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Intra familial adverse childhood experiences and recidivism: the mediation effect of substance use among a sample of male tunisian prisoners
Get PDFWhile the link between intra-familial Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and recidivism is increasingly supported by evidence, the underlying mechanisms explaining this relationship remain less explored. In the current study, we, for the first time, investigated the path from intra-familial ACEs to recidivism, with a focus on the mediating role of substance use among a sample of male prisoners in Tunisia. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in April 2023 among 403male adult prisoners with a median age of 31 [26; 40] years. Using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire in Arabic, we asked about ACEs using the World Health Organization (WHO) ACEs questionnaire as well as substance use and criminal history. Participation in the study was voluntary. Mediation analyses investigate the indirect effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable through a mediator. We found that the most prevalent forms of intra-familial ACEs were physical abuse (74.6%) and emotional abuse (73%). Regarding substance use, 76.9% were smokers, 59.1% reported alcohol consumption and 52.1% used cannabis. Recidivism was observed in 52% in our sample, with 18% re-incarcerated twice and 34% at least three times. Mediation analysis indicated that substance use was a mediator between intra-familial ACEs and recidivism. Specifically, emotional neglect and physical abuse were found to mediate recidivism through substance use. These findings underscore the importance of addressing intra-familial ACEs and substance use in efforts to reduce recidivism among incarcerated individuals.</p
The mediating role of self-esteem in the link between childhood adversities and criminality among North African adult males: A case-control study
No full textBackground: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) significantly influence the physical and mental health of adults, and lead to poor behavioral outcomes such as criminal activities. However, the relationship between ACEs and criminal justice involvement is not fully understood, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa region. Objective: To explore this relationship in the Tunisian context while also examining the potential mediating role of self-esteem. Method: We conducted a case-control study comparing two groups of adult males in Tunisia: A case group of 403 inmates (April 2023) and a control group of 408 matched males from the general population (August 2024). We evaluated ACEs and self-esteem using the validated Arabic versions of the World Health Organization ACE questionnaire and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Results: Five ACE categories significantly increased the likelihood of criminal justice involvement: sexual abuse (ORa = 1.9, 95 %CI [1.31–4.98]), physical abuse (ORa = 2.1, 95 %CI [1.44–2.65]), physical neglect (ORa = 2.2, 95 %CI [1.79–3.35]), collective violence (ORa = 2.8, 95 %CI [2.33–4.15]) and community violence (ORa = 3.3, 95 %CI [2.17–6.04]). The case group exhibited notably higher rates of mental health issues, particularly low self-esteem (9.3 % vs. 3 %, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that self-esteem significantly mediated the relationship between criminal justice involvement and four ACE categories, with sexual abuse showing the strongest mediation effect (44.1 %). Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for preventive approaches to address childhood adversities and enhance self-esteem, which will then help reduce criminal behavior
Addressing rural energy poverty and rural-urban energy access gap in developing countries: does international remittances matter?
Get PDFAlleviating rural energy poverty and inequality in rural-urban energy accessibility is a panacea for rural economic development. Researchers and policymakers have underscored the importance of remittances in socio-economic development; however, the role of remittances on rural energy poverty and disparity in rural-urban energy access remains under-researched area. This study, therefore, investigates whether remittances contribute to enhance rural energy poverty and rural-urban inequality in energy access in 135 developing countries from 2000–2020. Evidence from cross-sectional and endogeneity-corrected results supports that international remittance inflow substantially reduces rural poverty and rural-urban inequality in energy access. The results also indicate that the effect of remittance on rural energy poverty and rural-urban inequality in energy access depends on the state of countries’ financial development and GDP per capita, indicating that remittances alleviate rural energy poverty and inequality in rural-urban energy accessibility in countries with higher access to credit and per capita GDP. We documented that these findings differ across income groups. The policy implications are discussed.</p
Towards a Chinese theory of international relations evidenced in practice and policy
No full textAcademic discussions of a Chinese international relations theory are frequently centred on the belief that the Chinese outlook radically differs from the Western tradition and that Chinese international relations theory could significantly contribute to better understanding world politics. While Chinese scholars have critiqued Western international relations theory as Eurocentric or American-led, the emerging Chinese international relations theory has long been impacted by concerns inside Chinese academia over the Sinocentrism it contains. In addition, Chinese international relations theory is also heavily influenced by the power of the Chinese Communist Party, which often eliminates scholars’ views on the nature and contribution Chinese international relations theory could offer to the wider discipline of international relations. This chapter engages with the internal dialogues on Chinese international relations theory inside of China and considers the pervasive influence the Chinese Communist Party has on the formation of Chinese international relations in policy and practice, and how this manifests itself in Chinese foreign policy
