Los Alamos National Laboratory Research Articles

The influence of an agricultural intervention on social capital and water insecurity coping strategies: Qualitative evidence from female smallholder farmers living with HIV in western Kenya

BackgroundGreater social capital is associated with positive health outcomes and better HIV management. The ways by which social capital may influence household water insecurity (HHWI), a critical determinant of health among persons living with HIV, remain underexplored. Further, despite the importance of reliable water access and use for health and agricultural productivity, few studies have described the strategies smallholder farmers living with HIV use to manage water insecurity. ObjectiveWe qualitatively explored how an agricultural intervention (provision of a treadle pump for irrigation) influenced HHWI coping strategies through its impacts on social capital among smallholder farmers living with HIV in western Kenya. MethodIn 2018, we purposively recruited participants from the Shamba Maisha study, a randomized agricultural intervention (NCT02815579) that provided irrigation pumps to improve treatment outcomes and food security among smallholder farmers living with HIV in western Kenya (n = 42). Participants shared their experiences with water insecurity through go-along and photo-elicitation interviews. Data were thematically analyzed using inductively developed codes. ResultsParticipants described diverse strategies for coping with agricultural water insecurity. Dimensions of social capital such as feelings of belonging, connectedness, and trust influenced the use of the treadle water pump and other water access behaviors. For instance, participants reported borrowing or sharing water pumps with friends and neighbors if they felt they had a good rapport. In addition, participants indicated a willingness to engage in collective activities, such as supporting the operation of the irrigation pump during planting, when they felt sufficiently connected to a larger group. Overall, individuals in the intervention arm described greater social cohesion, reciprocity, and community connectedness than those in the control arm. ConclusionThe impact of an agricultural intervention on water access and use was described as being modified by social capital among female smallholder farmers living with HIV. Findings suggest that social capital may create an enabling environment for implementing strategies that improve the management and reduce the burden of HIV. Measuring these strategies and their associations with HIV outcomes may strengthen our understanding of resilience among female smallholder farmers living with HIV. The development of a coping strategies index and its use in a longitudinal study could help to identify pathways through which social capital influences health and the effectiveness of livelihood interventions.

Traversing the Challenges of Community Engagement in South Africa: Emerging Researchers’ Perspectives

With the growing emphasis being placed on community engagement, many emerging scholars have found themselves in the field with much to learn beyond the research that they are conducting. Community engagement is guided by principles such as the mutual exchange of knowledge, collaboratively identifying community priorities and an ongoing focus on strengthening and sustaining communities. In practice, community engagement is fraught with various challenges that need to be navigated. These challenges present themselves in different ways to different researchers. In this article, we draw on our experiences as three emerging researchers navigating community-engaged research across two geographic spaces in South Africa, namely, the Western Cape and Gauteng, two of the country’s nine national provinces. The objectives of this article are to explore our experiences of relationship building, to determine the role our positionalities have played in our engaged scholarship, and to explore feelings of disconnectedness as young academics. Following a qualitative reflexive approach, we identified three themes that speak to these objectives, namely, navigating newcomer status and building relationships in community-engaged spaces, reflections on researcher positionality in the field, and the dilemma of (dis)connectedness in engaged scholarship. Our findings highlight the need for support such as mentorship from experienced community-engaged scholars, resources for establishing community connections, guidance in navigating cultural nuances, and training for effective communication and relationship building in communities.

The Artist’s Statement—Economic Reconciliation

The outline of the tipi symbolizes community connectedness and a place of warmth, security, wellness, and sacred tradition and value. Inside the tipi, two individual vines intertwine: one representing corporate Canada and the government, and the other representing Indigenous peoples. The intertwining vines embody reconciliation between these two groups through acceptance, balance, understanding, and engagement. Both vines show a similar level of support, highlighting that Indigenous peoples are equally capable, powerful, knowledgeable, and hard-working as mainstream society. Together, through reconciliation, we can contribute greatly to the Canadian economy through our history, land, and resources. That’s why I chose to have the intertwined vines holding up the Earth (economy). The “Turtle Island” landmass on the Earth acknowledges the land of Indigenous peoples, affirming our equal right to be involved in shaping the economy. With a call to action, we can make it happen and increase opportunities for ourselves in the process. The image represents the vision of economic reconciliation, with the value of this vision held within the tipi. Through the intertwined vines and acknowledgment of Turtle Island, the image conveys the message that Indigenous peoples have an equal right to shape the Canadian economy. By taking action, we can make this vision a reality and increase opportunities for ourselves.

