Community Safety Research Articles

Older adults exhibit lesser smoothness despite increased caution than younger adults when navigating turns during walking.

Straight line walking currently dominates research into mechanisms associated with walking-related instability; however, the dynamics of everyday walking behavior are far more complex. The figure-8 walk test (F8W) is a clinically-feasible activity that focuses on turning mobility and provides a convenient and relevant task for understanding age-related differences in walking beyond our present knowledge of steady-state behavior. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of age (n=30 older versus n=31 younger adults) on path characteristics and the "smoothness" of turning mobility - herein measured via normalized center of mass jerk - during the F8W. Compared to younger adults, older adults completed the F8W with longer paths and slower speeds. We interpret this outcome to suggest that older adults adopt a more cautious strategy when navigating turns during walking than younger adults. In addition, older adults completed the F8W with increased jerk and thus lesser smoothness than younger adults. Thus, despite adopting what we view as a more cautious strategy of longer and wider paths, older adults have worse movement quality and thus perhaps lesser stability than younger adults during turning tasks critical to safe and effective community ambulation.

Unveiling the seismic sensitivity of the Himalayan tunnels: a comprehensive assessment through analytical and numerical exploration of P-wave dynamics

This study investigated the seismic sensitivity of tunnels in the Jammu Region (JR) of the northwestern Himalayas, a region characterized by significant seismic activity and complex geological conditions. The research combined both analytical and numerical approaches to assess the influence of site conditions, tunnel lining, and reinforcement properties on tunnel resilience. A key objective is to develop a more reliable seismic assessment method by adopting a P-wave-based approach, which is particularly suitable for mountainous tunnels prone to landslides. The study identified three seismic hazard zones, with peak ground accelerations (PGA) ranging from less than 0.3 g to greater than 0.5 g, providing vulnerability aspects. The major outcomes of this study include guidelines for the design and retrofitting of sustainable and resilient underground structures in the Himalayas, with broader implications for global projects in seismically active and geologically complex regions. The methodologies and insights can be applied to infrastructure projects worldwide, enhancing the safety of communities living in vulnerable areas. This work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting resilient infrastructure and sustainable development, contributing to both structural resilience and the geological safety of the Himalayan region.

Padlet: a tool for fostering collaborative learning and feedback literacy in dental education

BackgroundWhile health professions education has embraced collaborative and co-creative learning approaches, the integration of digital technologies into feedback practices remains limited, especially in undergraduate dental education. This study investigated the impact of Padlet, a digital pinboard, on collaborative learning and feedback literacy among undergraduate dental students during a formative assessment activity guided by Nicol and MacFarlane's feedback principles.MethodsA convenience sample of 39 Year 3 dental students (25 women and 14 men, mean age = 22) enrolled in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery program at a private dental school in Malaysia participated in a week-long Padlet-based peer feedback activity focused on periodontics. Thematic analysis was conducted on student interactions and reflections collected from Padlet posts and individual student reflections.ResultsThe study yielded promising outcomes. Padlet's asynchronous and anonymous nature fostered in-depth discussions, broader participation, and constructive feedback. Students reported a boost in confidence, increased engagement, and a sense of camaraderie. Thematic analysis revealed the successful application of Nicol and MacFarlane's feedback principles, including clarifying expectations, promoting self-assessment, facilitating teacher–student dialogue, and encouraging reflection and action.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that Padlet, with its unique features, offers a valuable tool for educators seeking to foster collaborative learning and feedback literacy in dental education. Padlet's affordances can significantly enhance collaborative learning and feedback literacy, promoting a trusting environment for student-centered learning and self-regulation in dental education. The study's findings suggest that Padlet can foster cognitive flexibility, allowing students to consider multiple perspectives and adapt their thinking. The platform's asynchronous nature and anonymity feature appeared to contribute to a sense of community and psychological safety, fostering trust among students. The findings of this study have practical implications for educators seeking to implement effective feedback practices and leverage technology to create engaging learning experiences that foster trust, collaboration, and, ultimately, student success.

