notion of ecological civilization, arising initially in the last years of the USSR, was carried forward to China, where it took on added meaning. China's own peasant-based revolution has induced further ecological developments. As a result of this general convergence, and due to China's reemergence on the world stage, ecological Marxism is now rapidly coevolving in both East and West. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a description and evaluation of training male sexual abuse survivors to deliver Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Motivational Interviewing with Trauma-Informed Affirmative Care (MI-AC) online to sexual and gender minority (SGM) men with sexual assault histories and depression. After a search and selection process, 26 men with lived experience of sexual abuse received MI training that included the use of role-playing, video demonstrations, and practice followed by weekly supervision while co-leading groups. Peer leaders completed several measures pre and post training, including beliefs about MI and self-reported learning of MI and satisfaction with the training. A sample of MI and MI-AC audio sessions were independently rated for adherence and competence. Peer leaders' beliefs about MI changed over time, while self-rated skill level stayed consistent. Peer leaders demonstrated good adherence to the MI and MI-AC conditions. Results suggest that men with lived experience of sexual trauma effectively learned to deliver MI and/or MI-AC to SGM male survivors in online groups. These interventions have the potential to expand the reach of limited services for this population as well as reduce their depression and assist in SGM men with histories of sexual abuse entering into formal mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article traces the formation and development of the holistic ecological thought of the late American ecologist and philosopher of science Richard Levins. Topics include his development of a mathematical method called loop analysis, the making of a dialectical ecologist, focus of his works on ecological dialectics, dialectical-ecological analysis of the role of capitalism in the emergence of new diseases and highlights of his ecological practice.

Differentiated integration (DI), whereby some MS opt out or are excluded from certain common EU policies for sovereignty or capacity reasons, may be thought to undermine the EU's functioning as what John Rawls called a fair scheme of cooperation, grounded in norms of impartiality and reciprocity. However, we argue that different forms of DI can be compatible with either fair cooperation between states on the model of Rawls' Law of Peoples or cooperation among citizens on the model of Rawls' two principles of domestic justice. Meanwhile, the EU has features of both, being an international Union of states and a supra- and trans-national Union of citizens. We defend the coherence of this combination and contend that DI can provide a justified mechanism for ensuring fairness between states remains compatible with fairness between citizens both within and across states. Indeed it offers a potential model for other forms of international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few occupational studies of women exposed to ionizing radiation. During World War II, the Tennessee Eastman Corporation (TEC) operated an electromagnetic field separation facility of 1152 calutrons to obtain enriched uranium (235U) used for the Hiroshima atomic bomb. Thousands of women were involved in these operations. A new study was conducted of 13,951 women and 12,699 men employed at TEC between 1943 and 1947 for at least 90 days. Comprehensive dose reconstruction techniques were used to estimate lung doses from the inhalation of uranium dust based on airborne measurements. Vital status through 2018/2019 was obtained from the National Death Index, Social Security Death Index, Tennessee death records and online public record databases. Analyses included standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and Cox proportional hazards models. Most workers were hourly (77.7%), white (95.6%), born before 1920 (58.3%), worked in dusty environments (57.0%), and had died (94.9%). Vital status was confirmed for 97.4% of the workers. Women were younger than men when first employed: mean ages 25.0 years and 33.0 years, respectively. The estimated mean absorbed dose to the lung was 32.7 mGy (max 1048 mGy) for women and 18.9 mGy (max 501 mGy) for men. The mean dose to thoracic lymph nodes (TLNs) was 127 mGy. Statistically significant SMRs were observed for lung cancer (SMR 1.25; 95% CI 1.19, 1.31; n = 1654), nonmalignant respiratory diseases (NMRDs) (1.23; 95% CI 1.19, 1.28; n = 2585), and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) (1.13; 95% CI 1.08, 1.18; n = 1945). For lung cancer, the excess relative rate (ERR) at 100 mGy (95% CI) was 0.01 (–0.10, 0.12; n = 652) among women, and −0.15 (–0.38, 0.07; n = 1002) among men based on a preferred model for men with lung doses <300 mGy. NMRD and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were not associated with estimated absorbed dose to the lung or TLN. There was little evidence that radiation increased the risk of lung cancer, suggesting that inhalation of uranium dust and the associated high-LET alpha particle exposure to lung tissue experienced over a few years is less effective in causing lung cancer than other types of exposures. There was no