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Copyright of FinanzRundschau is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Retrograde calculations in the UK do not provide a 99.7% confidence interval. • Back calculations should only be permitted 2 h after cessation of drinking. • A elimination range of 8–29 mg% provides coverage at the 99.7 % confidence level. • Emphasis in expert reports on most likely elimination range should be removed. Retrograde extrapolations, known as back calculations are widely used in forensic toxicology to estimate the blood alcohol concentration of an individual at some prior time. In the UK guidelines have been issued by the United Kingdom and Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists) and the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science. However, these guidelines are not fully agreed and open to interpretation. Alcohol elimination rates have been discussed in numerous publications since Widmark's original data was published. The current guidance from UKIAFT, is to report the most likely back calculated result together with a range of results based on the 95% confidence limit elimination rates (9 to 29 mg/100 mL/hour). The Divisional Court, upheld by the House of Lords, ruled that in order to convict someone for being over the prescribed limit on the basis of any back calculation, the case must be proven beyond reasonable doubt. A 99.73% confidence interval increased to 3 standard deviations at the lower end would provide a greater factual basis for the court and cover a larger proportion of the population, this can be achieved by increasing the elimination range to 8 to 29 mg/100 mL/hour. Retrograde extrapolations also rely on the subject being post absorptive at the prior time. In the UK, back calculations are valid if the subject has not eaten or consumed alcohol within one hour of the back calculation time. Where the subject has eaten prior to the back calculation, experts are instructed to consider whether the back calculation is applicable. In Germany and the United States back calculations are not permitted to a time within 2 h after last drink consumed. The 2 h limit would better meet the highest standard of 'beyond reasonable doubt' burden of proof, and should be used. These proposed changes would decrease the uncertainty associated with retrograde calculations carried out by UK toxicologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's primary objective is to ascertain whether board of directors with multiple directorships affect Modified Audit Opinions (MAOs) and whether audit opinions with the typical number of multiple directorships in the context of Jordanian firms are statistically significant. To assess the proposed hypotheses, a cross-sectional logistic regression model was used in the study. Using the model, the associations between the independent variables and the MAO were investigated. The paper supports partial evidence of the busyness hypotheses, in that with the increase in the multiple directorships, the unmodified opinion will increase. Such evidence indicates that multiple directorships negatively and significantly affect MAO among Jordanian firms. This study has a number of possible limitations, making it similar to many empirical studies in that regard. Therefore, the following inherent limitations should be taken into consideration when applying the study's findings: The study excluded financial companies from the sample since these companies operate under specific regulations and their financial reports are unique and complicated. Therefore, it is impossible to generalize the findings of this study to these companies. Future studies might think about spanning a longer time frame. This study offers policymakers in the developing market implications for creating rules for multiple board member appointments, particularly when engaging theboard of directors. Despite widespread perceptions that a busy director's workload has negative impacts, this study provides evidence to the contrary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do people react to information that challenges their party's policies? While most of the existing literature focuses on possible changes in issue opinions, we know less about other implicit and explicit ways people may contend with counter-attitudinal information. In an online experiment in India, I present participants with potentially incongruent information about a controversial economic policy and ask them to evaluate the quality of this information. I find that strong party supporters (non-supporters) feel that an article that criticizes (praises) the policy is of very poor quality. Further, people are much more likely to ignore the biased nature of an article if it reinforces their priors—but complain if it does not. Yet, although I observe strong affective reactions against information that is counter-attitudinal, there is no evidence of opinion backlash; instead, there is (weak) evidence of people updating in the direction of incongruent information. These findings reinforce the importance of studying reactions to counter-attitudinal information above and beyond issue-specific opinions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma, a non-surgical option that directly targets and destroys tumor cells, has advanced significantly since the 1990s. Therapies with different energy sources, such as radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation, employ different mechanisms to induce tumor necrosis. The precision, safety, and effectiveness of these therapies have increased with advances in guiding technologies and device improvements. Consequently, local ablation has become the first-line treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. The lack of organized evidence and expert opinions regarding patient selection, pre-procedure preparation, procedural methods, swift post-treatment evaluation, and follow-up has resulted in clinicians following varied practices. Therefore, an expert consensus-based practical recommendation for local ablation was developed by a group of experts in radiology and hepatology from the Research Committee of the Korean Liver Cancer Association in collaboration with the Korean Society of Image-Guided Tumor Ablation to provide