Decision-making, aggression, age, and type of crime as predictors of coping among young adult male maximum-security incarcerated offenders

Correctional environments are regarded as degrading, dangerous, difficult, stigmatizing, stressful, unsafe, and violent. Young adult male incarcerated offenders need to acquire the necessary coping skills to survive in the correctional environment. This research study aimed to determine which variable(s) or set of variables explain a significant percentage of the variance in coping among young adult male incarcerated offenders in a South African private maximum-security correctional center. The research approach in this study was quantitative, and the nature of the research was nonexperimental. A correlational research design was used. The sample consisted of 187 young adult male incarcerated offenders. The hierarchical regression analysis results indicated that vigilance was the only predictor variable that statistically and practically significantly predicted seeking social support and problem-solving. This finding implies that young adult offenders who are more vigilant regarding decision-making are more inclined to solve problems better and use social support to cope better.

Robust Security Beamforming for SWIPT-Assisted Relay System with Channel Uncertainty

This paper considers the physical layer security (PLS) of a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) relay communication system composed of a legitimate source–destination pair and some eavesdroppers. Supposing a disturbance of channel status information (CSI) between relay and eavesdroppers in a bounded ellipse, we intend to design a robust beamformer to maximum security rate in the worst case on the constraints of relay energy consumption. To handle this non-convex optimization problem, we introduce a slack variable to transform the original problem into two sub-problems firstly, then an algorithm employing a semidefinite relaxation (SDR) technique and S-procedure is proposed to tackle above two sub-problems. Although our study was conducted in the scene of a direct link among source, destination, and eavesdroppers that is non-existing, we demonstrate that our conclusions can be easily extended to the scene for which a direct link among source, destination and eavesdroppers exist. Numerical simulation results compared with the benchmark scheme are provided to prove the effectiveness and superior performance of our algorithm.

Sustainability of cryptocurrency in blockchain technology for business development in African Countries

The aim of the paper is to analyze the sustainability of cryptocurrency in blockchain technology in African countries for securing financial business transactions. Following the subprime crisis that shook the world economy, a new perception of money has emerged. It is a fully digital currency whose transactions are made through a distributed network. This algorithm-encrypted currency, reputed to be tamper-proof, transparent and inclusive, relies on a distributed network called the Blockchain. By comparison with traditional registers in which operations are paginated and successively recorded, transactions in blockchain technology are aggregated within the chain of blocks. It is decentralized since it is replicated on several geographic sites around the world. It enables peer-to-peer transactions, automated in real-time, reliable, secure, without intermediaries and non-repudiable. To ensure maximum security during financial transactions, blockchain miners use cryptography. This distributed system is, therefore, a major technological innovation capable of securing the financial infrastructure and mitigating failures by reducing operational risks. According to our analysis based on the Merkle tree model and blockchain energy consumption, the sustainability of cryptocurrency is a major issue for developing countries. Especially in Africa, its practicality poses a number of constraints.

THE SPECIFIC OF PREVENTIVE WORK WITH EXTREMIST PRISONERS ON THE EXAMPLE OF UK PRISONS

Проблемы распространения экстремизма и радикализации общества является одной из первостепенных проблем любого государства. Последствия насильственных преступлений, совершаемых по экстремистским мотивам, всегда поражают своей циничностью, безжалостностью и порождают страх у всего общества. Наши исправительные учреждения тоже столкнулись с проблемами распространения и пропаганды экстремизма среди осужденных со стороны лиц, отбывающих наказание за эти преступления. Однако, как показывает практика, эта проблема актуальна для пенитенциарных учреждений государств всего мира. Поэтому изучение опыта одной из европейских стран представляется интересным с точки зрения заимствования наиболее эффективных профилактических мероприятий при борьбе с экстремизмом. В статье автором анализируются итоги исследования, проведенного в Великобритании, целью которого было изучение масштабов и характера радикализации осужденных в трех тюрьмах строгого режима Англии и Уэльса. В ходе данного исследования был составлен криминологический портрет осужденного, склонного к радикализации, выявлены основные причины распространения экстремизма в тюрьмах, среди которых особенно выделяются проблемы, связанные с сокращением численности сотрудников, увеличением числа вакантных должностей. Кроме того, отсутствие опыта работы именно с осужденными-мусульманами у персонала тюрем, связанного с непониманием ими основ мусульманской религии, ее ценностей, а также отсутствие профессионально подготовленных капелланов, привели к резкому росту экстремизма. Автором изучены все мероприятия, проведенные на уровне уголовно-исполнительной политики государства с целью профилактики экстремизма в тюрьмах. К таким относится создание в 2016 г. нового государственного управления по вопросам безопасности, порядка и борьбы с терроризмом, а также мероприятия, направленные на обучение персонала, координацию деятельности оперативных служб, выявление наиболее «уязвимых» лиц для радикализации, решение кадровых вопросов с подбором персонала. В результате это привело к сокращению роста распространения экстремизма в тюрьмах Великобритании. The problems of the spread of extremism and the radicalization of society is one of the primary problems of any state. The consequences of violent crimes committed for extremist motives are always striking in their cynicism, ruthlessness and generate fear in the whole society. Our correctional institutions have also faced problems with the spread and propaganda of extremism among convicts, on the part of persons serving sentences for these crimes. But as practice shows, absolutely all penitentiary institutions of the world have faced this. Therefore, studying the experience of one of the European countries seems interesting, from the point of view of borrowing positive experience, the most effective preventive measures in the fight against extremism. The author analyzes the results of a study conducted in Great Britain, which sought to examine the extent and nature of radicalization of convicts in three maximum security prisons in England and Wales. In the course of this study, a criminological portrait of a convict prone to radicalization was compiled, the main causes of the spread of extremism in prisons were identified, among which the problems associated with a reduction in the number of employees and an increase in the number of vacant positions are particularly highlighted. In addition, the lack of experience of working with Muslim convicts among prison staff, due to their lack of understanding of the basics of the Muslim religion, its values, as well as the lack of professionally trained chaplains, led to a sharp increase in extremism. The author has studied all the measures carried out at the level of the state's penal policy in order to prevent extremism in prisons. These include the creation in 2016 of a new State Department for security, order and the fight against terrorism, as well as measures aimed at training personnel, coordinating the activities of operational services, identifying the most "vulnerable" persons for radicalization, and resolving personnel issues with recruitment. As a result, this has led to a reduction in the growth of extremism in UK prisons.

