Risky Activities Research Articles

Motivational Enhancement System for Adherence (MESA) for Adolescents and Young Adults Newly Recommended to Start Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Adolescents and young adults (age 13 - 24) accounted for 20% of HIV diagnoses in the United States and 6 dependent areas in 2020. Optimal treatment adherence during adolescence and young adulthood decreases the pool of infectious individuals during the risky sexual activity commonly reported among AYAs living with HIV. Adolescents and young adults newly recommended to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) were recruited, nationally, from seven clinical sites. At each clinical site, participants were randomized to receive a two-session (baseline and 1- month) online intervention. For the Motivational Enhancement System for Health (MESA) intervention condition, based on the principles of motivational interviewing, participants received ART information and personalized feedback + ART standard of care (n = 86), while for the System for Health (SH) control condition, participants received information on healthy eating and physical activity + ART standard of care (n = 66). Adherence was 21% greater in the MESA intervention group compared to the SH control group at 6 months. Additionally, the MESA intervention group was significantly more adherent during the post intervention, and was more likely to maintain viral suppression up to 12 months after initiating ART if both doses of the intervention were received compared to the SH control group. A brief, scalable online computer-delivered intervention shows promise for achieving long-term health outcomes due to improved adherence when intervention occurs early in the course of treatment.

Dynamic Interplay of Online Risk and Resilience in Adolescence (DIORA): a protocol for a 12-month prospective observational study testing the associations among digital activity, affective and cognitive reactions and depression symptoms in a community sample of UK adolescents

IntroductionThe impact of digital activity on adolescent mental health has been difficult to assess because of methodological limitations and a lack of strong theory. Dynamic Interplay of Online Risk and...

Return to surfing following hip arthroplasty.

To date, no previous studies have explored return to surfing after hip arthroplasty. The objective of this study is to analyse return to a risky activity following hip arthroplasty. A retrospective chart review was conducted on all primary total hip arthroplasties (THA) and hip resurfacing arthroplasties (HRA) performed by the senior author from 2014 to 2021. Patients identified as surfers were contacted to complete a survey including surfing history and patient-reported outcomes. 83 hips in 67 patients were contacted. There were 66 THAs and 17 HRAs. 81 hips were performed through a posterior approach and 2 through an anterior approach. At an average of 67 months, there were no dislocations and no patients reported hip pain while surfing. Time to resume surfing was a median of 16 (range 8-144) weeks. Among 13 patients who did not return to surfing, 8 cited new lifestyle restrictions, 4 attributed it to other arthritic joints, and only 1 patient attributed their limitation to the replaced hip. This group had taken significantly more time off from surfing prior to surgery. Return to surfing following THA and HRA is common and safe in our study population with no complications and specifically no dislocations. Patients with other sites of arthritis and patients who have more extensive time away from surfing prior to surgery are less likely to return to sport. While surfing is clearly not without risk, patients can generally expect a high rate of successful return to surfing after hip arthroplasty.

Do risk disclosures enhance the efficacy of regulatory and supervisory frameworks in restricting banks’ risk-taking?

This study examines the impact of stringent regulatory and supervisory frameworks, as well as enhanced risk disclosure practices, on banks’ risk-taking behavior. We analyze a sample of banks from twelve European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) over the period from 2000 to 2020. Our findings demonstrate a significant decrease in banks’ inclination to engage in risky behavior when they are subjected to strict regulatory and supervisory frameworks, alongside increased disclosure of risk management practices. Moreover, the implementation of comprehensive risk disclosures, as a supplementary tool for banking regulation and supervision, effectively reduces banks’ tendency to engage in risky activities. The results of our study remain robust across various checks conducted for each hypothesis.

