Risk factors for juvenile cybercrime: A meta-analytic review

So far, most meta-analyses and reviews on juvenile crime risk factors focused on risk factors for traditional crimes. It is unknown, though, whether these risk factors are also relevant for the explanation of cybercrime perpetration. This meta-analytic review aimed to identify risk factors for cyberstalking, hacking, and sexting perpetrated by juveniles. A literature search yielded 48 articles (24 for cyberstalking, 15 for sexting, and 10 for hacking) that produced 903 effect sizes (306 for cyberstalking, 61 for sexting, and 536 for hacking). The results showed similarities, but also differences in risk factors for the three types of cybercrime. Overall, peer factors were found to be important for all three types (deviant peers for cyberstalking and hacking and peer pressure for sexting). Besides, for cyberstalking, previous online and offline perpetration and victimization were significant risk factors. Other small but significant effects for multiple cybercrime types were found for dark personality traits (for cyberstalking and sexting) and high computer preoccupation (for cyberstalking and hacking). Implications for (preventive) intervention are discussed, as well as the need for future research

Molecular mechanisms of ovulation: co-ordination through the cumulus complex

© The Author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: [email protected] ovulation requires that developmentally competent oocytes are released with appropriate timing from the ovarian follicle. Somatic cells of the follicle sense the ovulatory stimulus and guide resumption of meiosis and release of the oocyte, as well as structural remodelling and luteinization of the follicle. Complex intercellular communication co-ordinates critical stages of oocyte maturation and links this process with release from the follicle. To achieve these outcomes, ovulation is controlled through multiple inputs, including endocrine hormones, immune and metabolic signals, as well as intrafollicular paracrine factors from the theca, mural and cumulus granulosa cells and the oocyte itself. This review focuses on the recent advances in understanding of molecular mechanisms that commence after the gonadotrophin surge and culminate with release of the oocyte. These mechanisms include intracellular signalling, gene regulation and remodelling of tissue structure in each of the distinct ovarian compartments. Most critical ovulatory mediators exert effects through the cumulus cell complex that surrounds and connects with the oocyte. The convergence of ovulatory signals through the cumulus complex co-ordinates the key mechanistic processes that mediate and control oocyte maturation and ovulation.Darryl L. Russell and Rebecca L. Robke