bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gang Research in the Caribbean
Authors: Maguire Edward R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Caribbean region is a well-known tourist destination due to its beaches and other attractions. Unfortunately, it is also home to a significant violent crime problem. Research has shown that much of the violence is due to criminal gangs. This chapter reviews the research on gangs in the Caribbean with a particular focus on the methodologies used to understand a variety of gang-related phenomena, including the nature and characteristics of gangs; gang membership; crime, violence, and conflict associated with gangs; and interventions intended to address these issues. The chapter concludes with a discussion about how the methodologies used to study gangs in the Caribbean have evolved, current gaps in theory and research, and recommendations for addressing these gaps.
The Legacy of Scott H. Decker
Authors: Pyrooz David C. , Moule Richard K. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This chapter traces the legacy of Scott H. Decker’s career in gang research. Situated in the life-course perspective, it documents the micro- and macro-level factors that shaped his legacy of scholarly impact. His entrance into the field of gang research was in response to the rise of gang violence in St. Louis in the late 1980s, along with a parallel track of professional ties to government stakeholders and community outreach. Over the course of three decades, an incredible duration of consistent and diverse scholarly and translational outputs, this chapter identifies five lasting contributions Scott has made to the study of gangs: (1) providing rich description of gangs and gang life, (2) elaborating on the group process perspective, (3) establishing disengagement from gangs as a field of inquiry, (4) advancing evidence-based policy and practice on gangs, and (5) a commitment to data derived from mixed-methods scholarship with diverse populations and research designs. What makes Scott’s contributions even more remarkable is that he did this while managing the development of two of the leading doctoral-granting criminology departments, deeply investing in the mentorship and training of colleagues and students, and maintaining an impactful research agenda outside of the field of gang research.
“Somebody’s Watching Me”
Authors: Valasik Matthew , Brantingham P. Jeffrey 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Tension remains between how gangs are policed by law enforcement and whether such practices are overtly invading the privacy of citizens or infringing their Fourth Amendment rights. Such concerns have risen in the era of big data and predictive analytics. This chapter discusses the policing of gangs, both conventionally and through data-driven approaches. As the implementation and use of data-driven policing across the 18,000 police jurisdictions in the United States remains inconsistent and uneven, the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) anti-gang policing strategies will be the focus given their longstanding engagement with street gangs and their employment of a variety of innovative approaches over the years. Overall, this chapter concludes that the policing of gangs remains a low-tech process focused primarily on reaction to and investigation of crimes.
What Gangs Aren’t
Authors: Bouchard Martin , Descormiers Karine , Girn Alysha 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This chapter aims to compare gangs with delinquent peer groups, organized crime groups, and other collectives to tease out what, precisely, makes a gang a gang. It proposes several dimensions to consider when aiming to determine whether a collective looks more like a gang or another form—some focus on how collectives approach crime and others focus on the organizational aspects of collectives. In the end, these dimensions combine in unique ways that capture the wide variations observed in gangs worldwide. The chapter discusses the measurement of each dimension, hoping to stimulate future research in this area, but also to help scholars and practitioners recognize what gangs are and what they aren’t.
Introduction to the OUP Handbook of Gangs and Society
Authors: Pyrooz David C. , Densley James A. , Leverso John 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This chapter introduces readers to The Oxford Handbook of Gangs and Society and its central theme of “looking back, moving forward.” The chapter reflects on the past, present, and future of gangs and gang research and discusses the process of curating and editing more than 40 chapters written by over 80 scholars from disciplines as diverse as anthropology, criminology, geography, history, law, psychology, public health, sociology, and more. The book is organized into six substantive areas: (1) revisiting definitions of gangs; (2) the empirical study of gangs; (3) core and emerging issues in gang research; (4) the integration of gangs in predominant institutions; (5) legacies of second-generation gang researchers; and (6) responding to gangs. This chapter, like the handbook itself, appreciates the longstanding and at times contentious history of research on gangs, while also aiming to advance the field of study squarely into the twenty-first century.
Place Matters
Authors: Bloch Stefano 
Published: January 2024

