Community Platform Research Articles

Effectiveness of a technical support program with women’s self-help groups in catalyzing health and nutrition behaviors in Bihar—a multicomponent analysis

IntroductionBihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society launched the JEEViKA program in 2007 to improve livelihoods through the Self-Help Group (SHG) platform. Women’s SHGs have shown members’ health improvements by promoting awareness, practices and access to services. This study investigates whether Health & Nutrition (HN) interventions delivered by JEEViKA Technical Support Program (JTSP) via SHG platforms could improve maternal and newborn health and nutritional behaviors in rural Bihar.MethodsAnnual Household Survey and Married Women of Reproductive Age (MWRA) studies of Bihar Technical Support Unit were used to analyze the effectiveness of JTSP on HN behaviors for mother and their infants in Bihar during 2016–21. Descriptive analysis followed by multivariable (binary and multinomial) logistic regressions were conducted to determine the distribution of and associations between various individual/community and programmatic exposures and outcomes of interest.ResultsDuring 2016–2021, in Bihar, statewide increase (32 to 47%) in SHG membership across all population strata and expansion of HN layering of JTSP from 101 to 349 blocks corroborated with improvements in Maternal-Newborn-Child Health & Nutrition (MNCHN) indicators in JTSP blocks and SHG members. Substantial increase was observed in ≥3ANC visit (9% points), institutional delivery (10%), skin-to-skin-care (17%), dry cord-care (23%), early initiation of breastfeeding (19%) & complementary feeding (9%). Adjusting for socio-demographic factors and Front-Line Workers’ (FLWs’) advice/counseling, multivariable logistic regression revealed that SHG member in JTSP blocks delivering post-intervention (2021) were more likely (vs 2016) to practice: ≥3ANC visits (Adjusted Odds Ratio: aOR = 1.48, p < 0.0001), institutional delivery (aOR = 1.71, p < 0.0001), skin-to-skin care (aOR = 3.16, p < 0.0001) and dry cord-care (aOR = 2.64, p < 0.0001), early initiation of breastfeeding (aOR = 1.61, p < 0.0001), complementary feeding (aOR6-8 months = 1.48, p < 0.0001) and minimum dietary diversity (aOR6-8 months = 1.24). Better mobility, decision making, economic independence and overall empowerment were also evident among SHG member MWRA as opposed to non-members after both phases.DiscussionThe results highlight successful HN integration in JEEViKA by JTSP, demonstrating its effectiveness in integrating with State Rural Livelihoods Mission community platforms. JTSP showcases collaboration within a government system and emphasizes systematic introduction and strengthening at multiple levels. This integration has enabled JEEViKA systems to self-sustain its own HN implementation processes, paving the way for cross-sectoral comprehensive delivery mechanisms for social development.

Interrelationship between chemsex engagement and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) experience in men who have sex with men: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundChemsex engagement is known to be associated with higher-risk sexual behaviour, HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI). To reduce HIV infection risk, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is increasingly used in the...

IMPROVING MATERNAL AWARENESS AND CHILDHOOD VACCINATION UPTAKE IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Background:- Vaccination is globally recognized as one of the most effective public health interventions for reducing child mortality by preventing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, and Haemophilus influenzae. However, in countries like Nigeria, inadequate knowledge about vaccination remains a major barrier to achieving optimal vaccine coverage. Despite the Nigerian government’s provision of free routine vaccination for children up to the age of two, many mothers are unaware of the need to complete the full vaccination schedule, which leads to missed vaccination opportunities in later childhood. This study aimed to assess the level of maternal knowledge regarding childhood vaccination in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Methods:- This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 321 mothers in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire designed to assess knowledge about childhood vaccination. The survey was administered online, and the data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to examine associations between socio-demographic factors and vaccination knowledge. Participants' socio-demographic characteristics, including ethnicity, employment status, and educational background, were recorded and analysed. Results:- The study sample was predominantly Urhobo (68.9%), with a majority of participants being semi-employed (50.2%) and having attained tertiary education (88.8%). Despite the high educational levels, 87.5% of the respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of the full vaccination schedule, particularly regarding vaccines required after the age of two. The study found no statistically significant association between socio-demographic factors such as ethnicity, employment status, and educational level and maternal knowledge of vaccination (p > 0.05). Discussion:- Although previous studies have shown a positive relationship between maternal education and vaccine uptake, this study revealed that socio-demographic variables had no significant impact on knowledge about vaccination schedules. Despite general awareness of the importance of vaccines, the study identified significant gaps in specific knowledge, particularly concerning vaccines required beyond the second year of life. These gaps highlight the need for improved communication strategies to ensure mothers understand the full vaccination process. Conclusion:- The findings underscore the critical need for targeted health promotion efforts to enhance maternal knowledge of childhood vaccination, particularly regarding vaccines beyond infancy. Comprehensive educational campaigns using mass media, social media, and community platforms are recommended to bridge these knowledge gaps. Healthcare workers should also be trained to deliver clear and consistent information on vaccination during routine maternal and child health visits to ensure timely and complete vaccination coverage.

