Joint Task Force Research Articles

Itinerary of a Christian Ex-Boko Haram bomb maker in Cameroon

Abstract This paper is a biography of Paul, a Christian who joined Boko Haram and became one of its prominent bomb makers. After coming out of the underground, he became an army auxiliary in Kolofata and its environs, in the far north of Cameroon. Paul’s autobiographical narratives were cross-checked with other sources, including interviews with former insurgents and hostages, and officials of the Cameroonian army and the Multinational Joint Task Force. Paul’s narrative offers insight to understand why an individual would join, make a career in, and leave a terrorist group. His life story highlights the issue of human rights in the context of counterinsurgency and the importance of psychological operations in the fight against Boko Haram.

Research on China-Laos Cooperation to Combating Cross-Border Telecom Network Fraud

Telecom network fraud has arisen as a significant transnational crime impacting China and Laos, capitalizing on legal, jurisdictional, and technical discrepancies between the two nations. This paper analyzes the collaborative initiatives between China and Laos to address cross-border telecom network fraud, highlighting significant joint operations carried out from 2016 to 2024. The magnitude of telecom network fraud is shown by the extradition of over 2,500 criminals from Laos to China, which has averted millions of dollars in financial damages via collaborative law enforcement initiatives. The study analyzes significant hurdles, including jurisdictional limitations, technology inadequacies, and political factors that influence the effectiveness of joint operations. This paper proposes improved strategies for real-time digital evidence-sharing, the formation of joint task forces, enhanced financial intelligence monitoring, and expedited extradition processes through the analysis of case studies and ongoing collaborative efforts. By enhancing technological capabilities, offering training, and bolstering political support, China and Laos can establish a more robust framework for addressing telecom network fraud and ensuring regional security.

Allergen Immunotherapy and Atopic Dermatitis: Updated Guidance

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also commonly referred to as atopic eczema, is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Research over the past 30 years has revealed that it affects approximately 13% of children and 7% of adults worldwide. Among the growing number of treatment options for AD, the role of allergy to aeroallergens, such as house dust mite (HDM) pollens or animal dander, in driving this condition has remained uncertain for a long time. Consequently, so too has been the therapeutic role of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for AD. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Joint Task Force (JTF) on Practice Parameters recently updated their AD guidelines. This update included a systematic review of the effectiveness and safety of AIT, including subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) versus no AIT for patients with AD. This article summarizes the systematic review findings, guideline update, and future directions.

Pearls for practice from the 2023 joint task force anaphylaxis practice parameter.

To share important highlights on the management of anaphylaxis from the latest 2023 practice parameter. The 2023 Allergy Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters (JTFPP) anaphylaxis practice parameter provides updated anaphylaxis guidance. Criteria for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis are reviewed. The parameter highlights that while anaphylaxis is not more severe in younger children, age-specific symptoms can vary. Activation of emergency medical services may not be required in patients who experience prompt resolution of symptoms following epinephrine use and caregivers are comfortable with observation. For children weighing <15 kg, the anaphylaxis parameter suggests the clinician may prescribe either the 0.1 mg or the 0.15 mg epinephrine autoinjector, with the 0.3 mg autoinjector prescribed for those weighing 25 kg or greater. In patients with heart disease, discontinuing or changing beta blockers and/or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors may pose a larger risk for worsened cardiovascular disease compared with risk for severe anaphylaxis with medication continuation. Furthermore, in patients with a history of perioperative anaphylaxis, shared decision-making based on diagnostic testing and clinical history is recommended prior to repeat anesthesia use. Beyond the recent parameter update, novel contemporary therapies can decrease risk of community anaphylaxis. The 2023 JTFPP Anaphylaxis Guidelines offer up-to-date guidance for the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis in infants, children, and adults.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Guidelines 2023: Highlights

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorders with a complex pathogenesis. AD is characterized by eczematous skin lesions, pruritus, and recurrent skin infections; with negative impact on patients (and caregivers) quality of life.The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Joint Task Force (JTF) Atopic Dermatitis Guideline Panel recently released updated AD guidelines. This guideline focuses on addressing clinical questions using trustworthy guideline development standards, including mitigating the potential influence of financial and non-financial conflicts of interest, and GRADE methodology. A multidisciplinary panel used systematic reviews and meta-analyses to inform specific recommendations addressing optimal use of (1) topical treatments, (2) dilute bleach bath, (3) dietary avoidance/elimination, (4) allergen immunotherapy and (5) systemic treatments. The comprehensive recommendations, emphasizing the third principle of evidence-based medicine - that evidence alone is never enough; that patient values and preferences must be carefully considered when determining optimal treatments for patients and populations - provide a framework to support clinicians in selecting an optimal treatment plan for each patient.This review provides an overview of the guideline and discusses how those recommendations relate to current practice.