‘The Body Carries the Border’ – A Somatechnical Approach to Borderscape Violence

In bio-/necropolitical accounts, the border penetrates and insists on, that is, transforms, the bodies of people on the move, marking the constitutive violence of sovereignty-based hospitality or hostility. What is largely conceptually neglected in such accounts, however, is the subversive and risky activity of people on the move who themselves are insisting on the border by outsmarting and transgressing it. Extensions of bio-/necropolitics focusing on the debilitating aspects of state violence show how the border extends beyond a liminal status that reproduces binaries – such as exclusion/inclusion, (non-)citizenship, and (il-)legality) – thereby enabling a recentring of people on the move as agents. This paper seeks to (re-)formulate the idea of a ‘border-as-assemblage’ by offering a somatechnical reading of border transgression. The body on the move forms part of this assemblage as it challenges and reproduces the border across different technoscapes. In particular, I focus on the scene of the forensic examination room where people on the move must prove their deservingness by exposing their bodies to a medicalising-moralising gaze. This scene forms the entrance point to a consideration of the somatechnical entanglements giving shape to the assemblage of the migrant body. I reflect also on how somatechnics could be mobilised to think the body as a potential site of struggle against this (physically and epistemically) violent objectification and, in so doing, offer new perspectives on border resistance through refusal and as claim to opacity.

The impact of increased risk on civil liability for property damage

In the article, the author substantiates the expediency of liability even in the absence of fault for damage caused by activities or objects that carry an increased risk of causing property damage to other subjects. It is noted that civil legislation consists mainly of norms aimed at positive regulation, establishing the rules of lawful behavior. The will and awareness of the fulfillment of duties, laid down in the norms of civil legislation, are directed precisely at lawful behavior. The will and awareness as prerequisites for the entry of persons into the civil circulation determine legal regulation and give the behavior of persons, in accordance with the established norm, legal significance. The possibility of choice, which a person realizes in the permitted activity, is connected with the will. In turn, choice is often directly or relatively based on risk as an element of decision making. In the course of the study, a conclusion was formed that in accordance with the distributive manifestation of the principle of justice of tort liability in civil law (distributive justice), the distribution of burdens and benefits of useful, but risky types of activities should take place as follows. The one who receives the benefits and has to bear the burden is the price of co-existence in the social world. It is unfair if the subject of risky activity will transfer the burden of loss from such activity to the victims, leaving only the benefit behind. Normative ascertainment in a number of cases of no-fault liability is dictated precisely by the just desire to restore the violated property sphere of the victim at the expense of the person who caused the damage, who risked engaging in an activity that creates an increased danger for others, and who was aware that the implementation of this activity could lead to accidental damage. It should be noted that the above-mentioned arguments for the implementation of the principle of justice, according to which «the one who increases the danger for those present above the usual level through his activities, must also bear responsibility for this increase», are also relevant in the course of defining other types of special torts. Particularly in cases of civil liability in the field of providing medical services. A certain medical activity carried out using X-ray or laser devices, to a large extent, always contains an increased risk of unforeseen complications due to the impossibility of full control over it by medical professionals; therefore it is quite appropriate to attribute such activity to the source of increased danger.

Parents’ Perception of Risk in Play: Associations with Parent and Child Gender

Allowing children the opportunity to take risks in their play may provide learning experiences that benefit children’s health and well-being. Parents’ perception of risk in children’s play may affect their behaviour and, in turn, their child’s risk-taking opportunities. This paper examines whether parent and child gender are associated with parents’ perceptions of risk in children’s play and whether any gender differences hold after controlling for parent anxiety. Data were collected from 88 parent dyads who were parents to preschool-aged children in England. Parent gender differences were found, with mothers perceiving greater risk in children’s risky play activities than fathers. Child gender was not significantly related to parents’ perception of risk. These findings are important for informing the development of programmes and advice designed to encourage parents to support their children’s outdoor, risky play. Specifically, they indicate that, for mothers in particular, support around perceiving risk and risk-reframing might help parents to give their child the opportunity to play in this way.