Functional vertical connectivity of microbial communities in the ocean.

Sinking particles are a critical conduit for the transport of surface microbes to the ocean's interior. Vertical connectivity of phylogenetic composition has been shown; however, the functional vertical connectivity of microbial communities has not yet been explored in detail. We investigated protein and taxa profiles of both free-living and particle-attached microbial communities from the surface to 3000 m depth using a combined metaproteomic and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing approach. A clear compositional and functional vertical connectivity of microbial communities was observed throughout the water column with Oceanospirillales, Alteromonadales, and Rhodobacterales as key taxa. The surface-derived particle-associated microbes increased the expression of proteins involved in basic metabolism, organic matter processing, and environmental stress response in deep waters. This study highlights the functional vertical connectivity between surface and deep-sea microbial communities via sinking particles and reveals that a considerable proportion of the deep-sea microbes might originate from surface waters and have a major impact on the biogeochemical cycles in the deep sea.

Experience of Public Health Departments in Implementation of COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Programs.

Case investigation and contact tracing (CI/CT) are fundamental public health efforts widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate transmission. This study investigated how state, local, and tribal public health departments used CI/CT during the COVID-19 pandemic, including CI/CT methodology, staffing models, training and support, and efforts to identify or prioritize populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. During March and April 2022, we conducted key informant interviews with up to 3 public health officials from 43 state, local, and tribal public health departments. From audio-recorded and transcribed interviews, we used the framework method to analyze key themes. Major adjustments to CI/CT protocols during the pandemic included (1) prioritizing populations for outreach; (2) implementing automated outreach for nonprioritized groups, particularly during COVID-19 surges; (3) discontinuing contact tracing and focusing exclusively on case investigation; and (4) adding innovations to provide additional support. Key informants also discussed the utility of having backup staffing to support overwhelmed public health departments and spoke to the difficulty in "right-sizing" the public health workforce, with COVID-19 surges leaving public health departments understaffed as case rates rose and overstaffed as case rates fell. When addressing future epidemics or outbreaks, public health officials should consider strategies that improve the effectiveness of CI/CT efforts over time, such as prioritizing populations based on disproportionate risk, implementing automated outreach, developing models that provide flexible additional staffing resources as cases rise and fall among local public health departments, incorporating demographic data in laboratory reporting, providing community connections and support, and having a system of self-notification of contacts.

Effects of Alcohol Use and Minority Stress on Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration among Transgender and Gender Diverse People.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is highly prevalent among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults. Integrated theories of minority stress and alcohol-related IPV suggest minority stress risk and protective factors should interact with alcohol use to predict IPV, although this has never been examined in TGD adults. Thus, we examined the synergistic influence of alcohol use, minority stress, and TGD community connectedness on IPV perpetration among TGD adults. A sample of 137 TGD adults completed a cross-sectional survey assessing minority stressors (i.e., internalized transnegativity, identity outness), TGD community connectedness, alcohol use/problems, and IPV perpetration (i.e., psychological, physical, and gender minority identity-specific abuse). We regressed each form of IPV perpetration on alcohol use/problems and tested the moderating effect of internalized transnegativity, identity outness, and community connectedness on the association between alcohol use/problems and IPV perpetration. The association between alcohol use/problems and all forms of IPV perpetration were moderated by internalized transnegativity and identity outness, but not TGD community connectedness. Alcohol use/problems related to each form of IPV perpetration at low and medium, but not high levels, of identity outness and internalized transnegativity. Alcohol use/problems is an important risk factor for IPV perpetration among TGD adults and this association may be exacerbated by less identity outness. Further, internalized transnegativity might not influence IPV risk at high levels of alcohol use. TGD-affirming IPV prevention programs might focus on reducing alcohol use and related problems while providing a safe and accessible space for TGD individuals at various levels of identity outness.