useful information and guidance for performing local ablation and for the pre- and post-treatment management of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the undeniable increase in asylum requests from unaccompanied alleged minors, age estimation of living individuals has become an essential part of the routine work in European forensic centers. This study aims to review the forensic age estimations performed in our center since 2010, to evaluate the state-of-the-art of this practice in Switzerland with the evolution of the methodology according to upcoming recommendations. Our institute's expert reports performed between 2010 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. We gathered the following parameters: demographic data, morphological characteristics, alleged age compared with the assessed minimum age, sexual maturation, dental and bone age. When available, we collected personal and family history, medical history, records of torture-related/self-inflicted injuries, and information about eating habits that might affect skeletal development. Data collection amounted to 656 cases. Forensic age estimations ordered by the Swiss Secretariat for Migration (SEM) represented 76.4% of cases, with 23.6% of them ordered by the Court/Public Prosecutor. Most alleged minors were male (94.5%) and came from Afghanistan (53.4%). Adjunction of CT scans of the sternoclavicular joints was necessary in 86.4% of cases. Only 25.2% of our reports concluded on most probable minority, with 55.6% of definite majors; in 19.2% of our cases, minority could not be excluded. This study aspires to further broaden our expertise regarding forensic age estimations. Given the increasing migratory flows, we can expect a notable increase in the frequency of these requests. Consequently, this study aims to promote a multidisciplinary approach and the international standardization of the methodology of these estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Teaching through role-plays is a preferred modality when certain behaviours or skills need to be taught. They provide a risk-free environment that simulates a real-life scenario. For a clinician, appearance in a Court of Law as an expert witness is a part of his/her legal obligation. Objective: To explore the utility of Mock Court as an additional teaching tool for undergraduate medical students, in understanding and familiarizing with legal procedures, specifically the courtroom procedures. Methodology: We conducted Mock Court sessions with the students playing various roles, following which feedback was collected from the students, teachers and guest assessors. The data was statistically analysed by comparison of frequencies and paired t-test (pre- and post-session comparison). Results: The study revealed a positive effect of the Mock Court sessions on the students, based on their increased confidence, motivation and a better grasp of legal procedures. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement in the understanding of specific aspects of courtroom procedures after the session. Conclusion: The authors recommend the active implementation of Mock Court as a teaching aid for undergraduate medical students, and the use of PDSA (Deming) cycle as a tool for quality-checks and self-improvement in subsequent sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does the European Commission respond to external expert reports about member states' non-compliance? We theorise that expert compliance assessments affect the Commission's monitoring costs and information about governments' probability of compliance. More precisely, the Commission is likely to launch infringements, when information is provided by institutions with extensive expertise that reveals practical non-compliance. However, reports about severe non-conformity indicate that governments will not reform their policies. Therefore, the Commission is expected to initiate infringements if the domestic conditions are favourable for compliance (government and societal EU support and active civil society). Analysing 63 EU directives and 27 countries, we find that enforcement depends on external expertise and practical non-compliance. Moreover, the Commission launches infringements against severe non-conformity when it is supported by civil society. Thus, the Commission utilises expert assessments strategically and it does not necessarily prioritise high levels of non-conformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes whether the Daubert standard govern admissibility of expert witness testimony in civil and criminal proceedings under the Florida Administrative Procedure Act. Topics discussed include applicability of the rule of sequestration in Fla. Indus. Power Users Grp. v. Graham, reliability of expert testimony in the SDI Quarry case against a mining company for compensatory damages to a man-made lake, and discretion of administrative law judges to apply Daubert in several cases.

In Africa, humans and large carnivores compete over access to resources, including prey. Disturbance by humans to kills made by carnivores, often for purposes of obtaining all or portions of the carcass, constitutes a form of human-wildlife conflict. However the occurrence of this practice, known as human kleptoparasitism, and its impact on carnivores has received little scientific attention. We obtained expert opinions from African lion researchers and stakeholders via a standardized questionnaire to characterize the geographic extent and frequency of human kleptoparasitism as it occurs in modern times. Our survey found modern human kleptoparasitism on kills made by lions, and possibly other large carnivores in Africa, to be geographically more widespread than previously reported. Meat lost to humans requires carnivores to hunt and kill additional prey thereby causing stress, increasing their energetic costs and risks of natural injury, and exposing them to risk of direct injury or death from human usurpers. Because of their conspicuous behaviors and tendency towards killing large-bodied prey, lions are particularly susceptible to humans detecting their kills. While human kleptoparasitism was geographically widespread, socio-economic factors influenced the frequency of occurrence. Prey type (wild game or domestic livestock) influenced