Los Alamos National Laboratory Research Articles

Determinants of Solar Home Systems Adoption among Riverine Island Dwellers: A Case Study of Sirajganj District in Bangladesh

Purpose: This study aims to identify the determinants of solar home systems adoption among riverine island dwellers, focusing on the Sirajganj district in Bangladesh. Methodology: The research, based on a comprehensive survey of 200 households, utilized logistic regression analysis and descriptive statistics. Findings: The study finds that ‘education of the household head’, ‘access to credit’, and ‘monthly household income’ significantly affected solar home systems adoption at different level of significance. Factors leading to adopt solar home systems included lack of electricity access, focus on energy security, and cost savings, along with access to loans or installments and community connections. Conversely, non-adopters faced barriers such as perceived high initial costs, lack of installment facilities, and insufficient awareness. Practical Implications: The study highlights the importance of credit accessibility, educational background, and household income in promoting solar home systems adoption. Policymakers and stakeholders can use these insights to tailor interventions addressing specific determinants and encourage widespread adoption. Originality/Value: This research provides valuable new insights into promoting sustainable energy initiatives in similar contexts. Limitations: The study's limitations include its small sample size and potential regional variations. Further research is recommended to validate and extend these findings across diverse geographical settings.

Project Yarn Circle: development and pilot evaluation of a cultural connection suicide prevention program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

ABSTRACT Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people experience markedly higher suicide mortality than non-Indigenous youth in Australia, yet there is little evidence of effective preventative strategies. Many are misaligned to the needs of First Nations young people due to a lack of consideration of protective factors such as community and cultural connection. Objective To date no research has examined whether increasing cultural connectedness may reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicidality. The current study outlines the development, implementation, and pilot evaluation of Project Yarn Circle, a school-based suicide prevention initiative utilising cultural education and connection. Method Project Yarn Circle was piloted by an Indigenous owned and managed youth mental health organisation, delivering 5 weekly sessions to 276 young people at 9 schools in Southeast Queensland, Australia, between 2019 and 2023. Sessions connected students to cultural knowledge and practices (stories, painting, dance, Indigenous languages) with Elders and local cultural knowledge facilitators. Results Pre- and post-program evaluation questionnaires completed 6–8 weeks apart found that participants had significantly lower suicidal ideation (GHQ-18-SS), pre 7.16, post 6.61, p = .043 higher positive ideation/reasons for living (PANSI-PI) pre 22.44, post 23.60, p = .009, and higher self-esteem (RSES) pre 16.55, post 23.60, p = .005. Analyses of cultural connectedness items co-designed for this evaluation study and validated using Exploratory Factor Analysis found that students demonstrated greater cultural identity clarity, peer cultural competence, strength from culture, salience of cultural continuity and sense of belonging. Conclusions These findings provide new evidence towards utilising cultural connectedness as an intervention mechanism in Indigenous youth suicide prevention.

Prediction and observation of regional infrasound from the OSIRIS REx re-entry capsule

Infrasonic signals produced by bolides and space debris passing through atmosphere are frequently observed at notable stand-off distances. The acoustic energy radiated from such objects is dominated by the aero-acoustic Mach cone which exhibits a highly directional radiation pattern dependent on the velocity of the object relative to the surrounding atmosphere. Recently, a mapping of the Mach cone geometry into acoustic ray tracing methods has enabled efficient regional simulation of infrasonic ensonification from such sources. In September 2023, the OSIRIS REx sample capsule returned to Earth as part of a NASA supported asteroid study and a number of institutions deployed sensors to measure geophysical signatures of the event. The anticipated capsule trajectory was combined with historical atmospheric data for September in the western United States to predict likely regional ensonification during re-entry. Los Alamos National Laboratory infrasound experts deployed microbarometer arrays in locations predicted to be ensonified and were able to identify signals with arrival times and direction-of-arrival consistent with the capsule re-entry. An overview of the predictions, field deployments, and identified signals will be presented.