The dangerisation of drill music in Western Sydney: cultural signifiers, pre-crime policing and the decline of the presumption of innocence

ABSTRACT Despite Australian legal systems being underpinned by a presumption of innocence that reserves punishment for individuals found guilty of committing crimes, laws such as the Crimes (Criminal Organisations Control) Act 2012 have allowed an increasing number of exceptions to this foundational doctrine. As pre-emptive policing practices are guided by police-defined markers of criminality, potential offenders are often identified culturally and through aesthetic or symbolic markers. This criminalises particular iconographies and symbols that are only tangentially connected to offending behaviours. In this article, we examine the gradual development of legislation that undermined the presumption of innocence, and the mechanisms of dangerisation that associate serious crime with certain genres of music and performing musicians. By situating relations between New South Wales police and drill rap group ONEFOUR within legal, cultural history and using documents procured by the authors through Government Information Public Access requests (GIPAs), we argue that such laws and policing practices not only fail to enhance community safety but often uphold deeply intrenched colonial logics, exacerbating racial and socioeconomic inequity.

Health Education Model in Disaster Situations: Systematic Review

Background: Communities affected by disasters often lack the necessary knowledge and skills to handle emergency health issues. To address this, effective health education models are essential in enhancing community preparedness and response. To provide effective and efficient recommendations on health education models in disaster situations. Method: This study was a systematic review that gathered multiple studies using the PRISMA flow. Relevant keywords have been used, and articles were collected from various databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. The studies were collected from June to July 2024. Result: Out of 4,363 articles found, 19 were selected for further analysis. Health education in disaster situations can improve individual knowledge and skills to protect themselves, prevent disease, and support public health. This education was conducted in pre-disaster, during disaster, and post-disaster. Conclusion: In the pre-disaster phase, health education focuses on mitigation and preparedness through counseling reinforced by simulations, training, and role-playing. In the disaster phase, media such as digital devices, educational boards, and booklets disseminate information. In the post-disaster phase, health education focuses on restoring and maintaining emotional stability and community safety and addressing trauma-induced stress through health counseling and play. However, the results of this study do not cover the needs of marginalized or special needs groups, so further research is needed to understand how health education models can further adapt to different cultural contexts, especially in the emergency response phase of disasters.

Girltelligence: A safe and supportive social community app for teen girls and young women

Young people’s mental health has deteriorated over the last decade, especially among females. Rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm have soared while well-being has declined. This mental health crisis has coincided with increased use of smartphones and social media, the extended isolation and suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and attacks on reproductive rights. These recent stressors have compounded the historic challenges women and girls have always faced while growing up, at school, in society, and in the workplace. In this paper, we examine the mental health effects of social media on young people, focusing on females. In an effort to address the current crisis, we designed a mobile app, Girltelligence, that provides a safe online space for girls and young women to advise and support one another on any topics without judgment and without the negative mental health impacts associated with mainstream social media. Girltelligence achieves this by offering a safe environment monitored by both AI and human moderators and tailored by age.

A qualitative study exploring the feasibility and acceptability of embedding an overdose prevention sites in a U.S. hospital.

Community-based overdose prevention sites (OPS) are recognized for reducing overdose deaths and the spread of HIV and hepatitis C among people who use drugs (PWUD). While some hospitals in Europe and Canada have successfully integrated OPS into their facilities, such integration remains illegal in the United States. This study explores the feasibility and acceptability of implementing an OPS at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), situated in an urban area with high rates of overdose. Using semi-structured interviews, we engaged 28 stakeholders, including clinicians, hospital leadership, security personnel, and PWUD. The study presented participants with a hypothetical scenario depicting a PWUD hospitalized multiple times for injection-related endocarditis to elicit nuanced responses. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed a complex landscape of perceived benefits and challenges associated with embedding an OPS at HUP. Stakeholders acknowledged potential advantages, such as harm reduction, including patient and community safety, education, and stigma reduction. However, concerns were raised regarding acceptability among PWUD, hospital staff, leadership, and the broader Philadelphia community. Hesitancy stemmed from uncertainties about trust-building, safety protocols, clinician stigma, and institutional support. Feasibility concerns, including patient eligibility criteria, drug policy, staffing, and suitable location, were also highlighted. Despite political and cultural barriers, participants proposed strategies to garner support for a hospital-based OPS, emphasizing clinical education, anti-stigma training, and community engagement. They discussed a vision for an OPS at HUP that could serve as a haven for PWUD during hospitalization, potentially reducing patient-directed discharges and improving adherence to medical treatments, thus decreasing morbidity and readmissions. This study underscores the need to address multifaceted concerns before implementing OPS within hospital settings. Once legal and cultural impediments are addressed, insights from this research can inform the design and operation of OPS at HUP and similar institutions, contributing to enhanced patient outcomes and community well-being.

