Aid Strategies Research Articles

Unraveling China’s Aid Strategy Towards Central Asian Countries: The Case of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

China’s burgeoning influence in Central Asia, particularly in economically disadvantaged nations like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, presents a multifaceted phenomenon deserving of deeper analysis. This article delves into the impact of Chinese involvement in these two Central Asian countries, shedding light on the instruments employed by China, such as development aid and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Despite their economic challenges, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have emerged as key recipients of Chinese aid, receiving grants, concessional loans, and infrastructure projects that have reshaped their socio-economic landscapes. At the heart of China’s engagement lies the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, which has positioned Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as pivotal nodes in China’s quest for regional connectivity. As Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan navigate their relationship with China, they face the delicate task of leveraging economic opportunities while safeguarding their national interests amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia. This article aims to analyze Chinese influence through development aid and the BRI in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, illuminating both the opportunities and challenges of this relationship.

Foreign Aid, Identities and Interests: Qatar and the UAE in Sudan

ABSTRACT The entanglement of domestic and geopolitical dynamics with the evolution of the aid strategies of the Gulf States is particularly evident in the Horn of Africa (HOA), where the regional competition for exercising influence has affected the modalities of humanitarian and development interventions. A comparison of the foreign aid given by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Sudan in the context of its political and humanitarian crisis during three different periods (2014-17; 2017-19; and post-2019) allows a better understanding of these dynamics. By adopting a neoclassical realist and constructivist approach, it highlights similarities and differences in the domestic factors at play, including the ideological and security dimension, in both donor and recipient countries, as well as their overlapping with the regional and international spheres, which determine aid strategies in terms of the geographical, channel and sectoral allocation of aid resources.

Foreign aid of Gulf States: continuity and change

This volume focuses on two primary objectives: to understand the transformations in Gulf States’ foreign aid (GSFA) following 9/11 and the 2011 Arab Uprisings, and to analyse the enduring traits, evolving characteristics, allocation and motivations behind GSFA. The volume delves into how the Gulf States – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar – have shifted from a solidarity-based aid model to one strategically aligned with political and military interests, particularly in regions like Yemen, Libya and Syria. The key findings highlight the Gulf States’ growing emphasis on transparency, alignment with global governance norms, and increased humanitarian assistance. However, the continued preference for bilateral over multilateral aid raises concerns about transparency and the long-term effectiveness of aid. Politicisation of foreign aid, especially post-2011, underscores how Gulf donors use aid to reinforce geopolitical influence and support military objectives. The volume proposes a future research agenda focusing on the effectiveness of the Gulf States’ rebranding efforts, the implications of intertwining aid with military interests, the shift towards economic diversification in aid allocation, and how evolving regional dynamics, such as Saudi–Iran relations and the Abraham Accords, could shape future aid strategies.

Sintering Aids Strategies for Improving LSGM and LSF Materials for Symmetrical Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Sintering Aids Strategies for Improving LSGM and LSF Materials for Symmetrical Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Strategic investment and program effectiveness: a roadmap to ending AIDS in Bangladesh by 2030

ABSTRACT The journey towards ending AIDS epidemic in Bangladesh by 2030 is ambitious yet achievable. Although Bangladesh has always had a low rate of HIV among its general population, it remains one of seven countries in Asia and the Pacific where new HIV cases are rising. This study evaluates the effectiveness of HIV programmatic strategies and investment scenarios using the AIDS Epidemic Model (AEM) from 2023 to 2030, focusing on optimizing resource allocation and interventions. The findings indicate that without improved program effectiveness, new HIV infections will increase to 1,382 by 2030, failing to meet the targets of the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026. If Bangladesh improves its HIV program effectiveness according to the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026, the NSP and Global AIDS Strategy targets could significantly lower new infections and AIDS-related deaths and increase treatment coverage to meet Ending AIDS targets. The NSP targets could reduce new HIV infections to under 275 annually and achieve treatment goals by 2030. The study reveals that NSP targets are the most cost-effective, offering the highest benefit-cost ratio, highlighting the urgent need to enhance HIV prevention program effectiveness, particularly among key populations, to achieve both public health and economic benefits.