statistically significant difference in the lung cancer risk estimates between men and women. The elevation of certain causes of death such as CeVD is unexplained and will require additional scrutiny of workplace or lifestyle factors given that radiation is an unlikely contributor since only the lung and lymph nodes received appreciable dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial in the Mariner's Mirror reflects on the influence of Uncle Jens, who inspired the author's interest in history and museums. Jens Aarup Jensen, an archaeologist and museum director, played a pivotal role in establishing the Strandingsmuseum St George in Thorsminde, Denmark. The author's personal and professional journey, guided by Jens, highlights the lasting impact of mentorship and support in the field of maritime history and museum work. [Extracted from the article]

Why has the COVID-19 pandemic manifested itself differently in different parts of the capitalist world-economy? The analysis here examines the way in which the system of "imperial value," as articulated by Samir Amin and others, has governed the relations of individual nation states to the onset of SARS-CoV-2. The result is enormous disparities between the Global North and the Global South, as well as between countries that are relatively more capitalist and those that are relatively more socialist, along the socioeconomic spectrum. The impact of COVID-19 is thus mediated by a country's position within the global value chain dominated by monopolistic multinational corporations. In this way, the structure of the contemporary world system has only served to worsen the global effects of the pandemic, in line with the general character of today's catastrophe capitalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

My five critics all raise important points, giving reasons for viewing my account as either insufficiently or overly realist or utopian. By and large, I stick to my guns in regarding my version of a realistic Utopia of a republican association of states as the most plausible way of achieving a non-dominating global order capable of meeting the moral and functional challenges to state sovereignty posed by cosmopolitanism and globalisation respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This introduction offers a synopsis of the book, A Republican Europe of States, outlining its main arguments, followed by an overview of the symposium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast, straightforward, efficient, and high throughput reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method has been developed to analyze tea extracts containing polyphenols. The polyphenols detected in green tea (GT), black tea (BT), and paradise tropical tea (PTT) were separated in 18 min at wavelengths 254 nm, 260 nm, and 280 nm with a gradient elution on the RP-HPLC system. Our approach detected, identified, and quantified three catechins in the tea extracts analyzed, and the response at 280 nm wavelength was the best. The ESI-MS data confirmed the fragmentation patterns of the catechins detected in the tea extract. The validation data showed that the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of catechins ranged from 5.26 ± 0.02 to 36.44 ± 0.02 ppb, and 17.52 ± 0.03 to 121.45 ± 0.16 ppb, respectively, for six catechins studied. The standard addition calibration approach used to quantify the catechin content in the tea extract simultaneously showed that PTT has a higher catechin content than GT and BT. The content of polyphenols in GT, BT, and PTT are summarized. This approach holds great promise for quality control studies to quantify polyphenols in nutritional products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ship Asunder: A maritime history of Britain in eleven vessels: by T. Nancollas, Particular Books, London, 2022, £20 (hb), £10.99 (pb), 336 pages, 21 illustrations, index, ISBN 9780241434147 Nancollas takes a damp and painful trip to the I Golden Hinde i replica, but the object that defines this chapter is the chair made from the timbers of the original ship and presented to the Bodleian Library in the 1660s. In recent years the non-fiction market has been dominated by books of lists of objects. [Extracted from the article]

Building on the theory of ecological imperialism in the context of the Peruvian guano boom, this analysis explores the metabolic rift in the human relation to external nature and the corresponding corporeal rift in the destruction of human bodily existence. Guano capitalists robbed Peru of the manure deposited by seabirds, while British imperialism introduced a system of racialized expropriation (the 'coolie trade'), referred to by Karl Marx as 'worse than slavery.' Previous failures to understand this historical tragedy were due to the legal forms adopted, which categorized as semi-free labor what was in fact the social murder of the workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During World War II (WWII), the Manhattan Engineering District established a secret laboratory in the mountains of northern New Mexico. The mission was to design, construct and test the first atomic weapon, nicknamed 'The Gadget' that was detonated at the TRINITY site in Alamogordo, NM. After WWII, nuclear weapons research continued, and the laboratory became the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The mortality experience of 26,328 workers first employed between 1943 and 1980 at LANL was determined through 2017. Included were 6157 contract workers employed by the ZIA Company. Organ dose estimates for each worker considered all sources of exposure, notably photons, neutrons, tritium, 238Pu and 239Pu. Vital status determination included searches within the National Death Index, Social Security Administration and New Mexico State Mortality Files. Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR) and Cox regression models were used in the analyses. Most workers (55%) were hired before 1960, 38% had a college degree, 25% were female, 81% white, 13% Hispanic and 60% had died. Vital status was complete, with only 0.1% lost to follow-up. The mean dose to the lung for the 17,053 workers monitored for radiation was 28.6 weighted-mGy (maximum 16.8 weighted-Gy) assuming a Dose Weighting Factor of 20 for alpha particle dose to lung. The Excess Relative Risk (ERR) at 100 weighted-mGy was 0.01 (95%CI −0.02, 0.03; n = 839) for lung cancer. The ERR at 100 mGy was −0.43 (95%CI −1.11, 0.24; n = 160) for leukemia other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), −0.06 (95%CI −0.16, 0.04; n = 3043) for ischemic heart disease (IHD), and 0.29 (95%CI 0.02, 0.55; n = 106) for esophageal cancer. Among the 6499 workers with measurable intakes of plutonium, an increase in bone cancer (SMR 2.44; 95%CI 0.98, 5.03; n = 7) was related to dose. The SMR for berylliosis was significantly high, based on 4 deaths. SMRs for Hispanic workers were significantly high for cancers of the stomach and liver, cirrhosis of the liver, nonmalignant kidney disease and diabetes, but the excesses were not related to radiation dose. There was little evidence that radiation increased the risk of lung cancer or leukemia. Esophageal cancer was associated with radiation, and plutonium intakes were linked to an increase of bone cancer. IHD was not associated with radiation dose. More precise evaluations will await the pooled analysis of workers with similar exposures such as at Rocky Flats, Savannah River and Hanford. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) is coordinating an expansive epidemiologic effort entitled the Million Person Study of Low-Dose Radiation Health Effects (MPS). Medical workers constitute the largest occupational radiation-exposed group whose doses are typically received gradually over time. A unique opportunity exists to establish an Institutional Review Board/Privacy Board (IRB/PB) approved, retrospective feasibility sub-cohort of diseased Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) medical radiation workers to reconstruct occupational/work history, estimate organ-specific radiation absorbed doses, and review existing publicly available records for mortality from cancer (including leukemia) and other diseases. Special emphasis will be placed on dose reconstruction approaches as a means to provide valid organ dose estimates that are as accurate and precise as possible based on the available data, and to allow proper evaluation of accompanying uncertainties. Such a study that includes validated dose measurements and information on radiation exposure conditions would significantly reduce dose uncertainties and provided greatly improved information on chronic low-dose risks. The feasibility sub-cohort will include deceased radiation workers from MSK who worked during the nearly seventy-year timeframe from 1946 through 2010 and were provided individual personal radiation dosimetry monitors. A feasibility assessment focused on obtaining records for about 25–30,000 workers, with over 124,000 annual doses, including personnel/work histories, specific dosimetry data, and appropriate information for epidemiologic mortality tracing will be conducted. MSK radiation dosimetry measurements have followed stringent protocols complying with strict worker protection standards in order to provide accurate dose information for radiation workers that include detailed records of work practices (including specific task exposure conditions, radiation type, energy, geometry, personal protective equipment usage, badge position, and missed doses), as well as recorded measurements. These dose measurements have been ascertained through a variety of techniques that have evolved over the years, from film badges to thermoluminescent dosimetry technology to optically stimulated luminescent methodologies. It is expected that individual total doses for the sub-cohort will have a broad range from <10 mSv to > =1000 mSv. MSK has pioneered the use of novel radiation diagnostic and therapeutic approaches over time (including initial work with x-rays, radium, and radon), with workplace safety in mind, resulting in a variety of radiation worker exposure scenarios. The results of this feasibility sub-cohort of deceased radiation workers, and associated lessons learned may potentially be applied to an expanded multicenter study of about 170,000 medical radiation worker component of the MPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the Million Person Study (MPS), dose reconstructions for internal emitters have been performed for several U.S. facilities where large quantities of radionuclides were handled. The main challenges and dominant sources of potential error in retrospective dose estimates for internally exposed workers have been found to vary from site to site. This article discusses some important issues encountered in dose reconstructions performed for selected MPS sites and the approaches used to address those