Underage Individuals Research Articles

Reproductive biology of Syngnathus schlegeli on the coast of Zhaitang Island

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 青岛斋堂岛附近海域薛氏海龙繁殖生物学 DOI: 作者: 作者单位: 中国海洋大学 教育部海水养殖重点实验室, 山东 青岛 266003 作者简介: 黄玉喜(1992-),男,硕士研究生,研究方向为资源增殖学.E-mail:huangyuxi92@163.com 通讯作者: 中图分类号: S917 基金项目: 海洋公益性行业科研专项（201405010）. Reproductive biology of Syngnathus schlegeli on the coast of Zhaitang Island Author: Affiliation: Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education;Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:根据2015年3-5月在青岛斋堂岛附近海域使用张网采集的1250尾薛氏海龙（）样本，分析了该水域薛氏海龙的性比、副性征、性腺指数、性腺成熟度与卵径、育儿袋中胚胎等繁殖生物学特征。结果表明，青岛斋堂岛附近海域薛氏海龙春季繁殖种群雌雄比例分别为63.28%和36.24%，未成年个体占0.48%，雌雄比为1.75：1，明显偏离1：1的性别比例；繁殖群体中雄性个体的性腺指数始终保持在较低水平，为0.01%~4.85%，雌性个体相对较高，为0.05%~128.99%，二者差异极显著（<0.01）；组织学观察发现，性腺在3-5月份迅速发育成熟，雄性排精后精巢腔中仍剩余较多精细胞，表明雄性个体为多次排精；雌性Ⅲ~Ⅳ期卵巢中均分布有不同时相的卵子，且卵径分布呈现两个峰值，表明雌性个体为分批产卵；根据雌性个体V期卵巢中成熟卵子的卵粒数与雄性个体育儿袋中的平均怀卵数基本相同，育儿袋中胚胎的发育阶段也基本一致，推测其交配模式可能为一雄一雌制，抑或是雄性在同一天内与多个雌性交配的一雄多雌制。斋堂岛附近海域薛氏海龙的交配模式还有待室内行为观察并结合微卫星标记等手段进一步确认。 Abstract:Twelve hundred and fifty individuals of were sampled from the coast of Zhaitang Island, Qingdao (using stow nets, in 2015), and their sex ratio, secondary sexual characteristics, gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonad maturity levels, egg diameter, and number of embryos in the pouch were examined. The results showed that the abundance of females was higher than that of males in the area, with a total sex ratio of 1.75:1, deviating significantly from a 1:1 sex ratio, and the sample comprised 63.28% females, 36.24% males, and 0.48% underage individuals. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) range in males in the breeding population was maintained at a relatively low level of 0.01% to 4.85%, and the GSI in females ranged from 0.05% to 128.99%, and was significantly different from that of the males (S. schlegeli quickly matured from March to May. After spermiation, some sperm cells remained in the testis of male , showing that multiple spermiation events may occur. In the female breeding groups, different phases of eggs appeared in the stage Ⅲ-VI ovary, and the egg-diameter distribution had two peaks, indicating a multiple-batch spawning pattern. The number of mature eggs in the stage V ovary was in accordance with the number of eggs in the paternal brood bags, and the embryos in the paternal brood bags were at the same stage, suggesting monogamous mating, or polygamy whereby males mated with multiple females on the same day. Evidence for the mating patterns of on the coast of Zhaitang Island needs to be shown by behavioral observation and microsatellite analysis. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Pseudo-Underage Assessment of Compliance With Identification Regulations at Retail Marijuana Outlets in Colorado.

