Formal Group Research Articles

Patient Blood Management in 2023: a Nationwide Survey of Anesthesiologists in Romania following the 2018 Guidelines.

In 2018, Romania established national guidelines for patient blood management (PBM), endorsed by the Romanian Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SRATI) and approved by the Ministry of Health. These guidelines emphasize managing anemia, coagulation issues, and the cautious use of allogeneic transfusions to improve patient outcomes. A national survey was conducted among Romanian anesthesiologists to assess PBM guideline adoption. It included 38 questions addressing PBM strategies, resources, transfusion practices, and barriers to implementation. The survey was distributed via email to the SRATI database. Out of 512 professionals who opened the survey, 74% had adopted some PBM measures, and 97% recognized PBM's efficacy in improving outcomes. However, only 33% of anesthesiologists worked in hospitals with formal PBM groups, and 39% had attended PBM-related educational events. Preoperative anemia management was inconsistent, with only 33.5% routinely treating anemia. Access to diagnostic and therapeutic tools was limited; transferrin saturation testing was available in 27% of cases, and erythropoietin was used in 24%. Despite these limitations, 72% of respondents treated anemia with intravenous iron. The main challenges to implementation included insufficient time for pre-surgical assessments, lack of standardized procedures, and difficulties in surgeon-anesthetist collaboration. The survey highlights the need for systemic improvements in PBM adoption. Recommendations include enhancing organizational structures, standardizing protocols, and improving interdisciplinary collaboration to boost PBM implementation in Romania. While progress has been made, a national program with dedicated funding and auditing could facilitate widespread PBM integration into clinical practice.

Gromov-Witten Invariants in Complex and Morava-Local K-Theories

AbstractGiven a closed symplectic manifold X, we construct Gromov-Witten-type invariants valued both in (complex) K-theory and in any complex-oriented cohomology theory $\mathbb{K}$ which is Kp(n)-local for some Morava K-theory Kp(n). We show that these invariants satisfy a version of the Kontsevich-Manin axioms, extending Givental and Lee’s work for the quantum K-theory of complex projective algebraic varieties. In particular, we prove a Gromov-Witten type splitting axiom, and hence define quantum K-theory and quantum $\mathbb{K}$-theory as commutative deformations of the corresponding (generalised) cohomology rings of X; the definition of the quantum product involves the formal group of the underlying cohomology theory. The key geometric input of these results is a construction of global Kuranishi charts for moduli spaces of stable maps of arbitrary genus to X. On the algebraic side, in order to establish a common framework covering both ordinary K-theory and Kp(n)-local theories, we introduce a formalism of ‘counting theories’ for enumerative invariants on a category of global Kuranishi charts.

Значение руководителя служебного коллектива органа внутренних дел в формировании нормативного поведения его участников: эмпирическое исследование

Introduction. Increasing the effectiveness of the activity of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation in modern conditions focuses on psychological factors of its implementation both individually (by particular employees) and in the process of cooperative actions (by service staffs). Special consideration should be given to the role of the head as an organiser and regulator of the activities of subordinate employees, who is responsible for the quality and legality of their actions. Existing ideas on the interaction of service staff members characterise the role of the head in different ways, but empirically insufficiently verify its significance in teams with different levels of functional relations and normative behaviour. The prerequisite of the present research is the replenishment of scientific and practical knowledge of the role of the head of the service staff as a regulator of functional relations and normative behaviour of internal affairs officers. The purpose of the research is to reveal the significance of the attitude to the head of the service staff when assessing the influence of functional characteristics of relations in the service staff on the understanding normative behaviour among its members. Research methods. A set of psychodiagnostic questionnaires was used: ‘Subjective assessment of intragroup relations’ (S. V. Dukhnovsky, K. V. Zlokazov), ‘Attitude of an employee to the performed activity, his direct supervisor and his reputation’ (A. A. Sarsenova), ‘Normativity. Intelligence. Regulation’ (S. V. Dukhnovsky, V. M. Kofanov). The sample of the research consisted of 160 employees of internal affairs bodies (112 males and 48 females aged from 29 to 43 years). Regression analysis was used as a method of data processing. Results. The authors found out that the normative behaviour of service team members is determined by functional-negative characteristics of their interaction and is an independent cause of service discipline violations. This fact testifies that negative forms of interaction of service team members (aimlessness, uncontrollability, connivance) as well as relations (hostility, negativism and conflict) reduce the level of normative service behaviour. It is determined that the attitude of employees to the head of the service team mediates the influence of functional-negative characteristics, acting as a regulator of their service behaviour. The results of the research expand scientific ideas on psychology of management of formal groups (by the example of service staffs) and can be used in preparation of employees of internal affairs bodies for positions of junior and middle supervising staffs.

