bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure-Controlled Intermittent Coronary Sinus Occlusion (PiCSO) in Acute Myocardial Infarction: The PiCSO-AMI-I Trial
Authors: De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Greenwood John P. , Zaman Azfar G. , Carrié Didier , Coste Pierre , Valgimigli Marco , Behan Miles , Berry Colin , Erglis Andrejs , Panoulas Vasileios F. , Van Belle Eric , Juhl Terkelsen Christian , Hunziker Munsch Lukas , Jain Ajay K. , Lassen Jens Flensted , Palmer Nick , Stone Gregg W. , Banning Adrian P.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) has improved clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. However, as many as 50% of patients still have suboptimal myocardial reperfusion and experience extensive myocardial necrosis. The PiCSO-AMI-I trial (Pressure-Controlled Intermittent Coronary Sinus Occlusion-Acute Myocardial Infarction-I) evaluated whether PiCSO therapy can further reduce myocardial infarct size (IS) in patients undergoing pPCI.

METHODS:

Patients with anterior ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow 0-1 were randomized at 16 European centers to PiCSO-assisted pPCI or conventional pPCI. The PiCSO Impulse Catheter (8Fr balloon-tipped catheter) was inserted via femoral venous access after antegrade flow restoration of the culprit vessel and before proceeding with stenting. The primary end point was the difference in IS (expressed as a percentage of left ventricular mass) at 5 days by cardiac magnetic resonance. Secondary end points were the extent of microvascular obstruction and intramyocardial hemorrhage at 5 days and IS at 6 months.

RESULTS:

Among 145 randomized patients, 72 received PiCSO-assisted pPCI and 73 conventional pPCI. No differences were observed in IS at 5 days (27.2%±12.4% versus 28.3%±11.45%;P=0.59) and 6 months (19.2%±10.1% versus 18.8%±7.7%;P=0.83), nor were differences between PiCSO-treated and control patients noted in terms of the occurrence of microvascular obstruction (67.2% versus 64.6%;P=0.85) or intramyocardial hemorrhage (55.7% versus 60%;P=0.72). The study was prematurely discontinued by the sponsor with no further clinical follow-up beyond 6 months. However, up to 6 months of PiCSO use appeared safe with no device-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this prematurely discontinued randomized trial, PiCSO therapy as an adjunct to pPCI did not reduce IS when compared with conventional pPCI in patients with anterior ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. PiCSO use was associated with increased procedural time and contrast but no increase in adverse events up to 6 months.

REGISTRATION:

URL:https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03625869.
Comparison of lipemia interference created with native lipemic material and intravenous lipid emulsion in emergency laboratory tests
Authors: Şeneş Mehmet , Bolat Serkan , Sürer Hatice , Çolak Samsum Emel , Yücel Doğan
Published: April 2024

Graphical abstract
Highlights
• After hemolysis and icterus, lipemia is one of the most common errors encountered in the preanalytical phase
• Mimicking lipemia is more challenging than other interference types because of the heterogenous property of lipids
• Intravenous lipid emulsions are not sufficient for mimicking lipemia
• Since almost all companies use intravenous lipid emulsion in lipemia interference studies, the results of these studies must be interpreted carefully by the laboratory experts
IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the effects of lipemia on clinical chemistry and coagulation parameters in native ultralipemic (NULM) and intravenous lipid emulsion (IVLE) spiked samples.
Materials and methodsThe evaluation of biochemistry (photometric, ion-selective electrode, immunoturbidimetric method), cardiac (electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method) and coagulation (the viscosity-based mechanical method for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen and the immunoturbidimetric method for D-dimer) parameters were conducted. In addition to the main pools, five pools were prepared for both types of lipemia, each with triglyceride (TG) concentrations of approximately 2.8, 5.7, 11.3, 17.0 and 22.6 mmol/L. All parameters’ mean differences (MD%) were presented as interferographs and compared with the desirable specification for the inaccuracy (bias%). Data were also evaluated by repeated measures of ANOVA.
ResultsProthrombin time and APTT showed no clinically relevant interference in IVLE-added pools but were negatively affected in NULM pools
(P < 0.001 in both parameters). For biochemistry, the most striking difference was seen for CRP; it is up to 134 MD% value with NULM (P < 0.001) at the highest TG concentration, whereas it was up to - 2.49 MD% value with IVLE (P = 0.009). Albumin was affected negatively upward of 5.7 mmol/L TG with IVLE, while there was no effect for NULM. Creatinine displayed significant positive interferences with NULM starting at the lowest TG concentration (P = 0.028). There was no clinically relevant interference in cardiac markers for both lipemia types.
ConclusionsSignificant differences were scrutinized in interference patterns of lipemia types, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of lipemia interferences in clinical laboratories. It is crucial to note that lipid emulsions inadequately replicate lipemic samples.
Climate Justice and Climate Adaptation in California: Indigenous Community Climate Adaptation Leadership and Opportunities for Scientific Collaboration
Authors: Martinez Deniss J. , Meadow Alison M. , Manning Beth Rose Middleton , Maldonado Julie
Published: April 2024

