Community Centers Research Articles

Real-world (RW) risk of recurrence among patients (pts) diagnosed with stage II-III HR+/HER2− early breast cancer (EBC) treated with endocrine therapy (ET) in the US.

e12533 Background: Despite improved management of HR+/HER2− EBC, pts experience recurrences while on or up to decades after ending standard-of-care (SOC) ET. Addition of adjuvant (adj) cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is), ribociclib and abemaciclib, to SOC ET resulted in significant improvement of outcomes in pts with HR+/HER2− EBC at risk of recurrence. In NATALEE, ribociclib showed invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) benefit in a broader population, including select node-negative (N0) disease. This RW study describes short-term recurrence in pts with HR+/HER2− stage II-III EBC treated with SOC adj ET ± chemotherapy (CT) in the last decade in the US, prior to use of adj CDK4/6is. Methods: A medical record review from large academic (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) and community (Tennessee Oncology) oncology practices was conducted. Adult women with stage II-III HR+/HER2− BC (AJCC 8) who underwent surgical resection and initiated adj ET between Jan 2012 and Dec 2018 were included. Pts were randomly selected for equal distribution by year of adj ET initiation. Study measures were summarized descriptively. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate 3-, 5-, and 7-y iDFS and distant disease–free survival (DDFS). Results: Medical charts of 992 pts were analyzed (median follow-up from initiation of adj ET, 6.3 y). Median age was 58 y. Most pts (76.7%) had stage II disease at diagnosis, 64.0% received CT, and 34.2% were premenopausal. In total, 35.8% of pts were N0. Among all N0 pts, ≈41.4% had high-risk tumor features, as defined by NATALEE: >5 cm, 9.3%; 2-5 cm with G3, 25.9%; 2-5 cm with G2 + high genomic risk, estimated at 6.2%. N1(1-3) and N2/N3 (≥4) involvement was seen in 46.8% and 17.4% of pts, respectively. Analyses of iDFS/DDFS showed cumulative risk of invasive disease recurrence, predominantly distant disease, over 7 y in 21.4% across all stage II/III pts and 25.7% among the N0 pts meeting NATALEE criteria. Conclusions: This RW analysis from 2 major academic and community centers in the US confirms pts with stage II-III HR+/HER2− EBC, including select pts with N0 disease, experience considerable risk of recurrence, as early as during the adj treatment period cumulating over time. These findings warrant the consideration for tolerable treatment escalation for pts with stage II-III HR+/HER2− EBC.

In the Footsteps of Wolfgang Franke: Revisiting Chinese Temples in Bangkok

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Chinese immigrants constituted up to 50% of the population in Bangkok. Beyond their religious role, Chinese temples served as community centers, fostering social connections, news exchange, and providing entertainment for newcomers in the Thai capital. With archival records scarce, the preserved epigraphy within these temples emerges as a crucial historical source. This article revisits Wolfgang Franke’s documented sites from the 1970s and 1980s, finding that the inscribed objects generally remain intact, and indicating stability in Bangkok’s Chinese temple culture over the last fifty years. Addressing the lack of a comprehensive listing of Chinese temples and their locations, the article presents a geo-referenced survey, significantly expanding previous lists. The survey data are available online as supplemental material, contributing to the documentation of Chinese religious sites in Southeast Asia. The article concludes by reflecting on the historical evolution of temple construction in Bangkok.

From what works to what matters: Whole person cancer care and the integrative oncology leadership collaborative (IOLC).

