Correctional Settings Research Articles

Bearing capacity of shallow foundations: a focus on the depth factors in combination with the respective N-factors

The ongoing refinement of bearing capacity equations remains pivotal in soil mechanics and foundation engineering, reflecting its critical role in ensuring design efficacy and construction safety. This study conducts a thorough evaluation of classical bearing capacity methods—Terzaghi, Meyerhof, Vesic, and Hansen—and methods included in various design standards, such as EN1997:2004, prEN1997:2023, GEO, AASHTO, FHWA, and API. It explores the performance and applicability of these approaches, identifying areas for potential improvement. In response to identified challenges, the paper proposes the integration of a unified depth factor. This new factor is designed to be applicable across all N-terms, providing a more versatile and accurate tool for bearing capacity predictions. Unlike the original depth factors unique to each method, which may not fully address complex soil and footing conditions, the unified depth factor is developed to enhance prediction accuracy for a wide range of conditions, including both flexible and rigid footings under varying flow rules (ψ = 0 and ψ = φ). This depth factor corrects for modeling errors, emphasizing the importance of pairing the correct set of N-factors with their corresponding depth factor. By offering a singular depth factor that aligns with the outcomes of finite element analysis, this paper not only simplifies the computational process but also enhances the accuracy of bearing capacity predictions across a diverse range of soil conditions and footing types. The comparative analysis, based on finite element analysis, validates the proposed method’s effectiveness, showcasing its potential to significantly refine foundation design practices by comparing it with both traditional and newly developed depth factors.

Screening for serious mental illness in a correctional setting.

Serious mental illness (SMI) is more common among adults in correctional settings than in the general population. No standard exists for SMI screening across correctional settings; SMI therefore often goes undetected in these facilities. Placing individuals with unidentified SMI who are incarcerated in general population cells increases their risk for self-harming behaviors, suicide, and for being victims or perpetrators of exploitation and violence. This article describes a quantitative, descriptive study conducted to evaluate the use of the Brief Jail Mental Health Screen (BJMHS) tool to screen for possible SMI among individuals in a jail setting. A total of 89 individuals who were incarcerated in one jail setting were screened either with the facility's internally developed standard medical questionnaire (SMQ) or with the BJMHS. Findings showed that 28% screened positive for possible SMI using the BJMHS as compared with only 3% using the SMQ. The BJMHS flagged a higher number of possible instances of SMI than the jail's SMQ, potentially signifying its screening superiority. Identification of SMI leads to better care for individuals who are incarcerated, and it increases safety for the individual with SMI, the greater jail population, and jail staff. Findings from this study were shared with system leadership, which has replaced other screening tools with the BJMHS in at least 250 correctional facilities throughout the US.

Analysis of Students' Combinatorial Thinking Model in Solving Combinatorics Problems

The purpose of this study was to analyze students’ combinatorial thinking in solving combinatorics problems. This study was organized into two related areas. The first focused on whether students applied combinatorial thinking in Lockwoods’ model, and the second emphasized on students’ ability in solving the given combinatorics problems. This research method used was a qualitative descriptive method. Participants of this study were students majoring mathematics education at Bung Hatta University who took combinatorics courses. Five combinatorics problems were given to the students and then analyzed. The result showed that based on Lockwoods’ model, the aspect of combinatorial thinking that was more widely applied in solving combinatorics problems was the counting process. However, most students who were able to solve problems quite well, and tended to solve problems with steps from formulating, followed by the process of counting to reach a set outcome. Whereas students who did the counting process stage without formulating problems into mathematics expressions, generally checked a set of outcomes by trial and errors. It can also be noted that in general, f/or any problem given, the percentage of students who faced difficulties when formulating problems into mathematical expressions or on the counting process was more that 50%, and the number of students who reached the correct set of outcomes was relatively low. Keywords: student, combinatorial thinking model, solving combinatorics problems

Assertive community treatment as an alternative to incarceration for American pretrial detainees

