Assistance Project Research Articles

Levosimendan in patients with cardiogenic shock refractory to dobutamine weaning

Abstract Background The role of Levosimendan in managing cardiogenic shock remains the subject of debate. Objective This study examines the use and effects of Levosimendan when combined with dobutamine in patient’s refractory to dobutamine weaning. Methods This retrospective study included patients with cardiogenic shock admitted between January 1st, 2010, and October 31st, 2022. After initial dobutamine weaning failure, we compared patients who were treated with dobutamine alone versus those for whom Levosimendan was added in top of dobutamine. The primary outcome was successful inotrope withdrawal, defined as survival without catecholamine support, transplant, or definitive ventricular assist device at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality at 30 and 90 days. Data analysis used inverse probability weighting according to propensity score. Results Among 349 patients with cardiogenic shock and failure to withdraw dobutamine, Levosimendan was used on top of dobutamine in 114 patients, and another try of dobutamine alone was made in 235 patients. At 30 days, successful inotrope withdrawal occurred in 46 (43.4%) patients with Levosimendan and dobutamine versus 24 (10.5%) patients of the dobutamine only group (weighted OR 4.99 [2.65 - 9.38]; p<0.001), with similar results at 90 days (weighted OR 6.16 [3.22-11.78]; p<0.001). Levosimendan + dobutamine was associated with lower 30-day mortality (weighted OR 0.47 [0.26-0.84]; p=0.01), with no difference at 90 days (weighted OR= 0.67 [0.39-1.14]; p=0.14). Conclusion Adding Levosimendan to dobutamine may improve inotrope withdrawal success and reduce 30-day mortality in patients with initial weaning failure, especially in those without project of cardiac assistance or transplant.

Modernizing Public Health Data Systems and Workforce Capacity: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Informatics Fellowship Program.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed governmental public health's outdated information technology and insufficient data science and informatics workforce capacity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Informatics Fellowship Program (PHIFP) is well positioned to strengthen public health data science and informatics workforce capacity. Established in 1996, PHIFP is a 2-year, full-time, on-the-job training program. PHIFP includes a didactic curriculum, applied learning through informatics projects completed at the assigned host site, short-term technical assistance projects, and a final capstone project. Fellows have learned from and bolstered host site informatics capacity through the development or enhancement of information systems, evaluations, data integration, data visualization, and analysis. Among recent graduates, 54% are employed at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and 16% are employed at other public health organizations, including local health departments. Fellowships such as PHIFP, which recruit and train promising scientists in public health informatics, are important components of efforts to strengthen public health workforce capacity.

Special research on well-being and earning of rice farmers in Laos: Survey of Official Development Assistant (ODA) projects and economic analysis

Farmers in rural areas can only earn revenue from rice farming which rice farming supports their better lives. Agricultural knowledge is a potential incentive for promoting well-being. This paper was survey research, there were two sections: 1) the author utilized an econometric approach to analyze the earnings of farmers from 10 provinces from 2017–2021; there were 1120 farmers involved in the survey; 2) the author used an economic evaluation approach to analyze effectiveness and efficiency of ODA by using data from 1110 farmers in 2018; 1205 farmers in 2019; and 1330 farmers in 2020. ODA is Instrumental Variables (IV) in the mincer model, ODA promotes agricultural knowledge for farmers, and of course, agricultural knowledge promotes revenue for farmers. The 2SLS and maximum likelihood are essential for the quartic function of mincer. Evaluation approaches from OECD/DAC and PCAP/JICA were utilized to compare the results of well-being indicators called basic human needs (BHN). According to the results of this study, the earnings of farmers who joined ODA projects were higher than the earnings of farmers who did not join ODA projects. The result of the economic evaluation approach found ‘ineffectiveness’; on the other hand, the author could find the efficiency of ODA projects. Finally, the recommendation is that the government policy on BHN should be consistently linked to the ODA program made by both the government and donors. Certainly, BHN policy for farmers who are minorities is necessary such as providing rice fields to be utilized for free, this will lead to chances for farmers to enhance their well-being from rice production.

