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Paruk J, Semenza D. Gun Violence Exposure and Quality of Life in Nine US States. J Urban Health 2024:10.1007/s11524-024-00891-7. [PMID: 39075287 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-024-00891-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Direct and indirect gun violence exposure (GVE) is associated with a broad range of detrimental health effects. However, much of this research has examined the effects of a single type of GVE (e.g., being shot) on discrete outcomes (e.g., daily pain, PTSD). Since people may experience numerous types of GVE (e.g., being threatened with a gun and hearing gunshots in their neighborhood) with broad effects on their well-being, we study the association between four types of direct and indirect GVE and five aspects of quality of life (overall, physical, psychological, social, and environmental). Using a representative sample of adults from nine states (N = 7455), we find that witnessing/hearing about a shooting in one's neighborhood was the most commonly experienced GVE associated with significant decreases in all five types of quality of life. Cumulative GVE was also associated with significant decreases in overall physical, psychological, social, and environmental quality of life. For example, individuals with four GVEs had an adjusted average physical quality of life that was 11.14 points lower and environmental quality of life that was 7.18 points lower than individuals with no GVE. Decreasing gun violence is a critical component of improving community health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Paruk
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, USA.
| | - Daniel Semenza
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, USA
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, USA
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, USA
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Moceri-Brooks J, Paruk J, Semenza D, Anestis MD. Correlates of dangerous firearm storage among a representative sample of firearm owners across nine states. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024. [PMID: 39023294 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify demographic and behavioral correlates of dangerous firearm storage (i.e., unlocked and loaded) among firearm owners in nine states. METHODS Online survey data from the probability-based sample were collected using Ipsos Knowledge Panel. Participants were adults residing in nine states across the United States (n = 7785). RESULTS Nearly one third of the firearm owners within the sample stored at least one of their firearms unlocked and loaded. Greater threat sensitivity was associated with dangerous firearm storage. Established firearm owners who purchased an additional firearm during the firearm purchasing surge (2020-2021) had increased odds of storing at least one firearm unlocked and loaded. Those who had direct exposure to firearm violence and those whose primary reason for having a firearm at home was protection also had increased odds of storing at least one firearm unlocked and loaded. CONCLUSIONS The results contribute to the literature on firearm storage tendencies, highlighting correlates of dangerous firearm storage within the home related to perceptions of threat and direct experiences with firearm violence. Implications include the need for broad public education on the value of secure storage targeted toward to those who have an elevated perception of danger and have been personally exposed to firearm violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayna Moceri-Brooks
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jennifer Paruk
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Daniel Semenza
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Semenza DC, Baker NS, Vil CS. Firearm Violence Exposure and Functional Disability among Black Men and Women in the United States. J Urban Health 2024; 101:522-534. [PMID: 38753136 PMCID: PMC11189861 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-024-00866-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between firearm violence exposure and functional health among Black adults in the United States (US). We examined associations between different forms of firearm violence exposure (direct, indirect, and community) and functional health with particular attention to differences across sex groups. We used survey data from a nationally representative sample of 3015 Black adult Americans to analyze associations between types of firearm violence exposure and four aspects of functional disability including: the ability to concentrate, walk/use stairs, dress/bathe, and run errands among males and females. The findings indicate notable disparities in exposure and health outcomes based on the exposure type and cumulative exposure to violence. Among males, functional disability was associated most closely with community violence exposure, while direct threats of firearm violence were most consequential for functional health among females. High cumulative exposure to firearm violence was linked to significant risks to functional health, particularly among females. The results shed light on sex differences in the repercussions of firearm violence exposure and emphasize its implications for daily functioning and health. This study contributes to the understanding of the multifaceted impacts of firearm violence on functional well-being and highlights the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive healing approaches based in community settings. There is a critical need for heightened awareness and strategies to enhance the well-being of those disproportionately affected by firearm violence in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Semenza
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University - Camden, 405-7 Cooper Street, Camden, NJ, 08102, USA.