Bringing DeepMind Technology to the Table: Envisioning Library Services Using DeepMind Visualization AI

ABSTRACT Traditional knowledge sources are undergoing digital transformation, prompting libraries to adapt to new technological requirements. This article focuses on the potential of DeepMind Visualization AI to revolutionize library services by exploring its impact on information access, user experience, and operational efficiency. Specifically, the article examines how this advanced AI technology is set to enhance library cataloging, user support systems, and community engagement initiatives. Additionally, ethical considerations and challenges in integrating DeepMind Visualization AI into library operations are addressed. Through these discussions, it becomes evident that DeepMind’s visualization AI promises to redefine library services by enhancing efficiency, usability, and fostering stronger community connections.

The geoscience education research (GER) community of practice: a brief history and implications from a needs assessment survey

The geoscience education research (GER) community has evolved and grown over the past several decades. Using Wenger et al.'s Community of Practice (CoP) model (2002), we discuss how the GER CoP (which is broader than the formal discipline of GER) has changed, highlighting noteworthy events and growth points. Trends in community membership and connections are noted. Additionally, we conducted a GER community needs assessment to identify ways in which the CoP could build on its momentum. The survey included questions on CoP member demographics, engagement in GER work, and professional development needs. We received 107 responses, primarily from the United States and from individuals with geology or atmospheric science backgrounds. The survey highlighted the need for intentional outreach to international venues, K-12 teacher audiences, and underrepresented groups in the GER community. The survey also revealed the various ways in which GER CoP members engage in research, teaching, and dissemination activities. The most commonly used resources for increasing GER knowledge were the SERC site and the Journal of Geoscience Education (JGE). Respondents expressed a strong desire for professional development opportunities, including methodological training and community knowledge exchanges. Based on the survey results, recommendations are proposed to enhance the inclusivity, mentorship, and dissemination efforts within the GER community. The findings emphasize the importance of networking, expanding resources, and addressing the needs of diverse members to foster a vibrant and inclusive GER community.

Species richness and ecological connectivity of the mammal communities in urban and peri-urban areas at Mexico City

Urban expansion has emerged as a pervasive driver of biodiversity loss in Mexican cities due to shifts in landscape composition and configuration. Hence, the preservation of forest cover, green spaces and isolated trees assume a critical role in conserving the biodiversity within urban areas. We compared mammal assemblages across 520 sites in Mexico City examining the impact of local vegetation and site characteristics (e.g., patch size, isolation distance) on diversity patterns. Then, we used a generalized linear model to evaluate the relationship between mammal assemblages (including both alpha and beta diversities) and the level of structural and functional connectivity across the landscape. We collected 5,063 records of 38 species from the sampled sites. Mammalian richness ranged from 1 to 9 spp./site, and the mean of taxonomic and functional (Functional Distance [MFD]) alpha diversities were 1.9 ± 1.3 spp./site and 0.41 ± 0.60 MFD/site, respectively. The average size of habitat fragments was 0.41 hectares, and the percent forest cover per site ranged from 0.5 to 100%. Both species and functional alpha diversities were different among the land-use and vegetation types (including protected vs. non-protected areas). There was a clear distinction (β value > 0.40) in species composition across the landscape, which was positively related to geographical distance and negatively related to connectivity between sites. We identified four main patches especially important to connectivity across the city and argue that conserving them is critical for restoring key components of biodiversity and ecosystem services in urban and peri-urban areas of Mexico City.

Analisis Kualitas Pembangunan Jaringam Fiber To The Home Iconnet Pada Area Cluster Padang Barat

Fiber To The Home (FTTH) networks have become an important communications infrastructure that meets the need for fast and reliable internet connectivity in various communities. The aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of FTTH network development, focusing on the factors that influence the quality of FTTH networks and their impact on society and industry. The research method used, among others, is quantitative by measuring the IN and OUT attenuation parameters at the Optical Distribution Point using an Optical Power Meter measuring instrument. Then the results are compared with the TIPHON/ITU-T Packet Loss standard. The analysis results show that IN and OUT attenuation greatly influences the quality of the FTTH network. The results of the total attenuation analysis on Line A show that the attenuation that has been compared using Packet Loss has a total attenuation difference of 1.11% to 1.37%, on Line B 1.07% to 1.49%, on Line C 1.27% to 1.43%, and on Line D 1.16% to 1.56% the difference obtained during the research can still be said to be quite feasible and good for use by customers. By considering these factors, it is hoped that the construction of an FTTH network can provide maximum benefits for society and industry in supporting economic growth and technological progress.

