Intimacy Research Articles

Tangible, intangible assets and labour productivity growth

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of tangible and intangible investments in driving labour productivity growth in the European Union over the period 2000–2017 and their role in the short and medium run. Additionally, heterogeneity across countries is accounted for by performing estimates separately for Eastern and Western European countries.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used to conduct the analysis of the determinants of productivity is the two-way fixed-effect and the system generalised method of moments. We also include country-specific dummies in place of our variable on national innovative capacity as a means to further reduce the number of instruments.FindingsThe results reveal a long-term relationship of investment in intangible assets with labour productivity growth, more specifically of investment in R&D. This relationship holds both when considering the whole set of European countries and for Western European countries, demonstrating that R&D is key to enhancing labour productivity growth. On the contrary, the effect for Eastern countries is negative, probably due to the lack of capacity to turn this investment into an efficient and effective way to foster productivity.Originality/valueBesides confirming the well-known role of tangible and intangible assets in productivity, the heterogeneity shown in our analysis highlights the need for improving capabilities in Eastern countries. Diversifying the decisions on the investments in European countries, depending on the specific needs and their heterogeneity, could help bridge the productivity gap and enhance specific capabilities of the country systems.

Client experiences with "Dynamic Choice Prevention," a model for flexible patient-centred HIV prevention delivery in rural Eastern Africa.

Identifying the optimal approaches to offering HIV prevention to meet the needs of those at risk is a high priority, particularly given the expanding toolkit of biomedical HIV prevention options. An ongoing study in rural East African communities evaluated the uptake of choices in product, testing mode and location of care delivery through a structured patient-centred HIV prevention delivery model. In this qualitative study, we sought to understand clients' experiences of this "dynamic choice prevention model" (DCP) and highlight pathways of action to inform HIV prevention delivery models. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted from November 2021 through March 2022 with a purposively selected sample of n = 56 participants in DCP trials (across outpatient departments, antenatal clinics and community settings), and n = 21 healthcare providers (total n = 77). A seven-person multi-regional team translated and inductively coded transcript data. We used a framework analysis approach to identify emergent themes. Individuals taking up HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reported feelings of relief, liberation from fears of acquiring HIV and satisfaction with being able to take action despite partners' behaviours. Couples used a range of approaches afforded by the study to persuade partners to get tested and opt for PrEP. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) use was less common, although women welcomed it in the event of sexual coercion or assault. Participants discussed switching from PEP to PrEP after familiarizing themselves with usage and ascertaining ongoing risk. Participants felt respected by providers, trusted them and appreciated being able to contact them directly for telephone support. Prevention uptake was hindered by stigma, limited experience with and knowledge of prevention methods, gendered and generational power dynamics within intimate partnerships and families, and negative perceptions of methods due to the products themselves. Participants anticipated long-acting injectable PrEP could solve their challenges regarding pill size, daily pill burden and the likelihood of unwanted disclosure. Diverse preferences and barriers to uptake of prevention require a choice of HIV prevention options, locations and delivery modalities-but in addition, flexible, competent and friendly care provision is crucial to promote uptake. Helping clients feel valued, and addressing their unique needs and challenges, enables their agency to prioritize their health.

Are Patients With Adult Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries Satisfied With Their Appearance?

Adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries (tBPI) are devastating physically and emotionally. In addition to the physical loss of function and pervasive neuropathic pain, patients describe difficulty with negative self-image and social relationships. Our goal was to gain an initial understanding of body image and satisfaction with appearance among tBPI patients. Among 126 patients in a prospective cohort study, 60 completed a brachial plexus injury-specific modification of the Satisfaction with Appearance survey. The survey encompasses three major domains: social discomfort because of the affected limb, interference with relationships because of the affected limb, and appearance of the affected limb. We performed a cross-sectional descriptive analysis to provide an initial understanding of these domains among brachial plexus injury patients. Among all 60 patients, nearly half (27/60, 45%) reported they are satisfied with their overall appearance. The appearance of their affected hand(s) was the body part with which patients expressed the most concern. Patients also reported feeling increasingly uncomfortable among those less familiar to them: 11/60 (18%) were uncomfortable around family, 18/60 (30%) were uncomfortable around friends, and 19/60 (32%) were uncomfortable around strangers. One-quarter (15/60, 25%) of brachial plexus injury patients agreed that their injury interfered with relationships and that their tBPI was unattractive (16/60, 27%) to others. Almost half of patients who have experienced tBPI endorse dissatisfaction with their appearance, which can subsequently interfere with their personal relationships. Further, tBPI may influence patients' comfort levels in unfamiliar social surroundings and may influence how patients feel they are perceived by others. The patient's perception of their affected limb and its influence on their daily social interactions should be recognized by their tBPI care team, noting opportunities for improved counseling.