Discriminating Factors of Formal and Informal Micro-Credits Programs in Bangladesh: An Efficiency Approach

Purpose: The study aims to identify the factors influencing the choice of formal and informal micro- credits programs in poverty alleviation of Bangladesh especially in Haor area. Methodology: The study has covered a total of 2340 households’ respondents where 1560 actual microcredit users and 780 eligible micro-credit users while they did not use micro-credits as control (50% of the cases) group for comparison purpose. The characteristics of control households are almost similar to the cases (micro-credits recipient) households. Total survey area has been divided into thirty clusters and the survey was made with a structured questionnaire to measure the impact on poverty of both types of credits and find out the dimensions of discrimination. The group means, pooled group correlation matrix, covariates for discrimination, and validation of two-group discriminant finally Fisher’s linear discriminant function were used to reach in the conclusion. Findings: The study identified that the installment types are the most important predictors in discriminating between formal and informal micro-credits groups, followed by duration of loan, interest rate, gender of loan receivers, earning status of loan receivers, and regular income source in the households and so on and this is also confirmed by cross-validation analysis. Fisher’s linear discriminant function forecasted that the new member with discriminant scores above 0.44 supposed to borrow from the informal sources however the members having below of the score will borrow from formal sources. Practical Implications: The lenders will be able to design effective micro-credit programs considering the needs of the users. Originality/Value: The research is the first attempt to identify the discriminating factors between formal and informal micro-credits with large volume of solid primary data. Limitations: The study did not make any in-depth-interview regarding the issue.

Inequalities and Social Capital as Factors of Subjective Well-Being: Case Study from Western Province, Zambia

Understanding well-being’s complexities, including its subjective and context-dependent nature, is crucial for informing policy decisions and development interventions aimed at enhancing quality of life and reducing poverty. Unfortunately, subjective well-being (SWB) research, particularly in the context of Global South, has received relatively less attention, despite its fundamental importance in the field of human development. This research aims to contribute to the discussion on SWB by examining its association with diverse forms of inequalities and deprivations. Specifically, we investigate the impact of these deprivations, both at the societal and intra-household levels, on SWB among the rural population of the Western Province in Zambia. The study underscores low levels of SWB in the surveyed area. It reveals the impact of intra-household inequalities, demonstrating that the presence of a more educated individual in the household positively affects well-being. On the other hand, having responsibilities related to decision-making power within households diminishes SWB, probably due to related stress and anxiety. As expected, limited access to resources in the household also negatively affects SWB. Our main finding in the realm of societal inequalities revolves around the assertion that fostering social capital through active participation in formal or informal groups significantly enhances SWB. Empowering individuals through education and knowledge sharing, and promoting inclusivity and diversity in social interactions are key strategies that policymakers can adopt to enhance SWB in the Muoyo-Mukukutu area and similar regions.