Farmers' Insights on the Migration from Rural to Urban Areas in Bangladesh

This research uses a qualitative methodology to investigate the complex dynamics of rural-urban migration among Bangladeshi farmers via in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The main objectives are to determine the main causes of migration, comprehend the difficulties farmers have when migrating, and evaluate the effects of migration on their communities and means of subsistence. According to the research, three main factors influence migration: social goals, environmental concerns, and economic incentives. Numerous obstacles, such as unstable work, skill gaps, excessive living expenses, and subpar housing, negatively impact the well-being of migrant farmers. Notwithstanding these obstacles, migration offers chances for greater access to services, skill development, and economic progress. The results underline the need for all-encompassing policy interventions, stressing the significance of job assistance, training programs, and sustainable rural development projects to help migrant farmers. To improve the resilience and well-being of migrant farmers and their communities, this study offers policymakers practical suggestions for creating more inclusive and prosperous migration policies.

BEYOND RHETORIC: CHINA'S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN KENYA THROUGH A POLITICAL-ECONOMIC LENS (2013-2020)

This article explores the evolution of China-Kenya relations within the context of China's broader public diplomacy strategy, focusing particularly on the period from 2013 to 2020. The foundation for these bilateral relations was laid as China opened up to developing countries and African nations gained independence. While formal diplomatic relations between China and Kenya were established in 1963, it was during the 2000s that these relations diversified significantly under the leadership of Chinese President Hu Jintao and Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki. This diversification spanned commercial, cultural, and political domains, becoming a notable example of public diplomacy. With the ascension of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China's public diplomacy experienced a strategic shift towards a more assertive and politically oriented approach. This study argues that under Xi Jinping, new initiatives and strategic plans were introduced, enhancing the existing framework of China's public diplomacy. A key element of this transformation was the increased emphasis on foreign aid, which gained momentum through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Between 2013 and 2020, China's foreign aid to Kenya played a pivotal role in reshaping the structure of Chinese public diplomacy. This period saw a continuation and expansion of activities in culture and media, established in earlier phases, alongside a growing focus on infrastructure development, humanitarian aid, healthcare assistance, and educational and cultural projects. The study begins by examining traditional public diplomacy tools such as cultural exchanges, high-level visits, and educational initiatives. It then discusses specific projects implemented between 2013 and 2020, analyzing their contributions to public diplomacy efforts. Finally, the article provides an overview of these projects, as documented in AidData, highlighting their impact on the bilateral relations between China and Kenya.

Embedding responsible innovation into R&D practices: A case study of socially assistive robot development

The Responsible Innovation (RI) approach aims to transform research and development (R&D) into being more anticipatory, inclusive, reflective, and responsive. This study highlights the challenges of embedding RI in R&D practices. We fostered collective learning on RI in a socially assistive robot development project through applying participatory action research (PAR). In the PAR, we employed a mixed-methods approach, combining interviews, workshops, and online questionnaires, to collectively explore opportunities for RI, and elicit team member perceptions, opinions, and beliefs about RI. Our PAR led to some modest yet purposeful, deliberate efforts to address particular concerns regarding, for instance, privacy, control, and energy consumption. However, we also found that the embedding of RI in R&D practices can be hampered by four partly interrelated barriers: lack of an action perspective, the noncommittal nature of RI, the misconception that co-design equals RI, and limited integration between different R&D task groups. In this paper, we discuss the implications of these barriers for R&D teams and funding bodies, and we recommend PAR as a solution to address these barriers.

Rationale and design of the artificial intelligence scalable solution for acute myocardial infarction (ASSIST) study

BackgroundAcute coronary syndrome (ACS), specifically ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout Europe. Diagnosis in the acute setting is mainly based on clinical symptoms and physician's interpretation of an electrocardiogram (ECG), which may be subject to errors. ST-segment elevation is the leading criteria to activate urgent reperfusion therapy, but a clear ST-elevation pattern might not be present in patients with coronary occlusion and ST-segment elevation might be seen in patients with normal coronary arteries. MethodsThe ASSIST project is a retrospective observational study aiming to improve the ECG-assisted assessment of ACS patients in the acute setting by incorporating an artificial intelligence platform, Willem™ to analyze 12‑lead ECGs. Our aim is to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce treatment delays. ECG and clinical data collected during this study will enable the optimization and validation of Willem™. A retrospective multicenter study will collect ECG, clinical, and coronary angiography data from 10,309 patients. The primary outcome is the performance of this tool in the correct identification of acute myocardial infarction with coronary artery occlusion. Model performance will be evaluated internally with patients recruited in this retrospective study while external validation will be performed in a second stage. ConclusionASSIST will provide key data to optimize Willem™ platform to detect myocardial infarction based on ECG-assessment alone. Our hypothesis is that such a diagnostic approach may reduce time delays, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and improve clinical outcomes.