AbstractResearch on place-making and place-taking coming out of the discipline of geography remains an untapped intellectual resource for research on gangs. Part of the reason for this is that geographers have not sufficiently included gangs and gang members in their theories of space and place. This may be surprising given what is known about gangs and their place-oriented penchant for territoriality and neighborhood demarcation as part of their expressed raison d’être. This chapter brings geography further into the conversation on gangs that criminologists and sociologists have been having for decades, concluding with personal reflection and a discussion about how to make geography a home for gang studies.
A Relational Approach to Street Gangs
Authors: Papachristos Andrew V. , Leverso John , Hureau David 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The gang world is built not through individual actions alone, but by larger constellations of relationships and social networks between and within groups, their members and associates, and the relationship between gangs and their social environs. This chapter advances a relational understanding of gangs and gang behaviors that extends the group process perspective by more deeply tying gang research to relational thinking and social network theory. A relational or network-oriented approach centers the group nature of gangs but, at the same time, problematizes it by showing the complexities of boundaries and patterns of influence within and between groups. The objective is to measure—rather than assume—structure, which urges researchers to focus on analytically constructing and measuring “the gang” in ways that capture how these complex, evolving, and overlapping social entities are consequential for individual and collective behaviors. To spur future research, this chapter also reviews qualitative and quantitative data and methods that can be used to conduct studies of gangs via a relational perspective.
Gang Ecological Diversity in the Hollenbeck Area of Los Angeles, 1978–2012
Authors: Brantingham P. Jeffrey , Valasik Matthew 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Criminal street gangs are paradoxically both ephemeral and durable social forms. Unique gangs might emerge to only disappear a short while later, while others may persist for decades. These dynamics raise questions about the ecological diversity of gangs over time and space. This chapter examines gang diversity in an area of Los Angeles over a 35-year period. It looks to annual counts of the number of uniquely named gang cliques identified in gang-related homicides. The chapter finds that gang diversity fluctuates over time from a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 34 unique cliques. Homicide is concentrated among a small number of unique cliques; one uniquely named clique is tied to 86 homicides over this period. Most cliques are around for a very short period of time—the median lifespan of a clique is seven years, and 41% of all cliques appear for just one year. While the homicides per clique is relatively stable over time, it is clear that more cliques on the landscape is associated with more homicides per clique; there were 63% more homicides with 34 unique cliques on the ground compared to when there were just 4. Overall, the chapter estimates that this area of Los Angeles could support as many as 40 unique cliques at any one time. It considers several explanations for the observed patterns and discuss how gang diversity offers a unique window into the challenges communities with chronic gang problems face.
Association between serum omentin-1 and mucosal disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Pan Yan , Li An , Huang Xijing , Zhou Zhou , Zhang Yinghui , Yang Xue , Gao Caiping , He Chong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Mucosal inflammation is a key feature of ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic relapsing and remitting form of inflammatory bowel disease. Omentin-1, a newly discovered adipokine, is reported to have anti-inflammatory effects and has been found to be decreased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between serum omentin-1 levels and mucosal disease activity in patients with UC.

Study design
A total of 126 patients with UC and 77 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Serum omentin-1 expression levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate its potential for monitoring disease activity, including clinical and endoscopic activity.

Results
Serum omentin-1 levels were significantly lower in patients with UC compared to healthy controls (HC) (UC, 61.7 interquartile range: 51.5–72.6 versus healthy controls, 103.5 interquartile range: 48.3–156.2 ng/ml; P &lt; .001). Furthermore, serum omentin-1 levels were associated with both clinical and endoscopic activity in patients with UC. Notably, omentin-1 levels were significantly lower in patients who achieved mucosal healing. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that serum omentin-1 levels could potentially serve as an activity index for evaluating UC.

Conclusions
These findings provide further insight into the association between omentin-1 and UC, suggesting that omentin-1 may be a useful biomarker for monitoring mucosal disease activity in patients with UC.
Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of patients living with HIV and co-infected with tuberculosis and histoplasmosis: a 5-y retrospective case series
Authors: Castellanos Reynosa María Eugenia , Caal Maria Eugenia , Mercado Danicela , Medina Narda , Pérez Juan Carlos , Emeto Theophilus I , Arathoon Eduardo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
In Latin America, tuberculosis (TB) and histoplasmosis are two of the most frequent opportunistic infections affecting people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, there are limited data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with concurrent TB and histoplasmosis infections.

