Provision Of Aid Research Articles

Who helps and why? A longitudinal exploration of volunteer role identity, between-group closeness, and community identification as predictors of coordinated helping during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mutual aid groups have allowed community members to respond collectively to the COVID‐19 pandemic, providing essential support to the vulnerable. While research has begun to explore the benefits of participating in these groups, there is a lack of work investigating who is likely to engage in this form of aid‐giving, although early accounts suggest that existing volunteers have played a significant part in the mutual aid phenomena. Taking a social identity approach, the present study sought to identify what social psychological processes predict this continued engagement by exploring predictors of coordinated COVID‐19 aid‐giving for pre‐existing volunteers. A two‐wave longitudinal online survey study (N = 214) revealed that volunteer role identity among existing volunteers at T1 (pre‐pandemic) was positively associated with volunteer‐beneficiary between‐group closeness at T1, which in turn was positively associated with community identification at T1. This in turn positively predicted coordinated COVID‐19 aid‐giving at T2 (3 months later). This paper therefore reveals the intra‐ and intergroup predictors of pandemic‐related coordinated aid‐giving in pre‐existing volunteers. Implications for voluntary organisations and emergency voluntary aid provision are discussed.

A study on challenges facing the implementation of inclusive education in elementary level of Malkangiri district of Odisha state

Inclusive education is the most effective way to give all children a fair chance to go to school, learn and develop the skills they need to thrive. It means all children in the same classrooms, in the same schools. It means real learning opportunities for groups who have traditionally being excluded not only children with disabilities but speakers of minority languages too. From the year 2018-19, Samagra Shiksha lays emphasis on improving quality of education for all students including CWSN. The component provide support for various student oriented activities which include identification and assessment of CWSN, provision of aids, appliances, corrective surgeries, Braille books, large print book, therapeutic services, development of teaching-learning material and orientation programme to create positive attitude and awareness about nature and needs of CWSN. This study tried to determine the challenges faced by educators in implementing inclusive education in elementary level of Odisha. The sample consisted of 50 Elementary Level teachers 10 from each block i.e. Balimela, Kalimela, Khairput, Korukonda, Malkangiri, and 10 Head Masters (two from each block) of Malkangiri District. The results revealed that educators do not show an understanding of inclusive education and are uncertain of their roles. The findings revealed that there is a relationship between the teacher's qualifications, attitudes, stress, gender, large class size and challenges associated with the implementation of inclusive education. The findings also revealed that the teacher’s understanding of the extent of inclusive education is limited.

Paralegal Village Legitimacy in Providing Access to Justice Through Legal Assistance

Legal aid is a citizen's right and legal obligation for the state as regulated in international legal instruments and national legal instruments. In the distribution of legal aid, the idea of a village paralegal was born. One of the ways to fulfill this access to justice is by optimizing the role of paralegals at the village level. Village paralegals are expected to help the community in the village understand the law. In this study, two problems were discussed, namely regarding the position of paralegals in fulfilling the right to legal aid and the function of village paralegals in solving legal problems. The provision of legal aid aims to provide access to justice, equity and fulfillment of civil rights and political rights of all people. Paralegals have the task of providing legal assistance to the poor as a form of service for the poor who need assistance in obtaining their legal rights. The formation of village paralegals is very important to overcome legal problems that exist at the village level. Handling conflict in the village is not enough with a social and cultural approach but also with a legal approach.

Wirksamkeit der Hörgeräteversorgung bei hochgradigem Hörverlust

HintergrundIn der Praxis liegt das unilaterale Einsilberverstehen mit Hörgerät bei 65 dB SPL (EV65(HG)) häufig unter dem maximalen Einsilberverstehen aus dem Sprachaudiogramm (mEV), insbesondere bei Hörgeräteträgern mit hochgradigem Hörverlust. Diese Arbeit zielte darauf ab, den Wirkungsgrad Q der Hörgeräteversorgung, den Quotienten aus EV65(HG) und mEV, bei Hörgeräteträgern mit hochgradigem bis an Taubheit grenzendem Hörverlust zu untersuchen.Material und MethodenEs wurden Daten aus In-situ-Messungen, dem Reinton- und Sprachaudiogramm und dem Sprachverstehen mit und ohne Hörgerät von 93 Ohren von 64 Patienten ausgewertet. Die Patienten stellten sich im Jahr 2019 für eine Hörgerätekontrolle in unserem Hörzentrum vor. Es wurden die Abweichung der in-situ gemessenen frequenzabhängigen Ausgangspegelwerte von den Zielvorgaben der präskriptiven Anpassformeln NAL-NL2 und DSL v5.0 analysiert. Für die Parameter EV65(HG) und Q wurden jeweils die Spearman-Korrelationskoeffizienten für den Sprachverständlichkeitsindex (SII) berechnet.ErgebnisseBei mehr als 67 % der Hörgeräteeinstellungen stimmten die Ausgangspegelwerte mit den Zielkurven für NAL-NL2 oder DSL v5.0 im Bereich von ±5 dB für Frequenzen von 0,5 bis 4 kHz für 65 dB SPL überein. Trotzdem wurde das mEV mit Hörgerät bei 65 dB SPL nicht erreicht (mittlere Abweichungen: 34,4 %). EV65(HG) und Q waren jedoch am besten, wenn Zielwerte für DSL v5.0 bei 65 dB SPL erreicht wurden, was mit einem höheren SII einhergeht.SchlussfolgerungFür Hörgeräteträger mit hochgradigem bis an Taubheit grenzendem Hörverlust führen die Anpassformeln NAL-NL2 und DSL v5.0 nicht zu einer solchen Verstärkung, dass bei Alltagssprache von 65 dB SPL das mEV erreicht wird. Es bleibt zu untersuchen, ob alternative Präskriptionen mit besserer Hörbarkeit für Eingangspegel von 50 und 65 dB SPL den Wirkungsgrad der Hörgeräteversorgung verbessern könnten.

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on vulnerable populations in Malaysia through an ethical lens: A study of non-state actors involved in aid distribution.

Background: Globally, vulnerable populations have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent responses, such as lockdown measures and mass vaccinations. Numerous ethical challenges have arisen at different levels, be it at the policy-making level or on the ground. For example, policymakers have to contain a highly contagious disease with high morbidity using scarce resources, while minimizing the medium- to long-term social and economic impacts induced by containment measures. This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations in Malaysia by using an intersectional framework that accounts for overlapping forms of marginalization. Methods: This study utilizes in-depth qualitative data obtained from 34 individuals and organizations to understand the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on vulnerable populations in Malaysia. We utilize four principles of ethics to guide our coding and interpretation of the data - namely beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and autonomy. We utilize a frequency analysis to roughly understand the types of ethical issues that emerged. Using hermeneutic content analysis (HCA), we then explore how the principles interact with each other. Results: Through the frequently analysis, we found that although beneficence was very prevalent in our dataset, so was a significant amount of harm - as perpetuated through injustice, the removal or lack of autonomy and maleficence. We also unearthed a worrying landscape of harm and deep systemic issues associated with a lack of support for vulnerable households - further exacerbated during the pandemic. Conclusions: Policy recommendations for aid organizations and society to mitigate these ethical problems are presented, such as long overdue institutional reforms and stronger ethical practices rooted in human rights principles, which government agencies and aid providers can then use in the provision of aid to vulnerable populations.

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on vulnerable populations in Malaysia through an ethical lens: A study of non-state actors involved in aid distribution

Background: Globally, vulnerable populations have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent responses, such as lockdown measures and mass vaccinations. Numerous ethical challenges have arisen at different levels, be it at the policy-making level or on the ground. For example, policymakers have to contain a highly contagious disease with high morbidity using scarce resources, while minimizing the medium- to long-term social and economic impacts induced by containment measures. This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations in Malaysia by using an intersectional framework that accounts for overlapping forms of marginalization. Methods: This study utilizes in-depth qualitative data obtained from 34 individuals and organizations to understand the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on vulnerable populations in Malaysia. We utilize four principles of ethics to guide our coding and interpretation of the data – namely beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and autonomy. We utilize a frequency analysis to roughly understand the types of ethical issues that emerged. Using hermeneutic content analysis (HCA), we then explore how the principles interact with each other. Results: Through the frequently analysis, we found that although beneficence was very prevalent in our dataset, so was a significant amount of harm – as perpetuated through injustice, the removal or lack of autonomy and maleficence. We also unearthed a worrying landscape of harm and deep systemic issues associated with a lack of support for vulnerable households – further exacerbated during the pandemic. Conclusions: Policy recommendations for aid organizations and society to mitigate these ethical problems are presented, such as long overdue institutional reforms and stronger ethical practices rooted in human rights principles, which government agencies and aid providers can then use in the provision of aid to vulnerable populations.

Korea’s official development aid to MENA region countries

The aim of this study is to increase the effectiveness of Korean aid provision for countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which are important ODA recipient countries from a Korean perspective, but have not been studied extensively in Korea. Although there are twenty countries in the MENA region, in this study five countries, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Iran and Iraq, which are considered important from a Korean perspective, are targeted. The analysis includes an examination of the regional characteristics and the long-term development plans of these five countries, and the size and contents of aid projects provided by Korea to these countries. It is expected that as a result of this analysis Korea will be able to carry out aid projects involving these countries more effectively in the future.

THE PROVISION OF FREE LEGAL AID IN INDIA:

One of the basic human rights of an individual irrespective of their age, caste, colour, nationality or any other status, is to have access to justice. All other rights lose their purpose without access to justice. An individual may have all other rights, though, if they don’t have an authority that looks after those rights and they cannot get those rights enforced at the time of need, all the rights would be useless making arbitrary violation of rights prevalent. Though said like a simple statement, the word ‘justice’ in itself is a multi-faceted term and needs to be understood from various angles. One of the basic requirements of having access to justice and getting justice in times of need is that the citizens of the State must be legally aware. Also, ‘access to justice’ means that a person must have access to the means to plead justice. First of all, individuals need to completely know and understand their rights and duties. Furthermore, they must be able to present themselves in front of competent authorities whenever those rights are violated. For those who lack the resources to access justice, the State shall provide the means through which they can attain it. Thus, the concept of free legal aid has been evolved over the years. The United Nations too has repeatedly emphasised upon the State’s duty to make their citizens legally aware and to provide free legal services to the citizens who cannot afford it. In this research, the provision of free legal aid in India is thoroughly explored. The research highlights the International Human Rights aspect of Free Legal Aid and the provision of Free Legal Aid in the Indian constitution. Also, it gives an idea about who is entitled to free legal aid and the mode in which the goals put forth by the International Human Rights law is achieved in India.

Organizational and legal principles of providing legal professional assistance in Ukraine

The article examines the organizational and legal issues of legal professional assistance in Ukraine. Protection of human rights and freedoms, their approval and provision is the main task of any democratic state. The Constitution of Ukraine guarantees the observance of basic human rights, including the right to receive qualified legal assistance. In certain cases provided for by law, this is the provision of free legal aid. Free legal aid, as one of the manifestations of a social state that cares for its citizens, was maintained by the state to one degree or another throughout the existence of statehood. It has been found that the specifics of ensuring a person's right to professional legal assistance in Ukraine depend on: 1) the type of assistance a person needs, according to the economic (material) criterion (paid or free); 2) categories of persons who have the right to free secondary legal aid (indigent, participants in hostilities, detained in accordance with the provisions of criminal procedural legislation, etc.); 3) type of proceedings depending on the field of law (professional legal assistance in criminal, civil, administrative, economic proceedings). The special features of professional legal assistance are highlighted: 1) it is a type of professional activity performed by a lawyer; 2) provides legal content in actions (services), in particular, provision of legal information and consultations; drawing up legal documents; representation of another person in court; ensuring the protection of a person against criminal charges, etc.; which may have the meaning of a legal fact that creates, changes or terminates a specific legal relationship; 3) may be provided on a paid or free basis; 4) has a risky nature, if it is provided on a paid basis (on a contractual basis), since the provision of professional legal assistance does not guarantee obtaining a positive result in the case in favor of the client; 5) complies with the principles of rule of law, legality, independence, preventiveness, inadmissibility of conflict of interests, confidentiality, quality, etc. The grounds on the basis of which the provision of free secondary legal aid is terminated by the decision of the Center for the provision of free secondary legal aid have been determined.

ОЦЕНКА УРОВНЯ СФОРМИРОВАННОСТИ КОМПЕТЕНЦИЙ СТУДЕНТОВ ПЕДАГОГИЧЕСКОГО ВУЗА ПРИ ИЗУЧЕНИИ НЕПРОФИЛЬНЫХ ДИСЦИПЛИН (ПО ДАННЫМ СОЦИОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ)

Significance. Introduction of non-core subjects into the curriculum of pedagogical universities, in particular, “Fundamentals of Medical Knowledge” is fraught with greatest difficulties. On the one hand, this is a subject that does not develop any professional competences of students, it is of an introductory nature only. On the other hand, acquiring practical skills in first aid, students should know a clear algorithm of medical actions and remember it until the end of their studies at the university. The purpose of the study. To analyze the level of competence development in first aid provision. Маtеrial and methods. A survey of two groups of students was conducted: the 1st group – the first-year students who have completed “Fundamentals of Medical Knowledge” at the end of the academic year (2021), a total of 98 students; the 2nd group - graduate students (2021), who studied this subject also in the first year, i.e. 4 years ago, a total of 103 students. The method of random selection was used. All students answered 29 questions anonymously. The sampling error on the questionnaire questions did not exceed 5%. To analyze data of the sociological survey, an alternative analysis (extensive indicators) was used, and to identify cause-and-effect relationships a correlation analysis was undertaken. Reliability of the correlation coefficient was assessed using tabular standard values. Results. The majority of the respondents in both the 1st group (94.9%) and the 2nd group (96.1%) consider the non-core subject “Fundamentals of Medical Knowledge” as the need to use the acquired knowledge in future. According to the competence-based approach, the subject is aimed at developing knowledge and skills in managing conditions that can become fatal within a short period of time. Upon completion of the subject in the 1st year, signs of clinical death could be determined by 42.9%, while by the end of the studies at the university - only 8.7%. A similar situation is relevant to first aid for bleeding - 61.2% and 29.1%, respectively. The main reasons why students fail to master the threshold level of competence in first aid are both a feeling of fear, lack of experience, ethical side (vomit, blood), insufficient technical equipment during practicals, as well as the fact that this subject is taught by educators without medical background, which is confirmed by the results and correlation analysis. In addition, the respondents were faced with the approaches that do not correspond to the correct algorithm of actions: 8.2% - in the 1st group and 15.5% - in the 2nd. The level of competence development among students is decreasing, by the end of the university only 8.7% can implement “I know, can do, and master the skill”. Conclusion. The competence-based approach to non-core subjects does not produce the expected result. This is due to the lack of cumulative acquisition of knowledge, competences and skill throughout the study process at the university, insufficient technical equipment during practicals and the fact that the subject is taught by specialists without relevant background. Scope of application. The data obtained can be used to develop state educational standards.

Knowledge And Awareness Regarding the Provision of First Aid Among Adults in Victims of Maxillofacial Trauma in Urban Population-Dubai.

Knowledge And Awareness Regarding the Provision of First Aid Among Adults in Victims of Maxillofacial Trauma in Urban Population-Dubai.

Бесплатная юридическая помощь в Российской Федерации и некоторых постсоветских странах

Introduction. The system of free legal aid is a mechanism that ensures the direct functioning of a number of constitutional rights and freedoms, such as the right to receive qualified legal assistance, the right to a fair trial, adversarial proceedings and other rights guaranteed to citizens of the Russian Federation by the Constitution of our country. In domestic and foreign doctrine, as well as in the field of rule-making and practical law enforcement, stable theories and positions have developed regarding the basic principles and procedures for the functioning of free legal aid systems. However, to this day there are a large number of unresolved conflict issues related both to the normative settlement of the legal institution in question, and to its practical functioning. Objective. The purpose of this work is to characterize the systems of free legal aid in the Russian Federation and in such foreign countries of the post-Soviet space as the Republic of Belarus, Ukraine and the Kyrgyz Republic, to determine the advantages and disadvantages of the respective systems, as well as to formulate recommendations for creating a more effective model for the provision of free legal aid in the specified territory. Methodology. The paper provides a comparative legal analysis of some aspects of the functioning of free legal aid systems in the Russian Federation, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Belarus, and Ukraine. Using the formal legal method of research, attention is drawn to the formulation of the constitutional right to receive free legal assistance in the relevant states, the types of legal assistance provided, the subjects of its provision are classified, and the procedure for financing their work is considered. Results. As a result of the research, some issues of the functioning of free legal aid systems in the countries of the post-Soviet space were studied. It was concluded that it is necessary for the Russian legislation to accept some of the most effective legal provisions governing the systems of free legal aid in the countries considered. Conclusion. The studies conducted in this article make it possible to compare certain provisions governing the functioning of free legal aid systems in the countries of the post-Soviet space, thereby providing an opportunity to create the most efficient model of this legal institution, and, as a result, increase the efficiency of the implementation of certain constitutional rights and freedom.

Підходи країн Південної Європи до надання підтримки Україні після повномасштабного вторгнення армії Російської Федерації 24 лютого 2022 року (протягом лютого - серпня 2022)

The article is devoted to reviewing the government’s response of Southern European countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece) to the full-scale invasion of Russia in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, which is based on the analysis of the researches, analytical papers, and official reports of the state authorities and mass media. Coverage of this topic is explained by the necessity of the full exploration of the Sothern European governments’ key approaches in supporting Ukraine in the struggle with the Russian army, as well as, discovering some new perspectives, using the comparative and transnational methodology. It is defined the term “Southern Europe”, and also outlined the main historiographical interpretations of the countries of the region. Preference is given to a pragmatic approach for characterising the countries of Southern Europe. The central studies of Ukrainian-Italian, Ukrainian-Spanish, Ukrainian-Portuguese and Ukrainian-Greek relations, official reports and mass media used in the study are analysed. It also analyses and compares the changing Southern European governments’ attitudes towards their supporting Ukraine after the Revolution of Dignity, the illegal annexation of Crimea, and the beginning of war in Donbas in 2014, with the united international response after the full-scale Russian invasion on 24 February 2022. In general, the governments of Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece changed completely their policy of supporting or non-supporting Ukraine in the war. If after 2014 they tried to be pragmatic in the question of cutting ties with the Russian Federation in their foreign policy activity, then after the full-scale invasion in 2022 they strongly condemned Putin’s regime and agreed to provide assistance to Ukraine to the extent of their military and financial capabilities. The study found that the assistance of Southern European countries has been provided on the Atlantic (through NATO) and European (through EU) levels, as well as national. Defence ministers of the governments of Southern Europe are among the members of the “Ramstein” meetings, where the provision of military aid to Ukraine is coordinated. The countries of the region have so far given priority to humanitarian, financial aid and lethal weapons assistance (but not heavy ones), and have also accepted a large number of Ukrainian refugees. The assistance provided at each of the levels is illustrated by specific examples. Otherwise, Russian influence on domestic policy, national populistic parties and single members of the government or parliament is still strong. For instance, the Italian governmental crisis that happened in the mid-summer was the result of the unpopular and strong position of the prime minister Mario Draghi in his unwavering support of Ukraine. The countries of the region also see the Russian-Ukrainian war as an opportunity for them to strengthen their influence in the Mediterranean.

EVALUATION OF THE ACTIVITY OF THE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CABINETS FROM CLUJ-NAPOCA

PREMISES: Romanian and foreign students of the six Cluj universities are increasing in number, spending five and six years respectively in Cluj Napoca to complete their studies. University medical offices have an important role in providing preventive and curative medical assistance to students aged 18-26 during their study years (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate level). The medical staff ensures both the management of acute illness situations, the provision of first aid, primary prevention, health education and the dispensary of chronic diseases. OBJECTIVES: evaluation of the activity of university medical units during an academic year MATERIAL AND METHOD: the activity report consisted in analyzing and comparing the monthly statistical data completed by the medical staff regarding the activity of the Cluj university medical units during the academic year 2021-2022 (hybrid education, online and on site) RESULTS: In the academic year 2021-2022, a number of 24406 consultations were carried out at the medical units, of which 4053 foreign students, 3144 treatments, 24577 triages (4221 triages for accommodation in dormitories and 20356 triages in special epidemiological conditions), 2193 COVID tests, 549 vaccinations, 4478 simple and electronic prescriptions were prescribed, 3576 referral tickets for specialist consultations were issued, 3767 preventive health examinations were carried out, 934 hygienic-sanitary checks were carried out in dormitories and student canteens, 5530 medical certificates were issued; 469 SARS-COV2 positive students were also monitored, of which 418 were detected and confirmed at the student medical units through rapid antigenic tests. The distribution of these activities on student medical units was different considering the type of education (online, hybrid or on site), the specifics of the universities and the number of students enrolled. CONCLUSIONS: As it emerges from the evaluation of the activity of medical units, their role is an important and imperative one to ensure preventive and curative medical assistance during the years of study, both in the educational units where the didactic activity is carried out and and in the accommodation spaces. The activity of medical units in the collectives of children and young people is complex, combining hygienic-sanitary, epidemiological, legislative, preventive and curative medicine aspects.

ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ ЕЛЕМЕНТІВ ДУАЛЬНОЇ ФОРМИ ЗДОБУТТЯ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ ПІД ЧАС ПІДГОТОВКИ ПРАВНИКІВ

The authors of the article have analyzed the problematic issues of applying dual form elements in obtaining higher education in the process of training legal experts. Based on the analysis of the Law of Ukraine “On Education” the authors have defined the features of the dual form of education: 1) it is the way of obtaining education; 2) it is combination of training in educational institutions with on-the-job training; 3) on-the-job training at enterprises, institutions and organizations is, as a rule, carried out on the basis of an agreement. The features of the dual form of education have been specified taking into account the provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education”: 1) the dual form of obtaining higher education is the way of obtaining education by full-time students; 2) combination of training in educational institutions with on-the-job training; 3) on-the-job training at enterprises, institutions and organizations for the acquisition of certain qualification should be from 25 to 60 percent of the total curriculum; 4) on-the-job training involves the performance of official duties in accordance with the employment contract. It has been proved that the application of elements of the dual form of education into educational process of training legal experts in Ukraine, taking into account the requirements established by the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education”, is complicated by the fact that it is impossible to provide all graduates of higher legal education with on-the-job training at enterprises, institutions and organizations for the acquisition of certain qualification in the amount from 25 to 60 percent of the total curriculum on the basis of an employment contract. It has been offered to introduce compulsory education of students in legal clinics and to amend the current legislation regarding the possibility of involving higher legal education students into the provision of free primary legal aid as elements of the dual form of obtaining higher legal education.

The Principles of International Humanitarian Aid - Diversity and Innovation

Humanitarian assistance is currently a topic frequently addressed at the European level, in the context of the conflict in Ukraine, although the European Union is the main donor at the international level. The emergence of open conflict on the European continent, considered to be the largest military deployment since the Second World War, brought on the public agenda of European countries the provision of humanitarian assistance for the population that left Ukraine on February 24, 2022, located especially at the level of European countries. The involvement of citizens in humanitarian activities represented the defining emblem of European solidarity and a unanimous orientation towards supporting the Ukrainian population was highlighted. In this context, already having the specific frameworks for the provision of humanitarian aid by governments, international institutions, and non-governmental organizations, a vibrant network of humanity has manifested itself at the level of citizens. In this context, having the integrative dimensions of humanitarian aid applied synergistically to international institutions - governments - citizens, this article highlights the principles of humanitarian aid as highlighted at the level of the main operational levels active in the field.

Computer simulation of spatial placement of emergency medical stations in urban agglomeration

The provision of first aid and saving the lives of victims in an emergency situation are the main tasks of the ambulance service. Since the time of arrival of the ambulance team to the call is one of the key factors affecting the outcome of treatment in emergency cases, the question of the location and number of ambulance stations is relevant. The article proposes a solution to one of the tasks of the strategic level of planning the logistics of emergency medical care in a large urban agglomeration - determining the best location of the required number of emergency medical care points to cover the service region, provided that the time to reach the ambulance brigade to any point will be minimal. To build a model of the optimal spatial location of emergency departments, the capabilities of the K-Medoid clustering algorithm are used. The implementation of the proposed model was carried out using the Statistic Toolbox tool of the MATLAB application software package based on geographical data of Yekaterinburg. A comparative analysis of the current and model time indicators show a noticeable reduction in the arrival time of the ambulance team to the call.

A Situation Assessment of Community Health Workers' Preparedness in Supporting Health System Response to COVID-19 in Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda.

Background:Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused socio-economic disruptions across the globe. The pandemic disrupted the health system (HS) calling for reengineering in response to high infection rates, deaths, and resultant containment measures. To deal with COVID-19 and promote resilience, community health workers (CHWs) were engaged across countries.Objective:Assess the preparedness of CHWs in supporting health system response in prevention and management of COVID-19 in Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda.Methods:A mixed methods design study involving national and subnational jurisdictions in the 3 countries. Key informant interviews were conducted with policy actors (16) and health care workers (24) while in-depth interviews involved CHWs (14) and community members (312) subjected to survey interviews.Results:Most (>50%) households survived on <USD 100/month during COVID-19 announced in March 2020 through national TV (57%), FM (42%), and radio station (27%). Community members interactions with CHWs increased during the pandemic through home visits as health educators, basic counseling providers and distributors of pandemic information tools, personal protective equipments, and social support commodities. The CHWs faced challenges during pandemic prevention and management including lack of: protective gear, salary, refresher courses, and identification tools; limited supervision and training; hostile reception during home visits; misconception and politicking about the pandemic. To effectively support prevention and manage of COVID-19, priority needs for CHWs were identified namely: provision of resources, protective gear, transport reimbursement, stipends, identification cards, and tools for recording and reporting; empowerment with adequate skills, trainings on provision of psychosocial support, first aid, and sensitization on policies.Conclusion:COVID-19 linked disruptions to optimal functioning of HS necessitated engagement of CHWs in the pandemic prevention and management. Findings underscore the important role CHWs play in supporting HS during crisis like COVID-19 to mitigate disruptions and stabilize the system for effective response. The CHWs can improve resilience of social and HS during unplanned disruptions for optimal functioning and attainment of universal health care. Policy makers should develop structured mechanisms for engaging CHWs while committing resources to address challenges that affect seamless synergy between health and CHWs Systems.

Mongolian &amp;quot;Third Neighbor&amp;quot; Foreign Policy Concept: History, Features and Prospects

This article studies the history and features of the &amp;quot;third neighbor&amp;quot; concept, which has determined Mongolia&amp;apos;s foreign policy since the 1990s, as well as the prospects for its change at the present stage. The author describes the circumstances of this concept’s emergence and the reasons for its adoption by the Mongolian leadership, then analyzes its characteristic features and its differences from the approaches of other &amp;quot;small states&amp;quot; pursuing foreign policy on the basis of the “multi-vector” principle. Among other things, the factors considered include the geopolitical situation in the region of Northeast Asia, the geographical position of Mongolia, its historical experience of being dominated by neighboring powers, the problems of its economy and the local elite’s desire to ensure the dominance of Western values in the country’s political life after 1990. The author proceeds to study the motives and approaches of the &amp;quot;third neighbor&amp;quot; states towards partnership with Mongolia, noting the transition from the preferential provision of humanitarian aid at the initial stage to the implementation of mutually beneficial projects since the early 2000s. Special attention is given to the gradually emerging differences between the interests and priorities of Western and Eastern countries in Mongolia. This is followed by an analysis of the prospects for the &amp;quot;third neighbor&amp;quot; concept and the challenges it faces, associated, in particular, with the ever-escalating confrontation between the collective West and Mongolia&amp;apos;s closest neighbors — Russia and China. The author comes to the conclusion that third countries — primarily the United States —might, under certain conditions, try to force the Mongolians to choose between their main partners, just as it happened with certain other states close to Russia.

THE CONCEPT OF INTEGRATED FOOD POLICY

Careful observation of where food is produced and distributed reveals a mismatch between what is given, what is demanded and what is received. All this becomes an argument for structuring a coherent concept for harmonising food policy, as well as an issue calling for the integration of food policies. The objective of the study is to raise awareness recently and to propose technical and public policy solutions primarily at local community level, within citizens' groups. The solutions that emerged from the study are those relating to highlighting the elements of principle that provide the framework for the realisation of a Territorial Action Programme in food policy, particularly in densely populated areas. This guide is useful for achieving the necessary synergy between agricultural, environmental and social issues that intersect with the provision of quality food and food aid in a unified concept of Romanian integrated food policy.