Evaluating the Application of Construction Projects Management Methodologies during Construction Projects Execution in Charities Organization

Over the past four decades, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region, there has been a significant increase of non-governmental charitable institutions leading to a wide spread of their humanitarian assistance, social services and diverse construction projects in impoverished and developing countries. Successful implementation of charitable construction projects requires proficient leadership, administrative accumen, and scientific expertise to achieve project objectives in terms of scope, time, cost and quality. This study delves into existing research on extrapolation, utilizating both quantitative and qualitative approaches using digital statistical analysis. By examining all the resolution points and axes, a set of essential criteria has been identified. The criteria can be considered as successful benchmarks for charitable organizations aiming to enhance the implementation of their construction projects.

The Dynamic Evolution of College or University Roles in Aesthetic Education Assistance Projects in China: From Implementers to Co-Creators

The role of colleges and universities as transmitters of knowledge and active participants in aesthetic education assistance projects is pivotal. This study aims to investigate how the roles of these institutions in aesthetic education assistance projects have evolved in China. Through interviews with 10 college educators, students who endorse the project, and local teachers engaged in such initiatives, the research seeks to trace the dynamic shifts in the involvement of higher education institutions in fostering aesthetic education. The findings reveal that colleges and universities have transitioned from being mere implementers to assuming four key roles: resource providers, talent developers, knowledge advocates, and leaders in model practices within aesthetic education. A significant innovation of this research is the application of actor-network theory, which illustrates how these institutions have shifted from implementers to collaborators, creating a flexible network that enhances stakeholder engagement, attracts more participants, and encourages sustained active involvement. Ultimately, this study offers fresh insights into improving the initiative and co-innovation capacities of educational institutions and their networks, providing valuable experiences for future research and practical applications of aesthetic education assistance in developing areas to further aesthetic education's growth.

Mobile money, food security and coping strategies in a post-conflict and fragile context: evidence from Burundi

PurposeAttaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a challenge in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, financial inclusion is seen as a potential pathway for reducing food insecurity among poor households. Mobile money is a financial inclusion instrument that is easily accessible to poor households and has the potential to increase the level of financial inclusion. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the determinants of mobile money adoption, its effects on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in Burundi, a post-conflict and fragile country.Design/methodology/approachUsing survey data that involved 860 households in Burundi, we adopted the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) developed under the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project to measure household food security. We further employ the endogenous switching regression treatment effects model for ordered outcomes and the multivariate probit model to achieve our aims.FindingsThe results of our study reveal that the adoption of mobile money is influenced by factors such as gender, marital status, age, formal education, membership in a social network, area of residence and access to a tarred road network. Additionally, the food security status of a household was determined by marital status, formal education, social network membership, access to tarred roads, off-farm income, access to credit and land tenure security. We confirm that mobile money adoption has a significantly positive effect on the food security status of households with heterogeneity in gender and area of residence. We also find that mobile money adoption reduces the likelihood of households adopting consumption-related coping strategies.Practical implicationsThe promotion of mobile money should, therefore, be included in Burundi’s national food security policies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effect of mobile money adoption on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in a post-conflict context.

Study on Overseas Expansion Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Korean Construction Companies Using PEST Analysis

The purpose of this study is to research overseas expansion strategies for small and medium-sized construction companies(SMCCs) in South Korea. The research methodology employs PEST (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological) analysis within the construction industry. Findings suggest increased investment in research and development, adoption of eco-friendly technologies, and localization strategies. By enhancing competitiveness through advanced technology adoption and strengthening sustainable practices aligned with global standards, firms can mitigate political and economic risks. Policy implications include collaboration with government and relevant agencies to support Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, provide financial assistance, manage risks, and establish integrated information platforms. Moreover, enhancing capabilities through education and consulting programs in technology, law, finance, and risk management prepares firms for international expansion. This study offers specific solutions to Korean small and medium-sized construction companies, emphasizing enhanced policy support to successfully pursue expansion and growth opportunities in the global market.

The Role of Monitoring and Evaluation and Project Implementation Management System for Non-Profit Project Performance in Developing Countries

Abstract This study examines the relationship between monitoring and evaluation (M&E), project implementation management system (PIMS) for financial monitoring, and project performance within the framework of the resource-based view (RBV), dynamic capabilities, and knowledge management theory. It focuses on non-profit projects in a developing context, particularly in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Developmental assistance and non-profit projects have an important role to play in the economic performance of developing countries. The research highlights the significance of understanding factors influencing project performance in non-profit projects in developing countries such as BiH. The findings indicate that both M&E and PIMS for financial monitoring significantly influence three key knowledge management processes - knowledge internalization, knowledge accumulation, and knowledge transfer and integration, which in turn positively influence project performance. The study underscores the importance of synergy between M&E, PIMS, and knowledge management for enhancing project performance, offering valuable insights for policymakers, donors, the international community, and academia.