Influences of the vibration frequency and phase of the core of ultra-high voltage shunt reactors on suspended discharge in oil-paper insulation

Severe vibration of the core of ultra-high voltage (UHV) shunt reactors under operating conditions often leads to the occurrence of suspension electrode, and such a suspended discharge defect will destroy the oil-paper insulation. It is necessary to investigate the influence of vibration on suspended discharge when determining the best operating condition of UHV shunt reactors. The vibration frequency of the suspension electrode and the phase difference between the applied voltage and the vibration are studied by simulation and experiment. The simulation results show that the phase difference between the voltage and the vibration parameters will lead to an increase in the surface maximum field strength. The distortion of the field intensity caused by several typical vibration frequencies of reactor vibration is ranked (in ascending order) thus: 100, 300, 50, and 200 Hz. There is a coupling relationship between the phase difference and the vibration frequency on the suspended discharge, which will lead to an inconsistency between the field intensity and each single factor. The partial discharge test results of the collision between the suspension electrode and the high-voltage electrode show that the discharge generated by vibration at 100 Hz is much higher than that at other frequencies, followed by those at 300 and 50 Hz, and the discharge generated by vibration at 200 Hz is very small. When the phase difference of voltage advance vibration is between 0° and 90°, the quantity of local discharge is large. When the phase difference is between 90° and 180°, the local discharge is small.

The Influence of Macroeconomic Variables on Non-Performing Loan (NPL) at PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk

In recent years, Bank Mandiri's non-performing loan (NPL) ratio has been on a relatively stable decline until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 quarter I put pressure on the Indonesian economy. Since then, Bank Mandiri's NPL ratio has increased significantly due to the global economic recession that also occurred in Indonesia in 2020 quarter III. This study aims to analyse the effect of macroeconomic variables such as gross domestic product, inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates on non-performing loans (NPL) specifically at Bank Mandiri. This study uses secondary data in the form of historical data of related variables and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to estimate the dynamics of long-term and short-term relationships between variables. The results of this study indicate that macroeconomic variables such as BIRATE, INF, and LNPDB significantly affect Bank Mandiri's NPLs in the long-run dynamics, while LNKURS is statistically significant in the short-run dynamics. Keywords: Macroeconomic, Non-Peforming Loan, VECM

The Impact of Financial Development on Bank Investment in Iraq

Theoretically, the literature indicates that financial development has a positive effect on investment. therefore this study aim to determine the impact of the financial development on investment banking in iraq, during the semi-annual period (2005-2021) using autoregressive distributed lag (ardl), and using the toda yamamoto causal test, the result of the bound test (ardl) showed a long-term cointegration relationship between variables , the model showed that the financial depth positively affect the investment banks against the negative effect of the long-term financial stability index, while toda yamamoto causal test showed that there is no causal relationship between financial development and investment banking.

Targeted poverty alleviation promotes sustainable socio-economic and ecological development in China's poor areas

Ending extreme poverty and achieving sustainable development by 2030 poses a significant challenge for developing countries. In the past decade, China has pioneered the Targeted Poverty Alleviation (TPA) strategy and implemented a range of anti-poverty programs, aiming to reconcile poverty reduction with environmental restoration. However, the effectiveness of the TPA strategy in facilitating sustainable development in the poor areas of China (PAC) remains unclear. Drawing on a perspective of systems, this study compiles a panel dataset of 832 nationally designated poverty-stricken counties in China from 2013 to 2020 and employ the coupling coordination degree model to examine the coupling and coordination relationships among economic, social, and environmental systems in the PAC. We find that during the TPA period, the socioeconomic level developed rapidly, while the environmental quality was slightly improved in the PAC. The TPA strategy promotes the coordinated development of social, economic, and ecological systems in the PAC, shifting the relationship between human and environment from imbalance to coordination. Our findings underscore the necessity for the Chinese government to persist in its environmental restoration efforts in the PAC to guarantee a sustained development progress.

Women's Shelter, a prison in reverse: when the protection of victims imprisons them.