Climate and weather-related disasters in California illustrate the need for immediate climate change action—both mitigation to reduce impacts and adaptation to protect our communities, relatives, and the ecosystems we depend upon. Indigenous frontline communities face even greater threats from climate impacts due to historical and political legacies of environmental injustice. Climate change adaptation actions have proven challenging to implement as communities struggle to access necessary climate data at appropriate scales, identify effective strategies that address community priorities, and obtain resources to act at a whole-community level. In this paper, we present three examples of Indigenous communities in California that have used a climate justice approach to climate change adaptation. These communities are drawing upon community knowledge and expertise to address the challenges of adaptation planning and taking actions that center community priorities. The three cases address emergency preparation and response, cultural burning and fire management, and community organizing and social cohesion. Across these spheres, they illustrate the ways in which a community-based and climate justice-focused approach to adaptation can be effective in addressing current threats while also addressing the legacy of imposed, socially constructed vulnerability and environmental injustices. Because we recognize the need for multiple knowledges and skills in adaptation actions, we include recommendations that have emerged based on what has been learned through these long-standing and engaged participatory research collaborations for climate scientists who wish to contribute to climate justice-focused adaptation efforts by using scientific data to support—not supplant—community efforts, target funding toward genuine community engagement and adaptation actions, and become aware of the historical and political legacies that created the climate vulnerabilities and injustices evident today.
Between Scientific and Sensory Knowledge: Exploring the Enactment of Clay Sensibilities Among Clay Artists in Singapore
Authors: Low Kelvin E. Y. , Suratman Suriani
Published: April 2024

This article explores how clay artists in Singapore utilize both their scientific and sensory knowledge of clay-making in producing clay works. Based on a study of the biographies and sensory experiences of clay artists, clay artists rely simultaneously on their scientific knowledge and understanding of clay firing processes, temperatures, and glazing, together with their sensory judgment and experience of the same set of processes, to produce clay works of different design, effect, and form. Thermoreceptive understanding and knowledge of how clay reacts and behaves toward the different styles of firing are deployed by clay artists through both a scientific calibration of temperature, as well as one’s sensory evaluation—including visual and sonic judgments—of fire-control toward producing intended textures and forms. Through making sense of how scientific and sensory knowledges are concurrently enacted but not without contradictions, we make a case for how creative clay work-making straddles across different domains of learning, knowledge use, teaching, and evaluation emerging through kairotic moments. The article contributes to extant debates on art worlds, material culture, sensory knowledges, and embodied experiences through clay work as a medium of analysis.
Coffee Consumption Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Akça Gulfer , Akça Unal
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to analyze and perform a model analysis of the scope of caffeine consumption in adolescents in Turkey. The prevalence of caffeine consumption was 65.5% (321/490), with 22% of boys and 38.45% of girls consuming foodstuffs or beverages containing it. The mean daily caffeine intake was 85.8 mg. Girls consumed all types of coffee more frequently, while boys consumed black tea and energy drinks such as Red Bull and Burn more frequently than girls. Coffee was most frequently consumed to boost concentration, and tea and energy drinks out of habit. Individuals who lived in the city center, smokers, and individuals with high income levels consumed more caffeine ( P = .000, P = .000, and P = .000). The level at which energy drinks were consumed by mixing with alcohol in a party setting was 11.5%, and this was more common among boys ( P = .000). Greater efforts should be made to inform parents and adolescents of the potential harm resulting from misuse of caffeine.
Divine Haecceity: Reclaiming the Literary Character of God in Hebrew Scripture with Rosenzweig and Miskotte
Authors: Cornell Collin
Published: April 2024

The present article first summarizes the results of literary scholarship on the character of God in Hebrew Scripture: authors such as Jack Miles, W. Lee Humphreys, and Avivah Zornberg discern a ‘round character’ in biblical texts, a divine persona who acts and reacts from out of particular desires, wants, and insecurities. The second section indicates a few factors explaining why constructive Christian theology typically finds this literary God-character unusable. The third section makes an argument for the usability of the God-character in Christian theology. The term haecceity—Latin for this-ness—epitomizes its proposal, which retrieves two twentieth-century thinkers, Franz Rosenzweig and K. H. Miskotte.
Trade Facilitation and Global Value Chain Participation: Cross-country Analysis
Authors: Reddy Ketan , Sasidharan Subash
Published: April 2024

In this article, we examine the role of trade facilitation in fostering firm participation in global value chains (GVCs). We use cross-sectional data for 115 economies spanning 2006–2018 sourced from World Bank Enterprise Surveys. We employ four trade indicators which are as follows: customs, regulation quality, loans and digitalization proxying for trade facilitation measures and we correct for reverse causality using the instrumental variable approach. Our empirical findings highlight that customs requirements deter GVC participation of the firm. Further, adhering to government regulations, having access to loans and digital communication adoption fosters supply chain integration of the firm. The present study also finds favourable heterogenous effects of trade facilitation on GVC participation of less productive firms and larger firms. Our findings are robust to alternative methods of endogeneity correction and GVC definitions.