Environmental, Planning and Climate Law in Queensland
No full textQueensland has many sites of significant ecological and cultural value, some requiring specialised regulation, and is home to many thousands of native species of animals, plants and insects found nowhere else on the planet. It continues to face significant challenges as to land use and the exploitation of natural resources. This important book provides a detailed analysis of the legal framework in place dealing with environmental, planning and climate matters in Queensland. The authors examine the fragmented nature of environmental governance and the judicial application and interpretation of the law. They assess the effectiveness of this framework in the light of environmental principles. In doing so, they identify the shortcomings of current governance tools available to manage conflicting interests in land and resource use and discuss legal and policy options to address these issues. The jurisdiction-specific focus makes this book an ideal resource for students of environmental law both in law schools and in disciplines such as engineering, environmental management and natural resources and planning. It is essential reading for practitioners, government and researchers working in the area. The second edition has been fully revised and updated to include key developments in case law and legislation throughout the text and a new chapter has been included on environmental governance on Torres Strait Islands
Analysis of carbon emissions reduction strategies for prefabricated buildings under cost constraints: a case study
No full textBy 2025, prefabricated buildings are projected to constitute 30% of new urban construction in China. However, current research into the assessment and mitigation strategies of the life cycle carbon emissions of prefabricated buildings is limited. In addition, a pertinent challenge is to balance the imperative of carbon reduction with the associated cost increment. This study applies a whole life cycle carbon analysis to prefabricated buildings, providing an in-depth evaluation of the effectiveness of different carbon reduction strategies. Our findings show that strategies such as material substitution, integration of renewable energy, and enhancing material recycling efficiency yield distinct carbon reduction impacts, with varying cost implications. Additionally, we address the critical balance between achieving carbon reductions and managing associated costs. Using an actual project as a case study, this paper calculates its life cycle carbon emissions and evaluates practical carbon reduction measures, offering new insights for decision-makers in designing low-carbon strategies for prefabricated buildings.</p
Club doctors and concussion injury management: A cross-jurisdictional review of conflicts of interest in professional football
No full textThis chapter examines the legal and ethical issues associated with the medical management of concussion injuries across two professional sports in two jurisdictions: the National Football League (NFL) in the United States and the Australian Football League (AFL) in Australia. The traditional tripartite model for managing concussion injuries in professional sport has come under intense scrutiny following heightened awareness of sport-related concussion and concerns about the inherent structural conflicts of interests arising when club doctors have dual obligations owing to clubs and players. In the NFL, public scrutiny through congressional hearings, litigation and compensation settlements, prompted changes in the NFL including the appointment of unaffiliated neurotrauma specialists. In Australia, the AFL practices are currently under review with the commencement of legal proceedings in concussion-related negligence claims and a coronial inquiry recommendation calling for greater independence in medical management. In both sports, recent iterations of collective bargaining agreements enhance player health and safety. Although the sports have enhanced mechanisms in concussion injury medical management, debate continues calling to address inherent structural conflicts of interest
A comparison of two law enforcement marksmanship assessments
No full textBackground: Law enforcement officers (LEO) must be confident in their ability to employ their firearm and be accurate in its application in high stress, life threatening, situations. To assess officer firearm marksmanship and training needs, police officers are assessed annually on their firearm handling and shooting accuracy. The unknown is whether different marksmanship assessments may yield different results in officer qualification rates, and measures of officer firearm comfort, confidence, and safety.Objective:This study aimed to identify differences in officer firearm qualification rates and perceptions of comfort, confidence, and safety in the handling of their firearms between their current Traditional Pistol Assessment (TPA) and an Alternate Pistol Assessment (APA).Methods: Australian LEO (male n = 8; female n = 6) consented and participated in a cross sectional, within-subjects, randomised, repeated measures study. Subjective data (e.g. perceived confidence), objective data (e.g. heart rate and breathing rate), and marksmanship qualification results were collected for both assessments.Results: Four (29%) officers passed the TPA, while seven (50%) passed the APA. While more complex, officers had greater confidence in their sidearm handling and marksmanship ability following the APA. There were no significant differences in physiological demands between the two assessments.Conclusions: Officer firearm qualification rates are influenced by the nature of the marksmanship assessment undertaken as are their perceptions of firearm comfort, confidence, and safety when handling and firing their firearm. A firearms qualification assessment should include a variety of occupationally relevant situations (e.g. moving, shooting from behind cover, vocalisation, etc.), and consider impacts on officer firearms confidence