e13567 Background: In 2021-2022, a two-year integrative oncology leadership collaborative ( IOLC ) was established with a goal to routinize whole person care. Thirteen cancer organizations met virtually 1-2x/month, including community, federal and academic centers. The IOLC defined whole person cancer care, adapted & tested open-source patient intake/PROs, education, and workflow resources from primary care, anchored in “what matters” for patients in oncology, and implemented practice change in their settings. Methods: Based on concepts and tools used in whole person primary care , and, with iterative discussion, the IOLC defined minimal required elements for whole person cancer care. Patient advocates, oncology social workers, physicians & nurses came together to draw from efforts that alleviate suffering in palliative, integrative, supportive, and other forms of (mostly) unreimbursed care. Six cancer survivor-advocate members vetted patient-facing resources. Subject matter experts reviewed topics important for clinical initiatives (e.g. group visit models , patient education resources ), shared best practices and solidified commitments to provide whole person care. To assess outcomes, a post-participation survey was fielded. Results: Minimal required elements (MREs) of whole person care were defined as: 1) inclusion of patient & caregiver voice in programming/care plans, 2) explicitly anchoring to “what matters” to the patient in shared decision making and goals of care (using PROs), and 3) supporting safe choices in complementary & integrative modalities. Challenges faced across organizations were: 1) leadership involvement, 2) patient understanding/engagement, 3) resource availability (time/financial), and 4) team alignment. Adaptation of primary care tools to oncology was successful; 15 “pocket guides” gained 2049 page views in 20 mos (top 3: cannabis 18%, nutrition 13%, patient advocacy 10%) and the American Cancer Society adopted the IOLC resources for distribution in 2024. Multi-institutional success occurred via publications and projects such as retooled nurse navigation, survivorship & wellness programs . Survey response rate was 54% (7 of 13 clinical sites). 89% increased whole person health services following IOLC participation (44% moderately or significantly). 100% reported use of the resources in patient care (55% often, 45% periodically). Conclusions: A definition of whole person cancer care, derived from broad consensus, identified MREs that allowed startup success across practice settings. An inclusive community of professionals & patients furthered whole person care with national impact, partnerships and culture change based on what matters to patients.

Tailoring Therapy in Older Adults With Hematologic Malignancies.

Hematologic malignancies most often present in the sixth or seventh decade of life. Even so, many older adults may be unable to tolerate standard chemotherapy or require supplementary care or dose adjustments to do so. Both in community and academic centers, geriatric assessment (GA) can be used to improve the care of older adults with blood cancers. For example, hematologic oncologists can use GA to guide treatment selection, adjusting for patient frailty and goals, as well as prompt initiation of enhanced supportive care. After initial therapy, GA can improve the identification of older adults with aggressive myeloid malignancies who would benefit from hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), inform shared decision making, as well as allow transplanters to tailor conditioning regimen, donor selection, graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, and pre- and post-HCT treatments. As in HCT, GA can improve the care of older patients with relapsed lymphoma or multiple myeloma eligible for chimeric antigen receptor-T therapy, identifying patients at higher risk for toxicity and providing a baseline for subsequent neurocognitive testing. Here, we review the data supporting GA for the care of older adults with blood cancers, from the community to the academic center. In addition, we explore future directions to optimize outcomes for older adults with hematologic malignancies.

Mexican physicians' knowledge and attitudes towards hereditary colorectal cancer risk management.