Analysis of the Institutional Risk of The Halal Supply Chain in The Potato Chips Micro Scale using The SCOR Methods

Abstract The agropolitan city of Batu is ready to boost the number of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) each year through its flagship product, potato chips. Throughout the supply chain, potato chips can change from halal to non-halal due to contamination by non-halal materials, production processes that do not comply with halal criteria (SJPH), and no separation of halal and non-halal products during storage and distribution. This research aims to illustrate institutional risks in the halal supply chain for the potato chip MSME cluster using the SCOR method. SSOP and GMP are added to strengthen the analysis. Key actors in the halal supply chain institution include suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers. The study identifies several risky activities that threaten the halal integrity of potato chip products. Using the SCOR method for risk mapping in the halal supply chain institution resulted in 69 risk events and 70 risk agents. The potential risks in the halal supply chain for potato chips occur mainly at the manufacturer level (70% of the total risk events). They are most prevalent in the production process variable. The majority of risk agents in micro-scale businesses are related to the implementation of PPH, SJPH, SSOP, and food safety.

Effectiveness of Outreach and Assistance on the Quality of Female Sex Workers' Reproductive Health Care

Female sex workers (FSWs) are women who rent themselves out for the enjoyment of others and expect a reward or wage. PSPs are women who work daily by selling or renting their bodies, either directly, indirectly or freelance. This work certainly has an impact on their reproductive health, because this profession involves risky sexual activities. Risky sexual activity is any sexual activity that has a negative impact, such as unwanted pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted infections. The purpose of this study is to conduct outreach and assistance for FSWs to prevent sexually transmitted infections. The research method used design with a cross-sectional approach. Subjects in the Rainbow Foundation of Maluku Ambon assisted community. The results of this study show that outreach and assistance programs are very effective in efforts to prevent sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers.

Longitudinal associations between positive parenting and youths’ engagement in sexting behaviors: The mediating role of filial self-efficacy beliefs

Youths who enter emerging adulthood with a background of familial relations grounded in positive parent-child interactions are better equipped to cope with transitional stressors, to voice effectively their opinions with parents, and to resist engaging in risky activities. However, little is known about the longitudinal associations between positive parenting, filial self-efficacy beliefs and youths' engagement in sexting behaviors. This study examined if positive parenting (mothers' and fathers' reports at children ages 13, 14, and 15) were related to youths' engagement in sexting behaviors (child's reports at age 19) both directly and indirectly, through adolescents perceived filial self-efficacy beliefs (child's reports at age 18). Participants included 194 Italian children (MAgeAtTime1 = 13.54, 52.6% girls), their mothers (n = 193), and fathers (n = 150), who provided data across five waves over seven years. The mediation model was tested through a path analysis. Overall, results showed that, controlling for child gender and family SES, the effect of positive parenting on sexting behaviors was fully mediated by higher levels of perceived filial self-efficacy beliefs. The study reveals filial self-efficacy beliefs as central to the benefits conveyed to teens by parents in reducing their sexting behaviors.

Validation of an Instrument That Measures Factors Affecting Saudi Parents' Tolerance of Risky Play: A Rasch Analysis.

Benefits of children's participation in risky play are broadly recognized. However, most related research originates in Western countries; none focuses on outdoor play in Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, although the literature identifies varying perspectives on risky play among parents, there is no objective measure to assess personal, situational, and cultural factors shaping their risk tolerance. To establish the construct validity and internal reliability of data gathered with the newly developed Factors Affecting Tolerance for Risk in Play Scale (FAC-TRiPS). Instrument development. Online survey. Ninety Saudi parents with children ages 7 to 10 yr. The FAC-TRiPS, a 17-item, self-report measure. We used Rasch analysis (Winsteps 4.4.4) to establish evidence for construct validity (item fit, match of item difficulty and parent tolerance, principal-components results) and internal reliability (person reliability index). Item fit analysis revealed that data from 15 of 17 items (88%) conformed to Rasch model expectations. Item difficulty closely matched parents' risk tolerance level. The principal-components analysis of residuals demonstrated that observed variance (49.6%) closely matched expected variance (49.7%). The first contrast's unexplained variance had an eigenvalue slightly greater than 2.5, suggesting possible multidimensionality. The person reliability index was .90. Preliminary analysis suggests that the FAC-TRiPS yields valid, reliable data measuring factors that influence parents' risk tolerance. Further research is needed. Plain-Language Summary: This study contributes to the knowledge of how parents in Eastern countries perceive risky play. The Factors Affecting Tolerance for Risk in Play Scale (FAC-TRiPS) is a newly developed tool that occupational therapy practitioners can use to understand parents' beliefs about and tolerance for their children's participation in risky play. The findings facilitate an understanding of the complex nature of parenting when determining whether to allow children to participate in risky play activities.

