scholarly journals Arms imports in the wake of embargoes

2021 ◽  
pp. 135406612110373
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Bove ◽  
Tobias Böhmelt
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Design Specifications ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Arms Trade ◽  
Alternative Research

Do states circumvent embargoes by supplying weapons across borders to sanctioned countries? We report evidence that arms imports systematically increase in the neighborhood of conflict states under an embargo. Using several alternative research-design specifications, we contend that this pattern is consistent with arms exporters shifting the arms trade to neighbors of conflict states under sanctions, where it is easier to move arms clandestinely across the border. Despite the lack of direct evidence of clandestine cross-border trafficking, this research contributes to the development of more sophisticated screening tools to identify potential non-compliers with arms embargoes for direct follow-up investigations.

scholarly journals A machine learning approach for predicting suicidal thoughts and behaviours among college students

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Macalli ◽  
Marie Navarro ◽  
Massimiliano Orri ◽  
Marie Tournier ◽  
Rodolphe Thiébaut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Receiver Operating Curve ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
One Year

AbstractSuicidal thoughts and behaviours are prevalent among college students. Yet little is known about screening tools to identify students at higher risk. We aimed to develop a risk algorithm to identify the main predictors of suicidal thoughts and behaviours among college students within one-year of baseline assessment. We used data collected in 2013–2019 from the French i-Share cohort, a longitudinal population-based study including 5066 volunteer students. To predict suicidal thoughts and behaviours at follow-up, we used random forests models with 70 potential predictors measured at baseline, including sociodemographic and familial characteristics, mental health and substance use. Model performance was measured using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), sensitivity, and positive predictive value. At follow-up, 17.4% of girls and 16.8% of boys reported suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The models achieved good predictive performance: AUC, 0.8; sensitivity, 79% for girls, 81% for boys; and positive predictive value, 40% for girls and 36% for boys. Among the 70 potential predictors, four showed the highest predictive power: 12-month suicidal thoughts, trait anxiety, depression symptoms, and self-esteem. We identified a parsimonious set of mental health indicators that accurately predicted one-year suicidal thoughts and behaviours in a community sample of college students.

Moving Forward, One Step at a Time

2003 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 431-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Koremenos ◽  
Duncan Snidal
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Institutional Design ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Design Project ◽  
One Step ◽  
Game Theoretic ◽  
Alternative Research ◽  
Future Work

We reply to John Duffield's critique of the Rational Design project, a special issue of International Organization that explains the features of international institutions from a game-theoretic perspective. The project was deliberately limited to the analysis of explicit and observable institutional arrangements, and focused on the specific institutional properties of centralization, membership, scope, control, and flexibility. Its empirical contribution relies on case studies, but it is significantly amplified by the tight connections provided by a common theoretical perspective that is oriented toward testing a set of specific conjectures about institutional design. The results raise further issues of measurement and cross-case comparisons that provide valuable lessons for future work on institutional design. Although all of these research design choices are worth revisiting and questioning, as Duffield does, the initial results of the Rational Design project show that it provides a good basis from which to explore alternative research design decisions.

scholarly journals Creating an Age-Friendly Community in Affordable Housing Using a Resident Health Risk Assessment Focused on the 4Ms

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 49-49
Author(s):  
Jennifer DeGennaro ◽  
Sherry Pomerantz ◽  
Margaret Avallone ◽  
Melonie Handberry ◽  
Elyse Perweiler
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Health Risk Assessment ◽  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Risk Function ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Care Plans

Abstract The NJGWEP team in partnership with Fair Share Housing/Northgate II (NGII), an affordable housing complex in Camden, NJ, employed an iterative quality improvement process to collaboratively develop a Resident Health Risk Assessment (RHRA) to meet the needs of the housing facility and incorporate the essential elements of the 4Ms framework (Mentation, Medication, Mobility, and What Matters). Using the RHRA, NG II social services staff and Rutgers School of Nursing (RSoN) students were trained to collect health information and administer several evidence-based screening tools (i.e., MiniCog, TUG, PHQ-2). A final element of the RHRA still in development is the documentation process of referral and follow-up based on personalized care plans. Since July 2019, 43 RHRAs have been completed (60% female, mean age 66, age range=43 to 88). Almost all residents (94%) have at least 1 chronic condition (HTN, DM, COPD, CHF), although only 26% have an advance care plan. Most (81%) were screened for future fall risk; function (ADLs/IADLs) was assessed for all (100%). Every resident who was able or did not refuse (88%) was screened for cognitive impairment. Just 7% were taking a high-risk medication (i.e., an opioid or benzodiazepine). The NJGWEP team has initiated an age-friendly community at NGII by providing education on geriatric-focused topics and implementing the 4Ms-focused RHRA to detect issues impacting the resident’s well-being. Establishing a follow-up process to track referrals to available resources will enable NGII to allow residents to age in place with appropriate supports.