Four states are creating a regulated industry for the retail sale of cannabis products. This pilot study assessed refusal rates of sales to underage-appearing individuals without valid identification (ID) at retail outlets in Colorado. State-licensed retail marijuana outlets (n = 20) in Colorado were included in the sample. Pseudo-underage assessment teams of a buyer and an observer visited each retail outlet once between 11 A.M. and 5 P.M. on four weekdays in August 2015. The observer entered first, performed an unobtrusive environmental scan, and recorded the outcome of the purchase attempt. The buyer attempted to enter the outlet and purchase a cannabis product. If asked for an ID, they did not present one. Once inside, if the clerk offered to sell cannabis, the buyer declined, saying they had insufficient cash, and departed. Most outlets sold both retail and medical marijuana (75%). All outlets (100%) asked the buyer to show an ID. Only one outlet was willing to sell marijuana to the pseudo-underage buyer after the buyer did not provide an ID (95% refusal rate). All outlets (100%) had posted signs stating that an ID was required for entry; approximately half had signs that only individuals 21 years of age or older could enter (55%) and how to properly use marijuana edibles (50%). Compliance with laws restricting marijuana sales to individuals age 21 years or older with a valid ID was extremely high and possibly higher than compliance with restrictions on alcohol sales. The retail market at present may not be a direct source of marijuana for underage individuals, but future research should investigate indirect sales.

In harm's way: tobacco industry revenues from sales to underage tobacco users in India.

In 2010, the global adult tobacco survey (GATS) for India revealed that nearly 40% of current smokers and 42% of current chewers had initiated tobacco use before they were of the legal age (18 years old or over). Global evidence shows that those who initiate earlier have a lower probability of quitting the use of tobacco during their lifetime. In order to sustain its profits, the tobacco industry will make every effort to recruit underage users who become lifelong users of their products. We estimate the consumer expenditure on tobacco products by underage users in India. Using nationally representative data we estimated the number of daily underage tobacco users for a year and their annual expenditure on different types of smoked and chewed tobacco products. There are nearly 4.4 million underage daily tobacco users (age group 15-17 years old) in India. Approximately 7.2% of the population in the 15-17 age group are current daily users of tobacco (0.1% cigarette smokers, 0.5% bidi smokers and 6.6% tobacco chewers). Underage users spend nearly US$16.9 million and US$270.8 million respectively on smoking and chewing tobacco products. There is a substantial expenditure on tobacco products by underage individuals in India. A significant number of new users are added every year that provide an estimate for the size and nature of the future of the tobacco epidemic, one on which the tobacco industry depends on for its sustenance. The government of India's efforts to reduce sale to underage users has had limited effect and needs to be strengthened.

Financial literacy of high school students: Evidence from Germany

ABSTRACTAfter graduating high school, underage individuals soon face ever more complex and important financial decisions. Pivotal to the development of improved financial literacy programs is a comprehensive examination of financial literacy levels and potentially related factors. The authors conducted a survey among German high school students and found similarly weak performances on standard financial literacy measures as have been documented for other samples. Female students and those with a low level of integration exhibit significantly lower financial literacy across measures. Additionally, basic financial literacy is related to mathematical skills, while sophisticated financial literacy is related to a student's general cognitive aptitude and foreign language skills. Subpopulations identified by these factors should be given attention in the development of more targeted financial literacy programs.

A study of child labour in the queen of hills: issues & remedies

The paper encounters two terms or concepts viz. human resources and labour mobility. “Human resources’ refers to the set of individuals who make up the workforce of an organizational business sector or an economy as per to its definition in the dictionary. And the latter i.e. ‘labour mobility’ means the geographical and occupational movement of works which tends to make the entire economy more productive. So conclusively, human resource mobility is the maneuverability of human capital; the diversification of which leads to increased productivity. But does productivity due to mobility justify its means, whether it is the economic welfare of the entire commercial sector or a single entrepreneur? The frequent allusion in context to human resource mobility is this, it is a process in which individuals or groups mobileze to different sections of an economy to suit their educational qualifications or simply needs. What we ought to taken into considerations is that human resource mobility also refers to involuntary and illegal mobilization of underage individuals to suit the requirements of their employers or to increase ‘productivity’. So in the mentioned scenario we are dealing with the crime, the intensity of which is no less than any other i.e. child trafficking. In the lesser Himalayas lies the Queen of Hills better known as Darjeeling. Here child labour prevails masking itself as human resource mobility. The intensity of this practice is left unnoticed by the concerned executives. the Child Welfare Committee of Darjeeling has recoded that in the past year (2011–12) there have been more than fifty of these cases. This paper attempts to highlight the illegal mobility of trafficking of underage individuals from opther parts of India to Darjeeling for domestic and commercial labour, where a certain number of them have had suicidal incidents due to unbearable circumstances. The paper focuses on the reasons behind child trafficking for domestic and commercial exploitation in Darjeeling and the counteract steps that should be taken.