Transforming the University HR on Boarding Process with RPA

The HR Onboarding Assistant project employs Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to enhance the efficiency of on boarding in education institutions. This initiative utilizes a well-structured RPA system with bots, data integration, security measures, and user-friendly interfaces to automate tasks, reduce errors, and improve the onboarding experience. It also supports ongoing optimization and data-driven decision-making for colleges and universities. This initiative addresses these challenges by introducing a meticulously designed RPA architecture. The architecture encompasses a suite of RPA bots, an orchestration layer, and compliance measures. Each component collaborates to automate specific tasks, thereby reducing manual workload, eliminating human errors, and accelerating the onboarding timeline. The project offers a comprehensive solution that includes a user-friendly interface for HR professionals, real-time notifications. Furthermore, the architecture accommodates ongoing optimization, and continuous monitoring. It is designed to foster a culture of data-driven decision - making, ensuring that the onboarding process evolves and adapts to the institution's needs.

COLLEGE PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE FOR SAPKAL KNOWLEDGE HUB

The college placement assistance project is a web-based application that aims to facilitate the placement process of students and companies in an efficient and convenient way. The project consists of three modules: student, company, and admin. The student module allows the students to register, login, update their profile and academic details, view and apply for various job and internship opportunities posted by the companies, view their status and offer letters, and get placement assistance from the admin. The company module allows the companies to register, login, post their job and internship requirements, view and select the eligible candidates, and send offer letters. The admin module allows the admin to manage the users and companies, provide placement assistance to the students by uploading training documents, and view the statistics and graphs of the placement process. The project uses Python as the programming language, Django as the web framework, MySQL as the database, and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as the front-end technologies. The project aims to reduce the manual work and errors involved in the placement process, and provide a platform for students and companies to connect and communicate easily. Key Words: Placement, Companies, HR, TPO, Admin, Assistance.

African Union Mission in Somalia Considerations for Transition and Kenya’s National Security

This study assessed the implications of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Kenya's national security within the context of AMISOM's transition to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The objective of the study was analyse achievement of African Union Mission in Somalia mandates, to examine the effects to Kenya's National security and assess transition strategies of national security. The study was guided by Functionalist, Strategic and Securitisation theories. The research employed a mixed-methods research design using questionnaire surveys and interviews with respondents in Kenya's border counties most affected by Somali instability. Study findings established that, while a majority (52%) believe AMISOM has achieved its mandate to a moderate extent, concerns remain regarding the capacity of Somali Security Forces (SSF) and the overall stability of Somalia. In addition, study findings established that while progress has been made in degrading Al-Shabaab and supporting the Somali Federal Government (FGS). However, only a third of respondents believe the SSF has been adequately mentored by AMISOM. Despite success in facilitating humanitarian assistance and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects, nearly two-thirds believe Somalia lacks the conditions necessary for long-term stability. The study concludes that AMISOM's transition strategy inadequately addresses governance and security aspects essential for Kenyan security. Weak SSF and FGS capacity pose a threat of failed stabilization after AMISOM's withdrawal. Additionally, Kenya's current border security measures are insufficient to manage potential spill over effects. ANOVA indicated an F statistic of 134.318 and a p value of 0.000<0.05 thus the Somalia PSO strategies significantly predict Kenya’s National Security. Regressions weight model (β = -0.451, P = .000<.05) implied that Nature of Somalia PSO strategies negatively influences Kenya’s National Security. The study recommends a revision of the AMISOM transition strategy to include capacity building for FGS and SSF, including forces in federal member states like Jubaland; allocation of sufficient time for a well-monitored transition with clear benchmarks; an exploration cautious negotiations with Al-Shabaab, contingent on a strong FGS and a hybrid AU-UN peacekeeping mission to succeed ATMIS to ensure Kenya's long-term security.

Designing and Developing a Medical-Legal Partnership to Address Cancer Patients' Health-Harming Legal Needs

Summary: The Georgetown University's Cancer Legal Assistance and Well-being Project launched in 2020 as a medical-legal partnership that works with health care providers at a Washington, D.C. safety-net hospital to treat the health-harming legal needs of historically and intentionally marginalized patients with cancer.