In the United States and elsewhere around the world, people with serious mental illness (SMI) are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Clinical interventions to divert such individuals out of correctional settings, including Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), have been shown to reduce rates of criminal justice recidivism when modified to allow for the use of court sanctions to encourage treatment adherence. However, these interventions are noted to be underutilized as alternative to incarceration (ATI) programs.This paper summarizes the results of a retrospective cohort study conducted in a New York State forensic psychiatric hospital of 87 pretrial detainees admitted after being found incompetent to stand trial between January 2019 and January 2022. Of these, 49 patients were referred to an ACT team that served as an ATI program. The study outcomes noted that patients referred to this ACT team were 20% less likely to remain in pretrial detention than those that were not. Moreover, patients referred to the ACT program were also 34% more likely to be granted an ATI plea bargain in the community that did not involve serving a prison term. These results suggest that pretrial detainees with SMI are more likely to be granted an ATI program that offers more intensive treatment services such as ACT, due to the capability of such programs to also provide more intensive outreach and community supervision than traditional outpatient mental health service providers.

Remote mental health first aid training for correctional officers: A pilot study.

Mental health first aid (MHFA) training is a low-cost, evidence-based intervention that teaches trainees to recognize signs of mental distress. Thirty correctional officers (COs) were recruited to participate in a remote MHFA intervention study. The COs were divided into three MHFA training sessions, with no more than 10 COs per group. Data collection assessments included pretest and posttest surveys and a focus group meeting. Of the 30 eligible CO participants, 27 completed the study, including follow-up assessments. Nine COs participated in a focus group meeting-one third (n = 9) of the CO participants identified as female, and the remaining identified as male. Most CO participants self-identified as White (n = 17), and two thirds (n = 18) of the CO participants were 35-54 years old. There was a strong military influence, with about close to half (48%) of COs identifying as a veteran. A paired sample t test was used to analyze whether there were any differences in mental health knowledge scores from pre- and postintervention. There were no significant differences between the pre- and postintervention results for the five MHFA knowledge items. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze differences in pre- and postintervention data for mental health referral items. From pre- to posttraining, COs reported that it would be easier to make a mental health referral for someone experiencing a mental health challenge (Z = -2.087, p = .037). At 12 weeks, COs referred 2.6 (SD: 4.30, range 1-20) people incarcerated for mental health services. The reasons for referral included: "suicidal thoughts," "experiencing anxiety over being incarcerated during COVID," and "considering self-harm." A phenomenological approach was used to analyze the focus group meeting. The themes identified were: (a) COs experience with MHFA training was viewed positively (facilitators); (b) there is a need to improve mental wellness in correctional settings (barriers); and (c) mental health referral process for incarcerated individuals needs enhancement when implementing MHFA (barriers). MHFA training for COs is necessary to equip COs with the skills to safely support and refer incarcerated people experiencing a mental health crisis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Variable selection for latent class analysis in the presence of missing data with application to record linkage.

The Fellegi-Sunter model is a latent class model widely used in probabilistic linkage to identify records that belong to the same entity. Record linkage practitioners typically employ all available matching fields in the model with the premise that more fields convey greater information about the true match status and hence result in improved match performance. In the context of model-based clustering, it is well known that such a premise is incorrect and the inclusion of noisy variables could compromise the clustering. Variable selection procedures have therefore been developed to remove noisy variables. Although these procedures have the potential to improve record matching, they cannot be applied directly due to the ubiquity of the missing data in record linkage applications. In this paper, we modify the stepwise variable selection procedure proposed by Fop, Smart, and Murphy and extend it to account for missing data common in record linkage. Through simulation studies, our proposed method is shown to select the correct set of matching fields across various settings, leading to better-performing algorithms. The improved match performance is also seen in a real-world application. We therefore recommend the use of our proposed selection procedure to identify informative matching fields for probabilistic record linkage algorithms.