Internet use and risky online activities in children with developmental disorders: parental perspectives

Objectives This study aimed to identify Internet use and risky online activities in children with developmental disorders from the viewpoint of parents. Methods This descriptive study was carried out with the parents of 407 children, aged between 6 and 17, who were receiving educational and rehabilitation support at the special education and rehabilitation centers. A questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data and information on risky online activities was used to collect data. Results Mobile phones are the preferred device for 89.1% of children to access the Internet. The average age for starting to use a smartphone is 4.57 ± 2.10 years. Most commonly, children use the Internet for playing games (86.5%), listening to music (73.9%), and watching videos (69%). Risky online activities were noted while using the Internet, including revealing actual names (69.8%), submitting personal photos (90.6%), sharing personal photos with others (93.8%), and divulging the streets of their neighborhood (46.1%). Conclusions Internet practices of children with developmental disorders are precarious. Thus, it is crucial for parents to assume substantial responsibility in safeguarding children with developmental disorders from risky online activities. Educational programs should be developed to raise awareness and encourage responsible use of the Internet in order to promote healthy digital literacy.

Impacts of Advanced Vehicle Technologies and Risk Attitudes on Distracted Driving Behaviors

Despite concerns over distracted driving, many Americans still engage in risky activities while driving, leading to crashes and fatal outcomes. This study aims to investigate the impact of individual risk attitudes and in-vehicle technologies on various types of distracted driving behaviors (DDB), providing insights into the factors that contribute to an increased likelihood of DDB and enhancing an understanding of the effects of advanced vehicle technologies (AVT) on driver behavior. The analysis leverages self-reported survey questionnaire data from a nationally representative sample of participants. To assess the relationships between the variables, exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used. The findings revealed that the presence of AVT and individual risk attitudes each predicted DDB. The presence of driver-assist and safety features did, however, lead to some degree of decreased distracted driving. Convenience features, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, were most likely to increase DDB, highlighting the need for the design of AVT systems to minimize distracted driving while leveraging the benefits of technology. The data also indicate that other factors affect DDB. Notably, younger individuals engaged in more DDB compared with older individuals, and individuals who drive more frequently and for longer distances also exhibited a higher frequency of DDB. Factors such as driving experience and exposure also affected DDB, with driving exposure having a more substantial influence.

Arbitraging the Yield Curve: A Free Lunch?

Banking crises can occur due to the mismatch of assets and liabilities. One of the main assumptions behind maturity mismatching is the incentive to arbitrage the yield curve in the market of loanable funds. Banks borrow at low rates and lend at higher rates to increase their profitability. The equilibrium in the evenly rotating economy (ERE) is a flat yield curve that equals the originary interest rate. This article challenges the notion that banks will always attempt to arbitrage the yield curve in a free market and explores how the price mechanism via interest rates acts as a brake to maturity mismatching. Maturity mismatching is a risky activity that is penalized through a higher cost of funding by different types of lenders. If this is true, it follows that a flat yield curve is not attainable in an uncertain world because financial intermediaries that engage in maturity mismatching will create a further spread between themselves and financial intermediaries that do not engage in this practice in the market of loanable funds. In addition, following Mises, the article discusses how economists should proceed with caution when applying equilibrium constructs, such as the ERE, which can disregard the function and properties, belonging to financial instruments such as debt and equity, of allocating risk in an uncertain world.