issues. The focus is on some foundational components of retrospective dose assessments that have received little attention in the literature. The discussion is built around illustrative exposure data and dose reconstructions for workers at selected facilities addressed in the MPS. Related findings at some non-MPS sites are also discussed. Each of the following items has been found to be a major source of potential error in reconstructed tissue doses for some MPS sites: identification of all dosimetrically important internal emitters; the time pattern of intake; the mode(s) of intake; reliability of bioassay measurements; application of surrogate (coworker) information in lieu of, or in conjunction with, worker-specific monitoring data; the chemical and physical forms of inhaled radionuclides; and the relation of air monitoring data to actual intake. (1) Much of the dose reconstruction effort for internal emitters should be devoted to development of best feasible exposure scenarios. (2) Coworker data should be used to assign exposure scenarios or dose estimates to workers with missing exposure data only if there is compelling evidence of similar coworker exposure. (3) Bioassay data for some radionuclides and periods of operation at MPS sites are of questionable reliability due to sizable uncertainties associated with contamination, recovery, or background issues. (4) Dose estimates derived solely from air monitoring data should be treated as highly uncertain values in the absence of site-specific information demonstrating that the data are reasonably predictive of intake. (5) For intakes known or assumed to be via inhalation, the uncertainty in lung dose typically is much greater than the uncertainty in dose to systemic tissues, when dose estimates are based on urinary excretion data. (6) The lung dose estimate often can be improved through development of site-specific respiratory absorption parameter values. (7) There is generally insufficient site-specific information to justify development of site-specific systemic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musical Intervention (MI) is a public space that supports individuals who seek opportunities for creativity and connection with the broader community. This study sought to evaluate and understand MI through surveys, qualitative interviews, and ethnographic observations. Data revealed that participants 1) described the space as a socially integrated community and a nonclinical therapeutic and sober environment; and 2) described their personal experience using MI. Public spaces like MI can provide integrative and transformative sober spaces for marginalized individuals to spend time outside of clinical settings as well as therapeutic opportunities through creative expression, supplementing the efforts of service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opioid crisis has become a complex and multifaceted societal challenge. For Black and Latinx individuals, access and engagement in effective treatment remains a high concern. Developed as the result of a collaborative culturally-responsive initiative, the Imani Breakthrough program has been hosted by Black and Latinx churches. It has helped participants improve their lives, feel valued by society, connect with others, and have positive relationships with their loved ones and community. This brief report highlights preliminary findings which demonstrate the strength of this model of care involving community churches, highlighting the need/potential for continued collaboration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIt is critical for social service providers to understand the detrimental effects of racism and discrimination on the well-being of immigrants, emphasizing the complex interplay between cultural factors and racial stratification. Using a culturally humble approach to engagement there are four key cultural elements—familismo, marianismo, machismo, and spiritualismo—that are central to the gender identities of Latina immigrants. This conceptual review synthesizes existing research studies and theoretical models to provide an integrated, culturally responsive framework that helps professionals better understand and address the well-being of Latina immigrants in the United States. The intersectional complexities of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and immigration in the therapeutic space provides for the tailoring of interventions to the unique needs of Latina immigrants. The meta synthesis reveals how cultural factors such as familismo, marianismo, machismo, and spiritualismo interact with racial stratification, exacerbating the challenges faced by Latina immigrants. The key takeaway of this dialogic is the necessity of integrating cultural humility and intersectional understanding to improve service delivery and support for Latina immigrants, highlighting its importance and implications for social service practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the use of force to protect civilians in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations. Topics discussed include the emergence of the protection of civilians (PoC) as a moral imperative following the failure of UN forces to stop the Rwandan genocide and killing of more than 8,000 men and boys at UN-designated safe area by the Bosnian Serb Army in the 1990s, positive effects of PoC in UN operations, and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the use of force for PoC.