ExaFEL: extreme-scale real-time data processing for X-ray free electron laser science

ExaFEL is an HPC-capable X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) data analysis software suite for both Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (SFX) and Single Particle Imaging (SPI) developed in collaboration with the Linac Coherent Lightsource (LCLS), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory. ExaFEL supports real-time data analysis via a cross-facility workflow spanning LCLS and HPC centers such as NERSC and OLCF. Our work therefore constitutes initial path-finding for the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Integrated Research Infrastructure (IRI) program. We present the ExaFEL team's 7 years of experience in developing real-time XFEL data analysis software for the DOE's exascale supercomputers. We present our experiences and lessons learned with the Perlmutter and Frontier supercomputers. Furthermore we outline essential data center services (and the implications for institutional policy) required for real-time data analysis. Finally we summarize our software and performance engineering approaches and our experiences with NERSC's Perlmutter and OLCF's Frontier systems. This work is intended to be a practical blueprint for similar efforts in integrating exascale compute resources into other cross-facility workflows.

Gender minority stressors and psychological distress among Chinese transgender and gender-diverse people: Pride as a protector and community connectedness as a compensator.

Gender minority stressors and psychological distress among Chinese transgender and gender-diverse people: Pride as a protector and community connectedness as a compensator.

Restorative and regenerative green spaces for vulnerable communities in social housing: The impact of a Community Greening program

Vulnerable communities represent the most at-risk populations facing inequities and negative health, economic and social wellbeing outcomes. Community gardening has emerged globally as a community-based remedy to reduce these inequities and enhance wellbeing. This paper examines the psychological, socio-cultural and health impact of social housing design that includes access to, and engagement with green spaces. The project was multi-disciplinary and used mixed-method research to examine the impact of community gardening for people in social housing. Two interrelated studies were conducted; study 1 involved 33 social housing gardeners in a pre-post program survey. Statistically significant improvements were found in participants’ satisfaction with personal wellbeing, health, and community connectedness; as well as increased gardening skills, positive social experiences, and time spent in nature. Study 2 involved 34 semi-structured interviews conducted with program facilitators and partner organisation staff. Results uncovered that participant’s engagement with gardening was restorative and regenerative. Four salient themes emerged from our mixed methods study: 1) connection to self; 2) connection to others, 3) connection to place; and 4) connection to purpose. The findings showcase some of the key principles of a successful social and nature prescription intervention for vulnerable people. Community gardening was shown to amplify civic pride and bolster community resilience. Our research suggests the broad impact of community gardening on participant outcomes for vulnerable populations and enhances the capacity of practitioners to translate research into policy and practice for sustainable, restorative residential communities.

Loss of safe spaces: Ambiguous loss and minority stressors of BIPOC LGBTQ+ communities amidst the covid-19 pandemic

As the world came to a halt in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, oppressed communities were at the forefront of distress from isolation, lack of resources, and connection. A vast amount of literature has emphasized the necessity of safe spaces and impact of minority stressors on Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (BIPOC LGBTQ+) communities. However, few have begun to explore relationships among ambiguous loss of safe spaces and minority stressors from pandemic isolation. This study aimed to explore the experiences of BIPOC LBGTQ+ communities during the Covid-19 pandemic using a convergent mixed methodical approach. Through cross-sectional survey, quantitative data examined relationships between minority stressors, LGBTQ community connection, and family environment and support at home (n = 164). Through 7 focus groups, qualitative data captured themes surrounding loss, online connection, trust, and redefinition of safe spaces (n = 29). An integrated discussion utilizing an integrated theoretical framework of minority stress, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems, and intersectionality is then presented. Lastly, limitations and future directions are discussed.

The subjective wellbeing of people living with Multiple Sclerosis in Australia: insights from the Personal Wellbeing Index

ObjectivesSubjective wellbeing has been defined as an individual’s personal appraisal of their quality of life. Subjective wellbeing is associated with positive health behaviours and improved coping abilities. This study aimed to investigate the subjective wellbeing of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), using the novel Personal Wellbeing Index, and make comparisons with the general population.MethodsCross-sectional data was obtained from the Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study and the How Is Your Life Australian general population study in August-October 2020. Subjective wellbeing was measured as life satisfaction using the Personal Wellbeing Index. This instrument measures life satisfaction globally and in seven life domains, allowing the importance of domain-specific life satisfaction to be explored. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted.ResultsOne thousand six hundred eighty-three MS and 1,021 general population participants entered the study (mean age 52.4 and 58.6; female 79.9% and 52.4%, respectively). For people living with MS the most important life domains were standard of living and achieving in life. The domain of personal health was more influential for people living with MS (p < 0.01) than the general population. The life domains most susceptible to MS-related disability were personal health, achieving in life, and community connectedness (p < 0.01 for these domains).ConclusionPersonal health and achieving in life are key domains through which the subjective wellbeing of people living with MS is modified. This study recommends the development of interventions to support healthy perceptions of illness and continued employment as paramount in improving the subjective wellbeing of people living with MS.