scholarly journals Psychological Consequences of Maxillofacial Trauma in the Indian Population: A Preliminary Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-204
Author(s):  
Balasubramanian Krishnan ◽  
Ravi Philip Rajkumar
Keyword(s):  
Indian Population ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Maxillofacial Trauma ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Low Education ◽  
Preliminary Study

The aim of this article is to identify the prevalence of posttraumatic psychological symptoms following maxillofacial trauma among an Indian population sample and assess changes in these symptoms over a period of time. Forty-eight adult patients were assessed within 2 weeks of injury with two follow-up visits (4–6 weeks and 12–14 weeks). Patients were administered three self-reporting questionnaires in local language (GHQ-12; HADS; TSQ) on all occasions. Relevant sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained. Forty patients were included in the final analysis. Emotional distress was present in nine participants and five participants satisfied the TSQ criteria for a diagnosis of stress disorder. Anxiety and depression were observed in 10 and 4 patients, respectively. Characteristics associated with abnormal high scores included substance abuse, low education and income levels, facial scars, and complications needing additional intervention. These findings reveal the abnormal psychological response to maxillofacial trauma in immediate and follow-up periods. The use of such screening tools can be considered by the maxillofacial surgeon for early identification of psychological symptoms and referral to the psychiatrist.

A systematic review of evidence-based aftercare for older adults following self-harm

2022 ◽  
pp. 000486742110671
Author(s):  
Anne PF Wand ◽  
Roisin Browne ◽  
Tiffany Jessop ◽  
Carmelle Peisah
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Safety Planning ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Heritage Foundation ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Self Harm

Objective: Self-harm is closely associated with suicide in older adults and may provide opportunity to intervene to prevent suicide. This study aimed to systematically review recent evidence for three components of aftercare for older adults: (1) referral pathways, (2) assessment tools and safety planning approaches and (3) engagement and intervention strategies. Methods: Databases PubMed, Medline, PsychINFO, Embase and CINAHL were searched from January 2010 to 10 July 2021 by two reviewers. Empirical studies reporting aftercare interventions for older adults (aged 60+) following self-harm (including with suicidal intent) were included. Full text of articles with abstracts meeting inclusion criteria were obtained and independently reviewed by three authors to determine final studies for review. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed level of evidence (Oxford) and quality ratings (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for quantitative and Attree and Milton checklist for qualitative studies), working independently. Results: Twenty studies were reviewed (15 quantitative; 5 qualitative). Levels of evidence were low (3, 4), and quality ratings of quantitative studies variable, although qualitative studies rated highly. Most studies of referral pathways were observational and demonstrated marked variation with no clear guidelines or imperatives for community psychiatric follow-up. Of four screening tools evaluated, three were suicide-specific and one screened for depression. An evidence-informed approach to safety planning was described using cases. Strategies for aftercare engagement and intervention included two multifaceted approaches, psychotherapy and qualitative insights from older people who self-harmed, carers and clinicians. The qualitative studies identified targets for improved aftercare engagement, focused on individual context, experiences and needs. Conclusion: Dedicated older-adult aftercare interventions with a multifaceted, assertive follow-up approach accompanied by systemic change show promise but require further evaluation. Research is needed to explore the utility of needs assessment compared to screening and evaluate efficacy of safety planning and psychotherapeutic approaches.