JEL Codes: F1, F19, F14
Study on advanced partial least squares for quality-related fault detection
Authors: Zhang Guisheng , Tu Qingyi , Xie Jian
Published: April 2024

The issue of quality-related fault detection in the industrial process has attracted much attention in recent years. The partial least squares (PLS) is considered an efficient tool for predicting and monitoring. The modified partial least squares (MPLS) is an extended algorithm for solving the oblique decomposition of PLS, however, the study indicated that the loss of quality variable information may affect the prediction of quality information in the decomposition process of the MPLS algorithm. Furthermore, the detection rate of traditional statistics and static control limit is low, and the existing dynamic control limit has certain limitations. Therefore, a new PLS space-decomposition algorithm called advanced partial least squares (APLS) is proposed. APLS avoids the loss of quality information by orthogonal decomposition of process variables according to their relationship with quality. APLS has a more accurate prediction of quality when process variables contain more noise; the fault false alarm rates (FAR) of quality-related faults are reduced by using the new statistics and thresholds combined with local information increment technology in the process variable principal component subspace. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by a numerical example and an industrial benchmark problem.
“When We Believe in State Power, It Tends to Fail Us”: Insights Into the Management of Herder-Peasant Farmer Conflicts in Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoye Kingsley E. , Ezeani Emmanuel O. , Onah Francisca N. , Ekekwe Ezinwanne , Akov Emmanuel T. , Agbo Paulinus O.
Published: April 2024

This paper examines management of herder-peasant farmer conflicts and internal security challenges in Benue state, Nigeria. It relied mainly on descriptive and cross-sectional survey designs. Four hundred and seven participants were collated and analyzed from 430 questionnaires distributed in 10 Local Government Areas with an age range of 20–79 years and mean age of 42.84 years. A structured questionnaire was adopted for measuring farmer-herder conflicts and analyzing the strategies deployed in tackling the conflict. The findings showed that certain laws and policies of the government significantly contributed to the onset and protraction of the herder-farmer conflict in Benue state, F (5, 406) = 186.51; p < 0.05. Further findings show that the inherent contradictions in the different policies and laws enacted by the government created obstructions to land access and utilization by the warring parties (herders and farmers). Pursuant to this, the paper linked the obduracy of the conflict to government’s poor handling of land and land-based resources. To address the conflict, the article recommends that land management policies should be unbundled to limit the influence of federal and state governments in land distribution and control.
Periodontitis, Dental Procedures, and Young-Onset Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Leskelä J. , Putaala J. , Martinez-Majander N. , Tulkki L. , Manzoor M. , Zaric S. , Ylikotila P. , Lautamäki R. , Saraste A. , Suihko S. , Könönen E. , Sinisalo J. , Pussinen P.J. , Paju S.
Published: April 2024

Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, and the risk may be particularly high among young people with unexplained stroke etiology. Thus, we investigated in a case-control study whether periodontitis or recent invasive dental treatments are associated with young-onset cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS). We enrolled participants from a multicenter case-control SECRETO study including adults aged 18 to 49 y presenting with an imaging-positive first-ever CIS and stroke-free age- and sex-matched controls. Thorough clinical and radiographic oral examination was performed. Furthermore, we measured serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipotechoic acid (LTA) levels. Multivariate conditional regression models were adjusted for stroke risk factors, regular dentist visits, and patent foramen ovale (PFO) status. We enrolled 146 case-control pairs (median age 41.9 y; 58.2% males). Periodontitis was diagnosed in 27.5% of CIS patients and 20.1% of controls ( P < 0.001). In the fully adjusted models, CIS was associated with high periodontal inflammation burden (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval) with an OR of 10.48 (3.18–34.5) and severe periodontitis with an OR of 7.48 (1.24–44.9). Stroke severity increased with the severity of periodontitis, having an OR of 6.43 (1.87–23.0) in stage III to IV, grade C. Invasive dental treatments performed within 3 mo prestroke were associated with CIS, with an OR of 2.54 (1.01–6.39). Association between CIS and invasive dental treatments was especially strong among those with PFO showing an OR of 6.26 (1.72–40.2). LPS/LTA did not differ between CIS patients and controls but displayed an increasing trend with periodontitis severity. Periodontitis and recent invasive dental procedures were associated with CIS after controlling for multiple confounders. However, the role of bacteremia as a mediator of this risk was not confirmed.
Introversion, Alexithymia, and Hostility: A Path Analysis From Personality to Suicidal Ideation Among University Students
Authors: Guidotti Sara , Fiduccia Alice , Pruneti Carlo
Published: April 2024