e22552 Background: Genetic cancer risk assessment (GCRA) has become an integral component of the management of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Understanding clinical criteria and interpreting screening tests to identify patients who should be prioritized for genetic testing is especially critical in resource-constrained settings such as Mexico, where access to genetic testing is limited. Methods: We designed a self-applicable survey consisting of 18 items, divided into three sections: 7 on knowledge, 5 on clinical approaches, and 6 on access to genetic testing. The aim was to assess the practice patterns of Mexican physicians in contact with patients at risk for hereditary CRC. Initially, the survey was piloted among oncology fellows to refine and improve its relevance and applicability. Following adjustments, it was disseminated using a QR code at the annual meeting of the Mexican Society of Oncology (SMeO) in September 2023. Descriptive statistics were performed using frequency and proportions for categorical variables and median and range for quantitative variables. Results: A total of 78 physicians completed the survey, with a median age of 37 years (range, 27-70). Among them, 47.2% were female, 82% were medical oncologists, with a median practice duration of 6 years (range, 1- 40). 52.6% practice in cancer community centers, 83.4% were employed in public primary care settings, and 60% were affiliated to academic centers. Referral criteria for GCRA was identified correctly in 66.7% who recognized age at CRC diagnosis < 50 years, 57.7% synchronous or metachronous CRC, 50% deficient mismatch repair CRC, and 37.2% PREMM5 score of ≥2.5%. Lynch syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), and Cowden syndrome were identified as syndromes with an increased CRC risk by 76.9%, 71.8% and 56.7% of respondents, respectively. Decision-making based on likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants was indicated by 26.9% and 69.2%, while 12.8% reported making decisions based on variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Regarding clinical approach, 74.4% inquired about a family history of cancer at the initial consultation, and 66.7% referred patients for genetic counseling. The primary obstacles to accessing GCRA were the cost of genetic testing (43.6%) and the absence of medical genetics services at their centers (39.7%). Only 23% reported the availability of cascade testing within their practice. Conclusions: The identification of patients at risk of hereditary CRC was suboptimal among Mexican physicians. A high proportion of respondents were not fully qualified to interpret correctly genetic testing results. These indicate a need for awareness and educational programs to improve providers’ knowledge on predisposition cancer syndromes.

Association of Racial Status and Training Language with Baseline Performance and Training Gains During Computerized Training of Technology-related Everyday Functional Skills In Older Adults

ObjectivesResearch consistently finds that lower baseline performance predicts greater gains with computerized training. Lower baseline performance can originate from many factors, including educational and environmental disadvantages, leading to reduced exposure to functional tasks. Across six computerized technology-related functional skills, baseline performance and training gains were compared across race and training language. DesignRandomized clinical trial. SettingAbout 14 community centers in New York City and Miami. ParticipantsParticipants aged 60–90 with diverse ethnic (52% Latinx) and racial (27% Black) status, trained in in English (60%) or Spanish (40%). InterventionRemotely delivered computerized cognitive and skills training (FUNSATTM) for an hour twice a week for up to 12 weeks. MeasurementsCompletion time across all 6 tests pre and post training. ResultsThe total sample included 42 Black English Speakers, 52 White English speakers, and 61 Spanish speakers. Spanish speakers had the poorest baseline performance on all tasks, underperforming English-speaking Latinx participants. However, Spanish speaking participants had the largest training gains. Lower MOCA scores predicted lower baseline performance and greater training gains across samples. Educational attainment predicted training gains only in the Spanish speakers. Despite education effects in this group, all improvements were statistically significant with large effect sizes. ImplicationsLower baseline performance of functional skills was a positive predictor of training gains and was efficiently reversed through training. Even participants who initially appeared more impaired achieved substantial gains, congruent with the results reported in psychiatric populations. Critically, low baseline competence should not be interpreted as reflecting negatively on potential training gains.

Spatial analysis of mosque distribution for inclusive community services in Banda Aceh City

Abstract In urban development, social facilities, especially mosques, are crucial in residential areas. This study in Banda Aceh City, governed by Islamic Shari’a principles, explores the multifunctional role of its 110 mosques beyond worship. They serve as hubs for Islamic festivals, educational activities, and communal deliberations. The research aims to analyze the spatial distribution and accessibility of these mosques within residential areas. Using buffer and Nearest Neighbor Analysis, four mosque typologies are identified: 1 provincial mosque, 7 large mosques, 79 jami’ mosques, and 23 public mosques. The scattered distribution pattern, with a ratio of 1.1849, persists across sub-districts. Coverage analysis reveals that mosque services extend to 71.5% of the city, with the Baiturrahman sub-district achieving a 100% coverage. These findings offer crucial insights for urban planning and policy development, emphasizing the potential transformation of mosques into comprehensive community centers addressing diverse social needs beyond their religious functions. This research underscores the importance of strategically aligning mosque provision with local population needs and demographic factors, promoting a more inclusive and integrated urban landscape.