How Prison Dog Programs Challenge the Racial Code in Correctional Settings and Beyond

ABSTRACT As the governing principle of prison dynamics, the racial code is sacrosanct due to the risk of violence that can result if its norms are violated. The setup of these racial arrangements appears immutable, but previous research finds prison-based concepts of race can be temporarily “suspended” during work assignments. This study is the first to draw upon in-depth interviews with formerly incarcerated participants of prison dog programs (PDPs) in a way that not only contributes to the limited body of literature about the racial organization of incarcerated people, but finds that PDP participation results in elemental changes that de-stabilize these racial identities in a lasting way. Specifically, narratives from participants describe how lived experiences in the PDPs lead to internal and interpersonal shifts that dismantle racialized constructs and move toward a humanizing, empathetic view of others. Ultimately, this study finds that changes resulting from participation in the PDP contribute meaningfully to long-term, successful reentry.

Analysis of a large SARS-CoV-2 (Alpha) outbreak in a Catalan prison using conventional and genomic epidemiology.

Enforcing strict protocols that prevent transmission of airborne infections in prisons is challenging. We examine a large SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in a Catalan penitentiary center from February-March 2021, prior to vaccination deployment. The aim was to describe the evolution of the outbreak using classical and genomic epidemiology and the containment strategy applied. The outbreak was initially detected in one module but spread to four, infecting 7 staff members and 140 incarcerated individuals, 6 of whom were hospitalized (4.4%). Genomic analysis confirmed a single origin (B.1.1.7). Contact tracing identified transmission vectors between modules and prevented further viral spread. In future similar scenarios, the control strategy described here may help limiting transmission of airborne infections in correctional settings.

Long-terms outcomes of radial head arthroplasty using a bipolar prosthesis.

In acute treatment of radial head fractures, a radial head prosthesis can be considered if open reduction and internal fixation are not technically feasible. We reviewed the data of 27 consecutive bipolar Judet radial head prostheses implanted in patients with unreconstructable radial head fractures and no other concomitant fractures (coronoid or olecranon factures). The lesions of the lateral collateral ligament were rated according to the McKee classification. Twenty-three patients with more than ten-year follow-up participated in this retrospective study All patients underwent assessments for pain, range of motion and stability using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the QuickDash questionnaire and a Visual Analogue Scale for pain. Radiography assessment was performed to determine the correct setting of the implant, presence of periprosthetic loosening, prosthetic disassembly, heterotopic ossification, capitellum and ulnohumeral degenerative changes. Mean follow-up was 149 months (± 12.2). Mean range of motion in flexion-extension was 111° (± 10.55), mean extension was 18° (± 14.32) and mean flexion was 130° (± 11.4). Mean arc of motion in supination-pronation was 150° (± 12.26). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 88, the mean QuickDash score was 7.3; 86% of the patients were satisfied. Seven patients (26%) required secondary surgery. The most frequent complication was heterotopic ossification, which had negative consequences on the functional result. Bipolar radial head prostheses are an option for acute treatment of isolated unreconstructable radial head fractures. During follow-up, three patients required implant revision and removal; the capitellum surface presented severe degenerative changes and the prosthesis was not replaced. Another complication was the risk of implant dislocation, in relation to implant design, incorrect positioning of the radial head stem or else to inadequate reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament. Further work is needed to establish the long-term follow-up results of Judet implants in complex elbow fractures.

A Clustering-Based Optimization Approach for Hospital Miscoding Correction

This paper addresses the problem of correcting medical coding errors with respect to some coding recommendations. The problem consists in clustering medical codings and determining for each cluster the set of features to correct in order to maximize the financial benefits subject to coding correction effort constraints. For this purpose, we model the coding recommendation as a disjunction of hypercubes and introduce the concept of correction sets. A mixed integer linear programming model is then proposed to assign medical codes to correction sets in order to maximize the financial benefits. The miscoding is then explained by characterizing optimal clusters with association rules and coding error distribution. A case study on patient stays associated with malnutrition-related ICD codes is presented, and the performance of the proposed methodology is assessed in regard to the current coding staff practice. A significant increase in health services reimbursement is achieved with a limited number of subjects’ features reviewed. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Note to Practitioners</i> —Medical miscoding has a significant negative impact on hospitals with a financial loss for under coding and a penalty for over coding. Whether a medical review is necessary for all descriptive features of a miscoded subject? Is it possible to reduce unnecessary medical reviews without compromising the goal of increasing hospital financial benefits? This article attempts to answer these questions with a data-driven optimization approach to determine a limited number of miscoding clusters and the set of features to review for each in order to best balance the financial benefits and the medical review workload. The application to a real-life case study leads to a significant increase in hospital fiscal revenue of nearly 6,992,489.69, while reviewing only a small number of descriptive features (5293 out of 22056 features, or 24% of features). Causes are also provided for each discovered coding error subtype to ameliorate medical coders’ coding practices. Furthermore, the proposed approach allows the decision-maker to balance the cost-benefit and the requirement of public health institutions (i.e., miscoding rate).