human attitudes towards meat theft; ownership allows for legal recovery of livestock carcasses, while possessing wild game meat is mostly illegal and may incur penalties. Meat theft was associated with other illegal activities (i.e., illegal mining) and most prevalent among people of low income, including underpaid game scouts. Despite quantifiable costs to carnivores of human disturbance to their kills, the majority of experts surveyed reported a lack of knowledge on this practice. We propose that human disturbance at kills, especially loss of prey through human kleptoparasitism, constitutes an important anthropogenic threat that may seriously impact energy budgets of individual lions and other scavengers when meat and carcasses are removed from the ecosystem, and that the costs incurred by carnivores warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) conducted a comprehensive review in 2021 to identify opportunities for enhancing the care of adult and pediatric patients with spasticity. A technical expert panel (TEP) was convened to develop consensus‐based practice recommendations aimed at addressing gaps in spasticity care. Objective: To develop consensus‐based practice recommendations to identify and address gaps in spasticity care. Methods: The Spasticity TEP engaged in a 16‐month virtual meeting process, focusing on formulating search terms, refining research questions, and conducting a structured evidence review. Evidence quality was assessed by the AAPM&R Evidence, Quality and Performance Committee (EQPC), and a modified Delphi process was employed to achieve consensus on recommendation statements and evidence grading. The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) guided the rating of individual studies and the strength of recommendations. Results: The TEP approved five recommendations for spasticity management and five best practices for assessment and management, with one recommendation unable to be graded due to evidence limitations. Best practices were defined as widely accepted components of care, while recommendations required structured evidence reviews and grading. The consensus guidance statement represents current best practices and evidence‐based treatment options, intended for use by PM&R physicians caring for patients with spasticity. Conclusion: This consensus guidance provides clinicians with practical recommendations for spasticity assessment and management based on the best available evidence and expert opinion. Clinical judgment should be exercised, and recommendations tailored to individual patient needs, preferences, and risk profiles. The accompanying table summarizes the best practice recommendations for spasticity assessment and management, reflecting principles with little controversy in care delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forensic Science & Technology is the property of Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Legal psychologists' assessments can have a major impact on the fact finder's evaluation of evidence and, consequently, perceptions of guilt. Yet, in the few studies about legal psychologists' assessments and reports, great variability was found. As is the case with other forensic expert domains, legal psychologists are prone to cognitive biases, such as being adversely affected by irrelevant contextual information, confirmation bias, and allegiance bias. Based on the scientific literature, we propose several ways in which legal psychologists can minimize cognitive biases in their assessments, most notably the alternative scenario method. Furthermore, we propose guidelines for expert witnesses in the legal psychological domain, designed to make reports as scientifically grounded, applicable, readable, transparent, and bias-free as possible. We hope that the guidelines will enhance the quality of expert witness testimony provided by legal psychologists around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of evidence relating to the now-discredited behavioural-science syndrome known as 'child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome' in R v Ellis demonstrates the danger of syndrome reasoning in judicial fact finding. Comparable syndrome evidence is still used in the Family Court in the form of 'parental alienation syndrome'. Ellis should sound the death knell for all forensic applications of unreliable syndrome reasoning in the courts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating complexity and impact of cyber threats require organisations to rehearse responses to cyber-attacks by routinely conducting cyber security exercises. However, the effectiveness of these exercises is limited by the exercise planners' ability to replicate real-world scenarios in a timely manner that is, most importantly, tailored to the training audience and sector impacted. To address this issue, we propose the integration of AI-driven sectorial threat intelligence and forecasting to identify emerging and relevant threats and anticipate their impact in different industries. By incorporating such automated analysis and forecasting into the design of cyber security exercises, organisations can simulate real-world scenarios more accurately and assess their ability to respond to emerging threats. Fundamentally, our approach enhances the effectiveness of cyber security exercises by tailoring the scenarios to reflect the threats that are more relevant and imminent to the sector of the targeted organisation, thereby enhancing its preparedness for cyber attacks. To assess the efficacy of our forecasting methodology, we conducted a survey with domain experts and report their feedback and evaluation of the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been increased public interest in noninvasive skin tightening procedures that produce the best possible cosmetic outcomes. Micro‐focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU‐V) is a secure, efficient method of treating skin laxity approved by the FDA. Few studies have assessed patient satisfaction following MFU‐V. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted between January 2022 and 2023. After obtaining the author's permission, a previously examined and published questionnaire was used to contact all participants (n = 98) who had received MFU‐V therapy in a private clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2016 and 2020 via phone interview. Results: All 98 patients undergoing MFU‐V were female. About two‐thirds indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the results. Those receiving treatment around the eye and submentum reported lower satisfaction levels than those receiving therapy in other regions. The number of treatment locations and satisfaction were positively correlated. Patients treated by consultants rather than laser experts reported much higher satisfaction levels. Satisfaction and the amount of time for improvement to occur following treatment were correlated statistically. Pain and tingling were the most frequent adverse effects the respondents reported, followed by skin redness and swelling; however, adverse effects were not connected with satisfaction. Cost (78.6%) was cited as the main deterrent to seeking treatment again. Conclusion: MFU‐V, an FDA‐approved procedure, has proven effective and safe for treating facial and neck skin laxity. When patients are carefully selected and physicians properly trained, higher satisfaction is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This juror-simulation study tested whether expert testimony about police relations with Black/Indigenous persons would mitigate potential verdict discrepancies by making race a salient issue, and whether perceived police legitimacy would predict perceptions of race salience and/or effectiveness of the salience manipulation. Jury-eligible community members (N = 392) read a trial transcript in which the defendant claims self-defense for the killing of a police officer. We manipulated defendant race (Black/Indigenous/White) and the presence of expert testimony in which a sociologist described the experience of racialized persons with police. Participants provided verdicts, rated perceptions that racial issues featured prominently in the trial (i.e., perceived race salience), and completed a police legitimacy measure. Results revealed non-significant effects of defendant race and expert testimony on verdicts. Those higher in perceptions of police legitimacy had a greater likelihood of voting guilty and less favourable attitudes toward the expert, with the opposite pattern for those higher in perceived race salience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines to what extent heritage considerations guided the closure of an operating tramline in Toruń's Old Town prior to its designation as a World Heritage City. The study is based on an analysis of local newspapers' articles over a decade, encompassing the period before and after the tramline was closed. Additionally, it incorporates evaluations of historical public transport maps, content analysis of public consultation reports and expert interviews. The closure's narratives drew on factors including safety, operating costs, modernisation, and the promotion of tourism, all carefully tailored to confer legitimacy upon the decision. While heritage considerations and heritage experts' opinions may have contributed indirectly to the formulation of policy, these elements were entirely absent from the narratives of justifications preceding the tramline's closure. The study traces, following the tramline's closure, a marked evolution in the narrative, which came progressively to emphasise the protection of Toruń's cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a pyretic ailment predominantly observed in children aged below 5 years. There is currently a dearth of precise markers for timely identification of incomplete Kawasaki disease (IKD). It is imperative to develop updated, comprehensive, and evidence-based guidelines to effectively direct clinical practice. Methods: The guideline development group comprised individuals with diverse expertise in both content and methodology and carried out an extensive exploration of the following digital repositories: CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, UpToDate, BMJ, Clinical Evidence, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Joanna Briggs Institute Library, Cochrane Library, and PubMed. The entire period from the establishment of these databases until January 1, 2024 was covered. To evaluate IKD, systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials were assessed using the risk of prejudice instrument specified in the Cochrane Handbook, along with the evidence robustness framework established by the GRADE group. The recommendations were formulated based on the findings, considering the evidence strength. After several iterations of expert consensus, the relevant professional committees in China endorsed the ultimate guideline. Results: These guidelines address clinical questions regarding the classification and definition of KD, diagnosis of IKD, treatment during the acute phase of IKD, and follow-up of IKD. Conclusions: To provide healthcare professionals with guidance and decision-making bases for the diagnosis and treatment of IKD in China, 13 recommendations were formulated based on expert consensus and evidence of best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Falls among older adults represent a major health hazard across the world. In 2022, the World Falls Guidelines was published, summarising research evidence and expert recommendations on how to prevent falls, but we need more knowledge on how the evidence can be successfully implemented into routine practice. In this study we used an implementation strategy co-created by healthcare providers, older adults who had fallen and researchers, to facilitate uptake of fall prevention recommendations. This current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of this co-created implementation strategy in homecare services and provide information on the intervention and measurements for a full-scale cluster-randomized trial. Methods: This study was a single-armed feasibility study with an embedded mixed-method approach completed in two city districts of Oslo, Norway, over a period of ten weeks. The co-created implementation strategy consists of a package for implementing national recommendations for preventing falls, empowering leaders to facilitate implementation, establish implementation teams, competence improvement and implementation support. City districts established implementation teams who were responsible for the implementation. Feasibility was assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively, using focus group interviews with implementation team members and individual interviews with leaders and staff members and the Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and the Normalisation Process Theory. Results: Qualitative data were collected from 19 participants: 12 implementation team members, 2 leaders and 5 staff members. 