Scoping review for the SAGES EAES joint collaborative on sustainability in surgical practice.

Surgical care in the operating room (OR) contributes one-third of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in healthcare. The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) initiated a joint Task Force to promote sustainability within minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery. A scoping review was conducted by searching MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase via Elsevier, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus on August 25th, 2023 to identify articles reporting on the impact of gastrointestinal surgical care on the environment. The objectives were to establish the terminology, outcome measures, and scope associated with sustainable surgical practice. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. We screened 22,439 articles to identify 85 articles relevant to anesthesia, general surgical practice, and gastrointestinal surgery. There were 58/85 (68.2%) cohort studies and 12/85 (14.1%) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies. The most commonly measured outcomes were kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents (kg CO2eq), cost of resource consumption in US dollars or euros, surgical waste in kg, water consumption in liters, and energy consumption in kilowatt-hours. Surgical waste production and the use of anesthetic gases were among the largest contributors to the climate impact of surgical practice. Educational initiatives to educate surgical staff on the climate impact of surgery, recycling programs, and strategies to restrict the use of noxious anesthetic gases had the highest impact in reducing the carbon footprint of surgical care. Establishing green teams with multidisciplinary champions is an effective strategy to initiate a sustainability program in gastrointestinal surgery. This review establishes standard terminology and outcome measures used to define the environmental footprint of surgical practices. Impactful initiatives to achieve sustainability in surgical practice will require education and multidisciplinary collaborations among key stakeholders including surgeons, researchers, operating room staff, hospital managers, industry partners, and policymakers.

Updated Guidelines for Atopic Dermatitis—AAAAI/ACAAI Joint Task Force

This Viewpoint discusses the updated guidelines from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI)/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Joint Task Force on atopic dermatitis (eczema) management.

Sustainability in surgical practice: a collaborative call toward environmental sustainability in operating rooms

BackgroundThe healthcare system plays a pivotal role in environmental sustainability, and the operating room (OR) significantly contributes to its overall carbon footprint. In response to this critical challenge, leading medical societies, government bodies, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders are taking measures to address healthcare sustainability and its impact on climate change. Healthcare now represents almost 20% of the US national economy and 8.5% of US carbon emissions. Internationally, healthcare represents 5% of global carbon emissions. US Healthcare is an outlier in both per capita cost, and per capita greenhouse gas emission, with almost twice per capita emissions compared to every other country in the world.MethodsThe Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) and the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) established the Sustainability in Surgical Practice joint task force in 2023. This collaborative effort aims to actively promote education, mitigation, and innovation, steering surgical practices toward a more sustainable future.ResultsSeveral key initiatives have included a survey of members' knowledge and awareness, a scoping review of terminology, metrics, and initiatives, and deep engagement of key stakeholders.DiscussionThis position paper serves as a Call to Action, proposing a series of actions to catalyze and accelerate the surgical sustainability leadership needed to respond effectively to climate change, and to lead the societal transformation towards health that our times demand.

Self-defence and Counterinsurgency: A Contextual Analysis of the Mandate of the Civilian Joint Taskforce (CJTF) in North-East Nigeria

Self-defence and Counterinsurgency: A Contextual Analysis of the Mandate of the Civilian Joint Taskforce (CJTF) in North-East Nigeria

Pearls for practice from the 2023 allergy immunology joint task force on practice parameters GRADE and institute of medicine based atopic dermatitis guidelines.