Supplemental Material for Gender Minority Stressors and Psychological Distress Among Chinese Transgender and Gender-Diverse People: Pride as a Protector and Community Connectedness as a Compensator

Supplemental Material for Gender Minority Stressors and Psychological Distress Among Chinese Transgender and Gender-Diverse People: Pride as a Protector and Community Connectedness as a Compensator

Community Connector Pilot – Review Of A Non-Clinical Programme Within An Integrated Care Programme For Older Persons Team

Abstract Background A Community Connector is a specialist Social Prescriber for older individuals who often present with complex medical needs and are referred directly by an Integrated Care team. The programme is a collaborative model between this team and a respective community host organisation. Integrated Care, as part of the Sláintecare Programme, places a stronger emphasis on social supports and person-centredness as key elements in healthcare (Goodwin, 2013). Methods Referrals are received approximately two to three weeks prior to discharge from the Integrated Care team which allows for relevant feedback from the Community Connector to this team. A coaching approach is utilised as a way of exploring each participant’s individual priorities and their expressed interests and goals in order to enhance their awareness of resources and supports in their own community and their subsequent readiness to engage. This process involves co-creating a personalised wellbeing plan with each individual which can act as the basis for a joint learning journey together. Results On referrals received to the programme, ongoing data is recorded regarding the number of individuals participating, the activities undertaken and the outcomes affecting the wellbeing of participants. Social isolation is a key reason for referral among this cohort in addition to cognitive stimulation, reengagement in social outlets and carer stress. Programme participants continue to be referred to a range of community activities, programmes and supports. Preliminary findings show an increase in community connectedness in regard to individuals’ increased knowledge and subsequent participation in local activities. Conclusion Key qualitative and quantitative data are the basis for initial and ongoing evaluation of the programme. These include recording any reflections and challenges which then act as key learning tools in delivering a unique person-centred programme for older individuals.

Community heals: Lessons from qualitative narratives of first-generation college students

Background: First-generation college students struggle to navigate the college experience. Prior research suggests that social capital plays a critical role in college success such that students benefit from building networks of support within the university. Objective: We investigated whether social capital, in the form of engagement with university services, had positive implications for college students’ mental health and academic performance, particularly for first-generation college students. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with both first- and continuing-generation students attending a Hispanic Serving Institution to gain a qualitative, in-depth understanding of the extent to which students took advantage of university services, and whether such engagement promoted their mental health and academic success. Results: Narratives revealed that first-generation students felt uniquely overwhelmed and could benefit from building connections and seeking support. Students emphasized the positive impact of community connections. Conclusion: University-wide programming focused on community building may improve first-generation students’ college experience.

We are a spider’s web: Friendship in times of mental health crisis

Community responses to those experiencing mental health crisis and distress are important. However, in Australia and many other colonised countries, responses to distress have become highly medicalised, punitive, individual and privatised. Exploring friendship responses to mental health crisis may increase the possibilities for building on community connectedness and local support networks. The work described in this paper aimed to make visible the acts of care, solidarity, friendship and mutuality that friends and members of the community have taken up in response to someone close to them experiencing distress. The work was guided by intentional peer support and narrative practices including re-authoring, collective documentation and outsider witnessing.

‘All the dykes I know drink beer’: Sexuality and gender performance through alcohol consumption among lesbian, bisexual, and queer women in Australia

This article explores the relationship between gender, sexuality and alcohol consumption among lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women in Australia. On average, LBQ women consume alcohol at a higher rate than heterosexual women, yet the use of alcohol and its gendered meanings in this population remain under-explored. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 42 cisgender women, 10 transgender women, and 8 non-binary people who identify as lesbian, bisexual, and/or queer. Participants were aged 18–72. Interviews explored participants' experiences with alcohol, gender, and sexuality. Interviews were thematically analysed, informed by a critical alcohol and other drug scholarship lens. While ‘minority stress’ is often cited as a key factor in explaining LBQ women's high rates of alcohol consumption, our findings suggest a more complex relationship between drinking, gender and sexuality. Drinking is gendered for LBQ women, enabling both performance of and resistance to gendered norms. Additionally, alcohol emerged as a tool for navigating gendered vulnerability in public spaces, with some participants shaping their alcohol intake to their environment. Our findings highlight the need for approaches to LBQ women's health that recognise alcohol as a social tool that can facilitate confidence, pleasure, and community connection. Rather than focusing solely on risk and vulnerability, policies and health promotion efforts should consider the diverse ways in which LBQ women use alcohol to navigate their identities and social environments.

Future parenthood ideas among child-free LGBTQ+ adults: The roles of stigma and LGBTQ+ community connections.

Future parenthood ideas among child-free LGBTQ+ adults: The roles of stigma and LGBTQ+ community connections.

Determinants Affecting Small Business Financially in Nepal: A Structural Equation Modelling Analysis

Background: Small businesses in Kathmandu Valley play a crucial role in local economies by creating jobs, fostering community connections, and driving growth and innovation. However, they face significant financial challenges that can hinder their development. Objective: This study aims to analyze the determinants that affect small businesses financially in Kathmandu Valley, focusing on how these factors influence business growth and sustainability. Method: An exploratory research design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for inferential analysis. The study sampled 403 individuals from the Kathmandu Valley to represent the population. Result: The SEM analysis identified four constructs as fitting well with the model out of six. The results reveal that globalization and external factor risk significantly impact financial hurdles faced by small businesses. Additionally, government policy was found to play a moderating role, partially mediating the relationship between the dependent and independent variables and showing a significant impact. Conclusion: The study highlights key determinants that affect the financial aspects of small businesses in Kathmandu Valley. By identifying these factors, the research provides insights into how small enterprises can be better supported financially, contributing to their growth and long-term sustainability. Paper Types: Research Paper Keywords: Financial Hurdles, Small Business, Structural Equation Modeling, Financial Management JEL Classification: M00, F65, G28, E44 and C50

Motivations, Choices, and Constraints of Italian Transgender Travelers: A Study of Tourism Dynamics within the Rainbow

This study explores the motivations, choices, and constraints shaping tourism behavior among transgender individuals living in Italy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research begins with quantitative data collection and analyses, followed by qualitative insights to uncover the multifaceted reasons that drive transgender individuals to engage in tourism. These motivations range from seeking personal authenticity to cultural exploration and community connection. This study also examines the intricate interplay of choice and constraint in shaping transgender travelers’ tourism experiences, highlighting the challenges they face and the strategies they use to cope with the obstacles they face within the tourism context. Given Italy’s persistent stereotypes and prejudices against gender and sexual minorities, this research provides a critical examination of the intersectionality of gender identity and tourism within a challenging cultural and legal landscape. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of transgender travelers’ tourism experiences and offer valuable implications for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and scholars. By amplifying the voices of Italian transgender travelers, this study aims to foster greater inclusivity and recognition of their diverse needs and experiences within the tourism sector.

Looking out across the front yard: aboriginal peoples’ views of frailty in the community – A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Objective Frailty is one of the most significant challenges to healthy ageing. Aboriginal Australians experience some of the highest levels of frailty worldwide, and despite this, no studies have explored frailty from an Aboriginal perspective. This is important because Aboriginal understandings and priorities in frailty may differ from Western/mainstream frailty frameworks. Furthermore, this lack of research severely hampers healthcare planning and service delivery. As a starting point, this study aims to understand the experiences, attitudes, and perceptions that Aboriginal older adults hold regarding frailty. Design A qualitative study that utilized the Indigenous research method of Yarning for data collection as a culturally appropriate process for engaging Aboriginal peoples. Yarning circles and one-on-one yarns with 22 Aboriginal adults aged 45+ years living in one Australian capital city took place online and over the phone to explore the views that Aboriginal adults hold around frailty. Data were analysed thematically by Aboriginal researchers. Results Seven key thematic areas were identified: (1) Keep in with culture; (2) Physical markers of frailty; (3) Frailty throughout the life course; (4) Social, cultural, and psychological understandings of frailty; (5) We want information about frailty; (6) Appropriate and positive wording; (7) Frailty assessment. Conclusions There was interest and engagement in the concept of frailty by Aboriginal older adults and approaches to frailty that extend beyond the physical to address cognitive, psychosocial, cultural and spiritual domains are likely to be more acceptable to this population. Culture and community connectivity are essential elements in preventing and alleviating frailty and have wider positive implications for Aboriginal health and wellbeing. Existing tools in practice to assess frailty are not aligned with Aboriginal cultural norms. Culturally appropriate frailty assessment methods co-designed with the community which incorporate holistic and multidimensional approaches are urgently needed.