A comprehensive analysis of the impact of arsenic, fluoride, and nitrate-nitrite dynamics on groundwater quality and its health implications.

Groundwater contamination is a growing global concern. The objective of the present study is to assess the groundwater quality of Khairpur district, Sindh, Pakistan-a region which is emblematic of broad environmental and public health challenges prevalent in South Asian countries. The study also aims to comprehend the impact of arsenic (As), fluoride (F-), and nitrate (NO3-) dynamics and its health implications. Additionally, this work is vital in shaping the policies of higher authorities to take actions regarding public health. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods and modern analytical techniques, such as Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Ion Chromatography (IC), and UV-Vis Spectrophotometry were employed to analyze a series of groundwater samples (n = 50), taken from various locations of Khairpur district. Present study reveals a high occurrence of arsenic (As) with mean concentrations of 26.05 µg/L, and low occurrence of fluoride (0.12-0.59 mg/L) in majority of samples (68 %), hence not according to the safe drinking limits of World Health Organization (WHO). The occurrence of low nitrate (range: 0.53-22.63; mean: 3.36 mg/L) and high nitrite (range: 10.23-30.3; mean: 20.48 mg/L) in 90 and 98 % of total samples respectively suggests that an active reduction process is taking place in the study area. A link was identified between numerous anthropogenic and natural geochemical processes, including As, F-, and NO3- contamination, which are contributing towards this groundwater pollution and significantly affecting the health of pediatric population in terms of skin manifestations like skin irritation, melanosis and keratosis which are early symptoms of skin cancer. Findings of present study emphasizes. Findings of the present study emphasizes an urgent need for remedial measures to mitigate the identified risk and call for a comprehensive plan to monitor and improve the quality of groundwater, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the vulnerable communities. Our work also highlights the urgent need for environmental health awareness and policy reforms to prevent the long-term health repercussions from compromised groundwater quality.

Water Surge Risk Mapping Using GIS-Based Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approach

Abstract Water surge is a frequent natural disaster in Malaysia, with about 186 areas nationwide identified as being at risk. The absence of an updated water surge risk map for recreational areas has led to numerous deaths, property damage, and environmental destruction. Lack of assessment of the physical environment using geospatial technology towards water surge occurrence has led to less effective disaster management and mitigation strategies related to water surge in recreational areas. The aim of this study is to develop a recent water surge risk map using geospatial technology, with a focus on a recreational area in Pahang, Malaysia. The process entails gathering geographical data and evaluating data using GIS-based Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (SMCDA), which is generally based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model in ArcGIS Pro. A water surge risk map is developed by not only visualizing water surge factors but also weighting each relevant contributing factor, such as terrain elevation, land use type, and rainfall. The finding of the study suggests that Sg. Pandan Waterfall area falls into medium-risk water surge zones due to combination of three main factors including terrain elevation, land use or rainfall pattern. The map is crucial to enhancing resource allocation, disaster planning, and community resilience where water surges have not previously been mapped. This study not only helps in raising awareness about water surge risks but also supports SDG 14 and SDG 15 initiatives as well as building safe communities.

Submission to the Queensland Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee's Inquiry into the Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024

Submission to the Queensland Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee's Inquiry into the Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024

Minimizing community impact: A new approach to blasthole diameter selection.