Social capital and successful aging among senior park golfers

Park golf, which evolved from golf, is one of South Korea’s fastest-growing sports. As park golf has become increasingly popular, specifically among older adults, its advantages and disadvantages must be identified. This study aims to explore the experiences of older adults engaged in park golf, specifically focusing on how playing park golf fosters social capital and contributes to successful aging among senior park golfers. Twenty senior park golfers participated in detailed interviews. The qualitative data analysis shows that this study’s participants constituted a formal group. Five main themes were identified from the data analysis: (a) reciprocity, (b) bonding networks, (c) bridging networks, (d) social participation, and (e) health. Moreover, our findings provide empirical evidence that playing park golf can create social capital related to successful aging among seniors.

Breast self-examination among female medical students at Damascus University: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionBreast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death in Syria. In young females, it is a serious complication, making it crucial to raise awareness about the disease and its early detection methods. Given the challenging circumstances that Syrians face, regular visits to medical centers for mammography are often not feasible. Therefore, breast self-examination (BSE) is a valuable tool for detecting cancer. Educating girls in medical colleges is key to disseminating knowledge about BSE among women, as they will become future healthcare providers and can share accurate information with their families. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the medical faculties of Damascus University (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy), Syria. The study utilized a structured questionnaire on Google Forms with four sections. The questionnaire was prepared electronically, and shared as an online link in formal university groups on social media. Data collection started on September 19, 2022, and ended on October 19 of the same year. Participation was accepted from female students in medical colleges, ranging from second to fifth year (for dental and pharmacy students) and sixth year (for medical students). Data from other students and incomplete data were excluded. Results589 female medical students from three faculties (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) filled out the questionnaire. Only 57 % of the students demonstrated a good attitude towards BSE, and 79.6 % of them agreed or strongly agreed that they avoid BSE due to fear of the consequences of breast cancer. Regarding BSE knowledge, 89.6 % of the participants reported previously hearing about BSE, and 55.7 % of them had performed BSE before. The factors that were accompanied by better knowledge about BSE were: a good attitude towards BSE; previously performed BSE; studying in a medical faculty; study years for medical and pharmacy students; and higher college average grades. Whereas, having a medical relative and having a family member with a history of BC surprisingly do not impact the knowledge. ConclusionThe study, conducted at Damascus University in Syria, assessed the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among female medical college students. The results indicate a moderate level of knowledge and limited practical experience in performing breast self-examination. These findings highlight the urgent need to emphasize the importance of promoting and teaching this method to a wider population of women in society.

Stimulating the capacity to govern the commons.

The ability to strengthen governance institutions and fisheries restrictions and laws is needed to improve conservation and management of common-pool resources. We evaluated the potential for stimulating change with modest interventions by studying fishing village households before and after a 27-month intervention period in a high-priority coral reef conservation area. Interventions included training in catch monitoring, stock assessment, mapping fishing grounds, microcredit, gender inclusion, theatrical skills, fuel efficient stoves, and participation in the planning of a conservation proposal. There was a background increase in reported formal education, household size, group membership, and household wealth but a decrease in fish consumption and public services. Of conservation importance, the perceived strength of 13 governance institutions and benefits of 6 fisheries restrictions increased over the intervention period. Finally, correspondence between knowledge of and agreement with recent national fisheries laws was moderate to high and positively correlated. The intervention period was stronger than demographic factors that often influence perceptions, such as village, government services, gender, household size, membership in community groups, and age responses. In general, perceptions of strengths of governance and benefits of restrictions increased more among women and youth than adult men respondents. The largest changes in perceptions of increased benefits were among strict restrictions initially ranked low, specifically fisheries closures, parks, and species restrictions. Consequently, capacity building overrode demographic factors common to poor people with limited employment capacity that can have negative perceptions of strict conservation.