8 of the implementation team members responded to FIM. The analysis revealed four themes: 1) Fostering consensus through tailored implementation and discussions on fall prevention, 2) The importance of multi-level and interdisciplinary collaboration in fall prevention implementation, 3) Minimizing perceived time usage through utilization of existing areas for implementation activities, and 4) Reflective monitoring demonstrates the importance of facilitation and structure in the implementation strategy. For FIM, there were a high level of agreement related to how implementable, possible, doable, and easy to use the implementation strategy was. Conclusions: Overall, we found the implementation strategy to be feasible to enhance uptake of fall prevention recommendations in the Norwegian homecare services. To succeed with the implementation, a dedicated implementation team should receive support through the implementation process, they should choose small implementation activities to enhance fall prevention competence and managers should possess implementation knowledge. Trial registration: The trial is registered in the Open Science Registry: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2JFHV Registered: January 11, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pferdeheilkunde is the property of Hippiatrika Verlag GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Gary Lorden provided several fundamental and novel insights into sequential hypothesis testing and change point detection. In this article, we provide an overview of Lorden's contributions in the context of existing results in those areas and some extensions made possible by Lorden's work. We also mention some of Lorden's significant consulting work, including as an expert witness and for NASA, the entertainment industry, and Major League Baseball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy decisions have vast consequences, but there is little empirical research on how best to communicate underlying evidence to decision-makers. Groups in diverse fields (e.g., education, medicine, crime) use brief, graphical displays to list policy options, expected outcomes and evidence quality in order to make such evidence easy to assess. However, the understanding of these representations is rarely studied. We surveyed experts and non-experts on what information they wanted and tested their objective comprehension of commonly used graphics. A total of 252 UK residents from Prolific and 452 UK What Works Centre users interpreted the meaning of graphics shown without labels. Comprehension was low (often below 50%). The best-performing graphics combined unambiguous metaphorical shapes with color cues and indications of quantity. The participants also reported what types of evidence they wanted and in what detail (e.g., subgroups, different outcomes). Users particularly wanted to see intervention effectiveness and quality, and policymakers also wanted to know the financial costs and negative consequences. Comprehension and preferences were remarkably consistent between the two samples. Groups communicating evidence about policy options can use these results to design summaries, toolkits and reports for expert and non-expert audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the global whisky market reaching $65.6 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $89.48 billion by the end of 2029, the incentives for fraud in relation to (and adulteration of) this alcoholic beverage are self-evident. Law enforcement agencies worldwide have taken actions against crimes of this nature, with forensic scientists playing crucial roles (mainly through expert testimonies on sample authenticities) during legal proceedings. Important issues associated with Scotch whisky authentication include: (a) understanding the typical manufacturing process; (b) acquisition of reference samples; and (c) effective utilization of instrumentations to characterize features derived from the manufacturing process and strategic approaches for the interpretation of analytical findings. Following a brief review of the definition/classification, manufacturing, and adulteration/counterfeiting of Scotch whiskies, this review focuses on the characterization of manufacturing-derived features and interpretation of analytical findings as grouped into: (a) quantitative analysis of single compounds; (b) qualitative analysis and intensity ratio of multiple compounds; (c) chemometric analysis of selected multi-compounds; and (d) quantitative analysis of selected elements. Finally, a flowchart for conducting the authentication process, from various significantly different perspectives, is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While researchers find that attorneys in CSA trials dedicate substantial time to questioning children about the plausibility of their reports, we know of no study to date that has assessed the types of plausibility issues attorneys raise, the relative frequency of different types, or if attorneys vary their plausibility questioning depending on case characteristics. In the current study we explored these questions. Guided by the story model of jury decision-making, we proposed defense attorneys would raise plausibility issues by (1) highlighting jurors' misconceptions about CSA dynamics; (2) highlighting confusing or implausible statements made by the child; and (3) offering alternative explanations for events. We conducted a content analysis of the cross-examinations of 134 children aged 5–17 testifying about alleged CSA. We found that attorneys raised all three proposed types of plausibility questioning, and they varied their plausibility questioning somewhat by age, severity, child-defendant relationship, and the number of victims in the case. Attorneys' preferred