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between state (i.e., hostility) and trait (i.e., social detachment, alexithymia) psychological constructs associated with suicidal ideation among university students. Methods: A group of 190 university students was consecutively recruited in the period between September 2022 and March 2023. After a clinical interview, a series of psychological tests were administered: the Cattell’s 16-Personality Factors Questionnaire (16PF), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), and the anamnestic form of the Cognitive Behavioral Assessment (CBA2.0), which contains a specific question regarding the suicidal ideation. Results: The analyses demonstrated that alexithymia fully mediated the relationship between a particular aspect of introversion (social detachment or low warmth) and hostility which, in turn, seemed to be a significant predictor of suicidal ideation. Conclusions: The path analysis conducted seemed to highlight the importance of personality traits, such as social detachment and the ability to recognize and express one’s internal states, on the mental health of university students in terms of hostility and suicidal ideation. Considering that the reduction of suicide mortality has been prioritized as a global target in the 15-19 age group, identifying the psychological factors associated with it is fundamental.
The commodification of unaccompanied child migration: A double move of enclosure
Authors: Rosen Rachel
Published: April 2024

In England, unaccompanied child migrants who seek asylum are the responsibility of the local state, who acts as their ‘corporate parent’. While these young people are ostensibly supported by children’s services in keeping with responsibilities under the Children’s Act 1989, in comparison to ‘local’ children unaccompanied children are disproportionately placed in unregulated, outsourced accommodation. Drawing on data from the Children Caring on the Move research project – including over 180 interviews with unaccompanied young people, frontline workers, accommodation owners and policy makers – I argue that this part of the care system can be understood as a double move of enclosure. First, I argue that claims about the unpredictability of arrivals of unaccompanied children are used as a rationale for the marketisation of children’s services, part of an enclosure of what was previously public. Second, I point to the enclosure, and commodification, of unaccompanied children themselves. They not only become a source of profit in this enclosed sector through their statuses as ‘child’ and ‘unaccompanied migrant’, but the limited forms of support provided in outsourced and unregulated provision make it more difficult for many to regularise their status before being subject to enforced destitution or deportability as non-citizen adults. The article contributes to efforts to theorise contemporary processes of enclosure in racial capitalism, adds to understandings of the UK’s ‘asylum market’ which to date has focused almost primarily on adult or family migrants, and sheds new light on causalities of care in the UK’s marketised and bordered children’s services.
Reducing Shower Duration in Tourist Accommodations: A Covert True Experiment of Continuous Real-Time Eco-Feedback and Persuasive Messaging
Authors: Pereira-Doel Pablo , Font Xavier , Wyles Kayleigh , Pereira-Moliner Jorge
Published: April 2024

This study inductively applies the Feedback Intervention Theory by empirically demonstrating the effectiveness of continuous, real-time eco-feedback and its interaction with motivational factors in modifying showering behavior. We conducted a covert true experiment across six tourist accommodations in Denmark, Spain, and the UK, where we deployed smart technology, in the form of a timer to provide the eco-feedback, coupled with persuasive messages. Data from over 17,500 showers showed that continuous, real-time eco-feedback reduced water runtime by 25.79% ( CI = 8.24%; 39.98%). When the eco-feedback was paired with the most effective message—priming pro-environmental values and requiring a high effort to comply—water runtime was reduced by 23.55% ( CI = 17.53%; 29.13%). The study’s robust experimental design, and its emphasis on actual behavior measurement, highlight the potential of smart technology to facilitate resource conservation.
Ethmoid Osteoblastoma: A Case Report and Pooled Analysis of Cases
Authors: Alareek Latefa , Alsuhaibani Adel , Malika Rawan , Bahabri Saeed , Alsaleh Saad
Published: April 2024

Osteoblastoma is a typically noncancerous bone tumor commonly found in the spine and long bones of the arms and legs. It is exceedingly rare for this tumor to occur in the paranasal sinuses. We present a case of osteoblastoma in a 13-year-old boy affecting the ethmoid sinus, which manifested as exophthalmos. A computed tomography scan revealed an expansive lesion in the right ethmoid sinus, causing compression and displacement of the orbital contents to the right. The lesion exhibited a mix of ground glass opacity and dense bone. On magnetic resonance imaging, the less dense areas of the tumor showed strong enhancement, while the densely sclerotic regions appeared as signal voids on all imaging sequences. A combined transorbital and transnasal approach was performed to remove the tumor. Histologically, the tumor consisted expansile growth surrounded by a sclerotic rim of inter-anastomosing trabeculae of woven bone set within loose edematous fibrovascular stroma. This case highlights the unusual occurrence of osteoblastoma in the ethmoid sinus, a location seldom associated with this type of tumor, and adds to the existing literature on this topic and offers a new surgical approach to managing this entity.
A Peasant’s Satire of the Politics of Debt (Luke 16:1–8a)
Authors: Guevara Jonathan
Published: April 2024