This study introduces a comprehensive methodology for selecting blasthole diameters in open-pit mining, aiming to reduce the environmental impact while addressing the limitations of traditional empirical methods that often yield suboptimal productivity, cost efficiency. By integrating critical parameters such as bench height, rock and explosive properties, desired fragmentation size, production scale, and operational specifics, the methodology seeks to minimize negative effects on nearby communities while optimizing blasting practices. The methodology consists of four key steps: calculating potential diameters based on bench height, verifying influential factors affecting diameter selection, assessing environmental impacts of blasting activities, such as blasting-induced vibration and flyrock, and ultimately choosing the optimal diameter. This systematic approach ensures that all relevant aspects, including explosive critical diameter and velocity of detonation, are considered. The integration of environmental and geotechnical limitations and parameters enhances its practical applicability. Validation was performed at an open-pit iron mine situated near a populated area, demonstrating the methodology's effectiveness in achieving reduction in environmental impacts while adhering to fragmentation requirements. The results indicate its broad applicability across various mining operations, effectively balancing community safety with technical requirements. In conclusion, this study significantly advances the field of environmental and mining engineering by providing a scientifically grounded approach to blasthole diameter selection. The findings highlight the importance of a holistic perspective that encompasses environmental, technical and economic factors in blasting operations. By adopting this methodology, mining companies can mitigate their environmental footprint and fostering better relationships with surrounding communities while enhancing operational efficiency.

HOME HEALTH AGENCY STAFF SAFETY: EXPERIENCES FROM THE FRONTLINES

Abstract Prior evidence has documented workplace violence among home healthcare agency (HHA) staff. Building on prior evidence, we examined organizational strategies for fostering HHA staff safety and frontline staff experiences before and after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. We engaged a purposive national sample of 102 HHA leaders in virtual one-on-one semi structured interviews completed between November 2020 and December 2022. We then interviewed a subsample of HHA frontline staff (n=12) between April 2023-March 2024. Using a multiple case study design, we conducted a thematic analysis. Five emergent themes captured organizational efforts as well as staff experiences navigating workplace violence. Leadership (a) contrasted HHA safety environment with institutional healthcare, which impacts organizational policies (e.g., gun safety, compliance with COVID-19 infection control policies) and (b) described financial investment in staff safety (e.g., employ escorts to travel with HHA staff). Frontline staff themes included navigating (c) physical and verbally volatile situations during the HHA care encounter (e.g., requesting compliance with HHA’s PPE policy when HHA staff were in the home), (d) community safety, and (e) HHA safety policies and processes. Results highlight the complexity of HHA service delivery, which existed before COVID-19 and was exacerbated as the pandemic evolved. These experiences emphasize the importance of a multi-modal approach to a HHA culture of staff safety (e.g., policies, financial resources). Further, these findings suggest a need for policies that address the operational investments needed to foster an environment of safety.

Nfrastructure of Protective Structures – Inventory of Existing Facilities, Safety Assessment, Threat Scenarios, and Response Capabilities and Needs for the City and Municipality of Dębica, Based on Experiences from the Conflict in Ukraine

Abstract: War threats associated with escalating geopolitical tensions pose a serious danger to the civilian population, compelling the authorities of the Republic of Poland to undertake protective measures. This paper analyzes the state of security and the level of public awareness regarding crisis management, using the city and municipality of Dębica in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship as a case study. The research encompasses protective structures and local territorial units, identifying key issues within the region. The findings indicate deficiencies in the infrastructure of protective buildings and crisis management systems, which undermine the community's capacity to respond effectively to threats. Residents demonstrate insufficient knowledge regarding the locations of protective structures and the necessary skills for crisis management. This paper emphasizes the importance of education and public awareness in the context of civil protection, presenting recommendations aimed at enhancing the safety of local communities. These recommendations serve as a foundation for future actions at both the regional and national levels. Key words: Crisis management, Protective structures, Radar systems, Military security, War in Ukraine

THE INFLUENCE OF FAMILY FACTORS ON THE PROPENSITY TO ENGAGE IN BULLYING BEHAVIOUR AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

