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1 – 10 of 126Maria Regina Hechanova, Mariel Rizza C. Tee, Trixia Anne C. Co and Benjamin Ryan M. Rañeses III
Women are exposed to vulnerabilities that can lead to drug use or hinder recovery. However, there is a dearth of studies on recovery programs for women. This study aims to add to…
Abstract
Purpose
Women are exposed to vulnerabilities that can lead to drug use or hinder recovery. However, there is a dearth of studies on recovery programs for women. This study aims to add to the literature by examining the feasibility of a women-only aftercare program for recovering users in the Philippines.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a mixed-method design with pre and post-program surveys used to measure changes in participants’ recovery capital. Focused group discussions elicited participants’ context, their reactions, perceived outcomes and suggestions on the program.
Findings
Women in the program shared narratives of pain, trauma and abuse before treatment. Participants reported significant improvements in personal, community and family recovery capital dimensions. The program enabled personal growth in the form of new knowledge, skills and self-confidence. The women-only program also provided a safe space for women, to receive support from other women, community members and family. However, the women continue to face continuing challenges related to stigma and discrimination and a lack of livelihood opportunities.
Research limitations/implications
A limitation of the study was its small sample size and the lack of a control group. Another limitation was the variability in treatment received by the women, which could have affected overall outcomes. Future studies using a randomized control trial and longitudinal designs may provide more robust conclusions on the effectiveness of the program.
Practical implications
Given punitive contexts, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed programs and services for women involved in drug use could potentially mitigate the abuse, stigma and vulnerabilities they experience.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the sparse literature on women-only aftercare, particularly in countries that criminalize drug use.
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Shreya Sangal, Gaurav Duggal and Achint Nigam
The purpose of this research paper is to review and synthesize the role of blockchain technology (BCT) in various types of illegal activities, including but not limited to fraud…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research paper is to review and synthesize the role of blockchain technology (BCT) in various types of illegal activities, including but not limited to fraud, money laundering, ransomware attacks, firearms, drug tracking, cyberattacks, identity theft and scams.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a review of studies related to illegal activities using blockchain from 2015 to 2023. Next, a thematic review of the literature was performed to see how these illegal activities were conducted using BCT.
Findings
Through this study, the authors identify the relevant themes that highlight the major illegal activities performed using BCT, its possible steps for prevention and the opportunities for future developments. Finally, the authors provide suggestions for future research using the theory, context and method framework.
Originality/value
No other research has synthesized the illegal activities using BCT through a thematic approach to the best of the authors’ knowledge. Hence, this study will act as a starting point for future research for academic and technical practitioners in this area.
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Salvatore Cincimino, Salvatore Gnoffo, Fabio La Rosa and Sergio Paternostro
Scholarly interest in the business effects of organised crime (OC) has recently increased. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) on the conditions under…
Abstract
Purpose
Scholarly interest in the business effects of organised crime (OC) has recently increased. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) on the conditions under which OC could pose a threat to or take control of firms within a particular context.
Design/methodology/approach
We use narrative synthesis and thematic analysis, with a sample of 46 theoretical and empirical studies published over the past 30 years on the relationship between OC and firms within the disciplines of Business, Management and Accounting (BMA).
Findings
SLR and thematic analysis show that scholarly interest has focused on four key domains: OC as a firm, the impact of OC on firms, firms’ efforts to counter OC’s influence and governmental interventions. Using medical metaphors, we also develop a diagram depicting the interplay between OC and firms within the BMA literature.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature shaping an agenda to steer future research towards these four key themes. The effectiveness of anti-OC tools and measures depends on a thorough understanding of local norms, behaviours and business practices. In addition to measurement and methodological challenges, several grey areas remain, including the distinction between criminal enterprises and legitimate businesses. Ambiguities also surround the circumstances under which the OC preys upon firms or employs them to establish dominance over a territory.
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Security officials blame the spike in violence on the influence of drug trafficking organisations (DTOs), which have long transited the country but which increasingly are vying to…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB285078
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Brittany Solensten and Dale Willits
The purpose of this study was to fill the gap in understanding the impact of Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evidence and testimony in driving under the influence (DUI) trials. This…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to fill the gap in understanding the impact of Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evidence and testimony in driving under the influence (DUI) trials. This was accomplished by documenting and analyzing the perceptions of DREs and the DRE program across different stakeholders to understand how and when this type of evidence is used in DUI trials.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is a qualitative case study of the DRE program in one police agency in Washington. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with criminal justice actors and state-level experts on their perceptions of the DRE program for the agency. Themes were developed from these interviews to analyze their perceptions of the efficacy and utility of DREs in trials.
Findings
While the courts in Washington accept DRE evidence in criminal trials, DRE evidence is largely absent in the adjudication process. Participants noted multiple reasons for this, including the lack of trials, the primacy of blood evidence and the expansion of the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) program.
Originality/value
Although the DRE program has been around for decades, there is a lack of peer-reviewed studies regarding DRE evidence, and no studies regarding how court actors perceive and use DRE evidence. Understanding when and how DRE evidence is utilized in DUI trials can increase its value and utility by prosecutors and the national DRE program.
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The trial illustrated criminal infiltration across the political spectrum, with new claims emerging of bribes allegedly taken by Mauricio Villeda, the 2013 presidential candidate…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB286119
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
The crisis of insecurity in Ecuador, in particular, has raised concerns in neighbouring countries about the activities of drug trafficking mafias as well as other forms of illegal…
HONDURAS: Drug scandals will raise pressure on Castro
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES285781
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
A major scandal involves a Malian national imprisoned on drug trafficking charges, which has implicated high-ranking individuals. The nature of the cases underlines both the depth…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB286080
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
The changes respond to pressures to facilitate the development of agriculture in the region. The pace of deforestation has been rapid in recent years to the detriment of…