O-201 Antinuclear antibodies in women with recurrent early pregnancy loss: prevalence and impact on subsequent pregnancy outcome

Abstract Study question What is the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in women with recurrent early pregnancy loss (REPL) and do they affect subsequent pregnancy outcome? Summary answer The prevalence of ANAs in women with REPL was 13.0%, and their presence did not negatively impact subsequent pregnancy outcomes, including EPL and livebirth rates. What is known already An etiological factor cannot be identified in more than half of the couples experiencing REPL. Immunologic mechanisms could be involved, with the presence of autoimmune disease (AD) associated to lower reproductive outcomes. For the mere presence of ANAs, in the absence of AD, the evidence on the association with REPL is controversial, with most studies having a small sample size with important clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Study design, size, duration This is a single-centre, retrospective cohort study from a tertiary referral hospital including 960 women referred for REPL between January 2014 and December 2019. During the entire study period, maternal serum ANA detection was part of the routine diagnostic REPL work-up, defined as two or more pregnancy losses before the 10th week of gestation, including previous spontaneous conceptions and pregnancies following autologous IVF/ICSI treatment. Participants/materials, setting, methods Women under the age of 40 at ANA analysis were eligible for inclusion. Confirmed AD, uterine anomalies, parental chromosomal abnormalities and uncontrolled endocrine disorders were exclusion criteria. The prevalence of positive ANA titers and the impact of ANA positivity on the outcome of a subsequent pregnancy were investigated with EPL rate as the main outcome parameter and biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical miscarriage rate and live birth rate as secondary outcome measures. Main results and the role of chance Positive ANA screening at a titer of ≥ 1/80 was observed in 125/940 women (13.0%), a prevalence in line with previously published data in the general population not experiencing REPL. There were no statistically significant differences in maternal age, body mass index, ethnicity, or conception method between ANA-positive and -negative women. No higher number of previous EPLs was observed in ANA-positive compared to ANA-negative women (respectively 2.7 versus 2.8, p = 0.06). Women with ANAs had significantly more thyroid antibodies (21.6% versus 10.2%, p < 0.001). For a subsequent pregnancy, no association was observed between ANA positivity and reproductive outcome with an unadjusted EPL rate of 30/86 (34.9%, ANA-positive) versus 206/509 (40.5%, ANA-negative, p = 0.32). Logistic regression analysis did not identify ANAs as an independent predictive risk factor for additional EPL (OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.45-1.20, p = 0.22). Similarly, there was no significant difference in live birth rates between both groups (p = 0.5), with 54/86 (62.8%) in ANA-positive and 300/509 (58.9%) in ANA-negative patients. Limitations, reasons for caution The current data are limited by the absence of a formal control group without REPL, the retrospective nature of the study and potential bias due to unmeasured confounders. Wider implications of the findings These findings further questions systematic ANA measurement in the diagnostic work-up of REPL without AD. Furthermore, when ANAs are detected, patient counselling and treatment adaptations should be considered with caution, given our inability to eventually detect any significant differences in the pregnancy outcomes between ANA-positive and -negative REPL patients. Trial registration number not applicable

재가 노인의 돌봄 유형에 따른 우울 영향요인

Purpose : This study examines how different types of care－formal and informal－affect depressive symptoms in older adults at home. Methods : Using data from the 2020 National Survey on Older Adults in South Korea, which included responses from 498 elderly individuals receiving care, we conducted logistic regression analyses to identify factors influencing depressive symptoms based on the type of care received. Results : The analysis showed significant differences in depressive symptoms between those receiving formal and informal care. In the formal care group, a better subjective perception of health was associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms (OR＝0.47, p＜.001), while an increase in chronic conditions (OR＝1.15, p＝.007) and higher dependency in instrumental daily activities (OR＝1.08, p＜.001) increased the risk of depressive symptoms. Conversely, improved cognitive function was linked to reduced depression risks (OR＝0.96, p＜.001). In the informal care group, similar trends were observed. Notably, family cohabitation significantly influenced depressive symptoms outcomes, highlighting the importance of family support in care dynamics. Access to necessary facilities and adequate care provision also emerged as critical factors in mitigating depressive symptoms risks across both care types. Conclusion : The study underscores the importance of tailored interventions that enhance care accessibility and adequacy, particularly in informal settings, to improve mental health outcomes among the elderly.