Examining aid fragmentation and collaboration opportunities in Cambodia’s health sector

BackgroundCambodia’s health sector faces significant challenges exacerbated by aid fragmentation, where development aid is dispersed among numerous small, uncoordinated projects. This study examines the distribution of health sector aid among Cambodia’s principal donors to identify priorities, overlaps, and potential collaboration opportunities, addressing the urgent need for aid efficiency and alignment with national health priorities.MethodsUtilizing OECD datasets and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for the years 2010–2021, this study quantifies aid fragmentation within Cambodia’s health sector. It analyzes aid allocations from the top five donors—United States, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and Germany—across various health projects and initiatives, evaluating the extent of fragmentation and identifying areas for potential donor collaboration.ResultsThis study’s findings highlight a pervasive issue of aid fragmentation within Cambodia’s health sector, evident through the sector’s low HHI score. This indicates a widespread distribution of aid across numerous small-scale initiatives, rather than targeted, unified efforts. A notable example includes Japan and Korea, which exhibit lower HHI scores, indicating a more pronounced fragmentation in their aid allocation. These countries’ contributions are spread across various sectors without a dominant focus, contrasting with the United States’ significant dedication to infectious disease control. However, beyond this specific area, the US’s aid distribution across other priority health areas shows signs of fragmentation. This scattered approach to aid allocation, even amidst instances of focused support, illustrates the overarching challenge of aligning donor contributions with the holistic needs of Cambodia’s health infrastructure.ConclusionsThis investigation highlights the critical need for enhanced collaboration and strategic harmonization among international donors to mitigate aid fragmentation in Cambodia’s health sector. It underscores the importance of adopting integrated and priority-aligned aid strategies to improve the efficiency and impact of health aid. By fostering synergistic partnerships and harmonizing donor efforts, there is a potential to create a more cohesive support framework that resonates with Cambodia’s comprehensive health requirements and contributes to sustainable health outcomes. Such harmonization not only aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 by optimizing health services and outcomes but also strengthens global partnerships under Sustainable Development Goal 17, fostering a unified approach to international development.

Patients' and Providers' Perspectives of a Dose Administration Aid Strategy to Improve Cardiovascular Prevention in Australian Primary Healthcare

Patients' and Providers' Perspectives of a Dose Administration Aid Strategy to Improve Cardiovascular Prevention in Australian Primary Healthcare

Classification of international organizations and their role in the modern world

International organizations in the modern world play an important role in ensuring cooperation between states, developing global strategies and solving international problems. Classification of various international organizations into categories for the purpose of their systematic study is not based on a priori generally accepted criteria. Thus, none of the existing classifications of international organizations, even if they satisfy a significant part of differentiated research needs, can be considered as based on codified criteria. The relative typology of all international organizations entails their classification, sometimes based on criteria that serve the specific theoretical needs of a particular study. Although this is not the case here, it should be noted that the following distinctions of international organizations are mainly relevant to the study of the legal aspects of the phenomenon. International organizations can be classified according to various criteria, such as target orientation, structure, method of participation of states and others. One of the key criteria is functional orientation. Thus, there are political, economic, social, humanitarian and military organizations, each of which has its own specific tasks and functions. Some organizations are based on the principle of sovereignty, where each state has the right to make an independent decision on participation in the organization’s activities. In the light of globalization and the growing complexity ofinternationalrelations, understanding the classification of international organizations is becoming extremely important for solving global problems and ensuring peaceful coexistence in the international arena. Studying their functions, structures, and participation mechanisms helps countries and organizations to cooperate more effectively and solve important global issues. The role of international organizations in the modern world cannot be overestimated. They facilitate cooperation between states, resolve international conflicts, provide humanitarian aid, develop economies, and implement joint strategies for environmental protection. International organizations act as mediators and coordinators in solving major global problems, ensuring stability and progress in international relations.