The harm to health of the under-age individuals as an objective criterion for the differentiation of criminal responsibilities for committing non-violent sexual offence against them

The present publication is devoted to the search for the objective criterion for the differentiation of criminal responsibilities for committing non-violent sexual offence against the juveniles under the age of 16 years. It has been shown that the current version of articles 134 and 135 of the criminal code of the Russian Federation does not adequately reflect the true character and the social danger of such actions. The formal methods of the legal, logical, and concrete sociological analysis were employed to substantiate the necessity of differentiation of criminal liability for the non-violent sexual abuse depending on the degree of potential harm to the health of the under-age individuals.

Relationship Between Gambling Severity and Attitudes in Adolescents: Findings from a Population-Based Study.

This study used a nationally representative sample of 14,910 high school adolescents, aged 15-19 years. The large sample size presents a unique opportunity to evaluate firstly the geographical distribution of gambling prevalence, secondly, on a subsample of 5,920 adolescents, we studied the association of "no-problem-gambling", "at-risk gambling" and a relatively rare condition, "problem gambling", with demographic, environmental and behavioral variables. It differs from other studies due to the broad sample, thus enabling the combined analysis of the above variables that typically have only been studied separately. This integrated analysis, involving multiple variables, individual and environmental, allows the control of important covariates. Multivariate analysis showed that at-risk/problem gamblers were more likely to be engaged in behaviors contrary to social rules/law including heavy episodic drinking, tranquillizer/sedatives use as well as to approve gambling and have friends who gamble. It's important to emphasize that risk-perception is not related to gambling. Furthermore, the great geographical variability of at-risk and problem-gambling rates suggest that social aspects have to be considered. Currently universal prevention specifically targeting gambling is lacking, thus an associative model such as social analysis have been implemented in this study, in order to construct the basis for the design of a future prevention program based on scientific results and thus having important implications for implementation within community based activities. Prevention is fundamental: 53.5% of underage individuals have engaged in gambling even though legislation attempts to restrict access.

Estimating the long-term effects of in vitro fertilization in Greece: an analysis based on a lifetime-investment model

ObjectiveTo quantify the economic effects of a child conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) in terms of net tax revenue from the state’s perspective in Greece.MethodsBased on previous international experience, a mathematical model was developed to assess the lifetime productivity of a single individual and his/her lifetime transactions with governmental agencies. The model distinguished among three periods in the economic life cycle of an individual: (1) early life, when the government primarily contributes resources through child tax credits, health care, and educational expenses; (2) employment, when individuals begin returning resources through taxes; and (3) retirement, when the government expends additional resources on pensions and health care. The cost of a live birth with IVF was based on the modification of a previously published model developed by the authors. All outcomes were discounted at a 3% discount rate. The data inputs – namely, the economic or demographic variables – were derived from the National Statistical Secretariat of Greece and other relevant sources. To deal with uncertainty, bias-corrected uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated based on 5000 Monte Carlo simulations. In addition, to examine the robustness of our results, other one-way sensitivity analyses were also employed.ResultsThe cost of IVF per birth was estimated at €17,015 (95% UI: €13,932–€20,200). The average projected income generated by an individual throughout his/her productive life was €258,070 (95% UI: €185,376–€339,831). In addition, his/her life tax contribution was estimated at €133,947 (95% UI: €100,126–€177,375), while the discounted governmental expenses for elderly and underage individuals were €67,624 (95% UI: €55,211–€83,930). Hence, the net present value of IVF was €60,435 (95% UI: €33,651–€94,330), representing a 182% net return on investment. Results remained constant under various assumptions for the main model parameters.ConclusionState-funded IVF may represent good value for money in the Greek setting, since it has positive tax benefits for the government, notwithstanding its beneficial psychological effect on infertile couples.