Project Connect 2024: Building Community Across the Spectrum – Fostering Community Strength and Connectivity

Project Connect 2024: Building Community Across the Spectrum – Fostering Community Strength and Connectivity

E-local Mart Website Using Web Development

Abstract: Digital technology has revolutionized the way we shop, making it easier and more convenient. In line with this, we propose the development of "E-Local Mart," a new website designed for fruits, vegetables and many other products vendors and customers. This platform will serve as a digital marketplace where vendors can list their products in real-time, allowing customers to easily see what's available and where vendors are located. The goal is to bridge the gap between vendors and customers, making transactions more efficient and fostering a stronger community connection. Through E-Local Mart, vendors can effectively manage their inventory and reach a wider customer base, while customers gain access to a diverse range of fresh produce and the convenience of locating vendors on a map. This project aims to modernize traditional marketplaces and enhance accessibility for both vendors and customers

Unique Profiles of Postpartum Family Needs and Evidence of Racial and Ethnic Disparities: Insights from Community Implementation of Family Connects.

To delineate specific family needs during the postpartum period using data from Family Connects (FC), a universal home-visiting initiative, and to scrutinize potential racial and ethnic disparities in these needs. FC implementation data spanned from July 1, 2009, to August 31, 2021, in seven counties across the USA. Data encompassed nurse-led in-home assessments for 34,119 families. Nurses evaluated needs across four domains (healthcare, parenting/childcare, safe home, and parent support) comprising 12 risk factors. Overall, families reported high levels of need, and community connections were facilitated for 57% of visited families. Significant differences in need profiles between whites and minority groups were revealed, reflecting both disparity and uniqueness. Employing the Oaxaca decomposition approach, we found that racial/ethnic disparities in socioeconomic attributes were associated with racial/ethnic gaps in the need profiles. The event of giving birth is both high risk and high opportunity for preventive intervention. Home-visiting programs, as an evidence-based approach, must address the diverse spectrum of familial needs comprehensively.

Aquatic Bacterial Community Connectivity: The Effect of Hydrological Flow on Community Diversity and Composition

Microbial communities are vital components of freshwater ecosystems due to their role in nutrient cycling and energy flow; however, the mechanisms driving their variation are still being explored. In aquatic systems, water flow (hydrology) can impact microbial community composition through community connectivity; however, the details of hydrology’s effects on microbial connectivity remain unclear. To address this question, we used 16S rRNA metabarcoding to determine bacterial community composition and connectivity across flow transects in three connected Great Lakes waterbodies with very different water-flow regimes: the Little River (high flow), the Detroit River (moderate flow), and Lake Erie (low flow). Bacterial alpha diversity (Chao1) did not differ among the three locations or sample sites along the transects. Analyses of beta diversity using community dissimilarity matrices identified significant differences among the three locations and among sample sites within locations. Bacterial community connectivity varied among the three locations, with a significant distance–decay relationship observed only in the low-flow location, which is indicative of connectivity driven by spatial proximity. Directional analyses showed that the water-flow direction affected bacterial similarity, consistent with the expected hydrological effects on community connectivity and previous published work. Our results indicate that (1) microbial community composition varies within and among even geographically close sampling locations and (2) the specific water-flow regime appears to affect bacterial community connectivity. Including hydrology in models of bacterial community composition will improve our understanding of the relative roles of selection versus stochastic effects on bacterial community diversity and composition in freshwater ecosystems.