Rank, stress, and risk: A conjecture

A perception at the core of studies that consider the link between social rank and stress (typically measured by the so-called stress hormone cortisol) is that the link is direct. Examples of such studies are Bartolomucci (2007), Beery and Kaufer (2015), and Koolhaas et al. (2017). A recent and stark representation of this body of work is a study by Smith-Osborne et al. (2023), who state that “social hierarchies directly influence stress status” (Smith-Osborne et al. p. 1537, italics added). In the present paper, we reflect on this “direct” perspective. We conjecture that the link between social rank and stress involves an intervening variable: an indirect relationship arises when the loss of rank triggers a behavioral response in the form of risk taking aimed at regaining rank, and it is the engagement in risk-taking behavior that is the cause of an elevated level of cortisol. Smith-Osborne et al., as well as others whose papers are cited by Smith-Osborne et al. and who, like Creel (2001) and Avitsur et al. (2006), conducted comprehensive research on the association between rank (social standing) and stress, do not refer to risk taking at all. We present four strands of research that lend support to our conjecture: evidence that in response to losing rank, individuals are stressed; evidence that in response to losing rank, individuals resort to risk-taking behavior aimed at regaining their lost rank; evidence that there exists a link between engagement in risky activities or exposure to risk and elevated levels of cortisol; and an analytical perspective on incidence and intensity, namely a perspective that shows how the willingness to take risks responds to a change in rank, specifically, how a loss of rank triggers a greater willingness to take risks and how this trigger is stronger for individuals whose rank is higher.

PENILAIAN RISIKO DAN STRATEGI MITIGASI PADA RANTAI PASOK INDUSTRI BATIK TULIS ORGANIK : Studi Kasus

The organic batik tulis (hand-written batik) product is a new challenge in the batik industry since it uses natural dyes, which aligns with their mission not to damage the environment. It is vital to assess risks and mitigation strategies in the supply chain so that companies are aware and can anticipate the impact of these risks. This research aimed to identify and evaluate activities that could cause risks along the supply chain route of the organic batik tulis industry, determine risk priorities, and formulate mitigation strategies using the Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA). The research results would show risky supply chain activities involving the government, suppliers, companies, and distributors. Furthermore, activities with the highest risk would be determined, as well as developing a mitigation strategy prioritizing raw materials, technological modifications, resources, and infrastructure. The research results show 20 risk activities in the organic batik tulis supply chain, comprising six risks from suppliers, seven from processes, and seven from distributors. The highest risk was in the (1) process, which was the risk of the impact of natural dye waste on the water environment, and in the (2) distributors, which was the risk of damaged packaging. The mitigation strategy will focus on technology, human resources, and infrastructure.

Cannabis use and its psychosocial correlates among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone

BackgroundIn Sierra Leone, adolescents are increasingly engaging in risky activities, including cannabis use, which can lead to substance abuse, poor academic performance, and psychotic symptoms. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of cannabis use among school-going adolescents in the country.MethodData for the study was sourced from the 2017 Sierra Leone Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), a nationally representative survey conducted among adolescents aged 10-19 years using a multistage sampling methodology. A weighted sample of 1,467 adolescents in Sierra Leone was included in the study. The study utilised bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors linked to cannabis use, presenting results using adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsThe prevalence of cannabis use was 5.1% [3.0,8.6] among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone. School-going adolescents who attempted suicide [aOR = 6.34, 95% CI = 1.71–23.45], used amphetamine [aOR = 15.84, 95% CI = 7.94–31.62] and were involved in sexual risk behaviour [aOR = 5.56, 95% CI = 2.18–14.20] were more likely to be associated with cannabis use.ConclusionIn Sierra Leone, a small but non-trivial minority of students use cannabis. Ever-used amphetamines or methamphetamines, suicidal attempts, and sexual risk behaviour were the factors associated with cannabis use in Sierra Leone. The development of school-based health intervention programmes is crucial to address the risk factors associated with cannabis use among school-going adolescents.

