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We compare lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ+; n = 355) to heterosexual (n = 1227) student experiences with victimization and disclosure. In spring of 2019, random samples of undergraduate and graduate students were invited to take an online victimization survey. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine disclosure patterns of LGBQ+ and heterosexual students who experienced intimate partner violence or sexual violence. Among those with victimization experiences, we assessed differences in whether and to whom the LGBQ+ and heterosexual students disclosed these experiences. We find that a greater proportion of LGBQ+ students than heterosexual students experience intimate partner violence and sexual victimization in their lifetimes. In addition, a greater proportion of LGBQ+ students experienced sexual victimization since entering the university, before entering the university, in the past academic year, and revictimization. Similar proportions of LGBQ+ and heterosexual students told an informal resource (such as a friend or family member) about their victimization experience. However, in logistic regression models, LGBQ+ students (relative to heterosexual students) had greater odds of telling off-campus formal resources about intimate partner violence and sexual violence. They also had greater odds of telling on-campus formal resources about sexual violence, but not intimate partner violence. It is crucial that on-campus university prevention and intervention services are trauma-informed, inclusive, and anti-oppressive to prevent or mitigate short- and long-term impacts of victimization for vulnerable populations and promote disclosure. Universities must provide support services for intimate partner violence at the same level as sexual violence services., Author(s): Jane E. Palmer [sup.1] , Erin Williams [sup.1] , Annelise Mennicke [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.63124.32, 0000 0001 2173 2321, American University, School of Public Affairs, , 4400 Massachusetts [...]

Background: To report the clinicopathological features and epidemiology of iris melanoma in Queensland, Australia. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 86 patients with iris melanoma treated between 2001 and 2022 at the Queensland Ocular Oncology Service, Brisbane, Australia. Main outcome measures included demographics, clinical and phenotypic features, age‐adjusted incidence and relative survival. Results: Eighty‐six patients (63% female) were included. Mean age was 54 years (range 17–82 years). The majority of patients (97%) were Caucasian, with blue eyes, fair skin and Fitzpatrick Skin Type I or II. Demographic features and clinical history showed a tendency for high ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure in the cohort. Histopathology was available in 69 cases (82%), and of these, 77% tumours were of spindle cell origin, with low‐risk genetic profiles. Patients were followed for a mean of 8 years (median 7, range 1–21 years) after diagnosis, and only one case of metastasis was documented. Conclusions: The association of iris freckles, history of UVR exposure and dermatologic findings supports the role of UVR in iris melanoma. Occupation and avocation history, as well as evaluation of iris freckles may offer an easily accessible way of stratifying the risk of an individual for development of UVR‐related uveal melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of restoring peatlands to sustain biodiversity and mitigate climate change. Peatlands store a significant amount of carbon and are home to diverse wildlife and flora. However, peatlands are under threat globally due to mining and agriculture, leading to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Efforts to restore degraded peatlands are underway in various countries, with a focus on rewetting the land to create healthy ecosystems. The restoration of peatlands has shown positive results in revitalizing landscapes, protecting water resources, and supporting biodiversity. [Extracted from the article]

ABSTRACT Uveal melanoma (UM) and nonacral cutaneous melanoma (CM) are distinct entities with varied genetic landscapes despite both arising from melanocytes. There are, however, similarities in that they most frequently affect people of European ancestry, and high penetrance germline variants in BAP1, POT1 and CDKN2A have been shown to predispose to both UM and CM. This study aims to further explore germline variants in patients affected by both UM and CM, shedding light on the underlying genetic mechanism causing these diseases. Using exome sequencing we analysed germline DNA samples from a cohort of 83 Australian patients diagnosed with both UM and CM. Eight (10%) patients were identified that carried pathogenic mutations in known melanoma predisposition genes POT1, MITF, OCA2, SLC45A2 and TYR. Three (4%) patients carried pathogenic variants in genes previously linked with other cancer syndromes (ATR, BRIP1 and MSH6) and another three cases carried monoallelic pathogenic variants in recessive cancer genes (xeroderma pigmentosum and Fanconi anaemia), indicating that reduced penetrance of phenotype in these individuals may contribute to the development of both UM and CM. These findings highlight the need for further studies characterising the role of these genes in melanoma susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To respond to the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses, many postsecondary institutions have instituted campus climate surveys, strengthened sexual assault misconduct policies, and created sexual assault task forces to coordinate entities "within" the institutional setting. However, few colleges and universities have engaged with regional networks to exchange resources, research, and innovative practices across campuses. This exploratory study applies the theoretical framework of social exchange theory to examine the necessary infrastructure for a regional network to enhance campus policies and prevention programs related to sexual assault, and the efficacy of providing formal and informal opportunities for information sharing. Interviews were conducted with 10 staff and students from seven of the nine campuses in the network. The sample includes representatives from one large public university, two historically Black colleges, a community college, and three private universities, one of which is faith based. Results indicate that there are several benefits and a few challenges for college campuses that participate in a regional network. Primary benefits include resource and information exchange, as well as new opportunities for student leadership and collaboration across campuses. Some challenges include staff turnover and limited time to devote to the network, as well as distance between some campuses. Based on these findings, it is recommended that universities consider building informal or formal alliances with regional colleges for mutual benefit.