THE STUDY OF THE SELF-ATTITUDE OF DISPLACED PEOPLE IN THE CONDITIONS OF ADAPTATION TO THE NEW SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

The work focuses on the characteristics of a person's self-attitude in the context of social-psychological displacement problems. This study examines how displacement can lead to changes in a person's characteristics and the specific socio-psychological challenges they face in their new living environment. The research focuses on understanding how self-attitude is expressed during socio-psychological adaptation among displaced individuals. The findings reveal that individuals who experience displacement in a new social environment tend to exhibit low self-confidence, self-management, self-evaluation, self-acceptance, and self-analysis. As a result, they often face internal conflicts and engage in self-criticism. This suggests that during the initial months of displacement, individuals develop a negative self-attitude, with positive aspects of self-attitude diminishing. However, the second stage indicates that positive changes in self-attitude are crucial for the survival and well-being of the individual and their family. Displacement and the challenges of adapting to a new socio-cultural environment are driven by the need for self-reassessment and self-acceptance. Moving from self-criticism and internal conflict towards self-esteem and self-acceptance serves an adaptive function, allowing individuals to better adjust to their new life conditions. Moreover, the study underscores the profound impact of social support networks in facilitating the transition towards a more positive self-attitude among displaced individuals. Strong social ties and community connections are crucial in bolstering self-esteem and fostering a sense of belonging, which are paramount for navigating the challenges of displacement. Recognizing and leveraging these support systems can significantly contribute to displaced individuals' psychological resilience and adaptive capabilities, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and successful integration into their new environment.

Does the harvest of the natural populations of the floating seaweed Durvillaea incurvata (Surh) Macaya affect its dispersal potential?

Dispersal of floating seaweeds contributes to the connectivity of marine communities. Little is known about the harvest of natural populations by fishermen on the dispersal capacity of these species. Harvesting decreases the available biomass and the size of individuals. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that the availability of floating specimens will be lower at sites with the highest harvesting intensity compared to sites with low intensity harvesting. Using the floating seaweed Durvillaea incurvata as a model, the relationship between the harvest of its benthic populations and the strandings on adjacent beaches was examined. Surveys were carried out during summer and winter from 2021 to 2023 at sites along the coast of Chile (33°S - 42°S) with different management administrative strategies and seaweed harvesting intensity: (a) Marine Protected Areas (MPA, low level), (b) Territorial Use Rights for Fisheries (TURF, intermediate level), and (c) Open Access Areas (OAA, high level). Measurements of biomasses, size structure, reproductive stage, potential buoyancy and floating times (using attached Lepas spp. as proxy) of the specimens from benthic populations and strandings on adjacent beaches were made. Benthic biomasses and sizes of D. incurvata specimens were higher in MPA compared to TURF and OAA, which were consistent with strandings on nearby beaches. Benthic and stranded biomasses, densities, lengths and percentages of reproductive individuals were higher in winter compared to summer. The presence and sizes of Lepas spp. indicated short floating times of stranded individuals. Significant relationships between biomasses, densities, and lengths of benthic and stranded D. incurvata specimens were observed, according to harvest intensity levels and seasons. Our results suggest that the harvest of benthic populations can affect the dispersal potential of D. incurvata. Exploitation of natural populations of floating seaweeds should consider their dispersal capacity, which may be useful for the recovery of over-exploited areas.

Investigating of Signal Propagation Characteristics in a Realistic Rural Scenario using Verified Tools: A Case of South Chunya-Tanzania

Effective radio network planning requires understanding an area's radio propagation characteristics. This investigation uses dependable techniques to examine the movement of wireless signals in Tanzania's rural locations. Propagation characteristics in selected rural Tanzanian communities (South Chunya) are examined as a case study, and recommendations are made based on the findings, particularly for wireless service providers or researchers looking to improve wireless connectivity in rural communities. Important radio parameters such as Pathloss, Signal to Noise ratio, Bandwidth throughput, Spectral efficiency and Spectral band were examined. This was done after simulating signal transmission from the Base station transmitter to the Base station receiver and observing power and attenuation. Their corresponding results are discussed and evaluated. The general observation of the pass loss results for both operating frequencies 800MHz and 2000MHz have shown that only few areas are experiencing strong signal after initial signal power transmission, large areas served by these macro sites are experiencing huge path loss. This is evidently affected by the terrain of an area and the carrier frequency of operators.