This article reads the parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1–8a) using a social-scientific method, particularly the anthropology of agrarian patron-client relations. Here I delineate a model of the erosion of patron-client bonds, based on the work of James C. Scott and others, and the emergence of horizontal solidarity and mutual aid (“balanced reciprocity”). I relate this model to the peasant’s burden of debt, particularly in Jesus’ world. As commercialization develops in an agrarian society patron-client bonds begin to erode, and peasants begin to understand these bonds as relations of exploitation. Consequently, subversive ideology develops, evident in peasant folktales directed against the wealthy and powerful. Accordingly, I argue that the parable of the unjust steward is a satire aimed at landlord-patrons who perpetuate the burden of debt.
Numinous Fear: How Rudolf Otto Altered the Way We Think About the “Fear of God”
Authors: Knox James W.
Published: April 2024

Rudolf Otto remains one of the most influential theologians of the early 20th century. One area where he made a sizable impact was on the “fear of God” discussion. From Otto’s influence emerged the theory of Numinous Fear as a means of explaining the “fear of the gods” in the ancient world. However, there are misunderstandings regarding Numinous Fear and Otto’s role in its conception. To this end, this article investigates the extent of Otto’s influence regarding Numinous Fear and the consequential effects to the “fear of God” discussion.
Paul and His Double Name: Relevance to the African Christian Pastor and Theologian Today
Authors: Amaefule Adolphus Ekedimma
Published: April 2024

With examples and illustrations from the African worldview, this article focuses on the nature, meaning, and usage of the double name of Paul of Tarsus. It concludes by considering the help that a proper understanding and functionality of the same name may give an African Christian pastor and theologian, today.
The Social Network of Philip in Acts: A Dynamic Pioneering Missionary
Authors: Dörpinghaus Jens
Published: April 2024

This study seeks to explore, how Luke presents the narrative portrayal of Philip in Acts utilizing Social Network Analysis (SNA) and presents an interdisciplinary study combining methods from Theology, Social Sciences, and Computer Science. First, we provide a detailed methodological discussion that highlights the overlap between narrative criticism and SNA. Combining both, we present results in a mathematical computational social networks using exegetical methods. SNA presents different perspectives on one of those minor actors, which Luke presents in more detail, and his relation to the nascent Christian movement in Acts. This study shows that it is in the relational aspects and the crossing of social, cultural, and religious distances that are key to understanding Luke’s story of Philip’s ministry. In particular, he presents Philip as a dynamic pioneering missionary. These results also raise new questions for further research, and show new perspective on biblical texts
The Accomplishments of KoCVAM in the Development and Implementation of Alternative Methods in Korea
Authors: Kang Nam-Hee , Oh JaeHo
Published: April 2024

The Korean Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (KoCVAM), which promotes the Three Rs principles and the use of alternative methods in Korea, has been operating within the Toxicological Screening and Testing Division of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) since 2009. KoCVAM has exchanged opinions and information on the development and validation of non-animal alternative test methods as part of the International Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods (ICATM), and provided input into draft OECD Test Guidelines (TGs). Several Korean laws (e.g. the Cosmetics Act) encourage the use of alternative test methods for chemical testing and assessment. To promote and support the use of alternative test methods in the country, KoCVAM has published information and provided training on the national guidelines, which are based on the OECD TGs. In addition, KoCVAM has held annual training workshops on alternative test methods, to help Korean research institutions (including GLP test facilities) to implement them. In addition, by helping to develop and validate alternative test methods that were adopted in OECD TG 442B, TG 492 and TG 439, KoCVAM has contributed to the enhanced competitiveness of Korean industry on the worldwide stage.
Geopolitics in the Maldives: Intersection of Foreign Relations and Internal Political Rivalries
Authors: Nahushal Ibrahim
Published: April 2024

This article connects the political science literature on small states and the historical coverage of trade in the Indian Ocean to identify a remarkable pattern in foreign relations management of Maldivian geopolitics. The long history of interaction with foreign powers since at least the fifteenth century shows how this small state has, historically as well as now vis-à-vis India, China and the Middle East, managed well to retain control and sovereignty as an independent nation. Rich experience in handling the challenges posed by competing geopolitical interests in the wider region partly explains this Maldivian success story. However, this article also brings out the role of constant internal political rivalry within the Maldivian elites. The resulting highly dynamic intersecting pattern identifies how different parties, fractions and certain strong personalities as competing stakeholders constantly attempt to retain or grab power through strategic alliances with foreign powers. Identifying this underlying pattern allows deeper analysis of the unique, literally liquid characteristics of Maldivian geopolitics and similar small-state scenarios.
Alicja Curanović. The Sense of Mission in Russian Foreign Policy: Destined for Greatness! London: Routledge & CRC Press, 248 p
Authors: Kazharski Aliaksei
Published: April 2024

