Victimization as a cause of delinquency: The role of depression and gender

Victimization as a correlate of delinquency has been largely neglected in the criminological literature, despite research on Agnew's general strain theory (GST) suggesting that victimization is a type of strain likely to cause delinquency (Agnew, 2002). This study examined the role of depression and gender as potentially indispensable mechanisms in the victimization-delinquency relationship. Findings indicated that victimization has a positive effect on both delinquency and depression, and consistent with a GST explanation, the connection between victimization and delinquency is most pronounced for males with trait depression. This study added to the GST literature by distinguishing between trait and state emotion and by delineating GST predictions regarding each emotional form.     

Visualization and LC/MS analysis of colorless pepper sprays

Pepper sprays are used in a variety of circumstances, including criminal activity, self-defense, and law enforcement. As such, the presence or absence of pepper sprays on evidentiary materials is often important when determining the facts of an incident. When no visible stains are present on evidentiary materials, ascertaining the presence or absence of pepper spray can be a challenge to the forensic analyst. A method, based on a chemical derivatization of capsaicinoids using a diazonium salt, has been developed for the visualization of colorless, ultraviolet (UV) activated fluorescent dye-free pepper sprays on textiles. Identification of both the capsaicinoids and their derivatives is confirmed via extraction of the derivatized capsaicinoids followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. LC/MS analysis is conducted using a YMC Basic column and elution of the compounds using a gradient of 10 mM ammonium formate, pH 4.2 and methanol at 0.35 mL/min. Full-scan MS data are collected for the full 6.5 min LC analysis. Although this method is qualitative in nature, visual detection of as little as 50 microL of a 0.2% pepper spray (equivalent to approximately 0.1 mg) on a variety of garments is possible, and more than adequate signal-to-noise is obtained for reconstructed ion chromatograms on LC/MS analysis at these levels.     

Internet offenders: traders, travelers, and combination trader-travelers

The Internet opens a vast array of communication, entertainment, and educational resources for children; however, it also opens a gateway to home and school for offenders who wish to exploit children. A convenience sample of 225 cases published in the news media was examined. The cases were classified using law enforcement terminology to describe Internet offenders as traders, travelers, or combination trader-travelers. The media is seen as a critical source of information for the public to be aware of how the Internet is being used to commit sexual exploitation and sex crimes against children.     

Green revolution as a planned intervention strategy for agricultural development: A systems perspective

The green revolution was a planned intervention expected to raise cereal-grain production in Third World countries. Use of high yield varieties (HYVs) was to reduce dependence on food imports and bring about food self-sufficiency. Early results were increased overall cereal-grain production, but unforseen and undesirable social and economic consequences. The use of organizational development (OD) analysis of early green revolution results indicates that the initial strategy relied on a “hard” systems analysis to bring about adoption of the high yield varieties. Early green revolution work attempted to induce attitude and behaviour change within existing local and regional institutions. Recognizing the need to ensure distribution of green revolution inputs among subsistence farmers, later strategies used a “soft” systems analysis in developing structural intervention. Largely unable to reform existing government institutions and land-holding patterns which restricted small farmer HYV programme participation, programme managers designed alternative structures to allow the small/subsistence farmer access to HYV inputs.     

Neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis results when the ingested eggs of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, hatch into larval forms that penetrate the gut wall, disseminate hematogenously, and then encyst in the brain. The subsequent symptoms and associated morbidity are variable. Worldwide, cysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease affecting the central nervous system, but it is not a common autopsy finding in the United States. Neurocysticercosis may be an incidental finding, a contributing cause of death, or the underlying cause of death. It is also important for the forensic pathologist to be aware of the possibility of neurocysticercosis in the autopsy population for purposes of epidemiology studies and infection control. The authors use cases of neurocysticercosis found at autopsy at their institution to give examples of each scenario and to review the clinical and pathologic features of this parasitic disease.     

Peer knowledge of and reactions to adolescent suicide

Questionnaire data were obtained from 120 high school students on their (1) knowledge of risk factors that identify potential suicidal behavior in peers, (2) attitudes toward peers who attempt or commit suicide, and (3) ability to respond appropriately to suicidal messages from peers. Overall, relatively few adolescents possessed accurate information, and many had misinformation concerning various warning signs. Furthermore, respondents expressed negative attitudes toward peers who attempt or commit suicide, and generally were unable to respond sensitively and appropriately to suicidal communications. These results have implications for suicide education programs for adolescents.This study was based on a Masters Thesis conducted by the first author under the direction of the latter two authors. Preliminary results of this investigation were presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, 1988.Received M.A. in clinical psychology from Loyola University. Current research interests include bulimia and alcoholism.Received Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Vanderbilt University. Primary research interests involve community psychology, prevention programs, and child psychology.Received Ph.D. from University of Chicago. Research interests include issues in adolescence and eating disorders.