To review the updated 2023 Allergy Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters (JTFPP) GRADE and Institute of Medicine (IOM) Based Guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis. Topical corticosteroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors are recommended in individuals with atopic dermatitis refractory to moisturizer alone and may be used to maintain remission after acute flare control is achieved. Calcineurin inhibitors are a class of immunosuppressants used to effectively manage different autoimmune disorders. Bleach baths and allergen immunotherapy may be beneficial for individuals with moderate-to-severe disease, while elimination diets, azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and systemic corticosteroids are not recommended. Dupilumab is strongly recommended for refractory atopic dermatitis. Oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors carry significant risks; however, this class of medicines may be considered in cases of severe or refractory atopic dermatitis with intolerance to dupilumab. Patient preferences regarding cost, availability, feasibility, and tolerability should be integrated into all treatment plans using a shared decision-making approach. The 2023 JTFPP Atopic Dermatitis Guidelines offer up-to-date guidance for the management of atopic dermatitis of varying severity in infants, children, and adults.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists as add-on therapy to antihistamines for urticaria: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BackgroundThe benefits and harms of adding antileukotrienes to H1-antihistamines for the management of urticaria (hives, itch, and/or angioedema) remain unclear. ObjectiveWe sought to systematically synthesize the treatment outcomes of antileukotrienes in combination with H1-antihistamines versus H1-antihistamines alone for acute and chronic urticaria. MethodsAs part of updating American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters urticaria guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, LILACS, WPRIM, IBECS, ICTRP, CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, FDA, and EMA databases from inception to December 18th, 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating antileukotrienes and H1-antihistamines versus H1-antihistamines alone in patients with urticaria. Paired reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Random effects models pooled effect estimates for urticaria activity, itch, wheal, sleep, quality of life, and harms. The GRADE approach informed certainty of evidence ratings. Open Science Framework registration: https://osf.io/h2bfx/. ResultsThirty-four RCTs enrolled 3,324 children and adults. Compared to H1-antihistamines alone, the combination of a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) with H1-antihistamines probably modestly reduces urticaria activity (mean difference: -5.04, 95%CI -6.36 to -3.71; 7-day Urticaria Activity Score) with moderate certainty. We made similar findings for itch and wheal severity, and quality of life. Adverse events were probably not different between groups (moderate certainty), however, no RCT reported on neuropsychiatric adverse events. ConclusionAmong patients with urticaria, adding LTRAs to H1-antihistamines probably modestly improves urticaria activity with little to no increase in overall adverse events. The added risk of neuropsychiatric adverse events in this population with LTRAs is small and uncertain.

Anaphylaxis in Practice: A Guide to the 2023 Practice Parameter Update

This review summarizes new research developments and clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis presented in the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters 2023 Anaphylaxis practice parameter Update. It is intended to serve as a high-level summary of the 2023 practice parameter, which makes clinically impactful recommendations based on evidence that has emerged since the 2015 practice parameter. We invite clinicians to explore the full 2023 practice parameter to understand the research methods and underlying evidence that have informed the recommendations summarized here. There are new and evolving diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis, rules for defining elevated tryptase levels, and recognition of signs and symptoms particular to infants and toddlers. The administration of epinephrine should not be used as a surrogate to diagnose anaphylaxis. Risk factors for anaphylaxis should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Patient counseling and shared decision-making are essential to support patients' treatment decisions and capacity to manage the risk of anaphylaxis at home and in other community settings. Activation of emergency medical services after home epinephrine administration may not be required in all cases, and patients should be engaged in shared decision-making to determine when home management may be appropriate.

Multi-National Joint Task Force and the Fight against Boko-Haram Insurgency: A study of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon Republics

Multi-National Joint Task Force and the Fight against Boko-Haram Insurgency: A study of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon Republics

Marine Corps and Space Force Integration for a More Lethal Joint Task Force to Counter China

The objective of this article is to highlight the unique capabilities of the Marine Corps and Space Force and how they can function as part of a Joint Task Force (JTF) operating within U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). More importantly, it aims to discuss the need to establish a Joint force structure and package that minimizes the risk should the United States need to quickly shift from competition to a crisis or, worse, conflict with China. Determining command relationships, allocated resources, and authorities as part of a JTF structure and package will be critical to quickly transition such a force in response to a crisis or engage the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in conflict.

A novel model of inter-institutional, peer-led, competency-based, interactive workshops for continuing education and professional development of clinical research professionals.

Clinical research requires a competent workforce of clinical research professionals (CRPs) who are well-trained to perform varied and complex tasks within their roles. The Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency (JTF) framework established essential domains for conducting high-quality clinical research that can guide professional development of CRPs. The Research Professionals Network (RPN) Workshops were established in 2017 to focus on developing ongoing inter-institutional, peer-led, JTF-centric continuing education for CRPs. Four institutions and their affiliates are part of the collaboration. Workshop participant survey data and other metrics were collected over four academic years. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to assess participant experience and identify relevant themes. Participants demonstrated overall high satisfaction with the workshops and significantly value the interpersonal, inter-institutional collaboration made possible through the workshops. These inter-institutional RPN Workshops have evolved into a Community of Practice, which can be expanded into future opportunities.

Digitally-enabled, person-centred care (PCC) in allergen immunotherapy: An ARIA-EAACI Position Paper.

In rhinitis and asthma, several mHealth apps have been developed but only a few have been validated. However, these apps have a high potential for improving person-centred care (PCC), especially in allergen immunotherapy (AIT). They can provide support in AIT initiation by selecting the appropriate patient and allergen shared decision-making. They can also help in (i) the evaluation of (early) efficacy, (ii) early and late stopping rules and (iii) the evaluation of (carried-over) efficacy after cessation of the treatment course. Future perspectives have been formulated in the first report of a joint task force (TF)-Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)-on digital biomarkers. The TF on AIT now aims to (i) outline the potential of the clinical applications of mHealth solutions, (ii) express their current limitations, (iii) make proposals regarding further developments for both clinical practice and scientific purpose and (iv) suggest which of the tools might best comply with the purpose of digitally-enabled PCC in AIT.