“They feel shame sometime, but that is why we need to talk to them…we need to tell them how important it is not to feel shame”: Hepatitis B related shame and improving hepatitis B care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Top End of the Northern Territory, according to the Aboriginal health workforce

BackgroundThe Aboriginal health workforce has unique insights given their healthcare experience and interactions with their communities. The aims of this project were to explore their perceptions of hepatitis B related shame and ways to improve hepatitis B care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Northern Territory’s Top End, Australia.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study with guidance from the Menzies School of Health Research Infectious Diseases Indigenous Reference Group. The Aboriginal health workforce was asked to participate in semi-structured interviews exploring hepatitis B related shame and ways to improve hepatitis B care. Qualitative data were evaluated using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThere were fifteen semi-structured interviews with participants representing eight different communities. The experience of shame was reported by the Aboriginal health workforce to be common for individuals diagnosed with hepatitis B and comprised feelings of fear related to transmitting the virus, to being isolated, and to being at fault. Shame was mediated by poor health literacy, communication, the lack of culturally safe spaces and was perpetuated by intersecting stereotypes. Improvements in care can be achieved by utilising the Aboriginal health workforce more effectively, improving communication and the availability of culturally safe spaces, emphasising community connection, and reframing hepatitis B as a chronic condition.ConclusionsHepatitis B related shame was an important issue and impactful in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Top End of the Northern Territory. There were many facets to shame in these communities and it was mediated by several factors. The Aboriginal health workforce has emphasised several pathways to improve care and diminish the impact of shame, such as improving communication and the availability of culturally safe spaces.

Associations between misgendering, invalidation, pride, community connectedness, and trauma among nonbinary adults.

Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) people experience elevated rates of posttraumatic stress (PTS) due to transphobic violence, discrimination, microaggressions, and minority stress. Nonbinary people in particular experience unique chronic minority stressors (e.g., misgendering, interpersonal invalidation) because of the assumption that gender is inherently binary. Such examples of oppression against TNB people could contribute to complex PTS (c-PTS) symptoms, which arise due to exposure to chronic, cumulative, and interpersonal trauma. This study aimed to examine how misgendering and invalidation may be associated with PTS and c-PTS symptoms among nonbinary people and whether this association is moderated by pride and community connectedness. Cross-sectional data from 610 nonbinary people living in the United States and Canada were analyzed using hierarchical linear regressions. Misgendering and invalidation had significant positive associations with PTS and c-PTS symptoms. However, pride and community connectedness were not significant moderators of these associations. Findings from this study contribute to the conceptualizations of traumatic stress among nonbinary people and provide considerations for more affirming trauma-informed care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Prescriptions (Rx) for Prevention: Clinical Tools for Integrating Environmental Health into Pediatric Clinical Care

The integration of environmental health (EH) into routine clinical care for children is in its early stages. The vision of pediatric EH is that all clinicians caring for children are aware of and able to help connect families to needed resources to reduce harmful environmental exposures and increase health-enhancing ones. Environmental exposures include air pollution, substandard housing, lead, mercury, pesticides, consumer products chemicals, drinking water contaminants, industrial facility emissions and, increasingly, climate change-related extreme weather and heat events. An identified need is to simultaneously educate clinicians while connecting families to evidence-based EH interventions. Here, we describe a multi-decadal effort to create, refine, and disseminate a clinical tool called Prescriptions (Rxs) for Prevention that responds to that identified need. These tools are modeled on a risk communication framework and use a format that support clinicians when they screen their patients for EH concerns, to then counsel on those topics, and refer to EH resources if needed. Rxs for Prevention—tailored with local resources—are now in use at more than a dozen sites in multiple regions of the U.S. supporting the promotion of healthy homes, communities, and the broader environment for children. These Rxs are reducing barriers to EH integration by educating clinicians, linking families to community resources, and strengthening clinic and community connections. On-going evaluation can help further the implementation of the Rxs for Prevention to help achieve the long-term vision of integrating EH into routine clinical care.