Some women who inject drugs (WWID) would benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), yet there are few studies of issues related to uptake in real-world settings. In this study, participants (n = 95) were offered PrEP and responded to items measuring PrEP-related attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. We tested associations with intention to initiate PrEP and uptake. Most WWID (88%) intended to initiate PrEP and 78% accepted a prescription. Compared to WWID who did not express PrEP intentions, those who did were less concerned about attitudinal and perceived behavioral control constructs such as temporary (75% vs. 36%, p = 0.01) and long-term (63% vs. 27%, p = 0.05) side effects, negative interactions with their birth control (93% vs. 38%, p < 0.01), their ability to take a daily pill (80% vs. 36%, p < 0.01), and the cost of PrEP (87% vs. 36%, p < 0.01). WWID who went on to take PrEP had fewer concerns with subjective norms constructs such as talking to health care providers about sex (91% vs. 65%, p < 0.01) and drug use (88% vs. 55%, p < 0.01) compared to those who did not. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control influenced intention while subjective norms had a greater impact on actual uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of Covid-19 disrupted most aspects of life, creating a high degree of uncertainty and unpredictability about the future. Knowledge from a place of lived experience offers insights and strategies to better understand how to live, grow and thrive through the difficulties that people who experience mental health challenges, other disabling health conditions, people of color, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds have overcome. We report on a programmatic effort to investigate how lessons learned through lived experience could be useful to persons who are dealing with a destabilizing situation like this pandemic for the first time, especially mental health providers. Three listening sessions over Zoom were conducted to gather information, views and personal accounts related to the current pandemic. Twenty four people with experience of mental health challenges and people living with disabilities, of various ethnic and racial backgrounds, participated in the sessions. We suggest that the recovery framework can be helpful to address the current crisis; we challenge traditional notions of normality; and finally, we recommend that providers and systems of care adopt a framework that addresses health inequities and human rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective school-based relationship and sexuality education (RSE) can improve youth sexual outcomes, including knowledge and behaviour. National pedagogical guidance in the form of the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (AC: HPE), which includes RSE, was released in 2015. This study sought to determine the sexual health knowledge and school-based RSE experiences of Australian students since the release of the AC: HPE. It presents findings from the Sixth National Survey of Secondary Students and Adolescent Sexual Health, which surveyed 6,180 Australian Year 10, 11 and 12 students. Findings are compared to those from the same survey conducted in 2013 – prior to the release of the AC: HPE. Analyses examined the associations between perceived relevance of RSE and demographic characteristics/context of RSE; and between sexual health knowledge, demographic characteristics and receipt of RSE. A thematic analysis of responses to an open-ended question provides additional context. Findings indicate that the AC: HPE has had little impact on RSE experiences and sexual health knowledge as findings remain mostly unchanged from 2013: overall knowledge scores have remained moderate to low and peak among young people aged 16–18 in year 12 at school even though most receive RSE in earlier years. Students value their RSE, but their comments reflect inconsistent teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the theory and practice of three education courses focusing on critical multicultural education. Two versions of the course take place on the campus of a small liberal arts university in the Midwest region of the United States and the other is based at the same university but operates as a study abroad course in Trinidad and Tobago. Each course offers rich and challenging critical elements of multicultural education. This article describes the development of the curriculum and the strategies involved in the execution of these courses. The Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and corresponding Intercultural Development Continuum (IDC) were used to assist in personalized instruction for students, along with Rogerian principles of personal growth and Freire's notion of praxis: action and reflection. Students' comments are included, highlighting the power of these courses. Recommendations are given for providing a more immersive and personalized education in critical multicultural education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on need of designing gardens in English novels of the 1790s such as "Hermsprong." It mentions Alastair Duckworth's seminal study of Jane Austen's novels "The Improvement of the Estate" there have been numerous critical explorations of the significance of designed landscapes in literature, particularly in relation to Austen and other nineteenth-century writers. It also mentions writing of the 1790s has been characterised within literary criticism as ideologically polarised.