Defeating cancer through education, prevention, and youth athletics.

e22548 Background: Barriers to effective scientific learning exists for elementary students, particularly in socially and financially disadvantaged settings. Maintaining interest, concentration and focus can be difficult for children, particularly when confronted with complex material and multiple distractions. Methods: We implemented a scientific educational program for children attending an urban community center after-school program entailing tutoring stations conducted during a basketball practice. Five tutoring stations included human physiology, astronomy, geography, geology and cancer. Five children spend 3 minutes with tutors who are medical students or residents while five other children are on the basketball court going through drills with a coach. After 3 minutes the kids on the court and the kids being tutored switch places. The sequence is repeated until each child has rotated through each of the 5 tutoring stations and through each of the 5 basketball drills. After this, each child rotates through each tutoring station for one minute where they are quizzed on what they were taught and the end of practice scrimmage begins with a score based upon each team of fives’ performance on the quiz. Results: The method proved to be highly effective in the children’s ability to understand and retain scientific concepts. Within weeks nearly every child could list the planets of the solar system in order, calculate their pulse and explain its importance, list the most common symptoms of the most prevalent cancers, correctly identify continents, oceans, countries and states on maps and explain the origin of volcanos, earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis. Conclusions: This novel teaching method proved highly effective with children being able to maintain interest, focus and concentration in a setting where physical exertion is rapidly alternated with educational instruction. Parents and teachers commented that the kids learned more in 45 minutes with this method than in 2 weeks of conventional classroom teaching. The approach is widely applicable to students from diverse backgrounds.

Local dominance unveils clusters in networks

Clusters or communities can provide a coarse-grained description of complex systems at multiple scales, but their detection remains challenging in practice. Community detection methods often define communities as dense subgraphs, or subgraphs with few connections in-between, via concepts such as the cut, conductance, or modularity. Here we consider another perspective built on the notion of local dominance, where low-degree nodes are assigned to the basin of influence of high-degree nodes, and design an efficient algorithm based on local information. Local dominance gives rises to community centers, and uncovers local hierarchies in the network. Community centers have a larger degree than their neighbors and are sufficiently distant from other centers. The strength of our framework is demonstrated on synthesized and empirical networks with ground-truth community labels. The notion of local dominance and the associated asymmetric relations between nodes are not restricted to community detection, and can be utilised in clustering problems, as we illustrate on networks derived from vector data.

Educational technology and the digital divide: A conceptual framework for technical literacy inclusion

This paper seeks to bridge the gap between digital haves and have-nots, fostering equitable access to educational opportunities in the digital age. To expand on the proposed framework for addressing the digital divide through technical literacy inclusion in educational settings, it's essential to delve deeper into the key components and strategies inherent in such an initiative. The framework aims to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by the digital divide by promoting not only access to digital resources but also the development of essential digital literacy skills among all learners. It recognizes that equitable access to technology alone is insufficient without the ability to effectively navigate and utilize digital tools and resources. One crucial aspect of the framework involves ensuring universal access to digital infrastructure and resources. This includes initiatives to provide students from underserved communities with access to digital devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones, as well as reliable internet connectivity both at school and at home. Additionally, efforts may be made to establish community centers or digital hubs where individuals can access technology and receive support for their digital literacy needs. Moreover, the framework emphasizes the importance of integrating digital literacy education into the curriculum at all levels of education. This entails designing and implementing instructional programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate digital platforms, critically evaluate online information, and leverage technology for learning and productivity. Teachers play a crucial role in delivering effective digital literacy instruction, and professional development opportunities should be provided to support educators in this endeavor. Furthermore, the framework recognizes the need for targeted interventions to address specific barriers to digital inclusion faced by marginalized populations.