The Role of Digital Innovation in Shaping Cultural Narratives: Analysing the Ethical Implications of Algorithm-Driven Media Platforms for Online Communities

This study critically analyzes the dual impact of digital innovation on cultural and creative industries, emphasizing both opportunities and challenges. It investigates how digital media platforms, such as TikTok and the Palace Museum, drive market expansion, enhance cultural sustainability, and democratize information sharing. These innovations foster public engagement and cultural tourism, thereby contributing to economic growth and cultural development. Nevertheless, the study highlights ethical challenges such as misinformation, algorithmic bias, gender inequality, and racial discrimination, which hinder the potential benefits of digital platforms. Using a qualitative methodology that integrates case studies and secondary data analysis, this research identifies mechanisms driving these dual effects and evaluates strategies to mitigate negative consequences. The findings underscore the need for ethical frameworks and governance mechanisms to guide digital innovation toward sustainable development, ensuring alignment with inclusivity and social responsibility.

Influencing Factors and Formation Mechanism of Brand Preference in Community E-Commerce

The deep integration of social media and e-commerce has fueled the rapid growth in community e-commerce, which has become a major trend in global e-commerce development. Researching the formation of brand preference in community e-commerce can promote the sustainable development of these brands. The distinctive social networking features and group interaction methods of community e-commerce offer new perspectives on the formation of brand preferences. In this paper, a model of factors influencing brand preference in community e-commerce is developed, where community platforms, product value, e-commerce services, content quality, and community interaction serve as antecedent variables; community experience and brand image act as mediating variables; and brand preference is the dependent variable. The model is empirically tested using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that community interaction, e-commerce services, product value, content quality, and community platforms significantly affect the community experience in e-commerce. Moreover, community interaction, product value, and content quality have significant impacts on brand image in community e-commerce. Both community experience and brand image positively influence brand preference.

Building feminist communities in the digital economy: algorithmic affordances and feminist dilemmas

ABSTRACT Increasing numbers of individuals and groups are turning to subscription-based platforms like Patreon to create smaller, more private digital spaces, and income streams less contingent on social media platforms. Within this shift, feminist groups are notably visible, from private community platforms to messaging groups. In this paper, I consider this shift by reflecting on findings from a three-month digital ethnography with the Anti Diet Riot Club, a UK-based group who in 2021 launched ‘The Community’, a subscription-based online community. Drawing on ethnographic data, I explore how in contrast to experiences of social media platforms and algorithms as fast-paced, exhausting, tiring and boring, being in a space which was algorithmically simpler, slower and sparser was experienced by participants as enabling, agency-building, and connective. Yet, ‘The Community’ ultimately sits behind a paywall, and this generates powerful tensions between building participatory feminist communities, and the kinds of consumer, service-oriented expectations and relationships that emerge. I conclude by considering the opportunities slowness and sparseness afford for building feminist networks of community and support, while critically reflecting on how subscription-based memberships entangle feminist initiatives within the neoliberal digital economy and the challenges this poses for creating and sustaining feminist digital spaces.

PyINETA: Open-Source Platform for INADEQUATE-JRES Integration in NMR Metabolomics.

Robust annotation of compounds is a critical element in metabolomics. The 13C-detection NMR experiment incredible natural abundance double-quantum transfer experiment (INADEQUATE) stands out as a powerful tool for structural elucidation, but this valuable experiment is not often included in metabolomics studies. This is partly due to the lack of a community platform that provides structural information based on INADEQUATE. Also, it is often the case that a single study uses various NMR experiments synergistically to improve the quality of information or balance total NMR experiment time, but there is no public platform that can integrate the outputs of INADEQUATE with other NMR experiments. Here, we introduce PyINETA, a Python-based INADEQUATE network analysis. PyINETA is an open-source platform that provides structural information on molecules using INADEQUATE, conducts database searches using an INADEQUATE library, and integrates information on INADEQUATE and a complementary NMR experiment 13C J-resolved experiment (13C-JRES). 13C-JRES was chosen because of its ability to efficiently provide relative quantification in a study of the 13C-enriched samples. Those steps are carried out automatically, and PyINETA keeps track of all the pipeline parameters and outputs, ensuring the transparency of annotation in metabolomics. Our evaluation of PyINETA using a model mouse study showed that PyINETA successfully integrated INADEQUATE and 13C-JRES. The results showed that 13C-labeled amino acids that were fed to mice were transferred to different tissues and were transformed to other metabolites. The distribution of those compounds was tissue-specific, showing enrichment of specific metabolites in the liver, spleen, pancreas, muscle, or lung. PyINETA is freely available on NMRbox.

MolluscDB 2.0: a comprehensive functional and evolutionary genomics database for over 1400 molluscan species.

Mollusca represents the second-largest animal phylum but remains less explored genomically. The increase in high-quality genomes and diverse functional genomic data holds great promise for advancing our understanding of molluscan biology and evolution. To address the opportunities and challenges facing the molluscan research community in managing vast multi-omics resources, we developed MolluscDB 2.0 (http://mgbase.qnlm.ac), which integrates extensive functional genomic data and offers user-friendly tools for multilevel integrative and comparative analyses. MolluscDB 2.0 covers 1450 species across all eight molluscan classes and compiles ