Mid-morning Break and Poster Sessions: Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour within School-Based Prevention Programs for Adolescent Gambling

The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the concept of anticipatory negative emotions have attracted considerable research attention in the formulation of effective preventive interventions. This approach has identified several key constructs (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, perceptions of control, anticipation of negative emotions) as valid predictors of gambling intentions and behaviour. However, no empirical investigation has utilized these constructs in the design or evaluation of a youth problem gambling prevention initiative. Objectives. The current research aims to assess the effects of a prevention video on gambling-related attitudes, subjective norms, control perceptions, anticipated negative emotions, and intentions. The video focuses on a problem gambler’s testimonial and includes dramatic vignettes depicting the potential risks and consequences associated with excessive gambling. Methodology. A sample of 328 high school students were randomly assigned to either a video or control group. Participants were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Results. Preliminary results reveal that the video produced changes in students’: (i) attitudes towards; (ii) perceptions of control over and; (iii) negative anticipatory emotions following excessive participation in gambling. Individuals receiving the intervention were observed to have a significant decreases in positive attitudes toward gambling as well as perceptions of control over gambling, and a significant increase in their anticipation of negative emotions for becoming over-involved in gambling. Conclusions. Positive effects of the video were found. Recommendations for future research are discussed

Rebuilding Fiscal Institutions in Post-Conflict Countries

This paper reviews the key challenges in rebuilding fiscal institutions in post-conflict countries. Based on IMF technical assistance advice, it proposes a three-step framework for the creation or re-establishment of well-functioning public finance institutions: (i) creating a proper legal framework for fiscal management, (ii) establishing a central fiscal authority, and (iii) designing appropriate tax policies while simultaneously creating simple tax administration and expenditure management arrangements.post-conflict, fiscal instutions, public expenditure management, tax administration

Postconflict Countries: Strategy for Rebuilding Fiscal Institutions

This paper reviews the challenges and experiences in rebuilding fiscal institutions in postconflict environments, based on advice from the IMF's Fiscal Affairs Department to selected countries. The recommended strategy involved a three-step process of (i) creating a proper legal framework for fiscal management, (ii) establishing a central fiscal authority and a mechanism for co-ordinating foreign assistance, and (iii) designing appropriate tax policies while simultaneously creating simple tax administration and expenditure management arrangements. The advice was tailored to the circumstances of postconflict countries, and in some cases involved transitional measures that were not first best from an efficiency standpoint. In a similar vein, recommendations on revenue administration and expenditure management focused on the most basic tasks and procedures. In providing advice, care was taken to ensure that these measures were consistent with the eventual transformation to a modern fiscal management system.fiscal policy, tax, institutions, conflict

Session 3-1-C: A qualitative examination of online gambling culture among college students: Factors influencing participation, maintenance and cessation

Qualitative research: focus groups Population: college students Objective: achieve a better understanding of the factors attracting students to online gambling including the role played by social media sites. More importantly, the issue of migration between the play-for-fun gambling social media sites and online gambling was of primary interest

From the mouths of social media users: A focus group study exploring the social casino gaming–online gambling link

Background and aims The potential link between social casino gaming and online gambling has raised considerable concerns among clinicians, researchers and policy makers. Unfortunately, however, there is a paucity of research examining this potential link, especially among young adults. This represents a significant gap given young adults are frequently exposed to and are players of social casino games. Methods To better understand the potential link between social casino games and online gambling, we conducted three focus groups (N = 30) at two large Canadian Universities with college students who were avid social media users (who are regularly exposed to social casino games). Results Many participants spontaneously mentioned that social casino games were a great opportunity to build gambling skills before playing for real money. Importantly, some participants expressed a belief that there is a direct progression from social casino gaming to online gambling. Conversely, others believed the transition to online gambling depended on a person’s personality, rather than mere exposure to social casino games. While many young adults in our focus groups felt immune to the effects of social casino games, there was a general consensus that social casino games may facilitate the transition to online gambling among younger teenagers (i.e., 12–14 yr olds), due to the ease of accessibility and early exposure. Discussion The results of the present research point to the need for more study on the effects of social casino gambling as well as a discussion concerning regulation of social casino games in order to minimize their potential risks

Youth gambling problems: A public health perspective.

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Efficacy of synthetic pyrethroid and propoxur aerosol in the control of German cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blatellidae) in cookhouses

Background & objectives: A field trial was carried out in cookhouses in an urban area to evaluate theefficacy of synthetic pyrethroid (0.02% deltamethrin + 0.13% allethrin) and propoxur aerosols (2%) inthe control of German cockroaches (Blatella germanica).Methods: A total of six cookhouses were selected by simple random sampling method (two each forthe two insecticide treatments and two for control).Results: It was observed that 89.36–87.8 and 77.95–59.74% reductions were achieved with propoxurand synthetic pyrethroid treatment respectively by first week post-treatment. The reduction in propoxurtreated areas by eight weeks post-treatment was 82.98–76.13%, whereas the reduction in thesame time period in synthetic pyrethroid treated areas ranged from 14.36% to an increase in density bya phenomenal 157.86% in one of the treated sites.Interpretation & conclusion: The study reports the efficacy of propoxur aerosol (2%) treatment oversynthetic pyrethroid (0.02% deltamethrin + 0.13% allethrin) in the control of cockroach infestation incookhouses in urban area

A Rapid, Efficient and Green Method for Synthesis of 3,3'-Arylmethylene-bis-4-hydroxycoumarins without Use of any Solvent, Catalyst or Solid Surface

Abstract: A rapid, efficient and green methodology has been developed for the synthesis of 3,3'-arylmethylene-bis-4-hydroxycoumarins by microwave assisted condensation of aromatic aldehydes and 4-hydroxycoumarin without use of any solvent, catalyst or solid surface