基于可见/近红外光谱的鲜枣可溶性固形物在线检测

Soluble solid content (SSC) is one of the important evaluation indexes of the internal quality and taste of fresh jujube. In order to realize the online nondestructive detection of SSC of fresh jujube, this paper took Huping jujube as the research object, adopted self-constructed nondestructive online testing system to collect the spectral information of jujubes (350~2500 nm), and studied the influence of the rotational speed of 4 r/min on the online prediction model of SSC of jujube. Kennard-Stone (KS) algorithm was used to divide the sample into correction set and prediction set. Six commonly used preprocessing methods such as SG smoothing (S-G), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), standard normal variate (SNV), orthogonal signal correction (OSC), first derivative (FD), and second derivative (SD) were applied to the spectral data, and the regression coefficient (RC) algorithm and the successive projections algorithm (SPA) were utilized to select informative wavelengths, and a quantitative prediction model for the SSC of Huping jujube was established using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results indicate that the PLSR prediction model established by preprocessing the original spectrum with OSC and combining it with RC algorithm to select characteristic wavelengths was optimal. Therefore, when predicting the SSC of Huping jujube, the optimal model was OSC-RC-PLSR, and the correlation coefficients of the correction set and prediction set were 0.846 and 0.782, respectively, and the corrected root mean square error (RMSEC) and predicted root mean square error (RMSEP) were 1.962 and 2.247, respectively. The results show that non-destructive detection of soluble solid content of jujube can be achieved by combining visible-near-infrared spectroscopy and appropriate regression model, which provides an innovative way for online sorting and identifying fresh jujube.

The effect of physical therapy with goal attainment scaling on gait function in patients with subacute stroke

Background: Correct goal setting for patients is one of the most important aspects of physical therapy. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of physical therapy using goal attainment scaling (GAS) scores to assess the gait function in patients with subacute stroke and related factors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the medical records of 129 patients with subacute stroke who had been treated with intensive rehabilitation intervention. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Bundang Cha Hospital (2021-06-008). The functional ambulation category (FAC) was used to set goals with the involvement of patients and their caregivers after the initial assessment, and raw GAS scores were calculated according to whether the goals were achieved through assessment one month later based on the FAC score. The groups were then divided according to the raw GAS scores (−1, 0, 1, or 2), and the general characteristics and clinical assessment scores were statistically analysed. Results: From our results, there were differences in clinical assessment scores based on raw scores on the GAS ([Formula: see text]) and correlation between raw scores on the GAS and improvement scores on the clinical assessment items ([Formula: see text]). Moreover, when the gait function measured by FAC was used as a GAS in subacute stroke patients, the better the function of Rivermead mobility index ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and Korean-mini-mental state examination ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) than the other clinical factors, the higher the goal attainment raw score. Conclusion: Functions, including cognitive function, should be included when setting goals to improve the gait function and should be considered when developing the neurological physiotherapy programmes. This study helps physicians and physical therapists who first apply functional gait assessment as a GAS to set the initial goals and improves patient and caregiver motivations by applying GAS to patients with lower initial cognitive levels.

Culturally Responsive CBT and Mindfulness: Minimizing Suicidality in Correctional Settings

Culturally Responsive CBT and Mindfulness: Minimizing Suicidality in Correctional Settings

"[It] Does Harden a Person Working in Such a Stressful Environment": U.S. Correctional Nurses Share Spillover Effects of Their Work.