Alicja Curanović’s 2021 book The Sense of Mission in Russian Foreign Policy is an important contribution to the study of Russian politics and foreign policy, and since the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Moscow, its importance has only increased. The ultimate failure of “structural” and rational-choice models to account for Russia’s behavior has only reemphasized the importance of approaches that open the “black box” of domestic politics and examine the long-term cultural and identitary patterns which both shape and help legitimize the decision-making in an authoritarian polity relying on pronounced anti-Western discourse and “siege mentality.”
The Synergistic Effects of Risk-Principle Adherence in the Supervision and Treatment of Individuals Who Have Sexually Offended
Authors: Miller Holly A. , Toman Elisa L. , Pederson Kaitlyn
Published: April 2024

Prior literature highlights the effectiveness of the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) risk principle when providing community supervision and treatment to general justice-involved individuals and special populations such as individuals convicted of a sexual offense. Individuals deemed high-risk, per risk assessment, should receive the most intensive levels of community supervision and treatment, while individuals classified as low risk should receive the lowest intensity. Research in support for the risk principle finds adherence decreased recidivism rates and increased probation compliance. The current study assesses the effects of adhering (or not) to the risk principle in supervision levels and treatment dosage on the compliance of individuals on probation for a sexual offense ( N = 133). Overall, results support risk principle adherence for individuals, with increasing adherence levels associated with significantly more compliance, and non-adherence resulting in adverse outcomes. Implications for policy and practice in the supervision and treatment of individuals with a sexual offense are discussed.
Juvenile Delinquency in the Context of Organized Crime in Mexico: A Systematic Review
Authors: Leal Mena Eva María , Iañez-Domínguez Antonio
Published: April 2024

In 2007, Mexico implemented a strategy to combat drug trafficking through military intervention, after which a significant increase in homicides, mainly among young men, was observed and linked to structural problems as well as organized crime, especially the recruitment of youth, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable. Through a systematic review of the literature from 2013 to 2022, we have compiled the reported factors influencing the recruitment of adolescents by organized crime in Mexico and conducted a metasynthesis of the data according to the multiple levels that affect adolescents: individual, family, community, cultural, and social. This research has shown that many of the factors reported are interrelated and need to be studied holistically. In addition, many of the factors are common to other forms of juvenile delinquency, but the main difference is the presence of organized crime itself in the community and culture.
Positive risk-taking within social care for adults with physical disabilities: A review of guidelines in practice in England
Authors: Field Leanne , Nagy Liana , Knaggs Tarnya , Collett Johnny
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Despite practice guidelines, professionals do not feel confident in implementing positive risk-taking. This may be due to the guidance provided.

Method:

A scoping review of current organisational guidance for the professional practice of positive risk-taking within Adult Social Care services for people with a physical disability. Guidelines were obtained from Local Authorities in England in October 2020. The data were extracted using TIDieR to describe positive risk-taking as an intervention. The quality of the guidelines was assessed using AGREE II.

Findings:

In all, 36 Local Authorities responded out of 106 contacted. A total of 21 documents were included for review. Substantial variability was found in terminology, definitions and risk grading between documents. The greatest consistency was found in how to implement a positive risk-taking intervention. Consistency was also found in the policy that documents cited. There was little reference to evidence to support intervention components. Overall, AGREE II quality scores were low and stakeholder involvement, specifically with regard to the views and preferences of service users, was largely absent.

Conclusion:

There is a need for a greater consensus to guide the professional practice of positive risk-taking. Determining the extent of current evidence and establishing an evidence base may facilitate more consistent guidelines and support professionals’ confidence in implementing positive risk-taking.
Rehabilitation and Return to Play Protocols After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mayer McKenzie A. , Deliso Marisa , Hong Ian S. , Saltzman Bryan M. , Longobardi Raphael S. , DeLuca Peter F. , Rizio Louis
Published: April 2024

Background:

Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is crucial for safe return to play (RTP) and reducing the chances of a reinjury. Yet, there is no consensus on the ideal functional tests to assess rehabilitation progress in soccer players after ACLR.

Purpose:

The primary objective was to highlight the existing gap in the literature concerning the most effective standardized rehabilitation protocols and testing for facilitating successful RTP among soccer players.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) was conducted. Inclusion criteria encompassed original studies (level of evidence 1-4) that examined rehabilitation protocols, metrics of knee rehabilitation, and clinical outcomes after ACLR in soccer players.