Experience in the implementation of the programme of psychological correction of emotional states of disabled convicts

The article presents the results of the verification of the programme of psychological correction of the emotional states of disabled convicts, developed on the basis of a “time” approach and including three main blocks “Past”, “Present” and “Future”. The study involved 68 convicts serving sentences in a maximum security correctional colony (20 people with a disability group and 48 people without a disability). Evaluation of emotional states was carried out using the following methods – TOBOL (Lyudvig Vasserman, Aleksandr Vuks, Boris Iovlev, El'vira Karpova), State-Trate Anxiety Inventory by Charles Spielberger (in Juri Hanin's adaptation), Differential Emotions Scale by Carroll Ellis Izard, the questionnaires of the need for achievement for communication (by Yuri Orlov), the test of frustration reactions (by Saul Rosenzweig).The dynamics of changes in emotional states during the psychocorrectional programme was assessed using the SHPANA technique (Yevgeniy Osin). Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Friedman test, cluster analysis were used for statistical analysis. The results of the verification indicate the effectiveness of the psychological correction programme based on the “time” approach, with disabled convicts serving sentences in a correctional colony. The participants in the experimental group showed positive changes in the dynamics of positive affect. The data also substantiated the need to use an individually differentiated approach in correcting the emotional states of persons with a disability group.

Nonconsensual Sexual Experience Histories of Incarcerated Men: A Mixed Methods Approach

Nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs) may contribute to mental health concerns among incarcerated individuals, yet NSEs are understudied in this population. This study takes a novel approach in examining the prevalence of NSEs among incarcerated males by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative measures. The sample consisted of 189 men from three provincial maximum-security prisons in Ontario, Canada. Based on quantitative findings, 44.2% of the sample experienced NSEs before the age of 18, and 41.7% of the sample endorsed an experience that fit the legal definition of a NSEs as adults. Participants also responded to a qualitative open-ended question about their history of NSEs. Based on qualitative findings, a total of 23% of the men reported at least one incident of a NSE (e.g., child and adult). Based Findings highlight the high prevalence of NSEs among incarcerated men with quantitative responses demonstrating how the use of a behavioral questionnaire may, to some extent, correct for underreporting of NSEs. Qualitative responses illustrate the lived experience of incarcerated men and provide a deeper understanding of their NSEs. Responses also speak to the lack of resources and support available to these men. Findings underscore the need for proactive approaches in meeting mental health needs of incarcerated men in general and with regard to NSEs in particular. Results may inform the development of future correctional procedures (i.e., intake protocols that account for men with NSEs) and resources to support incarcerated men in navigating the psychological impact of non-consensual sexual experiences.

Beyond the Gates: Teaching Race and Politics in Brazil in a Prison Education Program

The project of liberatory education is fraught with complications in a Small Liberal Arts College or SLAC environment. Authors bell hooks and Paulo Freire look to an ethics of care, love, and mutual restoration of humanity through teaching openly and freely. My initial teaching experiences as an assistant professor revealed that this liberatory aim could not be fulfilled at the college campus, so I taught in a prison college education program. The goals of this article are: 1) to elucidate the complicated relationship that a woman faculty of color at the intersections of multiple identities has in adjusting to the SLAC environment; 2) to expound upon my weekly exit from campus and entry into prison education as a vehicle to advance institutional goals for outreach and social justice; 3) to interrogate prison education epistemologies and describe the counternarratives and practical strategies developed in a course on Race and Politics in Brazil to decolonize the curriculum; and 4) to express the realities of teaching a Black-centered, intersectional course in an all-male maximum security prison setting. It was through this practical prison teaching experience that I stretched the limits of my practice of education and found a temporary home in which to do so.

23. Loan capital—secured creditors and company charges

The majority of companies rely on commercial borrowing—loan capital—from high street banks and financial institutions. The lender will need security to cover the amount lent. This chapter discusses: company charges, fixed and floating charges, the approach to categorisation, registration of charges, and enforcement of a floating charge. The key concern for the creditor is to obtain the maximum security while the company is concerned to have the maximum freedom to act. The distinction between fixed and floating charges is considered and the characteristics of a floating charge are discussed with particular regard to charges on book debts. The chapter also considers the registration requirements with the registrar of companies.

Experimental platform tests for setting performances of distance protection installed in Biskra-Batna of the Algerian transmission line

The modern power system is equipped with protection system based on advanced technology through the use of digital multifunction relay, control system and intelligent selectivity, whose purpose is to ensure maximum security and service continuity of protection relay in the presence of various fault currents. Distance protection is an important protection required in high voltage transmission lines. In this paper, experimental platform tests have been performed and proposed for setting and evaluation the performances of distance protection named Micom P442 installed in Biskra-Batna of the Algerian transmission power system. The performances of the distance protection have been evaluated under various short circuits. In this study, experimental result based single phase fault to ground is analysed and discussed. Experimental results based on the proposed platform tests in terms of precision in detecting faults at various locations and trigger times confirm the efficiency and particularity of the proposed experimental platform tests.