The “Silent Firefighters”: an examination and evaluation of peer support sessions for medical laboratory professionals in Canada

PurposeThe Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Peer Support Project was a formal and virtual peer support group pilot for medical laboratory professionals in Canada to determine its application for CSMLS members and obtain information regarding the current state of medical laboratory professionals’ mental health, well-being and burnout. CSMLS learned what is contributing to stress at work, coping strategies and barriers to accessing support or help for their mental health among medical laboratory professionals.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative and exploratory pilot study examined medical laboratory professionals from Canada. Two peer support groups were facilitated in April and May 2022 by a trained mental health clinician. Peer support delivery was virtual and delivered via Zoom. The purposive sample featured medical laboratory technologists, Educators and Supervisors/Directors who were CSMLS members. The qualitative analysis was conducted via analytical memos and incorporated both manual and NVivo software analysis.FindingsOverall themes were identified within the data analysis and included barriers to mental health care; increased stigma for mental health; mixed messaging regarding mental health; feeling invisible; medical laboratory professionals would like to manage stress better but their increasing workload demands and challenges with scheduling and staffing add to their stress. Participants also highlighted their role and its context using metaphors such as “the silent firefighters”, and “the Bass Guitar of the Hospital”. Based on the evaluations, the peer support sessions encouraged participants to address their own mental health, validate their experiences and increase their comfort level in discussing mental health.Social implicationsIt identified a potential resource for medical laboratory professionals and determined that further mental health resources would be beneficial for their field. It also identified their strong commitment to patient care and their role as a medical laboratory professional.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to examine peer support as a mental health resource for medical laboratory professionals. Additionally, its focus was on a Canadian population with virtual delivery.

Сучасні підходи до організації партнерської взаємодії між учнями початкової школи

The article touches upon the problem of organization of partnership between modern primary school students as representatives of the Alpha generation. Scientific works on the outlined problem are analyzed: the essence of the concept of «partner interaction» in the philosophical, psychological, sociological and pedagogical contexts; Guidelines for distinguishing between models of partnership and traditional interaction at school are indicated. Particular attention is paid to the problem of developing students' emotional and social intelligence as important factors of effective partnership. It has been researched that the enrichment of emotional competence of schoolchildren contributes to the awareness and regulation of emotional states and behavior, the development of a sense of empathy and understanding of the world of other people, the formation of communication skills and the ability to resolve conflicts, the reduction of aggressiveness and antisocial behavior. And also, that the school class is an important formal group where the child's socialization takes place through relationships with classmates, emotionally rich and activity-mediated contacts and connections. To organize partnerships, it is necessary to select the most effective means, not forgetting that mutual understanding, mutual assistance, interdependence and complementarity are important in the student-student relationship. It is indicated that during the lessons it is advisable for the teacher to use role-playing games and special tasks that will contribute to mastering the techniques of interpersonal communication. Students gain experience of interaction in variable micro-groups and teams in the classroom, learn to recognize the contribution of others to joint work, the ability to adequately assess their abilities and capabilities, their contribution to joint activities related to the search for new information, the creation of research projects. Modern approaches and conditions for the organization of partnership interaction are outlined, specific examples are given.

Multi-index modeling and optimization of thermal performance of shell-and-tube heat accumulator based on MANOVA