Factors Associated with Increased Use of Cognitive Aids in Emergency Medical Services

Background: Cognitive aids are an essential aspect of patient care within emergency medical services (EMS). Despite their availability in EMS, these aids are underutilized. Understanding factors associated with increased use of cognitive aids can help guide the development of effective implementation strategies. This study examines the association between the frequency of cognitive aid use in EMS and three factors: the use of these aids into initial education programs, policies mandating their use, and clinicians’ perceptions of cognitive aid usefulness. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey examining the use, previous training, policy, and perceived usefulness of 15 selected cognitive aids. The survey was emailed to 136,093 EMS clinicians in six participating states (TX, ME, MI, LA, SC, and AR). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the examined factors. Bivariate analysis was used to examine the relationship between the use of each cognitive aid and previous training with the aid, requirements for use, and perceived usefulness. Results: A total of 2,251 respondents met inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The length-based tape was the most common aid used during initial education programs (n=1724, 77.0%) and to have policy requiring its use during patient care (n=1194, 53.0%). Aids associated with pediatric medication administration were perceived as most useful. Clinicians were more likely to use a specific aid if there was policy requiring its use, if they used the aid during their initial education programs, or if they perceived it to be useful. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that integrating a cognitive aid into EMS initial education programs, having policy requiring its use, and the aid being perceived as useful are all associated with increased use the aid during patient care. These results may provide valuable insights for devising more effective implementation strategies for cognitive aids.

Sustainability Indicators of Foreign Assistance in the Field of Media and Information Literacy: A Case Study on Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Media and information literacy (MIL) projects are crucial for a country’s development. They provide citizens with access to vital information and resources. This enables them to learn about their rights and responsibilities, as well as gain access to critical resources to improve their quality of life. For the last decade several international organizations such as UNESCO, Internews, DW-Akademie annually have been providing grants for the training courses, and projects at various levels to increase the MIL level of the population in the Central Asian context. The present study will discuss ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of projects in the field of MIL in this region. The paper investigates the sustainability indicators of foreign aid initiatives in the realm of MIL within Central Asia. It aims to assess the long-term viability of foreign aid programs in fostering MIL across Central Asian nations through a comprehensive analysis of historical trends, policy frameworks, and stakeholder perspectives. As part of the research, face-to-face interviews were conducted with prominent trainers and experts from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Emphasizing the role of public-private partnerships, technological integration, and cultural considerations, the paper explores avenues for promoting enduring change and enhancing the effectiveness of foreign assistance in this critical field. The findings contribute valuable insights to policymakers, practitioners, and scholars interested in optimizing foreign aid strategies for sustainable development in the ever-evolving landscape of media and information literacy in Central Asia.

TRAUMA, ADDICTION, AND THE PATH TO RECOVERY AFTER THE KAHRAMANMARAŞ EARTHQUAKES

The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Turkey, characterized by their suddenness and severity, have highlighted the acute need to understand and address the psychological aftermath of such natural disasters. This article examines the intersection of trauma and addiction that frequently follows such catastrophic events. It delves into the widespread psychological distress and the documented rise in post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors among the affected populations. The review synthesizes findings from global earthquake studies, including those from Japan, Nepal, Italy, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti and China, to draw parallels and learn from previous experiences in managing post-disaster mental health challenges. The article proposes a multi-pronged approach to intervention that includes immediate responses such as Psychological First Aid and longer-term strategies like sustained psychological counseling and community-based support. It acknowledges the complexity of integrating cultural nuances into these interventions and highlights the importance of ethical considerations, political coordination, and the need for training mental health professionals in trauma-informed care. Challenges such as resource limitations, infrastructural damage, cultural barriers, and the need for long-term sustainability of mental health programs are discussed. Furthermore, the article stresses the importance of supporting the mental health of professionals and volunteers working in disaster zones, who are at risk of burnout and secondary trauma. Innovative and adaptable interventions, supported by rapid and responsive research, are advocated to improve mental health outcomes. This comprehensive review contributes to the discourse on disaster response, emphasizing that addressing both trauma and addiction is essential for the holistic recovery of affected individuals and communities.

Improving sustainability of a patient decision aid for systemic treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: A qualitative study

ObjectiveTo improve sustainability of a patient decision aid for systemic treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, we evaluated real-world experiences and identified ways to optimize decision aid content and future implementation. MethodsSemi-structured interviews with patients and medical oncologists addressed two main subjects: user experience and decision aid content. Content analysis was applied. Fifteen experts discussed the results and devised improvements based on experience and literature review. ResultsThirteen users were interviewed. They confirmed the relevance of the decision aid for shared decision making. Areas for improvement of content concerned; 1) outdated and missing information, 2) an imbalance in presentation of treatment benefits and harms, and 3) medical oncologists' expressed preference for a more center-specific or patient individualized decision aid, presenting a selection of the guideline recommended treatment options. Key points for improvement of implementation were better alignment within the care pathway, and clear instruction to users. ConclusionWe identified relevant opportunities for improvement of an existing decision aid and developed an updated version and accompanying implementation strategy accordingly. InnovationThis paper outlines an approach for continued decision aid and implementation strategy development which will add to sustainability. Implementation success of the improved decision aid is currently being studied in a multi-center mixed-methods implementation study.

The changing contexts of international aid: examining Indian experiences for a BRICS way

ABSTRACT Concepts like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (TOSSD) and South – South Cooperation (SSC) have a significant impact on national strategies for international aid. This paper examines India’s policy ideas and local practices to explore the contexts of the national implementation of the SDGs for global public well-being. The study approaches these issues through three avenues: the SDG-oriented idealistic view of international aid, the pragmatic lines of the SSC model and the TOSSD framework that bridges those two aspects. In the case of India, we observe a traditional orientation of international aid focused on the SSC model, combined with a tendency of transformation toward the SDGs. The research discusses Indian practice and analyzes the existing barriers to development and their associated policy solutions. This background reflects on the general transition of development strategies in international aid among the BRICS countries and the potential of these countries’ future contributions toward global development.

Mapping annual 10-m soybean cropland with spatiotemporal sample migration

China, as the world’s biggest soybean importer and fourth-largest producer, needs accurate mapping of its planting areas for global food supply stability. The challenge lies in gathering and collating ground survey data for different crops. We proposed a spatiotemporal migration method leveraging vegetation indices’ temporal characteristics. This method uses a feature space of six integrals from the crops’ phenological curves and a concavity-convexity index to distinguish soybean and non-soybean samples in cropland. Using a limited number of actual samples and our method, we extracted features from optical time-series images throughout the soybean growing season. The cloud and rain-affected data were supplemented with SAR data. We then used the random forest algorithm for classification. Consequently, we developed the 10-meter resolution ChinaSoybean10 maps for the ten primary soybean-producing provinces from 2019 to 2022. The map showed an overall accuracy of about 93%, aligning significantly with the statistical yearbook data, confirming its reliability. This research aids soybean growth monitoring, yield estimation, strategy development, resource management, and food scarcity mitigation, and promotes sustainable agriculture.

Socioeconomic inequalities and the role of sectoral foreign aid in developing countries

AbstractUsing a panel threshold regression approach, we consider multiple dimensions of socioeconomic inequalities and examine their heterogeneous relationships with sectoral foreign aid. Conditioned on the level of socioeconomic development, three types of inequality and four channels of sectoral foreign aid are considered. We use a comprehensive dataset covering 65 aid‐recipient countries from 1990 to 2017 and find that education aid effectively reduces inequalities but only when the level of institutional quality and other socioeconomic factors is above its 75th percentile value in our sample. These results are robust to alternative measures of income inequality, aid and estimation strategies.

The socioeconomic epidemiology of inherited retinal diseases in Portugal

BackgroundInherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of rare degenerative disorders of the retina that can lead to blindness from birth to late middle age. Knowing the target population and its resources is essential to better plan support measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the socioeconomic characteristics of regions in Portugal where IRD patients reside to inform the planning of vision aid and rehabilitation intervention measures.ResultsThis study included 1082 patients from 973 families, aged 3 to 92 years, with a mean age of 44.8 ± 18.1 years. Patients living with an IRD were identified in 190 of the 308 municipalities. According to this study, the estimated IRD prevalence in Portugal was 10.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, and by municipalities, it ranged from 0 to 131.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. Overall, regions with a higher prevalence of IRD have a lower population density (r=-0.371, p < 0.001), a higher illiteracy rate (r = 0.404, p < 0.001) and an overall older population (r = 0.475, p < 0.001). Additionally, there is a lower proportion of doctor per capita (r = 0.350, p < 0.001), higher social security pensions beneficiaries (r = 0.439, p < 0.001), worse water quality for human consumption (r=-0.194, p = 0.008), fewer audiences at the cinema (r=-0.315, p < 0.001) and lower proportion of foreign guests in tourist accommodations (r=-0.287, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe number of identified patients with IRD varied between regions. Using data from national statistics (PORDATA), we observed differences in socioeconomic characteristics between regions. Multiple targeted aid strategies can be developed to ensure that all IRD patients are granted full clinical and socioeconomic support.