In recent years, the issue of bullying among minors has emerged as a significant concern, given its association with a range of adverse outcomes. These include poor academic performance, emotional and neurotic problems, and the escalation of aggression and suicidal attitudes among children. Consequently, there is a pressing need to address cases of cruelty among minors, a responsibility that falls upon teaching teams and educational psychologists in general educational institutions. To eradicate the adverse effects of aggressive behaviour among schoolchildren towards their peers, it is essential to examine the underlying causes of this phenomenon, which can be defined as the formation of a bullying position. The article is also relevant due to the impact of the full-scale war in Ukraine on the psychological and emotional state of adolescents, namely increased stress, anxiety and aggression. Furthermore, it is vital to identify strategies that can be employed to mitigate the likelihood of such occurrences. This article aims to explore the relationship between the characteristics of child-parent relationships within families of adolescents and the types of bullying these adolescents may engage in towards their peers. The research methodology encompasses a comparative, systemic and functional analysis of philosophical, psychological and pedagogical literature. The study has found that adolescents who experience severe and strict educational influences, along with parents who maintain high expectations that they do not fulfil, are less likely to communicate their struggles to their parents, engage in constructive discussions, or seek help and support in problem-solving. Consequently, this dynamic increases the likelihood of verbal victimisation occurring and escalating among adolescents in their interactions with peers. The style of family upbringing and the parent-child relationship play a significant role in this problem and, if properly constructed, contribute to the healthy development of the adolescent and ensure his or her safety in the school community and society.

‘Sacred spaces’: Restoring safety and trust in faith communities

This plenary address explores the critical challenges faced by faith communities when engaging with younger generations, in light of declining institutional trust, prevalent sexual abuse, and the Church’s response to these issues. Drawing on over two decades of experience serving among sexually exploited persons in Bolivia through Project Suma, the address highlights the disconnection between the Church and the vulnerable. Emphasizing the need for humility, integrity, and authenticity in Christian leadership, the address advocates for a return to Kingdom values as a means of restoring safety, trust, and relevance within faith communities. By examining the barriers to church engagement and proposing actionable steps, the address seeks to inspire a vision where youth are actively involved in and contribute to the thriving of the Church.

Citizens’ trust in police enforcement in Calbayog City, Philippines

Trust in police enforcement is a fundamental element for maintaining public order, promoting community safety, and ensuring the legitimacy of law enforcement agencies. It develops positive relationships between the police and the community, encouraging cooperation and compliance with the law. When citizens trust the police, they are more likely to report crimes, provide useful information, and engage in lawful behavior, which enhances crime prevention and resolution efforts. This paper descriptively analyzed citizens’ trust towards police enforcement in Calbayog City, Philippines in terms of accountability, transparency, fairness, and community engagement. Participants were purposively sampled using online tools and categorized into three groups: ordinary citizens (n=150), barangay officials (n=50), and members of the police auxiliary unit (n=225). Findings indicated that the public trust towards the police enforcement in the city was generally high and positive, but the auxiliary unit consistently rated police performance more favorably than ordinary citizens or barangay officials. The police enforcement in Calbayog City, while demonstrating generally positive accountability, transparency, fairness, and community engagement, still needs considerable focus on further development. It is essential to prioritize efforts aimed at bridging the gap between the police and the community, with particular emphasis on enhancing transparency, fairness, and inclusivity. There was also a need to develop effective communication channels to connect to a larger public. Acknowledging and addressing historical issues, perhaps through public forums or community outreach programs, would demonstrate commitment to fairness and accountability. Such initiatives would contribute to the strengthening of public trust and cooperation, which facilitates more effective policing and the improvement of public safety.