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University - New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Nazsa S Baker
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Semenza DC, Silver IA, Stansfield R, Bamwine P. Local gun violence, mental health, and sleep: A neighborhood analysis in one hundred US Cities. Soc Sci Med 2024; 351:116929. [PMID: 38733888 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Community gun violence significantly shapes public health and collective well-being. Understanding how gun violence is associated with community health outcomes like mental health and sleep is crucial for developing interventions to mitigate disparities exacerbated by violence exposure. OBJECTIVE This study examines the associations between community gun violence , insufficient sleep, and poor mental health across neighborhoods in the United States. METHODS We utilized a novel database covering nearly 16,000 neighborhoods in 100 US cities from 2014 through 2019. Correlated trait fixed-effects models were employed to conduct all analyses while considering various neighborhood covariates such as concentrated disadvantage, demographic composition, population density, and proximity to trauma centers. RESULTS Our analysis revealed that greater gun violence is associated with both insufficient sleep and poor mental health in subsequent years. There is a reciprocal relationship between poor mental health and insufficient sleep, with each partially mediating the other's association with community gun violence. Notably, gun violence exhibits the strongest direct association with poor sleep rather than with poor mental health. We found a consistent reciprocal relationship between sleep and mental health at the community level. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight a complex interplay between community violence, sleep, and mental health, underlining the importance of reducing community violence through numerous long-term interventions to address health disparities across the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Semenza
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University - Camden, NJ, USA; Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, NJ, USA.
| | - Ian A Silver
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Richard Stansfield
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University - Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Patricia Bamwine
- College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Kottke TE, Pronk NP, Woodard C, Arena R. The Potential Influence of Firearm Violence on Physical Inactivity in the United States. Am J Med 2024; 137:426-432. [PMID: 38336085 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite broad recognition of the physical inactivity pandemic, little to no progress has been made in the past decade in mitigating the problem. The current analysis builds upon previous research into the drivers of physical inactivity to assess the potential interactions with firearm violence in the United States. METHODS We merged county-level data on firearm fatality rates, physical inactivity prevalence, the Social Vulnerability Index, and the American nations regional cultures schematic. RESULTS Counties with a physical inactivity prevalence currently above the federal government's 2030 goal (ie, ≥21.8%) had a significantly higher firearm fatality rate per 100,000 population. This finding was consistent for both the overall rate and race-based subgroups. The overall White, Hispanic, and Black firearm fatality rates were also significantly higher in the American nations group comprising Greater Appalachia, Deep South, El Norte, New France, and First Nation. Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that the Social Vulnerability Index, American nations dichotomous grouping, and firearm fatality rate were all retained (P < .001) in predicting physical inactivity prevalence as a continuous variable. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the United States faces myriad health and societal challenges. Unhealthy lifestyles and gun violence are two of the leaders. The current analysis in conjunction with previous findings demonstrates that solving these challenges by interacting, create complexity to finding solutions that has not been thoroughly considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolaas P Pronk
- HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, Minn; Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Network, Chicago, Ill
| | - Colin Woodard
- Nationhood Lab, Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI
| | - Ross Arena
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Science, University of Illinois, Chicago; Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Network, Chicago, Ill.
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Kafka JM, Schleimer JP, Toomet O, Chen K, Ellyson A, Rowhani-Rahbar A. Measuring interpersonal firearm violence: natural language processing methods to address limitations in criminal charge data. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024:ocae082. [PMID: 38607336 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Firearm violence constitutes a public health crisis in the United States, but comprehensive data infrastructure is lacking to study this problem. To address this challenge, we used natural language processing (NLP) to classify court record documents from alleged violent crimes as firearm-related or non-firearm-related. MATERIALS AND METHODS We accessed and digitized court records from the state of Washington (n = 1472). Human review established a gold standard label for firearm involvement (yes/no). We developed a key term search and trained supervised machine learning classifiers for this labeling task. Results were evaluated in a held-out test set. RESULTS The decision tree performed best (F1 score: 0.82). The key term list had perfect recall (1.0) and a modest F1 score (0.65). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This case report highlights the accuracy, feasibility, and potential time-saved by using NLP to identify firearm involvement in alleged violent crimes based on digitized narratives from court documents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Kafka
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Julia P Schleimer
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Ott Toomet
- Information School, University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Kaidi Chen
- Information School, University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Alice Ellyson
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
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Mueller-Williams AC, Coughlin LN, Goldstick JE. Unpacking Firearm Access and Firearm Violence Exposure Among American Indian or Alaskan Native and Black Adults. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e240020. [PMID: 38436961 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara N Coughlin
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Michigan Innovations in Addiction Care Through Research and Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Jason E Goldstick