The United States makes up 4.4% of the world's population but nearly a quarter of the world's incarcerated population. Despite caring for nearly 2 million incarcerated persons and managing their unique needs, little is known about how this work spills over and affects the nurses who work in correctional settings. This descriptive study aimed to (a) examine write-in answers regarding correctional nurse perceptions of how their work impacts their health and their home lives and (b) explore correctional nurse responses for how to improve the work environment to better support their well-being. The researchers compiled and analyzed qualitative data from a cross-sectional study where U.S. correctional nurses (N = 270) completed an online survey. Manifest content analysis was used to analyze optional write-in data. Approximately 41% (n = 111) of participants answered qualitative questions. Participants were primarily White (77.3%) and non-Hispanic or Latino (88.7%), working in prisons (65.8%), and employed by the state (63.8%) as registered nurses (70%). Three major themes emerged: (a) "personal impact": increased stress and burnout, overwhelming work hours, and emotional and physical effects; (b) "social relationships and family impacts": withdrawn, strained homelife, and uncertainty; and (c) "need for change": improved staffing, reduced mandatory overtime, and better support from management. Correctional organizations may consider ways to support the well-being of their nurses through adequate staffing, flexible scheduling, decreased mandatory overtime, and hiring effective nurse managers as key members of the correctional team.

An Overview of Prison Rape Elimination Acts (Prea) 2003

The main objective of this paper is to briefly focus on a reform related to prison called PREA which stands for Prison Rape Elimination Act, 2003. Prison Rape Elimination Act is a US federal law that was implemented in 2003 to eradicate rape in prisons. PREA created principles for recognizing, preventing, and responding to sexual abuse and harassment in correctional settings such as prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, and immigration detention centers. The law also requires data collecting and reporting on incidences of sexual abuse within these facilities, as well as staff training to avoid such incidents. However, PREA 2003 could not meet all the criteria included in its principles to eliminate rape culture in the prison. From this concern, the main aim of this paper is to focus on a reform related to prisons called Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) 2003, the reasons why this act was put into place, the current status of prison rape, the positive, and negative impact of PREA 2003, probable strategies that can be helpful for the appropriate implementation of PREA 2003. To accomplish this endeavor, this research followed systematic literature review methods due to the availability of scholarly work in this field. Although PREA 2003 has some positive aspects, the overall analysis of this study has uncovered that PREA 2003 was not implemented accurately due to some of the practical problems related to it. There are still some improvements that need to be accomplished for the appropriate implementation of PREA 2003 for the prisoners. Some suggested ways were discussed in this study to improve the implementation of PREA 2003.

Preparing correctional settings for the next pandemic: a modeling study of COVID-19 outbreaks in two high-income countries.

Correctional facilities are high-priority settings for coordinated public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. These facilities are at high risk of disease transmission due to close contacts between people in prison and with the wider community. People in prison are also vulnerable to severe disease given their high burden of co-morbidities. We developed a mathematical model to evaluate the effect of various public health interventions, including vaccination, on the mitigation of COVID-19 outbreaks, applying it to prisons in Australia and Canada. We found that, in the absence of any intervention, an outbreak would occur and infect almost 100% of people in prison within 20 days of the index case. However, the rapid rollout of vaccines with other non-pharmaceutical interventions would almost eliminate the risk of an outbreak. Our study highlights that high vaccination coverage is required for variants with high transmission probability to completely mitigate the outbreak risk in prisons.

Postpartum Depression in Correctional Populations.

This viewpoint was developed to revisit the burden and risks associated with postpartum depression (PPD) among incarcerated women based on a thematic review of the literature. Around one third of incarcerated pregnant women have symptoms of moderate to severe depression perinatally. In particular, PPD negatively impacts the well-being of parents and their children. Mitigating the consequences of PPD through screening, promotion of protective factors, and early identification coupled with treatment may have a substantial impact on the overall well-being of the affected children and postpartum individuals. Important risk factors for PPD in correctional populations include previous mental illness diagnosis, a lack of social support, poor pre- and perinatal care, inability to breastfeed, a lack of skin-to-skin contact, and partner violence. We recommend that correctional facilities promote the development of on-site mother-baby units and streamline the visitation process for newborns to visit parents. Improved access to pre- and postnatal care, education, and doula support is highly recommended, as well as consideration of community-based alternatives to incarceration, particularly in correctional settings with underserved mental health care needs. Future studies are needed to estimate the burden of PPD in correctional settings, identify system-related risk factors, and implement evidence-based guidelines for PPD and associated psychosocial sequelae.