Forty years after the Mount St Helens eruption galvanized volcano researchers, they are using powerful new tools to spy on the world's most dangerous mountains. AI, satellites and tiny gas sensors are powering a revolution in volcano science Forty years after the Mount St Helens eruption galvanized volcano researchers, they are using powerful new tools to spy on the world's most dangerous mountains., Author(s): Jane Palmer Author Affiliations: When Anak Krakatau in Indonesia erupted on 22 December 2018, part of the island collapsed into the ocean, causing a deadly tsunami. [see PDF for [...]

Due to the Title IX law, administrators at institutions of higher education (IHE) in the United States must promptly investigate reports of sexual assault. In addition, the Clery Act requires IHEs to publicly disclose annual sexual assault statistics. However, it is unknown whether--or how--sexual assault disclosure differs by type of IHE. This study, a secondary analysis of data collected from students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and predominantly White institutions (PWIs), examines the role of incident, offender, and victim characteristics in whether women disclosed experiencing unwanted sexual contact (due to force or incapacitation) and to whom they disclosed, by type of IHE. Significant differences in the characteristics of their experiences and factors associated with sexual assault disclosure were found between samples of women attending HBCUs (n = 327) and PWIs (n = 760). However, as expected, the multivariate analyses indicate that factors associated with the culturally reinforced stereotype of "real rape"--that is, the use of force, presence of injuries, and perpetrators who were not an intimate partner, friend, or acquaintance--were positively associated with disclosure for both samples. Overall, the probability of disclosure was higher for sexual assault due to force than incapacitation. In addition, White students had a higher probability of disclosure than Black students for both forms of sexual assault regardless of type of IHE.

The "DM Slide" is slang for sending a direct message online with romantic or sexual intent. Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) has become more prevalent due to the proliferation of online outlets facilitating romantic and other social connections. TFSV refers to hostile actions that occur online or as a result of online communication; it includes behaviors like the posting of sexually explicit images without the subject's consent, online stalking, and various forms of sexual harassment. College students are especially prone to being victimized by TFSV, with one study revealing that 25 percent of females and 11 percent of males reported these types of experiences. Adding to the harm is the fact that many college-aged victims fail to reveal that they have been victimized in this manner. This article explains why victims are reluctant to report TFSV and offers suggestions for facilitating such reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of calls for higher educational institutions to conduct surveys on sexual victimization, the purpose of this study was to compare the sexual victimization estimates for male and female college students from two types of surveys conducted by the same university in 2011 and 2013. Results indicate that question wording significantly affects estimates, especially for sexual victimization involving incapacitation. Recommendations on ways to measure unwanted sexual activities and policy implications are included.

This article reports findings from a longitudinal, experimental evaluation of a peer education theater program, Students Challenging Realities and Educating Against Myths (SCREAM) Theater. This study examines the impact of SCREAM Theater on a range of bystander-related outcomes (i.e. bystander intentions, bystander efficacy, perception of friend norms and bystander behaviors) in situations involving sexual violence and whether there was a differential impact of the program by participant sex. First-year college students completed three waves of surveys (pretest, first post-test and second post-test). All participants received one dose of the intervention during summer orientation after the pretest. After the first post-test, participants were randomly assigned to receive two additional doses, or to a control condition, in which they received no additional doses. Students in both one- and three-dose groups reported a number of positive increases. Overall, an intent-to-treat analysis (n = 1390) indicated three doses of the intervention during the first semester of college resulted in better outcomes than the one-time intervention during summer orientation alone. Although both male and female students' scores increased during the study period, female students consistently scored higher than male students on each outcome. The findings suggest that peer education theater holds promise for bystander intervention education on college campuses.