Collaborative Community Research Articles

Ethiopian Emergency Medical services: Bridging up the Gaps in Prehospital Services

Abstract This review identified the critical gaps in pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) in Ethiopia, highlighting their detrimental impact on health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. There are significant barriers to timely access to care, contributing to elevated morbidity and mortality rates from preventable conditions. Establishment of a structured pre-hospital care framework, emphasizing the need for trained emergency medical technicians, national EMS guidelines, and an effective emergency communication system is recommended. These findings advocate for enhanced community awareness and collaboration among stakeholders to address logistical challenges. As result, there is urgency of implementing systemic improvements in pre-hospital care to mitigate health disparities and foster economic development in Ethiopia.

Inovasi Kolaboratif Mahasiswa KKN MB Posko 10 UIN Walisongo dalam Pengembangan Taman Kajera di Kelurahan Jatirejo, Kota Semarang

This study aims to measure the impact of Kajera Park development in Jatirejo Village as part of the KKN MB Posko 10 UIN Walisongo program on community welfare and sustainable development. The research method used interviews and participatory observation by KKN students. The results showed that Kajera Park successfully improved environmental quality and served as a center for inclusive socio-economic activities. The Kajera Thematic Village initiative also developed red ginger-based MSME products that significantly improved the local economy. Despite challenges in terms of funds and manpower, student and community collaboration has proven effective in promoting sustainable development. The Kajera Thematic Village model can be used as a reference for other community development programs in Indonesia.

Empowerment of Satlinmas in Improving Public Order and Security

The general background highlights the growing need for community involvement in safeguarding human rights and maintaining social stability, particularly in the context of regional apparatus empowerment. The specific background focuses on the role of Satlinmas in Candi District, where community members are organized to take an active part in protecting citizens against human rights violations. Despite existing research on community empowerment, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the effectiveness of Satlinmas in achieving these goals. This study aims to investigate how Satlinmas empowerment contributes to maintaining public order and security through a framework called Tri Bina, which encompasses Human Development, Business Development, and Environmental Development. The results indicate that Satlinmas has successfully enhanced community capacity through training and education, supported local businesses by ensuring a conducive environment for economic activities, and engaged in environmental preservation efforts. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive approach to community empowerment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various developmental aspects. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of integrating community protection units into broader public safety strategies, highlighting the potential for improved community resilience and collaboration in safeguarding rights and maintaining order. Highlights: Community protection units improve public order and security. Tri Bina framework enhances human, business, and environmental development. SATLINMAS promotes community engagement in safety and environmental cleanliness. Keywords: Empowerment, Security, Environment, Community, Business

The compromises and contradictions of ‘feminist’ sex and relationships education in the home: empowerment vs. protection in digital risk societies

ABSTRACT This paper discusses findings from interviews conducted in England with 15 self-identified feminist mothers about sex and relationships education in the home. Participants’ understandings and enactments of being sexuality educators for their children involved what they described as open and honest ‘sex positive’ communication with their children, based on their subjective views about gender and sexual rights, safety and wellbeing. Participants were concerned about protecting their children from oftentimes gendered risks of judgement shame and abuse. Feminist sex and relationships education in the home for these mothers was shaped, and sometimes constrained, by the gendered sociocultural conditions of their children’s lives. Implications are discussed regarding the need for self-reflexivity amongst feminist mothers, supported by collaborative local and community educational initiatives to identify and collectively tackle the social contexts in which risks and harms arise for children.

Examining graduate student perspectives on supervision and peer mentoring across four professional faculties

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine graduate student perspectives on the common and unique roles peer mentors and supervisors play in supporting student success and wellbeing during their program. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design involving semistructured interviews with 62 thesis-based masters and doctoral students from four professional faculties, Education, Medicine, Nursing and Social Work, at a large public research-intensive university in Canada. Findings Findings transcend the four disciplines of study. Communities of support are described that involve both supervisors and peers in combination, clusters of meaning by supervisory paradigm are identified and original findings presented that expand upon the learning alliance framework by explicitly considering the role of peer mentors in graduate student success. Research limitations/implications While supervisors bear primary responsibility for fostering effective research-based relationships, this study’s findings strengthen the argument that mentoring and advising of graduate students is most effective when conducted within a collaborative community of support that involves learning alliances among faculty, peers, program staff and academic leaders across the institution. Practical implications A four-pronged approach to graduate education that emphasizes the collective responsibility of institutions, programs, supervisors and students in creating a supportive ecosystem for holistic graduate student academic success and wellbeing is recommended. Social implications Key argument that it is essential to embrace a collaborative and community of support mindset, where multiple stakeholders actively contribute to the wellbeing and academic development of graduate students throughout their programs. Originality/value A cross-disciplinary perspective is offered on the importance of both supervisors and peers in assisting thesis-based graduate students to successfully navigate academic, social and personal journeys through graduate school.