Abstract P38: The Great Lakes Regional Stroke Network Swallow Screen Project

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Hedworth ◽  
Silvina B Tonarelli ◽  
Gabriela Vazquez
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Aspiration Pneumonia ◽  
Process Development ◽  
Work Group ◽  
National Level ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Screen Tool ◽  
Program Coordinators

Background and purpose A formal dysphagia protocol including a swallow screen can decrease risk of aspiration pneumonia in stroke patients. To date the varying assortment of tools and protocols available is overwhelming. The aim of this project was to assess and summarize the current swallow screen tools and processes utilized by hospitals in the Great Lakes Region and to determine if participating in a work group impacted their swallow screen process. Methods A work group was created to evaluate screening tools and processes. The group consisted of nurses, speech language pathologists, stroke program coordinators and neuroscience administrators from over 35 hospitals in the Midwest. One year after the group was formed, a follow up evaluation was sent to participants to determine any changes. Results Initial findings revealed a high degree of variance between facilities' tools and processes. Water was used in 86%, 60% included a substance thicker than water, and 6% specifically state the use of straws. The follow-up evaluation had a 74% (n=26) response rate. 48% of those respondents reported modifications to their swallow screen tool as a result of participating in the work group; 33% adopted of a new tool from the literature; 48% reported changing their swallow screen process; and 56% changed their swallow screen training. 44% do not monitor the correlation between swallow screening and aspiration pneumonia. Conclusions Respondents reported the most beneficial aspects of this project was the opportunity to see other swallow screens, providing an evidence base for screens in use, and prompting an internal evaluation of their screen/process. Despite The Joint Commission no longer requiring dysphagia in its data collection, all reported they will continue to collect that data. All facilities shared the same challenges with compliance, on-going education, and documentation. Opportunities for improvement were identified: additional analysis and synthesis of screening tools and methodology at the national level; better understanding and process development between speech language pathology and nursing to standardize a universal swallow screen tool.

scholarly journals Prospective Clinical and Molecular Evaluation of Potential Plasmodium ovale curtisi and wallikeri Relapses in a High-transmission Setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 2119-2126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirjam Groger ◽  
Luzia Veletzky ◽  
Albert Lalremruata ◽  
Chiara Cattaneo ◽  
Johannes Mischlinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Plasmodium Ovale ◽  
Blood Clearance ◽  
Plasmodium Ovale Curtisi ◽  
Transmission Setting ◽  
Initial Blood ◽  
Molecular Evaluation

Abstract Background Plasmodium ovale curtisi and wallikeri are perceived as relapsing malarial parasites. Contrary to Plasmodium vivax, direct evidence for this hypothesis is scarce. The aim of this prospective study was to characterize the reappearance patterns of ovale parasites. Methods P. ovale spp. infected patients were treated with artemether-lumefantrine and followed biweekly for up to 1 year for the detection of reappearing parasitemia. Molecular analysis of reappearing isolates was performed to identify homologous isolates by genotyping and to define cases of relapse following predefined criteria. Results At inclusion, 26 participants were positive for P. ovale curtisi and/or P. ovale wallikeri. The median duration of follow-up was 35 weeks. Reappearance of the same P. ovale species was observed in 46% of participants; 61% of P. ovale curtisi and 19% of P. ovale wallikeri infection-free intervals were estimated to end with reappearance by week 32. Based on the predefined criteria, 23% of participants were identified with 1 or 2 relapses, all induced by P. ovale curtisi. Conclusion These findings are in line with the currently accepted relapse theory inasmuch as the reappearance of P. ovale curtisi strains following initial blood clearance was conclusively demonstrated. Interestingly, no relapse of P. ovale wallikeri was observed.

Development of a Pharmacy Residency Research Certificate Program

2019 ◽  
pp. 001857871986765
Author(s):  
Erin R. Weeda ◽  
Kyle A. Weant
Keyword(s):  
Research Methods ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Teaching Skills ◽  
Certificate Program ◽  
Resident Research ◽  
Certificate Programs ◽  
The Impact