Civic Activity in Non-Governmental Organizations for Ensuring Security of Local Communities

ObjectivesThe aim of the article is to identify the role that the activity of members of these communities organized in non-governmental organizations plays in ensuring the safety of local communities. The article also aims to identify factors that favor and disfavor the creation of grassroots social initiatives in conditions of deficiencies in civil society, which allow for a more complete understanding of the opportunities and challenges related to the use of social potential to ensure the security of local communities.Material and methodsThe basic research technique used in the article was content analysis. The article analyzes mainly the content of the literature on the subject. Available source materials and existing legal acts were also used. The results of research on the functioning of the third sector in Poland were also analyzed in the text.ResultsNon-governmental organizations, due to their "local nature", have much greater opportunities to engage in the implementation of tasks related to the security of local communities than, for example, in the field of national security. In local communities, especially small towns and villages, there is also an increased demand for support from non-state entities to meet the security needs of residents. However, the role of the third sector in ensuring the security of local communities will always be regulated by state law and the state of functioning of the state.ConclusionsThe tasks of non-governmental organizations to ensure security will be different in times of peace, different in times of crisis, and still different in times of war. According to Polish law, the activities of non-governmental organizations during war or martial law may be suspended, may, however, be used to conduct military operations.

Enhancing Workplace Wellness: A Comprehensive Approach to Sleep Apnea Screening in Onsite Health.

This quality improvement project aimed to increase the screening rate for OSA in individuals aged 18 and above with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30). This quality improvement study occurred from March 2023 to August 2023 using a two-independent pre-implementation post-implementation design. The STOP-Bang Questionnaire (SBQ) was implemented during annual exams, chronic disease management visits, and Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals. There were 946 patients involved in the study, including 471 in the pre-implementation group and 475 in the post-implementation group. OSA screening increased from 14.1% to 71.6% after implementing the screening protocol in the general population and 26.7% to 90.4% in the commercial driver's license (CDL) holder population. Of the CDL holders screened in the pre-intervention group, 15 (65.2%) were at intermediate to high risk for OSA (SBQ ≥3), and in the post-intervention group, 33 (50%) had an SBQ score of ≥3. Standardized OSA screening is crucial because it is common but underdiagnosed. Screening for OSA during DOT exams promotes community safety. Earlier identification of at-risk patients leads to earlier diagnosis and treatment of OSA to prevent long-term complications, reduce healthcare costs, improve patient outcomes, and improve community safety.

Centering Community in the Conceptualization and Measurement of Safety: A Mixed-Method Approach

Community safety is often conceptualized and measured with crime. There is growing recognition that this approach is narrow in scope and overlooks the perspectives of people in the community. This study uses Group Concept Mapping (GCM), a mixed methods community-engaged methodology, to conceptualize community safety in three U.S. counties. Participants defined 11 components of safety nested in 5 domains. The most cohesive components are aligned with traditional views of public safety (e.g., day-to-day feelings of safety, accountability) and the “community” (e.g., sense of community, infrastructure). Other aspects are more holistic, such as social and economic justice, supportive services, and fair and ethical government. Interview and focus group data indicate that participants perceive that measures of safety must be multifaceted, and the task of measuring safety is complicated by heterogeneity in meaning and priorities. We conclude by discussing the importance of democratizing knowledge in a reproducible and rigorous manner.

O Geopatrimônio no licenciamento ambiental do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

In the same year that Rio Grande do Sul became the Brazilian state with the largest number of geoparks recognized by UNESCO, regulation was published to include the issue in environmental permits at state level. Environmental impact assessment is a support mechanism for decision-making on major construction projects aimed at avoiding significant impacts on the health and safety of communities or compromising the balance of environmental systems. Following the current legislation and aiming to promote geoconservation within environmental management in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the State Environmental Protection Foundation Henrique Luis Roessler (FEPAM) published the Technical Guideline no. 12/2023 establishes procedures for identifying and assessing geosites and geodiversity sites. This article aims to introduce the instrument that FEPAM has adopted in the environmental permits for activities that have the potential to impact or pollute the environment. The technical guideline seeks to mitigate conflicts between economic activities and the geoheritage. Key challenges and advancements of the guideline include: i) proposing a methodology for inventorying and evaluating sites of relevance; ii) inclusion of the issue in the routine environmental impact assessment within the state environmental permits system; and iii) fostering inter-institutional dialogue to share the highlighting areas of geoconservation interest during environmental permits system. Therefore, this initiative is pioneering in explicitly incorporating this issue in the analysis of public organization, establishing mechanisms to safeguard of regional geoheritage.