Words Matter: Reflective Science Communication and Tradeoffs in Environmental Health Research.

Scientists who communicate societally relevant information face challenging contexts in which misinformation, disinformation, hype, and spin are prevalent. As a result, they often face difficult decisions about how to frame their work in a socially responsible manner. Drawing from the literature on science communication and framing, we identify tradeoffs that environmental health scientists face when deciding how to communicate their work, and we propose strategies for handling these tradeoffs. We use research on the human health effects of environmental endocrine disruptors as a case study to illustrate these challenges and strategies. We examine four major frames (i.e., ways of packaging information that draw attention to facets of an issue or topic) in discussions of the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on sexual and neural development and obesity. We show how these frames can be beneficial (e.g., focusing public attention on environmental health threats and promoting actions to address environmental pollution) while simultaneously having harmful effects (e.g., contributing to stigmatization of particular groups or the promotion of harmful political ideologies). Researchers who seek to responsibly communicate societally relevant work can employ several strategies to mitigate difficult tradeoffs, including a) striving for sensitivity to the social context and its relationship to their framing choices, b) choosing to avoid some frames, c) employing frames that alleviate ethical tensions, d) fostering education to alleviate harms, e) developing interdisciplinary and community collaborations, and f) working with institutions like scientific societies and journals to develop guidance on responsible communication practices. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14527.

ASSESSING FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS (FRSC) IMPACT ON EASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION ALONG THE ILESA-BENIN HIGHWAY AT AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA: EDUCATION, ENFORCEMENT, AND PATROL EFFICIENCY

This study evaluates the efficacy of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in mitigating traffic congestion along the Ilesa-Benin Highway in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. It scrutinizes the efficiency of FRSC's education, patrol, and enforcement strategies to discern their impact on traffic congestion levels. The data were collected from primary sources via questionnaires and activity-based trip surveys, supplemented by secondary sources including satellite imagery and literature. The results revealed high internal consistency in the respondents' perceptions and no evidence of multicollinearity in the dataset. It also indicates the significant contributions of education and enforcement in reducing traffic congestion, contrary to the limited effectiveness of patrols. Among the recommendations include prioritizing improvements in education and enforcement efforts through enhanced training programs and community collaborations as well as re-evaluating and potentially restructuring patrol activities. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders in devising strategies to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road safety on critical highway routes like the Ilesa-Benin Highway.

Transgender Latinas' Perspectives on HIV PrEP Uptake, Condom Use, and Medically Supervised Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy: Insights From ChiCAS Qualitative Interviews.

There is a dearth of HIV prevention behavioral interventions for transgender Latinas, despite this population's HIV risk. ChiCAS (Chicas Creando Acceso a la Salud) is an intervention to increase PrEP, condom, and gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) use among transgender Latinas. To inform future work, semistructured interviews were conducted postintervention with 28 ChiCAS participants. Thematic analysis with inductive coding was used. Six themes emerged: (1) health-related priorities include sexual health and avoiding discrimination; (2) safe and collaborative community is of high importance; (3) interactive education with time for sharing stories and discussion was valued; (4) PrEP uptake was facilitated through awareness and health care navigation; (5) accessing GAHT depends on cost, clinic location, and individual goals; (6) ChiCAS could be improved with more PrEP/GAHT details and social connection. Interventions with goals similar to those of ChiCAS should prioritize building community, PrEP and GAHT education tailored to participants' needs, and emphasize health care options available locally.

AMS Early Career Leadership Academy: From Idea to Reality to Evolution

Abstract The aim of the Early Career Leadership Academy (ECLA; established in 2017) is to improve the retention rates of women; people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+); and people with disabilities in the atmospheric sciences and related fields by cultivating leadership, providing mentorship, and fostering a strong community of supportive peers and collaborators. Since 2017, five classes have completed the program, with the class composition spanning professional sectors and personal identities. Approximately 70% of ECLA participants were identified as women, people of color, LGBTQ+, and/or people with disabilities. Nearly half of all graduates have filled leadership positions within the American Meteorological Society (AMS), with a majority reporting that their first leadership position was not held until after completion of ECLA. A benefit of leadership training that spans across sectors includes the realization that despite different day-to-day responsibilities, many of the challenges faced by early career professionals related to extreme weather, climate change, and diversity and inclusion are similar across workplaces. ECLA is organized by AMS volunteers who created a program based on adaptive leadership principles. Given the diversity of professional backgrounds and lived experiences, the programmatic design of ECLA is also built upon each class’s professional development needs. Many of the topics are fundamental to leading effective, diverse teams, yet are rarely covered in traditional academic preparation. Recommendations and a list of actionable strategies are provided to help ensure that early career professionals will continue to be agents of positive change in the weather, water, and climate enterprise and beyond.