Biostatisticians with advanced degrees are highly sought after. Employment opportunities in the fields of mathematics and statistics are expected to increase dramatically by 2028. Underrepresentation of minorities in biostatistics has been a persistent problem, yielding a demographic landscape that differs substantially from the general U.S. population. In some instances, students may have the appropriate quantitative skills, but are unaware of biostatistics and in other instances, students may not yet have the appropriate quantitative background, but are intellectually capable and willing to shore up those skills once they learn about biostatistics as a viable, exciting career option. Therefore, to ensure robust scientific advancement, there must be a concerted effort to increase the pipeline of intellectually talented persons available with exposure to the appropriate quantitative skills who are interested in careers in biostatistics. The overarching goal of this article is to discuss the development, implementation, and impact of a federally funded pipeline initiative aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented minorities successful in graduate training and professional careers in biostatistics as well as establishing effective mentoring and networking relationships. Our findings provide a roadmap for the development of sustainable initiatives to promote diversity in biostatistics and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields more broadly. Supplementary files for this article are available online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of immense pressure from Spanish, the national language, a group of educators in Michoacán are committed to prioritising P'urhepecha in two local primary schools where P'urhepecha is the dominant community language. The history of educational initiatives among the P'urhepecha people illustrates the inconsistent and primarily assimilationist educational environment faced by indigenous populations in Mexico, providing context for the schools' efforts, which encourage literacy skills in both languages. We analyse the biliteracy development of a group of 4th grade students, qualitatively analysing written production in both P'urhepecha and Spanish, with a focus on patterns in orthographic conventions, lexicon (including borrowing and language mixing), sentence structure, and morpho-syntactic complexity. The students clearly have more developed writing skills in P'urhepecha than in Spanish, producing longer, more coherent texts in their mother tongue, and using more variation in vocabulary and tenses. Yet in both languages, the students find creative and unconventional ways to represent oral language in writing. Through this initial analysis of 24 student essays, we consider the interrelationship among literacy skills in two languages, the impact of this educational initiative in terms of biliteracy development, as well as practical implications for educational practices at the bilingual schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the book "Measuring Peace: Principles, Practices and Politics" by Richard Caplan on peacebuilding has come to be associated with continuing presence of an equitable and social order as well as ecological harmony. It mentions peace also erodes important normative, legal, and political distinctions between peace and war. It also mentions political commitments derived from distinct political ideologies and conceptions of positive peace as social harmony or social justice.

Purpose: Radiation risk communication is a critical component of radiation protection and the public's understanding of radiation risks and benefits. Risk communication becomes even more complicated when considering cultural and language differences. In the US, many diverse communities face risk communication challenges. We obtained radon testing data to evaluate patterns of radon testing in Allentown, the third largest city in Pennsylvania. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and is associated with over 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the US annually. It is estimated that 1 in every 15 homes in the US has elevated radon levels above the recommended action level set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Allentown has some of the highest reported levels of indoor radon in the country, yet only a small portion of the population has tested their homes. This is true particularly among self-identified Hispanics, who make up nearly half of the city's population. This study seeks to (1) characterize the difference in testing rates between self-identified Hispanics and non-Hispanics in Allentown, (2) quantify the level of radon awareness and knowledge, (3) identify potential obstacles to radon testing among the Allentown population that self-identifies as Hispanic, and (4) determine whether more effective risk communication is needed. Method: Radon test results in Allentown were analyzed to better understand the nature of radon testing. To evaluate radon awareness and knowledge, a cross-sectional study was conducted using a face-to-face survey. This data was informative in assessing testing and mitigation practices, ethnicity, income level, age, education level, homeowner status, zip code and primary language. Results: Ethnicity was an independent predictor of radon awareness and knowledge. Statistically significant differences were found between the number of self-identified Hispanics (39%) and non-Hispanics (84%) who indicated that they had ever heard of radon; 13% of Hispanics and 49% of non-Hispanics knew that they lived in an area with typically high radon levels. There was a statistically significant association between self-reported ethnicity and radon testing with non-Hispanics (43%) more likely to test their homes for radon than Hispanics (32%). Conclusion: Individual and community understanding of the risks of exposure to radiation sources such as radon is dependent upon communication that informs and spurs appropriate action. This study demonstrates the need for culturally appropriate radon risk communication strategies targeted to a Hispanic population. Successful communication will raise awareness and knowledge that can lead to better public health protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consuming sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with several chronic health conditions. In the United States, government regulations and behavioral health interventions to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and increase the consumption of healthy beverages have shown limited effectiveness. Differences in motivation to engage in health promoting behaviors (e.g., drinking water and other healthy beverages) in association with key demographic variables exist. Purpose: To identify statistically significant differences in the levels of endorsement of these motivators and barriers in association with gender and race/ethnicity. Methods: A culturally diverse sample of adults (N = 639) from Bronx, New York were recruited. Results: The top motivator for females and males was preferences, for non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics was medical and health issues, and for non-Hispanic Whites was preferences. The top barrier for females, males, non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Whites was availability. Statistically significant differences in the level of endorsement of these motivators/barriers exist. Discussion: Findings suggest that gender and race-specific differences to engaging in drinking water and other healthy beverages exist. Translation to Health Education Practice: Interventions seeking to decrease the consumption of unhealthy beverages among culturally diverse adults may consider gender and race-specific motivators and barriers associated with this behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the creation of a national beer brand in Canada. It analyses the challenges faced by the marketing managers at John Labatt Limited ‒ one of Canada's oldest and most successful brewers ‒ in solving the 'national lager problem' (i.e. the inability of Labatt's 'Pilsener' to capture a significant share of the Canadian market). It examines how executives use marketing knowledge to recreate brand identities. It argues that the rebranding of 'Pilsener' as 'Blue' was successful because Labatt's managers fashioned a new brand identity that downplayed the 'ethnic' heritage of the brand by appealing to a new 'Canadian' cosmopolitan modernity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a continuous upward trend in the number of Latinas living in the US; thus, their need for safe and accessible sexual health care ever-growing. This article addresses the sexual health of Latinas through the framework of critical theory, answering the research question: "What are Latina immigrants' experiences with receiving sexual health care from providers in the United States?" The study was conducted through a community-based participatory research design in collaboration with Latina community members. Seven themes emerged that can enhance Latina's sexual health care cultural humility and the role of family in treatment. Implications for family therapists include advocating for screeners and interventions that are indicated for Latinas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We've titled this editorial: "What role will social work have played in the opioid epidemic?." This is meant to give pause, to reflect on the extent to which social work has helped – and at times harmed – those impacted by opioid use and misuse thus far, and to give consideration as to how the profession will aid going forward. We present the articles in this special issue in this spirit. In this special issue, you will find that social workers are making the connections necessary to engage communities and municipalities in ending the opioid crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marx's concept of metabolic rift has emerged as a prominent theoretical framework with which to explain the socioecological crises of capitalism. Yet, despite its relevance to key concerns in critical environmental geography, it has remained marginal within the field. Here we address this by distinguishing between metabolic rift theory and two predominant Marxist approaches in environmental geography: the production-of-nature thesis and posthumanist world ecology. We follow this comparative assessment with a detailed analysis of metabolic rift theory and a brief overview of how the concept relates to key concerns in critical environmental geography. We conclude by discussing how a stronger engagement with the metabolic rift approach could benefit the field. Key Words: Marxism, materialist dialectic, nature–society relationship, production of nature, world ecology hybridism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older Australians with intellectual disabilities experience high rates of lifestyle-related illness, yet generally have poor diets and participate in limited physical activity. Eliciting the perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities and support workers may inform interventions to support healthy lifestyles. A semi-structured focus group question framework was developed to investigate participants' experiences of barriers and enablers of physical activity and healthy eating. Data from focus groups with paid support workers (n = 6) and people with intellectual disabilities (n = 8) aged 60 + years were analysed within this framework. Similarities and differences between perspectives were explored. Both groups perceived decreased physical activity as an inevitable aspect of ageing. Health problems and environmental constraints were also identified. Embedding physical activity into daily routines, providing choices, and viewing exercise as beneficial, were highlighted as enablers across groups. Support workers, but not people with intellectual disabilities, identified barriers to healthy eating including use of "junk" food to manage behaviour and lack of message consistency between care providers. Financial and human resource barriers were also highlighted by support workers. Both carers and people with intellectual disabilities may benefit from specialised support to adapt healthy lifestyle interventions for people as they age. Behavioural management strategies unrelated to food should be promoted. Organisational and policy-level commitment are needed to ensure that healthy lifestyle programs are adequately resourced to meet the needs of the ageing population with intellectual disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]