Results:

This review incorporated 23 studies, predominantly retrospective case series, with a total number of 874 soccer players who underwent ACLR and rehabiliation. 5 (21.7%) studies utilized an accelerated rehabilitation protocol, while 7 (30.4%) of studies utilized a criterion-based rehabilitation. A wide heterogeneity of data was extracted including functional tests of rehabilitation and RTP such as strength test batteries, hop test batteries, and movement quality assessments. Of the 23 selected studies, 2 (8.7%) used all 3 test batteries, 8 (34.8%) used 2 test batteries, 12 (52.2%) used 1 test battery, and 1 (4.3%) used 0 of the test batteries. The mean time between surgery and RTP ranged from 3 to 8 months with only 2 (8.7%) studies reporting complications after ACLR. Lastly, out of the total studies examined, 9 (39.1%) assessed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), all of which demonstrated significant improvement from the initial assessment to the final follow up.

Conclusion:

Soccer-specific rehabilitation after ACLR lacks standardization. Even though many studies have assessed protocols for optimal RTP and reduced secondary ACL injuries, there is a gap in the literature regarding the most effective protocols and RTP testing. The methodology reported by Kyritsis et al could serve as a foundation for future prospective randomized multicenter studies to establish a standard rehabilitation protocol and enable a successful return to soccer.
The Effect of Economic Reliance, Stress, and Women’s Employment Status on Intimate Partner Violence Risk Among Partnered Women in Burkina Faso and Kenya
Authors: Luetke Maya , Kristiansen Devon
Published: April 2024

Economic factors, such as economic reliance on male partners, and economic stressors such as household income or employment loss, play an important role in the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) within romantic partnerships. To investigate these relationships, we used survey data from IPUMS Performance Monitoring for Action that were collected in 2020 and 2021. We assessed the relationship between several economic factors—(1) women’s economic reliance on their partners, (2) household income loss, and (3) respondent’s employment status over the past year—and experience of IPV in the past year in Burkina Faso ( N = 2,646) and Kenya ( N = 3,416). Women who reported being economically reliant on their partners were less likely to experience physical or psychological violence in Burkina Faso (Prevalence ratio [PR]: 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.64 and PR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59–0.94, respectively), and physical violence in Kenya (PR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52–0.90) compared to women who reported not being economically reliant. In Kenya, women in households that experienced a complete loss of income were more likely to experience IPV compared to households that did not experience income loss—1.9 times more likely to experience psychological violence, and three times more likely to experience sexual violence. In Burkina Faso, no significant relationship was found between household income loss and IPV. Our findings indicate that both relative economic empowerment and overall economic stress may act as important risk factors for IPV, particularly where patriarchal and gender inequitable norms are relevant. These findings reinforce the need for a nuanced and intersectional understanding of IPV risk and intervention development, with the relationships between economic dynamics and IPV varying across countries and contexts.
“Just to Jog My Memory”: An Examination of Forensic Interviewers’ Note-taking Behaviors and Perceptions of Notes With Child Witnesses
Authors: Williams Shanna , McWilliams Kelly
Published: April 2024

In the current study, we surveyed forensic interviewers ( N = 137) on their note-taking practices, perceptions of note-taking, and note-taking training. Many forensic interviewers surveyed (81%) reported that they take notes during forensic interviews. Of those, the most common reason for note-taking was to assist with remembering what the interviewee reported during the interview (89%) and to guide the formulation of follow-up questions (87%). Note-taking style was also reported upon, with most respondents indicating that they write down keywords that may be used again in the interview (78%), as well as short utterances or sentences related to the presenting narrative (61%). Finally, the majority (50%) of respondents who take notes reported always taking notes, although 29% reported taking notes most of the time. Of those respondents who reported not taking notes during forensic interviews, the majority listed the reasons as being that it distracts the child from the interview (85%) and causes them to break eye contact with the child (46%). Overall, many respondents endorsed the benefits of note-taking to the interviewing process, whereas a small minority reported some perceived risks or concerns with note-taking during interviews. Perhaps most notably, forensic interviewers, both of whom take notes and those who do not, reported low rates of note-taking training and a desire for more information on note-taking practices within the field. These results underscore the need for further research and best practice guidelines regarding note-taking during forensic interviews.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Intimate Partner Violence: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Dang Truc Ngoc Hoang , Le Duc Dung
Published: April 2024

Although socioeconomic inequality has been identified as a significant factor for violence against women, the connection between these two variables has not been widely recognized and addressed in many countries. This study aims to quantify the degree of socioeconomic inequalities in intimate partner violence (IPV) in Vietnam and investigate the contribution of each determinant factor that contributes to the observed inequality. We utilized the Vietnamese National Survey on Domestic Violence against Women ( N = 4,019) for the analysis. Household wealth was used as a proxy for socioeconomic status. We used a concentration index to quantify the degree of socioeconomic inequality in emotional, physical, or sexual violence and a combination of these three types of violence. We further decomposed the concentration index to identify the contribution of each determinant to the observed inequality in IPV. We found that the prevalence of IPV was significantly concentrated among the worse-off across all types of IPV and that disparities in husband’s occupation (48%), women’s education (39%), husband’s education (38%), and class (34%) were the primary factors contributing to increased inequalities in IPV. Our results indicated that higher education and engagement in skilled jobs were highly concentrated among the better-off, creating unequal distribution of these variables across wealth. Policy could mitigate the inequality in IPV by expanding women’s access to education and economic opportunities. However, interventions should target both men and women and within couples because husband’s characteristics also play an important role in explaining socioeconomic inequalities in IPV.
Firearms and Extortions in Mexico, 2012 to 2021
Authors: Weigend Vargas Eugenio , Pérez Ricart Carlos , Portugal Jorge , Goldstick Jason E.
Published: April 2024