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR BACKPACKER TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA

This study investigates the development strategies aimed at enhancing backpacker tourism in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, with a focus on social, environmental, and economic dimensions. This study uses quantitative methods through the distribution of questionnaires to study the behaviour and opinions of backpackers in Kota Kinabalu. This study focuses on respondents at backpacker accommodation and tourist destinations in Kota Kinabalu. A total of 228 backpackers participated in this study. These strategies encompass social development, environmental development, and economic development, and encompass initiatives such as community engagement, environmental conservation, and collaboration with local businesses. Achieving a balance between economic growth and social and environmental sustainability is crucial in maximizing the potential of backpacker tourism. Successful implementation of these strategies necessitates the active involvement of various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and the tourism industry. Integrating these strategies into destination management plans will elevate the backpacker tourism experience and facilitate sustainable growth. Further research and collaboration among stakeholders are imperative to effectively implement these strategies and harness the opportunities presented by backpacker tourism in the region.

Radar-Derived Convective Features and Atmospheric Environments of Hail-Producing Storms over the Contiguous United States

Abstract Hail smaller than 0.75 in. is known to cause economic impacts yet remains understudied due to report biases towards recording larger hail sizes (≤1 in.). In this study, we assembled ground hail reports during 2017–22 from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Storm Data, Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS), and Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground (mPING) databases. Then, these reports are collocated with the attributes of radar-derived convective features from the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system and fifth major global reanalysis produced by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ERA5) atmospheric vertical profiles to construct a dataset describing properties of a full spectrum of hailstorms. The characteristics of radar reflectivity and atmospheric profiles are examined for hail of different sizes reported within selected regions over the contiguous United States (CONUS). In addition to the seasonal and diurnal variations, the morphology of convective features shows apparent regional differences from west to east in CONUS. The maximum expected size of hail (MESH) performance against reported hail sizes shows underestimation of hail with significant sizes and overestimation of small hail sizes. ERA5 vertical atmospheric profiles are explored to form relationships between storm environment and hail sizes. In addition to the relationships between wind shear and hail sizes, the roles of low-level relative humidity and freezing level height in regard to hail melting are discussed.

Telehealth yoga program for older adults in rural Wisconsin: intervention development and process outcomes

Although yoga improves physical functioning, balance, and quality of life in older adults, rural residents are less likely to participate due to issues related to availability, access, and beliefs regarding yoga practice. To address these barriers, we worked with community partners to adapt a yoga program designed for older adults for telehealth delivery. In this report, intervention development and process outcomes are presented. Community collaborators identified strategies to recruit and retain older adults and suggested modifications required to maximize the adoption and maintenance of a telehealth exercise program by local community organizations. Four rural serving organizations evaluated the program, with participants assigned to a first or second offering. Process measures collected at post-intervention supplemented program evaluation measures collected pre- and post-intervention. The adapted 8-week program consisted of two weekly group sessions delivered over videoconferencing software. Of 48 enrolled participants, 83% completed the program. Participants were on average 72.6 (SD=6) years old, majority white (98%), female (85.7%), and attended some college (92%). Most were satisfied with the telehealth delivery, program content, and yoga instructor with mixed results regarding logistical issues such as program length and duration. Community organizations similar to those that will ultimately disseminate the program, yoga teachers, and older adults were engaged to maximize the feasibility of this telehealth exercise program. The program appeared to be safe and acceptable, indicating telehealth may be a strategy to increase access to yoga programs for rural-dwelling older adults. Lessons learned will inform future telehealth iterations of this and similar exercise programming.