Benford’s law in atomic spectra and opacity databases

The intriguing law of anomalous numbers, also named Benford’s law, states that the significant digits of data follow a logarithmic distribution favoring the smallest values. In this work, we test the compliance with this law of the atomic databases developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focusing on line energies, oscillator strengths, Einstein coefficients and radiative opacities. The considered databases are the Atomic Spectra Database (ASD) and the NIST-LANL (Los Alamos National Laboratory) Lanthanide/Actinide Opacity Database. The present study is not limited to the first digit and the case of multipole lines is also considered. The fact that the law is verified with a high accuracy means that the occurrence of digits reflects the constraints induced, in a given angular-momentum coupling, by the selection rules for atomic processes. As a consequence, Benford’s law may be of great interest to detect inconsistencies in atomic databases.

Uranium measurements in the field using high-resolution cadmium zinc telluride detectors

A new generation of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detectors has become available and is being evaluated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for safeguards verifications in the field. The new CZT detector, model M400, is a room temperature spectrometer manufactured by H3D, Inc. The M400 demonstrates superior energy resolution, effective isotope identification capabilities, and convenient usability features when tested in a controlled laboratory environment. These characteristics define the M400 as a potential platform for IAEA field detection applications, which could become suitable for nuclear material characterization (e.g., enrichment verification) and nuclear safeguards missions. The capabilities of gamma spectrometry codes including Fixed energy, Response function Analysis with Multiple efficiencies (FRAM) from Los Alamos National Laboratory, CZT for Uranium (CZTU) from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) from Sandia National Laboratories were adapted for M400 spectra, and the performance of the codes has been validated. This was reported in a prior work. To further validate the performance of the high-energy resolution CZT detector and the isotopic analysis codes, a field measurement campaign consisting of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) cylinder measurements was conducted at a fuel fabrication facility. A total of 34 Type 30B cylinders containing UF6 were measured using three different M400 CZT detectors. Each detector was outfitted with a custom rectangular collimator and shield made out T-Flex®, a tungsten-impregnated polymer. Measurements were performed at three different locations of the cylinder, ensuring that the measurement geometry satisfied the infinite thickness criterion. The spectra from the M400 CZT were analyzed using the code General Enrichment Meter (GEM). For analyzing the gamma-ray spectra from UF6 cylinder, the GEM code is the appropriate tool since it relies only on the gamma-ray emissions from 235U and not from other isotopes. Results from the spectral analysis were compared with the known abundance of 235U in the cylinders, as well as with the International Target Values 2020 (ITV2020). The suitability of the different underlying techniques used by the various codes for UF6 analysis is discussed. The challenges of measuring UF6 contained in cylinders and mitigation strategies are highlighted.

Exploring microbiome and plankton responses and interactions in the mangrove ecosystem through eDNA and network analysis

The comprehensive analysis of multiple biological communities is essential for assessing diversities within mangrove ecosystems, yet such studies are infrequent. Environmental DNA (eDNA) facilitates the simultaneous exploration of organisms across various levels within a single ecosystem. In this investigation, 16S rRNA, cytochrome C oxidase I (COI), and Mito-fish primers were employed to characterize the microbiome, eukaryotic plankton, and fish communities, along with their intricate interactions, across 24 samples from three Chinese mangrove reservoirs. The resulting dataset encompasses 3779 taxonomic groups (genus level), spanning from the microbiome to vertebrates. Diversity analysis unveiled a higher level of stability in the microbiome community compared to plankton, underscoring the superior site-specificity of plankton. The association analysis revealed that biodiversity was primarily affected by temperature, turbidity, and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (fDOM). Notably, the physicochemical factors, turbidity, and fDOM had a more pronounced impact on the microbiome than on plankton, explaining their distinct sensitivities to site-specific conditions. Network analysis constructed 15 biological interaction subnetworks representing various community connections. The most connected genera in each subnetwork, highly responsive to different environmental factors, could serve as potential indicators of distinct ecosystem states. In summary, our findings represent the first comparison of the response sensitivities of different communities and the construction of their interaction networks in mangrove environments. These results contribute valuable insights into marine ecosystem dynamics and the role of environmental factors in shaping biodiversity.