Validation of a Community-Based Approach Toward Personalized Dementia Risk Reduction: The Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness

Background/ObjectivesThe Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness is a research-driven community centre testing the efficacy of personalized dementia risk reduction programming on dementia risk and cognition. The objective of this protocol is to validate this approach by following people for two years.Design/SettingParticipants will receive a comprehensive dementia risk assessment, including nonmodifiable and modifiable risk factors, from which they will receive a Personalized Dementia Risk Report and Program Strategy, indicating their health conditions increasing and their risk level in five modifiable risk domains: physical activity, brain-healthy eating, cognitive engagement, social connections, and mental wellbeing. Equipped with this information, participants will enroll in programs within the Centre to address their risk factors. Changes to their dementia risk, cognition, and Personalized Program Strategy will be communicated through re-assessments of risk factors every six months (risk and cognition) and every year (comprehensive assessment).ParticipantsParticipants (n = 450) will be 50 years of age or older, without a diagnosis of dementia, and sufficiently fluent in English to complete the assessments and understand program instructors. One goal is that our participant sample will include people of low income (with fundraising providing free community centre membership), and from various ethnoracial backgrounds.InterventionParticipants will select programs to meet their Personalized Program Strategy. For physical activity, they will gradually work toward the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology guidelines. For brain-healthy eating, they will learn about the Brain Health Food Guide and food label reading, and then take additional programs. For cognitive engagement and mental wellbeing, they will take at least one hour of relevant programming per week. Social connections will be reinforced throughout all programs. All participants will also have access to the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration’s CAN-THUMBS Up online, educational program on modifiable dementia risk factors, called Brain Health PRO.MeasurementsThe comprehensive assessment includes numerous dementia risk factors, but the primary measures are risk in the five domains, health conditions proximal to those five risk domains, and cognition, and how these are affected by adherence and quality of goal-directed future simulation. We hypothesize a reduced risk in the five domains within six months, improvements in health biomarkers within a year, and maintenance of cognition within two years, with these benefits accruing with greater adherence, but only up to a point, at which benefits will plateau, and greater benefits among participants whose goal-directed simulations are more vivid, personally-relevant, achievable, and positive.ConclusionsThis innovative approach overcomes a number of limitations present in prior multidomain dementia prevention trials. Adapting a preference clinical trial that is embedded in a community centre, where participants have autonomy to choose programs to address their modifiable dementia risk factors, has real-world applicability in the global effort to reduce dementia risk.

Impact of apparent temperatures on park visitation behavior: A comprehensive analysis using large-scale mobility data

As many regions continue to show record temperatures and high frequencies of extreme climate events, climate change is disrupting human health and prosperity. This study focuses on how temperature changes and extreme heat as key climate components can impact park visitations (key physical activities indicator). Using the large mobility dataset SafeGraph, this study introduced a causal machine learning approach to estimate marginal heterogenous treatment effects (HTE) of daily apparent temperatures for different park properties and activity types. Our results revealed the declining effects of park visitations as apparent temperature increases and the significant disturbances under extreme heat. Different temperature thresholds that may harm park visitations were identified. Nearby green and public spaces (e.g. neighborhood parks) are the most susceptible category to summer heat. Dog parks, Playgrounds and Ball Field/Sports were well used during the heat. Pool/Splash pad and Community center have shown capabilities of mitigating heat stress. Effectiveness of other park facilities, including Restroom/Drinking Fountain, Water Body, Shade Area Facility were also presented. This study estimates climate impact on park behaviors for multiple usage and environmental situations. Our findings may help future planners, policymakers, landscape architects and park managers better understand climate-related risks when making investment and development decisions.

STEM Analysis (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) of the Agricultural System of the Indigenous People of Urug Village

This study examines the potential of STEM in the context of indigenous farming systems in Urug Village to improve agricultural sustainability, increase crop yields, and promote environmental conservation through education. Surveys and data collection to identify challenges and opportunities, and to develop solutions that meet the needs of indigenous communities while prioritizing sustainability and environmental conservation are practical steps for this study. Data was collected from the agricultural practices of the Urug indigenous community using the survey method, which included participatory observations, interviews, literature reviews, and documentation. Technical terms are explained upon first mention. The Urug indigenous community follows a series of rice planting procedures. These include babad susukan, seed preparation, seed soaking for two days, stocking, ngabaladah, babad, mingul, ngangler, tandur, ngoyos, ngadares, dibuwat (harvest), lantayan, and ngunjal. The study of science in the community centers around concepts such as astronomy, ecosystems, simple aircraft, pressure, temperature, and heat. Additionally, simple technologies such as terracing, etem, and leuit are employed. Agricultural engineering focuses on environmentally friendly rice farming. Mathematics deals with numbers and operations used in solving numeric problems, as in the calculation of the Pranatamangsa calendar and the Tandur. This agricultural knowledge can be integrated into STEM education.