Young Poker Faces

Gambling is an activity that can be performed on-premise (slot machines in casinos, bars and restaurants) or off-premise (scratch cards and lottery tickets). Although the addictive potential may depend on the specific gambling product, early onset increases the likelihood for future pathological gambling. To delay the onset of gambling behavior and to reduce gambling-related problems, many countries have introduced age limits that should decrease the availability of gambling products to underage individuals. In this study we evaluated compliance to the legal age limit, making use of a mystery shopping method. We distinguished between (1) off-premise scratch cards (n = 51); (2) off-premise lottery tickets (n = 49); (3) on-premise slot machines in casinos (n = 88); and (4) on-premise slot machines in the catering industry (n = 100), and we focus on the factors, such as characteristics of the establishment, buyer, and vendor, that may account for possible differences. The 288 visits demonstrate that gambling products are highly available and accessible to under-aged customers; young customers are still able to gamble despite the legal regulations. The compliance rates fluctuate and appear to be related to the specific gambling product in question. Furthermore, age verification activities and certain outlet- and buyer characteristics, as well as characteristics associated with the purchase attempt, may influence compliance.

Gambling-Related Attitudes and Behaviors in Adolescents Having Received Instant (Scratch) Lottery Tickets as Gifts

Instant (scratch) lottery ticket gambling is popular among adolescents. Prior research has not determined whether adolescents' gambling behavior and attitudes toward gambling are influenced by the receipt of scratch lottery tickets as gifts. Cross-sectional survey data from 2,002 Connecticut high school students with past-year gambling were analyzed using bivariate approaches and logistic regression analyses. Interactions between gambling-problem severity and lottery-gift status were examined in relation to multiple outcomes. Adolescents who received a scratch lottery ticket as a gift compared with those who did not were more likely to report features of problem gambling, buy scratch lottery tickets for themselves, and buy and receive other types of lottery tickets; they were also less likely to report parental disapproval of gambling and to see gambling prevention efforts as important. Later (≥15 years) age-at-gambling-onset was inversely linked to gambling-problem severity in the lottery gift group (odds ratio [OR]= .38) but not in the nongift group (OR= .91), yielding a significant severity by gift status interaction. Other academic, health, and gambling-related correlates of gambling-problem severity were similar in the gift and nongift groups. For adolescents, the receipt of scratch lottery tickets as gifts during childhood or adolescence was associated with risky/problematic gambling and with gambling-related attitudes, behaviors, and views suggesting greater gambling acceptability. The extent to which the receipt of scratch lottery tickets may promote gambling behaviors and the development of gambling problems warrants consideration. Education, prevention, and treatment strategies should incorporate findings relating to receipt of gambling products by underage individuals.

Effectiveness of public health programs for decreasing alcohol consumption.

Excessive alcohol consumption and the associated negative consequences are a major public health concern in the United States and throughout the world. Historically, there have been numerous attempts to develop policies and prevention programs aimed at decreasing high-risk alcohol use. Policy initiatives have demonstrated considerable effectiveness and include changes in the minimum legal drinking age, reductions in acceptable legal limits for blood alcohol concentration while operating a motor vehicle, as well as decreasing availability and access to alcohol for underage individuals. Primary prevention programs that have used exclusively educational approaches have received mixed results. Increasing effectiveness has been associated with prevention programs that have utilized a multi-component approach and have included educational initiatives with environmental changes.