strategy was to highlight jurors' misconceptions about CSA. Prosecutors should address jurors' misconceptions preemptively in direct examinations of children or through expert testimony. Beyond implications for courtroom practices, our plausibility framework may apply to plausibility concerns raised in other crime types, something researchers should explore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the level of evidence of expert recommendations and guidelines for clinical indications and procedurals in hybrid nuclear cardiovascular imaging. Methods: From inception to August 2023, a PubMed literature analysis of the latest version of guidelines for clinical hybrid cardiovascular imaging techniques including SPECT(/CT), PET(/CT), and PET(/MRI) was performed in two categories: (1) for clinical indications for all-in primary diagnosis; subgroup in prognosis and therapy evaluation; and for (2) imaging procedurals. We surveyed to what degree these followed a standard methodology to collect the data and provide levels of evidence, and for which topic systematic review evidence was executed. Results: A total of 76 guidelines, published between 2013 and 2023, were included. The evidence of guidelines was based on systematic reviews in 7.9% of cases, non-systematic reviews in 47.4% of cases, a mix of systematic and non-systematic reviews in 19.7%, and 25% of guidelines did not report any evidence. Search strategy was reported in 36.8% of cases. Strengths of recommendation were clearly reported in 25% of guidelines. The notion of external review was explicitly reported in 23.7% of cases. Finally, the support of a methodologist was reported in 11.8% of the included guidelines. Conclusion: The use of evidence procedures for developing for evidence-based cardiovascular hybrid imaging recommendations and guidelines is currently suboptimal, highlighting the need for more standardized methodological procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Andalus journal for Humanities & Social Sciences is the property of Alandalus University for Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To systematically review evidence and devise treatment recommendations for basic life support (BLS) in dogs and cats and to identify critical knowledge gaps. Design: Standardized, systematic evaluation of literature pertinent to BLS following Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Prioritized questions were each reviewed by 2 Evidence Evaluators, and findings were reconciled by BLS Domain Chairs and Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Co‐Chairs to arrive at treatment recommendations commensurate to quality of evidence, risk to benefit relationship, and clinical feasibility. This process was implemented using an Evidence Profile Worksheet for each question that included an introduction, consensus on science, treatment recommendations, justification for these recommendations, and important knowledge gaps. A draft of these worksheets was distributed to veterinary professionals for comment for 4 weeks prior to finalization. Setting: Transdisciplinary, international collaboration in university, specialty, and emergency practice. Results: Twenty questions regarding animal position, chest compression point and technique, ventilation strategies, as well as the duration of CPR cycles and chest compression pauses were examined, and 32 treatment recommendations were formulated. Out of these, 25 addressed chest compressions and 7 informed ventilation during CPR. The recommendations were founded predominantly on very low quality of evidence and expert opinion. These new treatment recommendations continue to emphasize the critical importance of high‐quality, uninterrupted chest compressions, with a modification suggested for the chest compression technique in wide‐chested dogs. When intubation is not possible, bag–mask ventilation using a tight‐fitting facemask with oxygen supplementation is recommended rather than mouth‐to‐nose ventilation. Conclusions: These updated RECOVER BLS treatment recommendations emphasize continuous chest compressions, conformation‐specific chest compression techniques, and ventilation for all animals. Very low quality of evidence due to absence of clinical data in dogs and cats consistently compromised the certainty of recommendations, emphasizing the need for more veterinary research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal is the property of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This technical note reviews the plethora of concentration units used to report blood‐alcohol concentration (BAC) and breath‐alcohol concentrations (BrAC) for legal purposes in different countries. The choice of units sometimes causes confusion when scientific papers originating from a certain country might be introduced into evidence via expert testimony, such as when alcohol‐related crimes are prosecuted. The concentration units are also important to consider when blood/breath ratios (BBRs) of alcohol are calculated and compared between countries. Statutory BAC limits for driving in most nations are reported in mass/volume (m/v) units, such as g/100 mL (g%) in the United States, mg/100 mL (mg%) in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, or g/L (mg/mL) in many EU nations. By contrast, Germany and the Nordic countries report BAC as mass/mass (m/m) units, hence g/kg or mg/g, which are ~5.5% lower than m/v units, because whole blood has an average density of 1.055 g/mL. There are historical reasons for reporting BAC in mass/mass units because the aliquots of blood analyzed were measured by weight rather than volume. The difference between m/m and m/v is also important in postmortem toxicology, such as when distribution ratios of ethanol between blood and other biological specimens, such as urine, vitreous humor, and cerebrospinal fluid, are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is difficult to assist citizen judges to understand a psychiatric expertise, not to mention the situation there are multiple psychiatric expertise in the case. This article introduces and analyzes a case of a citizen judges case in Japan, and attempts to give an opinion on how to assist citizen judges in reviewing multiple psychiatric expertise, and to discuss the criteria for granting or