Methods
This was a retrospective observational study to describe the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics and outcomes of 21 patients living with HIV (PLHIV) who were diagnosed with concurrent histoplasmosis and TB between 2017 and 2021 in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Results
Most patients were male and were newly diagnosed with HIV. All patients had advanced HIV disease (AHD). They presented with a median CD4 count of 20 cells/µl. The most common symptoms reported by the patients were fever, weight loss, cough and diarrhoea. Twelve patients died within 6 months of baseline evaluation, for a mortality rate of 57.1%.

Conclusions
PLHIV with concurrent TB and histoplasmosis infections are characterised by AHD, predominantly presenting with disseminated forms of these infections and with unspecific symptoms and signs. This evidence calls for early HIV and opportunistic infection screening and insights into the challenges and opportunities for the efficient diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with AHD with concurrent histoplasmosis and TB infections.
The Relationship Between Resilience and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Heart Failure Patients in New York Heart Association Functional Classes II and III
Authors: CHENG Ching-Hui , HSU Ching-Hwa , SIE Jia-Rong , TSAY Shiow-Luan , TUNG Heng-Hsin 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Heart failure is an intense, unpredictable, and stressful chronic disease caused by the decline in cardiac pumping function. The influence of heart failure affects patients not only in terms of physical capabilities but also in terms of their emotional and social dimensions, with patients in different functional classes experiencing different levels of effect. Although resilience and health-related quality of life have been studied in populations with heart failure, the scholarly understanding of different functional classes is limited.

Purpose
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between resilience and health-related quality of life among patients with heart failure in different physical functional classes in Taiwan.

Methods
A cross-sectional design was applied to study patients with heart failure in northern Taiwan. Two structured questionnaires, including the Resilience Scale for Adults and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey, were used to assess resilience and health-related quality of life. New York Heart Association functional class was used to determine physical function status, and canonical correlation analysis was used to determine the weight of each resilience and quality-of-life domain for the different functional classes.

Results
The 100 participants had an average age of 65.52 years. Slightly over half (56%) were classified as Functional Class II. A group difference in health-related quality of life was observed. Personal strength (rs
= .759) and social competence (rs
= −.576) were found to influence the resilience and emotional role dimension of quality of life (rs
= −.996) in the Functional Class II group. In addition, family cohesion (rs
= −.922), dominant resilience, physical function (rs
= .467), and bodily pain (rs
= .465) were found to influence quality of life in the Functional Class III group.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice
The efficacy of measures taken to increase resilience to heart failure varied in patients in different functional classes. Functional Class II individuals were better able to manage the disease using their personal strength, whereas Functional Class III individuals relied more heavily on family support and assistance for this effort. Furthermore, participant feelings about quality of life also varied by functional class, with physical function and bodily pain taking on significantly more importance for Functional Class III individuals.
Effects of a Health Literacy Education Program on Mental Health and Renal Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: HUANG Hsiao-Ling , HSU Ya-Hui , YANG Chung-Wei , HSU Min-Fang , CHUNG Yu-Chu 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to permanent damage to the kidneys that occurs gradually over time. Further progression may be preventable depending on its stage.

Purpose
This study was developed to evaluate the effect of a health literacy education program (HLEP) on mental health and renal functioning in patients with CKD.

Methods
A single-blind, randomized controlled trial study was conducted. Data were collected from March 25 to December 18, 2021. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 42), which received multidisciplinary care and HLEP, or the control group (n = 42), which received multidisciplinary care only. Data were collected at baseline (T1), Month 3 (T2), and Month 6 (T3), and the data included patient characteristics, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and responses to the Mandarin Multidimensional Health Literacy Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory.

Results
After 6 months of the HLEP intervention, the results of generalized estimating equations analysis showed that, compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly higher health literacy at Month 3 (β = −3.37, 95% CI [−5.68, −1.06]), significantly improved depression at Month 3 (β = −2.24, 95% CI [−4.11, −0.37]) and Month 6 (β = −4.36, 95% CI [−6.60, −2.12]), and a significantly higher estimated glomerular filtration rate at Month 6 (β = 5.87, 95% CI [1.35, 10.38]).

Conclusions/Implications for Practice
The findings of this study may provide a reference for healthcare providers to educate patients with Stage 3–4 CKD using the HLEP. Positive effects on health literacy, depression, and renal function in patients with Stage 3–4 CKD were observed in the short term. Findings from this study may facilitate the implementation of multidisciplinary and nurse-led strategies in primary care to reinforce patients' health literacy, self-care ability, and adjustment to CKD as well as delay disease progression.
The Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Health-Related Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women With Genitourinary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: NGUYEN Tram Thi Bich , HSU Yu-Yun , SARI Yanti Puspita 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Genitourinary syndrome is commonly reported in postmenopausal women. Kegel's exercise is a noninvasive therapy that improves pelvic floor muscle parameters. However, the effect of Kegel's exercise on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome has not been synthesized or shown.