Implementation and impact of a meningococcal C conjugate vaccination program in 13- to 25-year-old individuals in Galicia, Spain

BackgroundIn response to increased case numbers of meningococcal group C disease, catch-up vaccination strategies have been shown to be successful. This paper describes the results of a repeat vaccination program in Galicia, Spain, and the strategy used for it.Methods and resultsThree vaccination waves were performed: first, in 1996/1997 with a meningococcal group A and C polysaccharide vaccine in individuals aged 18 months to 19 years; second, in 2000 with a conjugate serogroup C polysaccharide vaccine in children born since 1993 and all children and adolescents up to 19 years not previously vaccinated; third, a campaign in 2006 that became necessary because of the development of a new Neisseria strain and an increase in both the incidence and lethality of meningococcal C disease. The conjugate vaccine de-O-acetylated group C meningococcal polysaccharide coupled to tetanus toxoid was used (GCMP-TT; brand name, NeisVac-C). Results: Applying a strategy based on model calculations derived from the UK setting and focusing on a population aged 13–25 years, including students, employees of companies, and underage individuals, a total of 286,000 subjects were vaccinated, resulting in global vaccination coverage of 82.2% (all age groups over 74%). Only 17 adverse events in 17 individuals were reported, which all were mild. Incidence of meningococcal disease serogroup C by season was reduced from 0.84 cases per 100,000 in 2004/05 to 0.76 cases per 100,000 in 2005/2006 to 0.18/100,000 in 2007/08. In parallel, mortality was also decreased from 8 cases during 2005/06 (0.29 per 100,000) to 1 case in 2007/2008 (0.03 per 100,000). No cases of breakthrough disease occurred in the vaccinated population.ConclusionIn Galicia, a series of vaccination campaigns, particularly focusing on high-risk groups, has shown high effectiveness, with a marked reduction in the disease incidence in the vaccination cohort accompanied by a relevant reduction in the overall population.

Use of fake identification to purchase alcohol amongst 15-16 year olds: a cross-sectional survey examining alcohol access, consumption and harm

BackgroundDespite legislation and enforcement activities to prevent underage access to alcohol, underage individuals continue to be able to access alcohol and to do so at levels which put them at significant risk of alcohol-related harm.MethodsAn opportunistic survey of 15-16 year olds (n = 9,833) across North West England was used to examine alcohol consumption, methods of access and related harms experienced (such as regretted sex). Associations between these were analysed using chi square and logistic regression techniques.ResultsOver a quarter (28.3%) of 15-16 year old participants who drank reported having bought their own alcohol. One seventh (14.9%) of these owned at least one form of fake identification for which by far the most common purchase method was online. Logistic regression analyses showed that those who owned fake identification were significantly more likely to be male (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.7-2.5; P < 0.001) and to receive a higher personal weekly income (comparing those who received > £30 with those who received ≤ £10: AOR = 3.7; 95% CI = 2.9-4.9; P < 0.001). After taking into account differences in demographic characteristics and personal weekly income, ownership of fake identification was significantly associated with binge drinking (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI = 2.8-4.3; P < 0.001), frequent drinking (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI = 2.5-3.7; P < 0.001) and public drinking (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 2.5-4.1; P < 0.001) compared with those who did not own fake identification. Further, those who reported owning fake identification were significantly more likely to report experiencing a variety of alcohol-related harms such as regretted sex after drinking (chi square, all P < 0.001).ConclusionsYoung people (aged 15-16 years) who have access to fake identification are at a particularly high risk of reporting hazardous alcohol consumption patterns and related harm. Owning fake identification should be considered a risk factor for involvement in risky drinking behaviours. Information on these hazards should be made available to schools and professionals in health, social and judicial services, along with advice on how to best to work with those involved.