The study of firearm violence in Mexico has primarily focused on homicides and trafficking. Less attention has been given to understanding how firearms affect other crimes and facilitate criminal activity beyond drug markets. By analyzing two questions, this study explores the role of firearms in extortions perpetrated in Mexico from 2012 to 2021. Questions are: What is the likelihood of reporting extortions to the police if offenders exhibited firearms? What is the likelihood of compliance with demands when offenders are armed with firearms? We obtained data from Mexico’s National Crime Victimization Surveys and analyzed 2,619 extortions reported from 2012 to 2021. To explore our research questions, we ran two binary logistic regressions. Our dependent variables were dichotomous (reported to police = 1, complied with demands = 1). The independent variables were weapon types (extortions involving firearms as the reference group). We controlled for victim demographics as well as crime characteristics. Our results indicate that 40% of these extortions ( n = 1,058) were perpetrated with a firearm. Fifty-two percent of extortions were perpetrated by unarmed offenders ( n = 1,348) and 8% ( n = 213) were perpetrated with other weapons (no firearms). Models suggest that, when compared to extortions perpetrated by unarmed offenders or those exhibiting other weapons (no firearms), victims of extortions involving firearms are less likely to report these crimes to police, mainly because of fear of reprisal. Similarly, victims are more likely to comply with demands if offenders exhibit firearms. Findings highlight the role of firearms in criminal enterprises and support the need for a comprehensive policy agenda to address firearm violence in Mexico.
The Role of Gender and Sexuality in the Experience, Internalization, and Mental Health Correlates of Sexual Victimization Stigma
Authors: Farmer Hilary Faithfull , Byrne Jamie E. M. , Mussap Alexander J.
Published: April 2024

The stigma associated with sexual victimization (SV) can add to the psychological burden on survivors. We compared experiences of SV and SV stigma by survivor gender and sexuality and evaluated the relevance of public and internalized sources of this stigma to their psychological functioning. An online survey containing measures of SV type (sexual harassment and assault), public SV stigma, internalized SV stigma (self-blame, self-shame, anticipated-shame), and psychological functioning (depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptomatology) was completed by 877 women and 211 men aged 18 to 66 years ( M = 30.2, SD = 8.06), of whom 73.9% were heterosexual and 26.1% identified as a sexual minority (same-sex-attracted, bisexual, pansexual, or asexual). Sexual harassment and assault were more prevalent in women and sexual minority men. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with age and SV frequency as covariates also revealed poorer psychological functioning in sexual minority men, and higher levels of SV stigma in sexual minority women and men. Multigroup path analyses further showed that exposure to public stigma was associated with poorer psychological functioning, that internalized stigma partly mediated these associations, and that the magnitude of the associations (particularly those involving self-shame and anticipated shame) was often greater in men and sexual minorities. The results add to our understanding of the role of gender and sexuality in the experience, internalization, and psychological impact of SV-related stigma on survivors. The results also highlight the need for societal shifts toward acknowledging and validating experiences of SV in men and sexual minorities, alongside women, and the development of intersectionality-informed interventions for SV stigma in survivors.
It’s Just a Distance Thing: Affordances and Decisions in Online Disclosure of Sexual Violence Victimization
Authors: Gorissen Marleen
Published: April 2024

The Internet offers an alternative context in which personal experiences with sexual violence can be shared. It has been suggested that victims experience lower barriers to disclosing their stories in a digital environment due to an online disinhibition effect and mainly anonymity. However, little is known about the lived experiences of victims who have shared their experiences online regarding these disinhibiting affordances of the Internet. Twenty-three interviews with victims were conducted to understand the digital affordances involved in the online disclosure of sexual victimization. The results suggest that the Internet offers several opportunities (visibility management, asynchronicity, and connectivity) and constraints (lack of non-verbal communication, disclosing online is irreversible, and Internet as a source of triggers) when disclosing sexual violence victimization online. We learn that disclosures are informed by previous experiences and weighed against digital affordances. Victims use multiple platforms or multiple accounts on the same platform and manipulate anonymity and visibility through the settings of online platforms. The Internet offers a potential for informal online peer support. The results have practical implications for victims, clinicians, and support providers for guiding the disclosure process. Furthermore, a re-evaluation and nuance of the online disinhibition theory is suggested. Suggestions for future research are made.