This article aimed to know a Shelter for women in situations of intimate partner violence at imminent risk of death located in the state of Rio de Janeiro from the perception of its professionals. To this end, this qualitative research adopted semi-structured interviews with seven professionals directly involved with the care and assistance to the Shelter's user population. The findings were interpreted through Bardin's thematic content analysis. Moreover, the profile of the women and children sheltered in 2021 was drawn based on the data provided by the institution. In conceptual terms, this work focused on intersectional feminist theoretical references. Among the results, we argue that the shelter is permeated by contradictions, from its normative idealizations to institutional practices: on the one hand, the shelter represents the possibility of salvation, that is, of interrupting the escalation of violence and, therefore, preventing femicide. However, on the other hand, it appears as an upside-down prison, which "incarcerates" the victims. We highlight the importance of thinking about new ways to ensure protection for women who need this shelter.

Forgotten interventions to promote relational health to prevent child maltreatment

Harsh parenting and intimate partner violence increased during the pandemic. However, pediatrician-led evidence-based models that link primary care, home visiting, and child maltreatment prevention have been neglected, despite C. Henry Kempe’s successful programs from 1971 to 1973. The Kempe randomized trial included comprehensive pediatric follow-up by a single physician and a lay health visitor whenever indicated, and/or weekly visits by a public health nurse in the home 50 years ago. The interventions responded to abnormal parenting practices and early warning signs during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postnatally and reduced the hospitalization for serious injuries among those 2 years old. Kempe’s call for promoting emotional health and parent bonding 40 years ago was not cited in many publications but only 402 times in Google Scholar in October 2023. However, it was echoed in the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Bright Futures and Policy Statements on Promoting Relational Health in 2021. Relational health is a strengths-based approach, which can promote safe, stable, and nurturing relationships, buffer adversity, and build resilience. Screening for relational health should be integrated into Obstetric and Pediatric Care, and home visitation should become linked to primary care as a basic health benefit. Pediatric care must be transformed based on the evidence in the Kempe trial, focus on promoting primary prevention and trusted relationships from pregnancy on, and engage community resources to address unmet social needs, enabling integrated behavioral health, and changing financial incentives that now prioritize procedures and crisis interventions over cognitive services and prevention. The education and training of future pediatricians needs to emphasize the importance of relational health in family, and the moment is now to collaborate and implement these forgotten interventions.

The effect of a digital intervention on symptoms of depression in pregnant women exposed to Intimate partner violence in Denmark and Spain (STOP study)

Introduction and objectiveIntimate Partner Violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a significant public health concern associated with adverse maternal and fetal health outcomes, including increased risk of depression. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a digital empowerment-based intervention in reducing symptoms of depression among IPV-exposed pregnant women. Study designThis intervention study was nested within a cohort study conducted in Denmark and Spain. Pregnant women attending antenatal care were digital screened for IPV using the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) and the Women’s Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). Those screening positive were offered a digital intervention comprising 3–6 video consultations with trained IPV counsellors and access to a safety planning app. Changes in depression scores from baseline to follow-up were evaluated using mixed model regression. ResultsFrom February 2021-October 2022, 1,545 pregnant women (9.6 %) screened positive for IPV within our population (8.5 % in Denmark and 17.0 % in Spain) with 485 (31.4 %) meeting the criteria for the intervention. Of those eligible, 104 (21.4 %) accepted the intervention, and 55 completed it (13.1 %). Post-intervention, a significant reduction in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was found, with a mean difference of −3.9 (95 % CI: −5.3; −2.4), compared to the average pre-intervention score of 11.3. Stratifying the analyses across sociodemographic variables did not alter the overall result, indicating a reduction in EPDS scores irrespective of setting or sociodemographic factors. Notably, the intervention was most effective for women initially presenting with EPDS scores above the depression cut-off. ConclusionThe findings suggest that a brief digital intervention is associated with a reduction in depression symptoms among pregnant women exposed to IPV, particularly among those with high depressive scores. This highlights the potential of digital interventions in delivering counseling and shows efficacy when administered by both midwives and psychologists in diverse settings. However, the absence of a control group underscores the need for caution in interpreting the results.

Profiles of service-engaged intimate partner violence survivors: Considerations for service delivery and continuation.

Profiles of service-engaged intimate partner violence survivors: Considerations for service delivery and continuation.

“I just thought maybe this is [the] way of doing things”: Exploring lesbian-, gay-, and bisexual-specific intimate partner violence in Norway.

“I just thought maybe this is [the] way of doing things”: Exploring lesbian-, gay-, and bisexual-specific intimate partner violence in Norway.