Background: Similar to teaching certificate programs, which have been incorporated in many pharmacy residencies to improve teaching skills, resident research certificate programs could provide residents with more exposure to biostatistics and research design. However, few research certificate programs have been described. Objective: To assess the impact of a research certificate program on residents’ attitude toward, confidence in, and knowledge of research. Methods: A resident research certificate program was created for the 2018-2019 residency class at our institution, which included 33 pharmacy residents (15 postgraduate year-1 [PGY1] and 18 PGY2 residents). The program consisted of 7 sessions aimed at providing residents with research training. To earn a certificate, participants were required to attend 6 or more sessions and achieve a score greater than or equal to 70% on a postassessment. An optional questionnaire assessing attitude, confidence, and knowledge was also administered at baseline and following the certificate program. Results: Of the 33 residents participating in the research certificate program, 21 (9 PGY1 and 12 PGY2) residents completed both the baseline and follow-up questionnaire and were included in the analysis. All items assessing attitude and 3 of 6 items assessing confidence improved significantly following the certificate program when compared to baseline ( P < .05 for all). Median knowledge scores were no different on the baseline versus follow-up questionnaire ( P = .54). Conclusions: After completing a research certificate program, resident knowledge scores did not differ from baseline, but attitudes toward research and confidence appeared to improve. Research certificate programs could be an avenue for providing pharmacy residents with increased exposure to and comfort with biostatistics and research design.

scholarly journals P001: Age-adjusted D-dimer and two-site compression point of care ultrasonography to rule out acute deep vein thrombosis - a pilot study

CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S57-S57
Author(s):  
K. Alqaydi ◽  
J. Turner ◽  
L. Robichaud ◽  
D. Hamad ◽  
X. Xue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Duplex Scan ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
Deep Vein ◽  
D Dimer ◽  
Rule Out

Introduction: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Currently, few methods aside from venous duplex scanning can rule out DVT in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED). Current screening tools, including the use of the subjective Wells score, frequently leads to unnecessary investigations and anticoagulation. In this study, we sought to determine whether two-site compression point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) combined with a negative age-adjusted D-dimer test can accurately rule out DVT in ED patients irrespective of the modified Wells score. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective observational study in the ED of the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. We are recruiting a convenience sample of patients presenting to the ED with symptoms suggestive of DVT. All enrolled patients are risk-stratified using the modified Wells criteria for DVT, then undergo two-site compression POCUS, and testing for age-adjusted D-dimer. Patients with DVT unlikely according to modified Wells score, negative POCUS and negative age-adjusted D-dimer are discharged home and receive a three-month phone follow-up. Patients with DVT likely according to modified Wells score, a positive POCUS or a positive age-adjusted D-dimer, will undergo a venous duplex scan. A true negative DVT is defined as either a negative venous duplex scan or a negative follow-up phone questionnaire for patients who were sent home without a venous duplex scan. Results: Of the 42 patients recruited thus far, the mean age is 56 years old and 42.8% are male. Twelve (28.6%) patients had DVT unlikely as per modified Wells score, negative POCUS and negative age-adjusted D-dimer and were discharged home. None of these patients developed a DVT on three-month follow-up. Thirty patients (71.4%) had either a DVT likely as per modified Wells score, a positive POCUS or a positive age-adjusted D-dimer and underwent a venous duplex scan. Of those, six patients had a confirmed DVT (3 proximal & 3 distal). POCUS detected all proximal DVTs, while combined POCUS and age-adjusted D-dimer detected all proximal and distal DVTs. None of the patients with a negative POCUS and age-adjusted D-dimer were found to have a DVT. Conclusion: Two-site compression POCUS combined with a negative age-adjusted D-dimer test appears to accurately rule out DVT in ED patients without the need for follow-up duplex venous scan. Using this approach would alleviate the need to calculate the Wells score, and also reduce the need for radiology-performed duplex venous scan for many patients.

Geriatric medicine

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Complex Disease ◽  
Geriatric Medicine ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Fluctuating Course ◽  
Multiple Causation ◽  
Clinical Questions ◽  
Geriatric Team

Geriatric medicine is a complex specialty often complicated by factors such as multiple causation, chronic fluctuating course, and attendant functional and social factors. Such complex aetiology mandates multifactorial assessments and multifactorial interventions. Not all older people need the skills of a specialist geriatric team, but appropriate skills must either be embedded within systems managing older people, or else effective screening tools developed that enable non-specialists to recognize patients who benefit from more specialist assessment. Older people, as a group, face the greatest burden of disease and stand to benefit most from quality research—yet there is less of it. Determining the effect of complex interventions on heterogeneous populations afflicted by complex disease is inherently difficult and is made more so by high fatality, difficult follow-up, and cognitive impairment. Such patients are routinely excluded from trials that seek answers to simpler—but less common and less important—clinical questions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document