Disaster Preparedness among Households in the Municipality of Pura, Tarlac: An Analysis

This research endeavors to evaluate the level of disaster preparedness among households in the Municipality of Pura, Tarlac, employing a quantitative descriptive research approach. A survey questionnaire was utilized to gather data from 112 household respondents, selected through random sampling across barangays most vulnerable to disasters. Data analysis, facilitated by SPSS analytical statistics software, focused on identifying trends and correlations between disaster preparedness levels and encountered challenges. The findings reveal both strengths and challenges in disaster preparedness. While emergency plans, risk awareness, and response capacity demonstrate commendable efficacy, deficiencies in emergency supplies, community engagement, and infrastructure persist. Correlation analysis underscores the positive relationship between proactive measures and mitigation of challenges, emphasizing the importance of investing in comprehensive disaster management strategies. Recommendations are proposed based on the research findings. Strengthening emergency supplies and resources through equitable distribution mechanisms and community collaboration is advised. Fostering greater community engagement and collaboration, enhancing emergency plans, and improving response and recovery capacity are also recommended. These measures, encompassing workshops, collaboration initiatives, and resource provisions, aim to empower households with the necessary knowledge and resources for effective disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Implementation of these recommendations is crucial for enhancing disaster resilience and readiness in the Municipality of Pura, Tarlac. By addressing identified challenges and bolstering proactive measures, the community can better safeguard its residents and infrastructure against future disasters, ensuring their safety and well-being.

ECONOMIC VALUE OF CRITICAL LAND IN SEMPAYANG VILLAGE, NORTH KALIMANTAN

This research aims to identify the locations of vulnerable critical land areas and assess the economic value of mitigating agricultural land in critical conditions within Sempayang Village, North Kalimantan, Indonesia. The study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze land distribution and the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to estimate the economic value. A purposive sampling method was used to select 51 respondents from local farmers, with a focus on their willingness to pay for land rehabilitation. The results of this research are the largest critical land area was found in Malinau District, covering 54,108 hectares. Farmers showed a willingness to pay between Rp. 26,000 and Rp. 30,000 for land rehabilitation efforts, with a total economic value of Rp. 45,360,000 annually for non-critical land. The study underscores the importance of community and government collaboration for effective land restoration programs.

Bibliometric Analysis of Character Education in Senior High School Indonesian Textbooks Based on the Merdeka Curriculum

This study aims to understand the publication trend and research contribution related to character education in Indonesian high school textbooks based on the Merdeka Curriculum from 2015 to 2024. Character education is crucial for student development, and textbooks play a central role. Using bibliometric analysis, the study identified 428 publications from Google Scholar and Scopus, including journal articles, proceedings, reviews, and books. Journal articles dominated with 363 publications, followed by 30 proceedings, 32 books, and three reviews. The study focused on the number of publications and the issues underlying the keyword emergence. While 2023 had the highest number of publications (75), 2018 saw the highest citations (890) and h-index (14), indicating significant influence. The highly cited study "Strategy and Implementation of Character Education in Senior High Schools and Vocational High Schools" had 135 citations. Keyword analysis using VOSviewer revealed that "Indonesian textbook" was the most popular topic, particularly concerning gender representation and basic education. Despite increased productivity, recent publications need higher impact, achievable through improved research quality, appropriate journal selection, online dissemination, collaboration, and scientific community engagement. The focus on gender representation and basic education should be sharpened for inclusive teaching materials and to instill positive values early in Indonesian education. This study provides valuable insights and direction for future research and practice in character education within the Independent Curriculum framework.

Shaping futures: The impact of family involvement, peer and coach support on the career orientation of indigenous student athletes

This study explores the impact of family involvement on the career orientation of Indigenous baseball student athletes, considering the mediating roles of peer and coach support. Using Structural Equation Modeling, data were collected from 354 Indigenous student athletes registered on a regional baseball network between October and December 2022. The analysis reveals that family involvement directly influences career orientation significantly and also indirectly affects it through the mechanisms of peer and coach support. The findings highlight the critical need for integrated support from families, schools, and communities to foster the educational achievements and career orientations of these athletes. Recommendations include strengthening parental guidance, enhancing school support, and promoting community collaboration to provide extensive educational and training opportunities. It is crucial that schools, families, and sports clubs work together to develop tailored programs that address the unique cultural and social challenges faced by Indigenous student athletes. This collaborative approach aims to improve not only the athletes' career development but also their overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of a holistic support system that considers the socio-economic and cultural dynamics influencing these athletes. Furthermore, the study advocates for policies that recognize the distinctive needs and contributions of Indigenous athletes in sports, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. Engaging with the broader community and leveraging cultural strengths can enhance these initiatives, promoting lasting benefits for Indigenous student athletes.