The effect of a digital intervention on symptoms of depression in pregnant women exposed to Intimate partner violence in Denmark and Spain (STOP study)

The effect of a digital intervention on symptoms of depression in pregnant women exposed to Intimate partner violence in Denmark and Spain (STOP study)

Global burden of major depressive disorders attributable to intimate partner violence against women: Magnitude, temporal trends, and regional inequalities

AimsThis study aimed to analyze the temporal trends, spatial heterogeneities, and potential improvements in the burden of major depressive disorders (MDD) attributable to intimate partner violence (IPV) against women across 21 global burden of disease (GBD) regions, and 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. MethodsWe evaluated the burden of MDD attributable to IPV in women as measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 people, across 20 age groups and GBD regions, countries, and territories, using data from the 2019 GBD Study. The average annual percent change (AAPC) of DALY age-standardized rates (ASRs) were used to reflect trends over time. LOESS and quantile regression were used to model the relationship between the five GBD sociodemographic index (SDI) categories and DALY ASRs. Frontier analysis determined the minimum achievable DALY ASR associated with developmental status, as measured by the SDI. ResultsDespite the overall global decline (AAPC −0.08 [95 % UI −0.2, 0.03]), certain GBD regions, particularly high-income North America and Central Latin America, have experienced increases in DALY ASRs. The relationship between SDI and MDD burden showed a U-shaped variability, with low-SDI regions consistently exhibiting higher and stable DALY rates. Frontier analysis revealed that several countries, regardless of their SDI, have substantial gaps between observed and potentially achievable DALY rates, indicating areas for targeted intervention to reduce the burden of MDD due to IPV. ConclusionsSignificant spatial and temporal heterogeneity in MDD due to IPV occurred globally from 1990 to 2019, highlighting the substantial potential for improvement in various countries. Protective measures should be customized to suit the unique cultural contexts, developmental statuses, and regional disparities of each country.

Differences in intimate partner violence exposure across college, crowdsourced, and at-risk samples.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive and common form of violence against women. IPV is multifaceted, with physical, sexual, and/or psychological means of perpetration, and has detrimental effects on women's mental health. IPV generally affects women; however, how IPV differentially affects different groups of women is less clear. Women who are socioeconomically vulnerable are often considered at risk for IPV, although women in college are also often the topic of IPV research due both to high rates of IPV and to ease of study recruitment. There is increasing research on the effects of IPV in a third group of women, those recruited through online platforms (i.e., crowdsourcing). How IPV differs across these three samples has yet to be examined. In this study, we examined differences in IPV exposure across three samples of women, at risk (n = 144), college (n = 654), and crowdsourced (n = 168), using a Bayesian approach to general linear modeling. Results indicated that the majority of women in each sample experienced some IPV. Results further suggested that women in the crowdsourced sample had the highest exposure to IPV in general and to physical IPV, sexual IPV, and IPV-related injury in particular, whereas women in the at-risk sample had the highest rates of psychological IPV. These findings highlight the importance of sampling in studies of IPV and thus have ramifications for future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Examining whether the impact of different types of interpersonal violence and mental disorders on attempted suicide is greater for bisexual women.

This national study examined whether different types of interpersonal violence and mental disorders were associated with greater risk for attempted suicide among bisexual women than heterosexual women. Data were used from participants in Wave II of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions in the United States of America who identified as female and either heterosexual or bisexual (N = 19,261; 71% White). Logistic regression models tested the main and interactive effects of three types of interpersonal violence (i.e., childhood abuse, childhood neglect, or intimate partner violence [IPV]), four types of mental disorders (i.e., mood, anxiety, substance use, and posttraumatic stress) and sexual orientation (i.e., bisexual vs. heterosexual) on attempted suicide. A post hoc logistic regression also tested the main and interactive effects of four types of anxiety disorders (i.e., panic disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder [GAD]) and sexual orientation on attempted suicide. Sexual orientation moderated the impact of childhood neglect, IPV, and anxiety disorders on attempted suicide. Bisexual women who experienced childhood neglect, IPV, or an anxiety disorder had 3.75, 1.43, and 6.24 greater odds, respectively, of attempted suicide, compared to heterosexual women who reported these problems. Additionally, bisexual women who had GAD had 1.66 greater odds of attempting suicide compared to heterosexual women who had GAD. Findings elucidate factors that may increase suicide risk in vulnerable populations as called for by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's suicide prevention strategic plan. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Does past intimate partner violence moderate the link between daily stress and conflict during pregnancy? A dyadic daily diary investigation.