The Locus of Message Meaning: Differences between Trained Coders and Untrained Message Recipients in the Analysis of Alcoholic Beverage Advertising

Media scholars often warn against inferring effects when examining media content because message meaning depends on the interpretations of message receivers. Unfortunately, typical message receivers and trained coders conducting content analyses are likely to perceive messages differently because of varying perspectives and processing strategies. Accordingly, this study examined the extent to which trained coders and untrained message receivers converged in their coding of print-based alcohol advertisements. Results from a traditional content analysis of 40 randomly selected print alcohol ads using two sets of trained coders were compared with results from a receiver-oriented message analysis, which used typical message-receivers (n = 520) as coders. Significance tests indicated that message receivers and trained coders disagreed frequently-often dramatically-on virtually all types of content. Of particular interest, message receivers tended to perceive more frequent portrayals of underage individuals, more appeal to underage drinkers, more frequent sexual connotations, more frequent messages that encouraged drinking a lot of alcohol, and fewer moderation messages. The results demonstrate that potential differences in processing strategy and perspective between trained coders and message receivers can lead to very different conclusions that have implications for the understanding of message effects.

Competence to be sentenced

Competence to be sentenced, or lack thereof, is not frequently claimed in legal proceedings. This paper reviews the concept and possible forensic psychiatric applications. This topic has achieved prominence because of recent rulings imposed by the US Supreme Court that prohibit execution of mentally impaired and under-age individuals. The most recent contributions focus on standards for evaluating competence to be sentenced and on analyzing the need for involuntary treatment of those who for psychiatric reasons have lost the capacity to stand trial. Competence to be sentenced may be defined as a component of a general capacity to undergo legal proceedings, beyond just fitness to stand trial. It applies specifically to the time between the moment the process ends and the moment a sentence is rendered. This paper reviews general capacity to participate in legal proceedings as a concept that allows a person to intervene fully in his or her defence in a trial that is just and fair, and the different moments at which mental capacity to proceed may be limited or absent. There are no specific guidelines for evaluating competence to be sentenced, so instead we review the basic criteria for general capacity to participate in legal proceedings, including the capacity to mount a defence, to be sentenced and to serve a sentence. Because forensic evaluations are needed for assessment of capacity, the paper provides guidelines on how to organize the assessment and the report.

Timing of Drinking Initiation: A Trend Study Predicting Drug Use among High School Seniors

A trend study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between onset age of drinking and the use of drugs. Despite the fact that drinking is illegal for teenagers, general acceptance of alcohol use in mid-adolescence prompts many underage individuals to drink. However, an early start in drinking not only suggests a general tolerance for deviance, it also indicates a violation of role definitions. As explained by problem behavior theory, individuals' tolerance of drug use—or the lack of it—may exert an impact on lifetime and on current drug-using behavior. It was hypothesized that the younger individuals are when they start to drink, the more frequently they will engage in drinking and also in illegal drug use. Using the repeat survey data collected in the “Monitoring the Future” project, the present study offered a new method of partially evaluating the generality of the deviance hypothesis. By comparing 21 years of trends seen in the effects of onset age of drinking on the use of different drugs, this study derived some support for the generality of deviance.

The relationship of perceived age and sales of tobacco and alcohol to underage customers.

The ability of store clerks to estimate the age of their customers is critical in preventing illegal sales of tobacco and alcohol to underage individuals. To avoid illegal sales of tobacco products to minors, the Food and Drug Administration created a policy in 1997 requiring store clerks to request identification of anyone perceived to be underage 27. A similar age standard has not been implemented for alcohol. The purpose of this article is to assess whether age 27 is adequate for minimizing tobacco sales to those under age 18 and whether this age is also a useful standard for minimizing illegal alcohol sales to those under age 21. The analysis is based on age estimates from 49 gas station and convenience store clerks. Each clerk estimated ages of 45 people filmed on video whose actual ages ranged from 15 to 29. T-tests, analysis of variance, contingency tables and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Store clerks found it more difficult to estimate ages of female customers than male customers. In addition, the store clerks significantly underestimated age of male customers under 18 and of female customers under 21. In contrast, the clerks significantly overestimated age of customers 21 years and older. Among underage customers, the store clerks' age, gender, work experience, education, and training in requesting identification had no influence on ability to judge age, nor did it have a strong influence on whether an underage customer was considered 18 or older or 21 or older. The results suggest that age 27 is adequate for minimizing illegal tobacco sales. Adoption of a similar or slightly older age may be appropriate for minimizing illegal alcohol sales.