The heat storage process of composite phase change heat accumulators is a complex phenomenon that requires multiple indicators to comprehensively reflect their thermal performance. Current research in this area is not comprehensive enough. There are also limitations in the evaluation indicators used. In this paper, the multi-index modeling, comprehensive evaluation and optimization methods of the heat storage performance of heat accumulators are studied. First, the basic vectors in the vector set of parameters reflecting the heat storage performance are selected as indicator functions, such as heat storage capacity, heat storage time and heat storage residue. Several independent variables are selected from the three aspects of the geometric parameters of the heat accumulator, the operating conditions, and the rib parameters as factors affecting the thermal storage performance. These multi-index dependent variables and independent variables constitute the multi-index form mathematical model group. Second, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to study the constituent terms of the multi-indicator formal mathematical model group. The MANOVA method was used to identify the effects of each independent variable on the thermal performance of the heat accumulators. The MANOVA method was also used to analyze the effect of the interaction between the factors on the multiple indicators of the thermal performance of the thermal storage. Multivariate nonlinear regression analysis was used to construct the multi-indicator mathematical model group reflecting the thermal storage performance based on MANOVA. Finally, the mathematical model group of multiple indicators is normalized and converted into a group of multiple indicator effectiveness functions, and the group of multiple indicator effectiveness functions is mathematically transformed to construct a comprehensive evaluation function that comprehensively responds to the thermal storage performance and seeks an optimization scheme for the thermal storage performance. The maximum value of its comprehensive index is 0.9988, and the corresponding optimal solutions of independent variables are X1 = 24 mm, X2 = 66.7 mm, X3 = 1600 mm, X4 = 0.2 m/s, X5 = 2 mm, X6 = 6.4 mm, and X7 = 46.8 mm.

A Statistical Model Regarding the Solving Problems Behavior in Formal Groups

Abstract Formal group behaviour is based on following specific norms and rules wherein the participants are expected to be well organised proving respect and accomplish orders, working to the requirements of the organization. When different tasks are essential to be solved, each member of the group must adopt proactive behaviour, so the communication process to be productive. The paper presents a practical approach about how the gender of students influences organisational group communication with the main objectives to evaluate the solving problems abilities on two groups (M/F) and create a psycho-metric model for solving problems inside formal groups. The authors used the questionnaire of Cândea R.M. and Cândea D. as an instrument that includes three types of behaviour that may appear during solving problem process - approaching a routine problem to solve it; approaching a problem that is not routine and measuring aspects regarding decision process encouraging the creativity and the spirit of innovation in a formal group. Furthermore, the authors used statistical methods - Shapiro-Will and Man-Whitney U tests- and statistical factorial modelling – PCA method to identify the most critical factors that influence solving problems in formal groups. The necessity of the research comes from the dynamic of changes affecting the group from external and internal environments during the decision process.

Negotiating the border: Contending with constraints and creating opportunity from Venezuela to Peru

Utilizing a feminist geopolitical lens, this article examines the accounts of 18 Venezuelans who migrated from Venezuela since 2015. I make two main arguments. First, I expand accounts that focus on restrictive mobility regimes in countries receiving migrants to also look at how governments such as Venezuela’s, along with their accompanying border management strategies, limit Venezuelans’ mobility. Many scholars argue that the regulation of borders extends beyond physical territorial boundaries. Here, I show the diverse ways in which Venezuelan government actions impose border constraints both within Venezuela and beyond. Second, recent studies examine migrant management as resulting from an assemblage of different actors and practices, including humanitarian organizations, travel agencies and others. I add to this literature to suggest that acts of solidarity and support from fellow travelers, local individuals who are not part of any formal group, and social media accounts should also be considered part of migrant regimes, shaping border permeability. Policies are reworked through embodied encounters between migrants and a range of other actors in spaces as varied as buses, border checkpoints and food lines, and speak to the importance of multi-scalar accounts to understand migration experiences.

Evidence of quality of life for hospitalised patients with COVID-19: a scoping review.

Information on the quality of life of people hospitalised with COVID-19 is important, both in assessing the burden of disease and the cost-effectiveness of treatments. However, there were potential barriers to collecting such evidence. To review the existing evidence on quality of life for people hospitalised with COVID-19, with a focus on the amount of evidence available and methods used. A scoping review with systematic searches. A total of 35 papers were selected for data extraction. The most common study type was economic evaluation (N = 13), followed by cross-sectional (N = 10). All economic evaluations used published utility values for other conditions to represent COVID-19 inpatients' quality of life. The most popular quality-of-life survey measure was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (N = 8). There were 12 studies that used a mental health-related survey and 12 that used a sleep-related survey. Five studies used EQ-5D, but only one collected responses from people in the acute phase of COVID-19. Studies reported a negative impact on quality of life for people hospitalised with COVID-19, although many studies did not include a formal comparison group. Although it used systematic searches, this was not a full systematic review. Quality-of-life data were collected from people hospitalised with COVID-19 from relatively early in the pandemic. However, there was a lack of consensus as to what survey measures to use, and few studies used generic health measures. Economic evaluations for COVID-19 treatments did not use utilities collected from people with COVID-19. In future health crises, researchers should be vigilant for opportunities to collect quality-of-life data from hospitalised patients but should try to co-ordinate as well as ensuring generic health measures are used more. This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme as award number NIHR132254.