Does past intimate partner violence moderate the link between daily stress and conflict during pregnancy? A dyadic daily diary investigation.

Mental health outcomes of offspring exposed to parental intimate partner violence in Rwanda

BackgroundChildren who witness parental intimate partner violence (IPV) are more likely to develop mental health issues compared to those who do not witness such violence.ObjectiveThe main objective of this study is to assess the association between parental intimate partner violence and child mental health outcomes.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study involved 548 participants divided into two groups: parents (N = 304) and offspring (N = 244). The participants were recruited from Mageragere Sector in the City of Kigali (urban), as well as Mbazi and Ruhashya sectors in Huye District (rural). To assess the difference about mental difficulties reported by the offspring, a Mann-Whitney U test was employed to compare the responses of parents and their children on mental health outcomes. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the association between parental intimate partner violence (IPV) and the mental health outcomes of their offspring.ResultsThe results highlighted significant levels of mental and emotional challenges in children, as reported by both parents and the children themselves. Depression and youth conduct problems were more prevalent among the children compared to their parents, whereas anxiety and irritability were more commonly reported by parents than by their children. Intimate partner violence showed to be a predictor of irritability and anxiety symptoms in offspring. In terms of irritability, depression, and youth conduct problems they were identified as predictors of anxiety symptoms. Particularly, anxiety and irritability were revealed to predict youth conduct problems.ConclusionThe study indicates that parental intimate partner violence (IPV) has an impact on the mental well-being of their offspring. Furthermore, it was observed that there is not only a correlation between IPV and poor mental health outcomes, but also a connection between different mental conditions, implying that children exposed to IPV are more prone to experiencing a range of mental issues. As a result, intervention programs should place emphasis on addressing the mental disorders of both parents and children.

Providing HIV-assisted partner services to partners of partners in western Kenya: an implementation science study.

Assisted partner services (APS), or exposure notification and HIV testing for sexual partners of persons diagnosed HIV positive (index clients), is recommended by the World Health Organization. Most APS literature focuses on outcomes among index clients and their partners. There is little data on the benefits of providing APS to partners of partners diagnosed with HIV. We utilized data from a large-scale APS implementation project across 31 facilities in western Kenya from 2018 to 2022. Females testing HIV positive at facilities were offered APS; those who consented provided contact information for all male sexual partners in the last 3 years. Male partners were notified of their potential HIV exposure and offered HIV testing services (HTS). Males newly testing positive were also offered APS and asked to provide contact information for their female partners in the last 3 years. Female partners of male partners (FPPs) were provided exposure notification and HTS. All participants with HIV were followed up at 12 months post-enrolment to assess linkage-to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and viral suppression. We compared HIV positivity, demographics and linkage outcomes among female index clients and FPPs. Overall, 5708 FPPs were elicited from male partners, of whom 4951 received HTS through APS (87% coverage); 291 FPPs newly tested HIV positive (6% yield), an additional 1743 (35.2%) reported a prior HIV diagnosis, of whom 99% were on ART at baseline. At 12 months follow-up, most FPPs were taking ART (92%) with very few adverse events: <1% reported intimate partner violence or reported relationship dissolution. FPPs were more likely than female index clients to report HIV risk behaviours including no condom use at last sex (45% vs. 30%) and multiple partners (38% vs. 19%). Providing HIV testing via APS to FPP is a safe and effective strategy to identify newly diagnosed females and achieve high linkage and retention to ART and can be an efficient means of identifying HIV cases in the era of declining HIV incidence. The high proportion of FPPs reporting HIV risk behaviours suggests APS may help interrupt community HIV transmission via increased knowledge of HIV status and linkage to treatment.

The Impact of Mentoring Youth Placed At-Risk on the Socialization of Preservice Physical Educators

Purpose: Grounded in occupational socialization theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of mentoring underserved youth on the socialization of preservice teachers within a community-engaged after-school program. Methods: Data consisted of semistructured interviews, critical incident accounts, and field notes. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed inductively using elements of grounded theory and constant comparison. Findings: Four themes were developed. First, each participant entered teacher training to provide positive experiences for students. Second, the practical experience supported preservice teachers in feeling more comfortable in their roles as educators. Third, preservice teachers developed personal relationships with the students in the after-school program. Fourth, preservice teachers internalized the obligation to model healthy social–emotional behaviors. Conclusions: Findings indicate the benefits of mentoring in a community-engaged learning project. Interacting with a diverse population of students can positively impact teacher socialization and feelings toward students and teaching.