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Semenza DC, Hamilton JL, Testa A, Jackson DB. Individual and cumulative firearm violence exposure: Implications for sleep among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native adults. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 91:18-22. [PMID: 38244953 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the relationship between various forms of firearm violence exposure and sleep problems among nationally representative samples of Black (N = 3015) and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) (N = 527) adults, focusing on difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking too early. Survey data were collected in April and May 2023. METHODS We employed negative binomial regression models to analyze the associations between the different types of firearm violence exposure and sleep problems. We further examined associations between cumulative firearm violence exposure and sleep outcomes. RESULTS A substantial proportion of Black (59%) and AI/AN (56%) adults reported experiencing some form of firearm violence exposure. Being threatened with a firearm emerged as a consistent factor associated with sleep problems for both racial groups. Witnessing or hearing about shootings was linked to sleep problems in the Black sample, while cumulative firearm violence exposure was associated with all sleep problems in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Individual and cumulative firearm violence exposure is associated with increased sleep problems among Black and AI/AN adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Semenza
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, USA; Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | | | - Alexander Testa
- Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dylan B Jackson
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, MD, USA
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Semenza DC, Daruwala S, Brooks Stephens JR, Anestis MD. Gun Violence Exposure and Suicide Among Black Adults. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2354953. [PMID: 38319659 PMCID: PMC10848043 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.54953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Black individuals are disproportionately exposed to gun violence in the US. Suicide rates among Black US individuals have increased in recent years. Objective To evaluate whether gun violence exposures (GVEs) are associated with suicidal ideation and behaviors among Black adults. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used survey data collected from a nationally representative sample of self-identified Black or African American (hereafter, Black) adults in the US from April 12, 2023, through May 4, 2023. Exposures Ever being shot, being threatened with a gun, knowing someone who has been shot, and witnessing or hearing about a shooting. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcome variables were derived from the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview, including suicidal ideation, suicide attempt preparation, and suicide attempt. A subsample of those exhibiting suicidal ideation was used to assess for suicidal behaviors. Results The study sample included 3015 Black adults (1646 [55%] female; mean [SD] age, 46.34 [0.44] years [range, 18-94 years]). Most respondents were exposed to at least 1 type of gun violence (1693 [56%]), and 300 (12%) were exposed to at least 3 types of gun violence. Being threatened with a gun (odds ratio [OR], 1.44; 95% CI, 1.01-2.05) or knowing someone who has been shot (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.05-1.97) was associated with reporting lifetime suicidal ideation. Being shot was associated with reporting ever planning a suicide (OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.10-12.64). Being threatened (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 2.41-5.09) or knowing someone who has been shot (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.42-5.74) was associated with reporting lifetime suicide attempts. Cumulative GVE was associated with reporting lifetime suicidal ideation (1 type: OR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.19-2.39]; 2 types: OR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.17-2.44]; ≥3 types: OR, 2.27 [95% CI, 1.48-3.48]), suicide attempt preparation (≥3 types; OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 2.37-5.63), and attempting suicide (2 types: OR, 4.78 [95% CI, 1.80-12.71]; ≥3 types: OR, 4.01 [95% CI, 1.41-11.44]). Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, GVE among Black adults in the US was significantly associated with lifetime suicidal ideation and behavior. Public health efforts to substantially reduce interpersonal gun violence may yield additional benefits by decreasing suicide among Black individuals in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C. Semenza
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway
| | - Samantha Daruwala
- VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, VA Finger Lakes Health Care System, Canandaigua, New York
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | | | - Michael D. Anestis
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway
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Semenza DC, Stansfield R, Silver IA, Savage B. Reciprocal Neighborhood Dynamics in Gun Violence Exposure, Community Health, and Concentrated Disadvantage in One Hundred US Cities. J Urban Health 2023; 100:1128-1139. [PMID: 37843742 PMCID: PMC10728405 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Gun violence imparts a tremendous human and financial toll on local communities. Researchers have documented extensive mental and physical health consequences of generalized violence exposure but few studies have analyzed the particular impacts of gun violence on community well-being using nationally comprehensive data. We leverage a unique database of almost 16,000 neighborhoods in 100 US cities (2014-2019) to examine how year-over-year rates of gun violence correspond to overall neighborhood well-being and three aspects of community health: (1) health behaviors, (2) physical and mental health status, and (3) health prevention efforts. We simultaneously consider the reciprocal influence of neighborhood well-being on subsequent gun violence while accounting for concentrated disadvantage in communities. The results demonstrate that gun violence is associated with poorer community health in subsequent years, particularly health behaviors and mental/physical health status. Furthermore, we find substantial reciprocal effects for both gun violence and community health in their relationship to neighborhood concentrated disadvantage. These findings highlight the consequential role of gun violence in perpetuating cycles of harm in local communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Semenza
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, USA.
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA.
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA.
| | - Richard Stansfield
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Ian A Silver
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brielle Savage
- School of Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
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