“By Us, for Us”: Qualitative Insights to Inform Implementation of Comprehensive Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Services in a Trans Community Center

Transgender/nonbinary (TGNB) persons in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV and have relatively low uptake and persistence of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). A collaborative research team aimed to design comprehensive PrEP services for a TGNB-led and serving community organization in Los Angeles. The objective of this qualitative study was to understand the perspectives of TGNB healthcare providers and TGNB community members on the design of the PrEP program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with TGNB community members (n= 30; 11 Spanish-speaking and 19 English-speaking) and providers and staff (n= 10). All interviews were analyzed using rapid analysis to identify salient themes relevant to program development and implementation. Participants highlighted four themes for successful program implementation. First, “by us, for us” captured the importance of TGNB representation in PrEP-related education, outreach, and navigation, highlighting the necessity of TGNB community members as staff and healthcare providers. Second, the PrEP program must recognize and address the socioeconomic oppression of the TGNB community and provide economic and social support. Third, participants felt a “one-stop shop” in a trusted setting was needed, where the PrEP program should be integrated with other comprehensive, gender-affirming medical (e.g., hormone therapy and primary care) and social services (e.g., legal, mental health, and housing). Finally, client retention and the sustainability of the PrEP program hinges on collaborative, community-led implementation. These interviews suggested four key themes that informed the development and implementation of a PrEP program that is TGNB community-led, client-centered, and delivered in a trusted and gender-affirming space.

What are blood cortisol levels in anxious, depressive, mixed, and healthy controls in high altitude?

ObjectiveWe aim to determine the difference in blood cortisol levels between major depression, mixed anxious depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and healthy controls during COVID-19 social isolation in Cusco (3400 m.a.s.l.). MethodsNon-experimental, cross-sectional analytical design study, designed to determine the difference in blood cortisol levels between anxiety, depression, and mixed disorders in adults aged 25–65 living in Cusco, at the Mental Health Community Center of San Sebastian. ResultsSignificant differences were found in the morning, afternoon, and ratio (Afternoon/Morning cortisol) in all the groups. All the pathological groups showed increased cortisol levels than the healthy controls. Major depression group showed a flattening of the normal regulation line of cortisol. ConclusionsThe blood cortisol test shows significant values for the discrimination of affective pathology, particularly between depressive and anxious disorders and normal controls.

EFFECTS OF DEFICIENT DIETARY INFORMATION, WITH A FOCUS ON THE WORKING CLASS OF INDIA

Maintaining dietary equilibrium is essential for the well-being of individuals and future generations. However, a significant portion of the Indian population, specifically the working class, lack access to adequate dietary information and resources. This impedes their ability to maintain a balanced diet. This paper explores the importance of adequate nutrition, the dire ramifications of its absence, and possible solutions to this deficiency in nutrition. Using research techniques such as case studies and government data analysis, the paper investigates the current state of nutrition in India, particularly among the working class. It identifies cases of inadequate nutrition and food poisoning and their causes. The findings reveal that many Indians do not meet their daily nutritional requirements, with common deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D3, zinc, iron, calcium, folic acid, and Vitamin C. This inadequacy’s root causes are traditional dietary practices, vegetarianism, and, most importantly, the lack of dietary education and information among the working class of India. These nutritional deficits contribute to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers. Furthermore, food poisoning poses a significant threat to one's health, causing numerous deaths annually. Several methods of improvement for this bleak situation were deduced, such as awareness campaigns, collaborations between healthcare practitioners and schools or community centers, and the distribution of educational pamphlets in local languages, making dietary information easily accessible to the masses.