The legacy of STAHY: milestones, achievements, challenges, and open problems in statistical hydrology

ABSTRACT Statistical tools are crucial for a variety of hydrological applications, whether to model processes and enhance understanding and knowledge or to design infrastructure systems. Given the rapid evolution of statistical methods and the need for a solid theoretical foundation for their correct application, a multidisciplinary community STAtistics in HYdrology Working Group (STAHY-WG) aggregated under the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) umbrella to contribute to this research field. Now, more than 15 years since its inception, this paper summarizes the main achievements of this productive community collaboration in four (of many) branches of statistical hydrology: extreme value analysis, multivariate analysis, time series analysis, and regionalization. The aim is to provide an overview of recent developments, offer practical suggestions (e.g. software packages), and outline future challenges to support scientists and practitioners in their endeavours within the realm of statistical hydrology studies.

Community Resilience Project: An Exploration of Emergency Weather Preparedness in Mississippi

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have often been at the forefront of emerging movements and social changes. Continuing this tradition Jackson State University has developed Community Resilience Project to address community issues relevant to both the city and the state. The first undertaking of the Community Resilience Project was partnering with the National Weather Service (NWS and several departments across Jackson State University (JSU) to examine awareness and preparedness about weather emergencies. In June 2020, the Community Resilience Project hosted a town hall to gauge residents’ awareness about weather emergencies. Tornados, hurricanes, and floods are common in Mississippi; therefore, individuals must be prepared. The purpose of this study was to collect and analyze demographics to develop themes regarding weather emergencies. The participants were 87 Mississippi residents. Participants were issued the demographic survey before the town hall. Frequency analyses were conducted on the responses found several themes. Most respondents, 59.8%, feel prepared for a weather emergency, however, 51.7% denied having an emergency preparedness plan. Participants were also asked do they felt prepared for an emergency since the pandemic began. Most respondents reported the same or increased levels of preparedness. Findings showcase the importance of not only the Community Resilience Project but also the need for community collaborations. The strength of a community is quantified by its ability to build and maintain bonds for all its citizens' well-being and advancement. Jackson State’s Community Resilience Project has taken an inimitable role in providing services, resources, and support to its local and state communities.

The Role of Government and Community Collaboration in the Implementation of Waste Management Policies in Palu City

Waste management is a crucial issue for the growing city of Palu. Collaboration between the government and the community is the key to effective and sustainable waste management policy implementation. This study aims to describe the collaborative role between the government and the community in the implementation of waste management policies in Palu City. The method used is descriptive, with data collection through observation, in-depth interviews with relevant parties, and analysis of waste management policy documents. The data obtained was analysed qualitatively to provide an overview of the dynamics of collaboration that occurred. The results showed that the Palu City government has played a role in formulating policies, providing waste management facilities and infrastructure, and building a supportive regulatory framework. The government also initiated waste management programmes such as waste banks and temporary disposal sites (TPS)). On the other hand, the role of the community is seen through active participation in these programmes, as well as involvement in waste reduction and recycling activities in their respective neighbourhoods. Nonetheless, challenges are still faced, including the low level of public awareness, the lack of supporting facilities, and inadequate law enforcement. This study concludes that good collaboration between the government and the community is essential in achieving more effective waste management in Palu City. Strengthening collaboration through education, improving facilities, and consistent law enforcement are needed so that waste management policies can be implemented optimally.

Hail hazard modeling with uncertainty analysis and roof damage estimation of residential buildings in North America

This research presents a statistical approach for hail risk modeling that incorporates the uncertainties of hail model prediction to provide insight into assessing the roof damage of a residential house in hail events. By quantifying the inherent uncertainties in evaluating hailstorm characteristics, this study extends the current existing hail models. The hail data are sourced from the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) in the U.S. In the modeling process, the largest hail diameter reported in the CoCoRaHS database serves as a primary input variable to estimate the number of observations for the largest hail diameter, hailstorm duration, and hit rate. The assessment of hail risk in this study focuses on the probability of hail damage and resultant repair costs for five types of roofs in North America (unrated roof and impact-resistant roofs with UL 2218 rating classes 1 to 4). The probability of hail damage is calculated as the failure probability by integrating all individual hailstone hits having variable diameters during a hailstorm with fragility curves, which estimate the probability that hailstones will fracture asphalt shingles (allowing water infiltration) or that they dislodge enough granules to cause visible damage requiring replacement for aesthetic reasons. The results reveal that an impact-resistant roof (impact-resistant rating classes 1 to 4) is associated with lower hail risks, with 60 % to 98 % reduction on average compared to unrated roofs. This study provides a comprehensive uncertainty modeling approach for hail hazard and risk, enabling better-informed decision-making and risk management strategies.