Language in Nigerian Correctional Education: Incarcerated Persons Speak

ABSTRACT Purpose Language, as an integral aspect of human interaction, plays a pivotal role in the reformation process within the correctional setting. Nigerian correctional centers consist of a diverse population of incarcerated individuals originating from various cultural backgrounds, each possessing distinct linguistic abilities and comprehension. However, a conspicuous gap in the literature remains concerning the language practices of instructors in Nigerian correctional education programs and the active participation of incarcerated individuals in shaping their own educational experiences. The present study investigates the complex dynamics of language utilization in the correctional education system, with a specific focus on the perspectives and experiences of convicted incarcerated individuals. Materials and methods The study gathered data from a sample of 20 convicted incarcerated individuals who were actively participating in correctional education programs, using semi-structured interviews as the primary method of data collection. Information on the various forms of language utilization within correctional institutions, the impact of language on the learning experiences of incarcerated individuals, and linguistic obstacles encountered in accessing high-quality education were thematically analyzed. Results The study revealed that formal language, technical language and everyday language are the various forms of language used in correctional centers. However, the form of language used by the instructor can make or mar the incarcerated person’s learning experience thereby defeating the main goal of correctional education. Discussion and conclusion Correctional educators should employ clear language to convey information. Insights into the influence of language on the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals can inform the development of social work curricula.

Learning Newtonian mechanics with an intrinsically integrated educational game

AbstractBackgroundResearch on cognitive effects of educational games in general shows promising results. However, there are large variations in learning outcomes between individual educational games. Research on the design process and different design elements of educational games has led to some interesting directions, but some design aspects remain unclear.ObjectivesWe examined how an educational game designed on the basis of intrinsic integration theory, based on a strong alignment between game and learning goals, supports the learning of Newtonian mechanics.MethodsThis study applied a mixed‐methods approach (N = 223). A pre‐ and post‐test design was used to examine possible learning and transfer effects fostered by playing the educational game, Newton's Race. To examine how players played the game, log data for each player were digitally recorded during gameplay.Results and ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated a significant positive learning effect of Newton's Race (p = 0.003, d = 0.201). This can be explained through the acquired log data. Log data show that players' gameplay mostly matched expected learning during the game, with physically correct game settings occurring more and more as gameplay progressed. The ability to transfer learned knowledge to other situations was shown to be limited to situations closely resembling the game environment.ImplicationsSimilarly, designed intrinsically integrated games on different (physics) subjects could also foster learning in a relative short time. To foster transfer to other situations we propose embedding the game within other instructional activities.

Therapeutic Outcomes of Treatment With Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics in Forensic Populations With Schizophrenia-Spectrum Diagnoses.

The advantages of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) in schizophrenia are well studied. However, forensic involvement is common in schizophrenia, and incarcerated individuals are often excluded from clinical trials. Nonadherence and oral medication diversion in forensic populations with schizophrenia, and the relationship between antipsychotic nonadherence and crime support LAI utilization in this subset of patients. Yet, federal regulations limit data generation in forensic populations. This review characterizes data on therapeutic outcomes of LAIs in correctional populations with schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses. A search for primary literature was conducted in PubMed. Favorable effects of LAIs were observed on adherence, psychiatric symptomatology, patient satisfaction, health care costs, and frequency of criminal charges. Data were primarily retrospective and included small samples and individuals with historical versus current forensic involvement. Although limited, available literature and insights into the correctional system suggest advantages to LAI use in forensic populations. Barriers to conducting research in correctional settings must be addressed to facilitate further data generation.