Feed Friend: Fostering Community Involvement in Food Assistance

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption worldwide is wasted annually. Food wastage occurs at various stages of the supply chain, including production, processing, distribution, and consumption. FeedFriend is an innovative website which was designed to combat food-wastage by fostering a vibrant community of donors and recipients. Donor Registration Individuals or Businesses can sign up as Donors on FeedFriend, providing details about the surplus food they have available for donation. This includes restaurants with excess inventory, grocery stores with perishable items nearing expiration, or individuals with leftover food from events or meals. Food Listings Donors can create listings within the website, specifying the type and quantity of food they wish to donate, include relevant details such as expiration dates etc. In Feed Friend, Users can filter the Donation requests based on their location. This type of service is used to match donors with nearby recipients in need. Recipients may include food banks, shelters, community centers, or individuals facing food insecurity. Feed Friend facilitates communication between donors and recipients, coordinates pickup or delivery logistics directly by providing donor’s contact details. So that it enables a better communication between Donors and Receivers.

Assessing the Community Centers Project Using the B4SI Global Standard

Local artist exhibitions, children’s workshops, author-led tours, festive gatherings, and much more — all within walking distance from home... Stores serve as hubs where the paths of diverse individuals intersect, thus serving as community centers. In our coverage, we delve into how the ongoing efforts of the community center network within these stores cultivate neighborliness and mutual aid, assess the project’s impact on local communities and businesses, and highlight significant outcomes for key project stakeholders.

Mothers in stress: Hair cortisol of mothers living in marginalised Roma communities and the role of socioeconomic disadvantage

Roma living in marginalised communities are among the most disadvantaged groups in Slovakia. Socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with higher hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), including in parents. The aim of this study is therefore to assess differences in HCC, reflecting the levels of stress, between mothers living in MRCs and from the majority population, to assess the association of socioeconomic disadvantage with HCC, and whether disadvantage mediates the MRC/majority differences in HCC. Participants were mothers of children aged 15–18 months old living in MRCs (N=61) and from the Slovak majority population (N=90). During preventive paediatric visits, visits at community centres and home visits, hair samples and data by questionnaire were collected. HCC differed significantly between mothers living in MRCs and mothers from the majority population, with the mean HCC value being twice as high in mothers living in MRCs (22.98 (95% confidence interval, CI, 15.70–30.30) vs. 11.76 (8.34–15.20), p<0.05). HCC was significantly associated with education, household equipment and household overcrowding, but not with billing, socioeconomic stress and social support. The difference in HCC between mothers living in MRCs and mothers from the majority population was partially mediated by poor house equipment, such as no access to running water, no flushing toilet or no bathroom (the indirect effect of B=7.63 (95% CI: 2.12–13.92)). Practitioners and policymakers should be aware of high stress levels among mothers living in MRCs and aim at enhancing their living and housing conditions.

The Effect of Built Environment on Carbon Emission from Travel Behavior in the City center of Surabaya

Climate change is currently demanding attention due to global warming caused by increased Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from the land transportation sector. The built environment is one of the factors that can influence non-motorized travel and emissions production. The built environment is identified using the 3D component approach (Density, Diversity, Design). The City center of Surabaya area is one of the Central Business Districts (CBDs) that is not exempt from emission issues and has the potential to decrease emissions through environmental arrangement scenarios. This research investigates the correlation between the 3D components and carbon emission production using the method of correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. The analysis results show a significant correlation between carbon emission production and the travel behavior of the city center of the Surabaya area community. Travel behavior variables influencing carbon emission production are household income, vehicles ownership, and travel distance. Furthermore, the study results indicate a significant relationship between travel behavior and the 3D components, as well as a significant association between the 3D components and carbon emission production. The 3D components that affect carbon emission production are population density, land use mix index, and pedestrian pathway density.