Behind the Paywall

This study investigates how the networks of communication and collaboration between adult content creators on OnlyFans, a digital patronage platform commonly used for sex work, have gained the site its popularity and notability. Because of the site’s infrastructure, content creators must self-promote on other platforms, drawing users from social media platforms like X, Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit onto OnlyFans. Given that this promotional labour and skill is largely unpaid, this study also examines the power dynamics at play in the complex labour structures of OnlyFans and the precarity of the broader gig economy. OnlyFans adult content creators create their own support systems, assisting each other with this labour based on their skills, and developing formal and informal support groups for professional and personal guidance.

Keeping up appearances: US domestic extremist organizations and the effects of membership on domestic terrorism perpetrators

ABSTRACT Within the broader discussion of US domestic terrorism, the impact of formal extremist groups on the behaviour of perpetrators of ideologically motivated crime stands as a key albeit under examined issue. Radicalization and terrorism have long been understood as group-driven processes, yet the degree and rate of group affiliation among US extremist offenders is highly variable, especially in the context of rising instances of lone actor attacks. This raises the question of the role that group affiliation plays in relation to perpetrators of extremist violence. For while discourse surrounding domestic terrorism has largely classified these organizations as facilitators or enablers of radicalization and extremist violence, patterns in recent years suggest these groups may in fact do the opposite and dampen the violent impulses of their members to preserve their organizational interests. This paper presents an analysis of data adapted from the Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) dataset as well as original data and finds that membership in formal extremist groups does appear to create a moderating effect on perpetrators of ideologically motivated crime, reducing the probability of group members in engaging in violence.

Jamming for System Change: Towards Wellbeing and Flourishing for All

This paper uses the metaphor of the musical jam to identify a working set of holistic core guidelines and norms useful for transformation catalysts—and participants in transformation systems who are collectively stewarding organizing purposeful, whole system transformative change. Since purposeful whole system change involves bringing together actors and initiatives outside the context of conventional hierarchical organizations, it requires a set of skills and design guidelines associated with musical jams. Jams are musical sessions that enable musicians who do not necessarily play together as a formal group to produce good music over significant periods of time when certain norms are followed. Similarly, system change makers, operate in systems where change agents and initiatives voluntarily come together around (emergent) shared aspirations and actions. Doing that well means that transformation catalysts need to employ a constellation of key skills synthesized here as improvisation, stewardship, pattern recognition, collaboration, connection, generativity, and presence.

PERAN KOMUNIKASI ORGANISASI DALAM MENINGKATKAN KINERJA KARYAWAN PT. KEIHIN INDONESIA

Organizational communication is the sending and receiving of various organizational messages by formal and informal groups within an organization. The existence of good organizational communication determines good corporate performance. The purpose of this study was to identify the role of corporate communication in improving employee morale at PT KEIHIN INDONESIA (KHI). Data collection was done through direct field observations, in-depth interviews and documentation. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach with a constructivist paradigm. The theory used is organizational communication theory. From this research it can be concluded that:(1) Point KHI is a company that pays attention to open communication with all parties involved in order to avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding. (2) Communication patterns at KHI adheres to the organizational communication pattern of downward communication, upward communication and horizontal communication. (3) There is centralization of decision-making/policy-making when the interests of the entire company are at stake rather than the interests of just one or more departments.