Purpose
This study was designed to systematically review and analyze the previous literature to determine whether Kegel's exercise enhances HRQoL in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted, and six databases were searched, including Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus, from their dates of inception to November 2021. Eligible studies evaluated the effects of Kegel's exercise on HRQoL in postmenopausal women with urinary, sexual, or genital symptoms. Review Manager software was used to perform the meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Chi-square and I
2 tests were used to evaluate heterogeneity among the studies. Meta-analysis was performed based on the symptoms (i.e., urinary, sexual, and genital) identified in the quality-of-life questionnaires.

Results
This systematic review covered five studies with 268 participants. The research appraisal found most of these studies had a low risk of bias. The intervention periods ranged from 4 to 12 weeks. Compared with non-Kegel's exercise or regular activity, Kegel's exercise was found to significantly improve HRQoL-related urinary symptoms (three studies, standardized mean difference = −0.95, 95% CI [−1.35, −0.54], I
2 = 0%). However, the effect of this exercise on HRQoL-related sexual symptoms did not differ from non-Kegel's exercise or regular activity (two studies, standardized mean difference = 1.11, 95% CI [−0.25, 2.47], I
2 = 94%). None of the covered studies examined the effect of Kegel's exercise on HRQoL-related genital symptoms.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice
Kegel's exercise is an effective intervention for improving HRQoL-related urinary symptoms in postmenopausal women. However, there remains insufficient evidence to assess the effectiveness of Kegel's exercise on HRQoL-related genital symptoms in this population. The results support using Kegel's exercise as a useful intervention to manage urinary symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Pairing Evidence-Based Strategies With Motivational Interviewing to Support Optimal Nutrition and Weight Gain in Pregnancy
Authors: Jevitt Cecilia M. , Ketchum Kiley 
Published: January 2024

Objective:
Because eating, nutrition, and weight management patterns adopted during pregnancy may persist beyond the postpartum period, pregnancy provides an opportunity for health education that affects the future health of the pregnant person, the fetus, and the family. This systematic review aimed to find nutrition and weight management behaviors that could be used safely during pregnancy to optimize gestational weight gain.

Methods:
PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched for research or systematic reviews published in English from 2018 to 2023 using terms including gestational weight gain maintenance, weight, management, pregnancy, behavior, strategy, and strategies. Excluded research used pediatric or adolescent populations, restrictive diets such as no carbohydrate or no fat diets, fasting, bariatric surgery, weight loss medications, private industry, or profit-earning programs using food brands or specific diet programs.

Results:
The abstracts reviewed in these areas: excessive gestational weight gain (1019), low-glycemic index diet (640), Mediterranean diet (220), MyPlate diet (2), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet (50), portion control (6), home meal preparation (6), mindful eating (13), intuitive eating (10), self-weighing (10), and motivational interviewing during pregnancy (107), were reduced to 102 studies. Studies in those 10 areas were reviewed for nutrition and eating behaviors that are safe to use during pregnancy and could be used along with motivational interviewing.

Conclusion:
Clinicians can discuss these behaviors using motivational interviewing techniques to assist clients in optimizing gestational weight gain. Dialogue examples pairing these strategies with motivational interviewing principles are included.
On the relationship between afterimages and a simple sensorimotor reaction
Authors: Kulakov A.A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAfterimage phenomena (afterimages) are currently widely used in a number of human activities. In this paper, the dynamic properties of afterimages are used and the comparison and relationship with the reaction to light stimulation is investigated. . It is found that the attenuation constant of afterimages and the decay constant of the variable part of the latent time of a simple sensorimotor reaction are in direct linear dependence. In addition, variable light stimulation, which contributes to the rapid attenuation of the afterimage, also accelerates the decline of the variable part of the latent time of a simple sensorimotor reaction, while the constant part increases. Based on these data, we conclude that these two phenomena, the afterimage and a simple sensorimotor reaction are interrelated in the functioning of the reflex chain of excitation transmission from sensors to the motor cortex.