A new framework for exploration of transportation maintenance-related prevalent work injuries, hazardous activities, and effectiveness of ergonomic solutions in the United States

The transportation industry involves various ergonomic injuries caused by activities exceeding workers’ capabilities. Although the construction industry has been thoroughly studied regarding work-­related injuries, hazardous activities, and effective ergonomic solutions, there is a lack of such research in the transportation sector. However, injuries, risky activities, and effectiveness of solutions may be different in transportation activities due to different work duration, intensity, and frequency. Thus, this research intends to explore the common work-related injuries, hazardous transportation activities, and the effectiveness of ergonomic solutions for transportation maintenance workers. This thorough examination incorporated historical injury records, online surveys, in-person site observations, and field experiments. Specifically, a preliminary list was first created based on transportation workers’ historical injury data, including common injured worker positions, injury types, activities causing most injures, and potential risk factors. An online survey was then designed to identify work-related injuries and activities. Following observations, field experiments involved 29 transportation maintenance workers. Back injuries emerged as the most prevalent when engaging in lifting and pushing/pulling tasks. Using a back exoskeleton can eliminate physical fatigue risks when lifting weights of 50 pounds or more. In addition, lifting lighter loads (31.5 pounds) can significantly reduce the risk of injuries.

Gender differences in child sexual abuse in China: Examining the mediation and moderation effects

Mixed findings exist regarding gender differences in child sexual abuse (CSA) in China. A large representative sample of 14,564 children, aged 14–18, from five major Chinese cities, was used to investigate gender differences in CSA by examining the mediating effects of risky lifestyle activities and the moderating role of repeated victimization. Multinomial logit regression models were employed, with direct and indirect CSA as dependent variables, and gender and risky lifestyle activities as independent variables. Of the respondents, 7.5 percent reported at least one incidence of one-time or repeated CSA in the past year. Boys showed a higher risk of experiencing both direct and indirect repeated CSA compared to girls. Risky lifestyle activities had a statistically significant mediating effect on the gender–CSA relationship. Additionally, statistically significant moderating effects of repeated victimization were observed. Effective strategies to address CSA could include screening the forms and frequency of one-time incidence CSAs. Furthermore, gender-specific prevention and intervention programs targeting adolescents' risky lifestyle activities should be implemented.

Driving and mobile phone use: Work addiction predicts hazardous but not excessive mobile phone use in a longitudinal study of young adults.

Work addiction (WA), characterized by dimensions such as overcommitment, difficulties in detachment from work, and work-life imbalance, is presumed to be associated with increased smartphone usage, even during risky activities like driving. The study investigated the connection between WA and future problematic and hazardous smartphone use, considering personality factors: anxiety, rumination, and worry. A three-wave longitudinal study (N=1,866) was conducted from March to July 2019, June to September 2020, and June to November 2021, involving a representative sample of 18-34-year-old residents in Hungary's capital. The study employed Hungarian versions of the Bergen Work Addiction Scale, Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire, Ruminative Response Scale, Anxiety subscale of the Brief Symptom Inventory 18, and Penn-State Worry Questionnaire. Additionally, author-developed questions on mobile phone use while driving were included. At baseline, those at risk for WA showed more frequent mobile phone use while driving at both time points 2 and 3 compared to the non-risk group. Path analyses revealed rumination, anxiety at time 1, and worry at time 2 as significant mediators between baseline WA and mobile phone use while driving at time 3. However, when analyzing all three mediators together, only anxiety at time 1 and worry at time 2 remained significant. This study demonstrates that WA predicts future mobile phone use while driving through mediation by anxiety and worry. Our findings add to the growing evidence highlighting the detrimental aspects of WA, emphasizing the need for improved prevention and treatment strategies.