Hearing Aid Fitting and Fine-tuning Strategies Implemented by Certified Audiologists in India

Background: Management of hearing-impaired individuals using hearing aids requires expertise in fitting formulas, compression methods, frequency adjustments, microphone directionality, noise reduction algorithms, and feedback management. There are abundant online resources/guidelines for programming and fine-tuning hearing aids. The fitting strategies for hearing aids can differ among professionals based on their expertise and convenience. Aims and Objectives: The survey study aimed to gain comprehension of the methods used by audiologists practicing in Indian subcontinent in choosing, fitting, and tuning hearing aids for adults with hearing impairment. Materials and Methods: A web-based survey with a 25-item questionnaire was carried out among audiologists nationwide, addressing topics such as hearing aid selection and fitting techniques. Among the audiologists practicing in India, 77 audiologists from various workplaces across India responded to the survey. The data gathered were then subjected to descriptive analysis. Results: The study showed that the selection of hearing aids depended on the extent of hearing loss and the main listening needs of the person. Audiologists generally used manufacturers’ initial fit and their expertise to adjust different signal processing features and considered patient feedback for additional adjustments. Most audiologists use only pure-tone audiometry for the initial evaluation of hearing abilities. Conclusion: The findings of the research underscore the absence of standardized procedures for audiologists in the fitting of hearing aids, considering the numerous signal-processing approaches present in contemporary hearing technology. Despite exponential advancements in hearing aid technology, there remains a scarcity of concise and accessible information that would enable audiologists to utilize such sophisticated technologies during fitting and tuning effectively.

Research on autonomous operation and mutual aid strategy of AC/DC hybrid microgrid cluster

In order to address the challenge of ensuring convergence and stability in AC/DC hybrid microgrid cluster with self/mutual communication delay, this study proposes a hierarchical control strategy. By leveraging the finite-time consistency algorithm, this strategy facilitates autonomous operation of sub-microgrids and enables mutual aid and assistance within the microgrid cluster. The proposed control strategy consists of two levels: the sub-microgrid level and the microgrid cluster level. Both levels utilize primary control along with a secondary adjustment term based on improved finite-time consistency. This strategy aims to ensure frequency and voltage stability, power equalization in the sub-microgrids, and economic allocation of power in the microgrid cluster. The proposed control strategy improves the traditional finite-time consistency protocol, considers the effect of time delay on system stability. It also introduces the convergence coefficient to strike a balance between system economy and stability objectives. Through a comparison with the traditional consistency algorithm, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy enhances the robustness of the system, enables coordinated control of frequency and voltage in sub-microgrids, facilitates economic power allocation in the microgrid cluster, and achieves faster convergence speed.

A content analysis of medication adherence material in patient educational resources about gout.

This study aimed to investigate how medication adherence is addressed in online gout resources in six countries. We investigated how often adherence was referred to, the strategies suggested to improve patient adherence, and the types of nonadherence that were targeted. We also examined the readability of the adherence material. A content analysis was conducted on 151 online gout resources from medical and health organisations in six predominantly English-speaking countries. Two reviewers coded the content of the websites into categories (kappa 0.80). The analysis involved coding the resources for reasons for nonadherence, and adherence-promoting strategies. Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease scores and word count were also computed. Out of 151 websites examined, 77 websites discussed medication adherence (51%), with intentional nonadherence being more prevalent than unintentional nonadherence. 67 websites targeted different types of nonadherence, including drug-specific concerns (50%), misconceptions of gout curability and the necessity of medication (16%), forgetfulness (16%), and other practical challenges (5%). Strategies to promote adherence were found in one-third of the websites, with medication education being the most prevalent strategy (17%), followed by healthcare provider engagement (13%) and memory aid strategies (6%). On average, about 11% of the words (89.27, SD = 76.35) in the entire document were focused on adherence. Difficult reading comprehension was found in one-fifth of adherence-related websites. Findings reveal limited medication adherence coverage and narrow strategies in online gout resources. Improved adherence portrayal is needed for effective gout management through comprehensive strategies and clear, understandable information.

Protecting Confidentiality in the Digital Ecosystem of Humanitarian Aid

Protecting Confidentiality in the Digital Ecosystem of Humanitarian Aid