The risk factors of development of circulatory system diseases according the results of STEPS-study in Belarus in 2016-2017 and 2019-2020: what was succeeded to change?

The article for the first time analyzes and compares data of STEPS-studies in 2016-2017 and 2019-2020 in Belarus. It demonstrates impact of organizational measures and management decisions at level of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus on monitoring indicators of main risk factors of development of non-communicable diseases based on results of the study. The prospects of impact of risk factors of development of diseases of circulatory system on levels of population morbidity is demonstrated. The STEPS-studies of 2016-2017 and 2019-2020 were carried out by the authors as coordinators for the Brest region. In Belarus, the study was part of set of the UN measures implemented by the WHO targeted to ensuring increase in standard of living and well-being of population of Belarus. In 2016-2020, Belarus implemented project "Prevention of noncommunicable diseases, promotion of a healthy lifestyle and modernization of the healthcare system in the Republic of Belarus" (BELMED), funded by the EU as international technical assistance project. Within this project with the support of the WHO, national study was organized on prevalence of main risk factors of development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in population of the Republic of Belarus aged 18-69 years. The article compares and demonstrates dynamics of indicators of main risk factors of development of diseases of circulatory system (BSC) according STEPS-studies of 2016-2017 and 2019-2020. It is demonstrated that organizational and managerial decisions made on the basis of large-scale studies can affect further prevalence of risk factors of NCDs in population. The problems of prospects for further increasing of incidence of BSC in the Republic of Belarus and their relationship with cardiovascular risks are also highlighted.

AI Call Assistant – Extractive Summarization of Call Recordings

In today's fast-paced business landscape, effective communication is a key for success. With the increasing volume of phone calls in various industries, there is a growing need for efficient call management and analysis tools. The AI Call Assistant project aims to address this need by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology to summarize call recordings, enhancing productivity and decision-making processes. The core functionality of this project revolves around its ability to process audio data from call recordings and extract key insights and information. Using advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques, the system identifies important topics, sentiments, and actions discussed during the call. The call transcripts attained from call recording pose unique challenges that are not adequately addressed by most open-source automatic text summarizers. This project aims to contribute to the field of artificial intelligence by providing efficient and effective methods to recognize call recording and summarize, offering a valuable tool for extracting insights from spoken audio efficiently.Top of Form This research aligns with the broader fields of natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the domain of speech recognition and understanding. It also intersects with communication technology and data analytics, focusing on optimizing call management processes and extracting actionable insights from conversational data. Moreover, it aligns with the goal of improving efficiency and decision-making in various industries through the application of AI-driven solutions. Overall, this project offers a novel approach to improving call management processes through AI-driven extractive summarization, contributing to advancements in natural language processing and communication technologies. Key Words: Artificial Intelligence, BERT, Textual Summarization, Transformers, Natural Language Processing, Speech Recognition, Speech-To-Text.

Digital Economic Education and MSME Assistance Project Bamboo to Improve the Quality and Quantity of Bamboo Products in Pendem Village, Mojogedang District

Digital Economic Education and MSME Assistance Project Bamboo to Improve the Quality and Quantity of Bamboo Products in Pendem Village, Mojogedang District

The Development of a Realistic Mathematics-Based E-Module Using Project Assignments to Improve Students' Concept Understanding

The objectives of elementary school mathematics learning are to encourage students to solve problems in everyday life that require a good understanding of concepts. The fact is that student's understanding of concepts at Aisyiyah Innovative Elementary School and Modern Sakti MI is still need improvement. The reason is that teaching materials and teaching strategies don't support students' conceptual understanding. The objectives of this study are, (1) to describe the design of a realistic mathematics-based e-module (RME) with project assignments, and (2) to describe the effect of a realistic mathematics-based e-module (RME). Assist project assignments in improving students' conceptual understanding. This study uses 7 steps Borg &Gall development model adopted by Sugiyono, which are potentials and problems, data collection, product design, design validation, design revision; product trials, and usage trials. The results of the percentage assessment of the questionnaire included material experts 90%, linguists 86.67%, media experts 84.5%, teachers 80%, and students 83.6%. The results of the t-test of the post-test value of the experimental class and the control class showed a sig-2-tailed value of 0. 000 < 0.05. So it can be concluded that the design of a realistic mathematics-based e-module (RME) with project assignments fulfills process, structure, component, and user requirements and effectively improve students' conceptual understanding.Keywords: Concept Understanding, E-Module Development, Realistic Mathematics (RME), Project Assignments,