denying the claim of multiple psychiatric expertise, and why it is not appropriate to ask the "ultimate issue" to psychiatric expert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study experimentally tested jurors' claims that their expert credibility perceptions are independently influenced by expert training and experience, with the latter exerting greater influence. To our knowledge, only the combined impact of these variables had been previously examined. Mock jurors (N = 553) read a trial summary containing testimony from a forensic expert with high or low training and with high or low experience. They then rendered verdicts and rated the expert's credibility. Results mainly showed that expert training and experience independently influenced expert credibility, although the latter exerted only a slightly greater impact. Practical implications and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canadian courts treat foreign law as fact. When foreign law governs a dispute as a result of choice-of-law rules, the parties must plead and prove its contents, typically through expert testimony. The trial court assesses the evidence and applies the law, as it was proven, to the case at hand. But what happens when a litigant disagrees with the trial court's view of foreign law and appeals its decision? Appellate courts do not interfere with findings of fact unless the trial judge made a palpable and overriding error. Conversely, appellate courts are free to impose their views on questions of law. Should appellate courts defer to the trial judge or get the final word on issues of foreign law? This article addresses the disagreement between appellate courts over this issue, which the Supreme Court of Canada dodged in a recent case. It delves into the complex features of foreign law, insisting on the distinction between its evidentiary treatment (as fact) and its nature and function in litigation (as law). It makes the case for a nuanced approach to the standard of review which accounts for the many ways in which problems of foreign law present themselves to the courts. As a result, appellate courts should characterize specific questions of foreign law as questions of fact or questions of law rather than attempting to pigeon-hole foreign law itself, an abstraction capable of being both. Ultimately, correctness and deference should coexist in the appellate review of foreign law findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expert evidence, expert opinion, and expert consensus are frequently mentioned and used in the process of guideline development. However, due to the lack of clear definitions and standards, there is confusion and misuse among the three in practice. This paper clarifies the meanings, current status, differences, and connections of expert evidence, expert opinion, and expert consensus in the development of guidelines, aiming to provide a reference for guideline developers in China.

Today, Ukraine faces many national threats, such as war, globalization, pandemics, extremism and terrorism, environmental disasters, and crime. One of the most serious problems is the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Modern trends in the field of crime related to drugs and psychotropic substances indicate that it is taking new forms and can lead to the creation of criminal groups even at the level of pseudo-states. In these conditions, there is a need to rethink the problem of ensuring national security, which involves minimizing the influence of organized groups and criminal organizations on the drug addiction of the population and the related criminalization of social relations with the help of criminal procedural tools. The article is devoted to issues of the legal basis of evidence in criminal proceedings about organized groups and criminal organizations in the sphere of circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues. It has been studied that criminal procedural evidence is a practical, cognitive, legal and mental activity of the parties to criminal proceedings, which is two single inseparable processes: obtaining evidence and using this evidence to establish certain circumstances, justifying one’s position. Evidence in criminal proceedings is factual data. Pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings about organized groups and criminal organizations in the sphere of circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues has a specific subject of proof - narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues. The effectiveness of the work with evidence of subjects conducting pre-trial investigation directly affects the protection of the rights, freedoms and interests of the participants in criminal proceedings, as well as the fulfillment of the tasks of criminal proceedings. It is emphasized that in the studied category of criminal proceedings, the main sources of evidence are physical evidence and expert opinions. An important stage of the pre-trial investigation of this category of offenses is the seizure of objects of illegal circulation and their proper procedural registration in accordance with the requirements of the criminal procedural legislation of Ukraine. It is impossible to prove the fact of illegal circulation and sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues without physical evidence at the disposal of pre-trial investigation bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The management of early breast cancer (BC) has witnessed an uprise in the use of neoadjuvant therapy and a remarkable reshaping of the systemic therapy postneoadjuvant treatment in the last few years, with the evolution of many controversial clinical situations that require consensus. Methods: During the 14th Breast‐Gynecological and Immuno‐Oncology International Cancer Conference held in Egypt in 2022, a panel of 44 BC experts from 13 countries voted on statements concerning debatable challenges in the neo/adjuvant treatment setting. The recommendations were subsequently updated based on the most recent data emerging. A modified Delphi approach was used to develop this consensus. A consensus was achieved when ≥75% of voters selected an answer. Results and Conclusions: The consensus recommendations addressed different escalation and de‐escalation strategies