Scenarios for a Scaling-up System for Organic Cassava Production in the Mekong River Basin: A Foresight Approach

Organic cassava flour and products are in high demand. However, the expansion of organic cassava (OCS) production is rather slow. To increase OCS production, extension workers, cassava flour mills, farmers, and researchers have been collaborating to support the farmers, but the planted areas have remained limited. This research aimed at understanding the current issues in scaling up the organic cassava production. The findings were subsequently used to formulate scenarios and recommendations for the collaborative scale-up of organic cassava production in the Mekong River Basin (MRB). We carried out a six-step foresight process with leaders of organic cassava farmers, the staff of organic cassava flour mills and factories, extension workers, the staff of research agencies, and local policy makers in Thailand. The results revealed two key factors or drivers of changes, namely, the degree of collaboration among stakeholders using multiple-view scenarios or a single-view situation and the degree of learning and communication about OCS that future stakeholders are likely to experience. Four possible scenarios for a scaling-up system of OCS production in the MRB were developed. The foresight process allowed for recognizing multiple views and opinions about the OCS production scaling-up process, considered as a whole system. The system was found to consist of various interdependent components. The process highlighted the need to increase the capacity and opportunities for productive collaboration in research and development. We concluded that the MRB members should issue a policy formulating a joint task force to coordinate the existing institutions’ plans and resources towards an actionable OCS production scaling-up system for the MRB in 2030.

Understanding the Performance, Survival and Collapse of African Ad Hoc Military Coalitions

ABSTRACT Ad hoc coalitions offer flexible responses to Africa’s security challenges. This article provides a comparative study of two such groupings: the Multinational Joint Task Force, which has endured, and the G5 Sahel Joint Force, which has collapsed. To explain these divergent outcomes, we begin by assessing and comparing the performance capabilities of these coalitions. We then review the “classic account” of their (under)performance, which focuses on the role of external support in sustaining coalitions. Finally, we use an organized hypocrisy lens to show how external funding only ensures a coalition’s sustainability if, firstly, political relations between participating countries and between them and donors align; and secondly, the decoupling between discourse and performance does not become too great.

The competency index for clinical research professionals: a potential tool for competency-based clinical research academic program evaluation.

Accreditation of graduate academic programs in clinical research requires demonstration of program achievement of Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competence-based standards. Evaluation of graduate programs include enrollment, student grades, skills-based outcomes, and completion rates, in addition to other measures. Standardized measures of competence would be useful. We used the Competency Index for Clinical Research Professionals (CICRP), in a separate-sample pretest-posttest study to measure self-confidence or self-efficacy in clinical research competency comparing cohorts of students entering and completing a master's degree program in clinical research across three semesters (summer 2021 - spring 2022). CICRP is a 20-item Likert scale questionnaire (0 = Not at all confident; 10 = extremely confident). The study sample of 110 students (54 in the entry course, 56 in the exit course) showed overall 80.9% entered the program with only a baccalaureate degree and 55.5% had no prior experience in managing clinical trial research. Cronbach alpha for the instrument showed a high level of content validity (range 0.93-0.98). Median CICRP item rating range at entry was [1, 6] and at exit [7, 10]. Mean CICRP total score (sum of 20 items) at entry was 72.7 (SD 41.9) vs. 167.0 (SD 21.1) at exit (p < 0.001). Mean total score at program entry increased with increasing years of clinical trial management experience but attenuated at program exit. This is the first use of the CICRP for academic program evaluation. The CICRP may be a useful tool for competency-based academic program evaluation, in addition to other measures of program excellence.

How ad hoc coalitions deinstitutionalize international institutions

Abstract As ad hoc coalitions (AHCs) proliferate, particularly on the African continent, two questions crystallize. First, what consequences do they bring about for the existing institutional security landscape? And second, how can the trend of AHCs operating alongside instead of inside international organizations be captured and explored conceptually? To answer these questions, we closely examine the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) fighting Boko Haram and its changing relationship to the African Union. Through the case-study and a review of policy and academic literatures, the article launches the concept of deinstitutionalization and how it can be characterized. We identify three features of deinstitutionalization: AHCs can bypass standard procedures for decision-making processes, whittle down established institutional scripts and shift resource allocations. We detail how the AHCs contribute to changing practices of financing international peace and security operations, with an examination of European Union and United Nations policies and practices. In sum, the article unwraps processes of deinstitutionalization and identifies three forms of rationales for this process: lack of problem-solving capacity, limited adaptability and path dependency.