in the setting of neoadjuvant therapy for early BC. The recommendations recapitulate the available clinical evidence and expert opinion to individualize patient management and optimize therapy outcomes. Consensus was reached in 63% of the statements (52/83), and the rationale behind each statement was clarified. Consensus recommendations of the 14th Breast‐Gynecological and Immuno‐Oncology International Cancer Conference recapitulate the available clinical evidence and expert opinion to individualize and optimize the neoadjuvant therapy of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Expert opinion is widely used in clinical guidelines. No research has ever been conducted investigating the use of expert opinion in international infectious disease guidelines. This study aimed to create an analytical map by describing the prevalence and utilization of expert opinion in infectious disease guidelines and analyzing the methodological aspects of these guidelines. Methods: In this meta-epidemiological study, systematic searches in PubMed and Trip Medical Database were performed to identify clinical guidelines on infectious diseases, published between January 2018 and May 2023 in English, by international organizations. Data extracted included guideline characteristics, expert opinion utilization, and methodological details. Prevalence and rationale of expert opinion use were analyzed descriptively. Methodological differences between groups were analyzed with Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U Test. Results: The analysis covered 66 guidelines with 2296 recommendations, published/endorsed by 136 organizations. Most guidelines (79%) used systematic literature searches, 42% provided search strategies, and 38% presented screening flow diagrams and conducted risk of bias assessments. 48.5% of the guidelines allowed expert opinion, most of which included expert opinion as part of the evidence hierarchy within the grading system. Guidelines allowing expert opinion, compared to those which do not, issued more recommendations per guideline (48.82 vs.19.13, p<0.001), and reported fewer screening flow diagrams (25% vs. 65%, p = 0.002), and less risk of bias assessments (19% vs.78%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Expert opinion is utilized in half of assessed guidelines, often integrated into the evidence hierarchy within the grading system. Its utilization varies considerably in methodology, form, and terminology between guidelines. These findings highlight a pressing need for additional research and guidance, to improve and advance the standardization of infectious disease guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is prevalent amongst offenders, increasing risks for aggressive and delinquent behaviors. Since ADHD and its symptoms can persist into adulthood, accurately diagnosing and maintaining diagnoses in offenders is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment and reduce recidivism. Methods: This study employed a retrospective longitudinal design to investigate ADHD amongst adult offenders with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD during childhood or adolescence at a Swiss forensic outpatient clinic between 2008 and 2021. N = 181 patient files were reviewed, including forensic expert witness assessments and treatment reports. We charted the adulthood trajectory of patients with a confirmed childhood/adolescence ADHD diagnosis, examining the course of their diagnoses. Results: Of 181 patients, evidence indicated that 12 (7%) had an ADHD diagnosis in childhood/adolescence. In 1 (8%) of these 12 cases, the diagnosis was maintained throughout the observation period. For 4 patients (33%), a diagnosis was given in the first forensic psychiatric expert witness assessment in adulthood but subsequently dropped. In another 4 cases (33%), the diagnosis was dropped in adulthood but later re-assigned, whereas in 3 cases (25%), the diagnosis was discontinued throughout the observation period. In 50% of cases with a diagnostic change, the discontinuation of an adult ADHD diagnosis coincided with a newly diagnosed personality disorder (or vice versa). Conclusions: Our findings highlighted considerable inconsistencies in the assignment of adult ADHD diagnoses amongst offenders. Whilst ADHD remission in adulthood occurs, the diagnostic variability in our results warrants detailed scrutiny. One possibility is that ADHD has similar fluctuations to conditions like depression, as argued elsewhere. Equally, diagnoses may become "lost", meaning they are not given even when applicable and replaced by other diagnoses. Additionally, residual symptoms may remain but beyond the diagnostic threshold. This is significant because untreated ADHD can increase re-offending risks and adverse health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Chinese healthcare settings, drug selection decisions are predominantly influenced by the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee (PTC). This study evaluates two recently introduced potassium-competitive acid blockers, vonoprazan (VPZ) and tegoprazan (TPZ), utilizing the Evidence and Value: Impact on DEcisionMaking (EVIDEM) framework. Methods: The study employed the 10th edition of EVIDEM, which includes a core model with five domains and 13 criteria. Two independent expert panels were involved: the PTC expert panel, tasked with assigning weights using a 5-point scale, defining scoring indicators, examining the evidence matrix, scoring, and decision-making; and the evidence matrix expert panel, responsible for conducting a systematic literature review, creating the evidence matrix, and evaluating the value contributions of VPZ and TPZ. Results: The analysis estimated the value contributions of VPZ and TPZ to be 0.59 and 0.54, respectively. The domain of 'economic consequences of intervention' showed the most significant variation in value contribution between the two drugs, followed by 'comparative outcomes of intervention' and 'type of benefit of intervention'. Conclusion: Employing the EVIDEM framework, VPZ's value contribution was found to be marginally superior to that of TPZ. The EVIDEM framework demonstrates potential for broader application in Chinese medical institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]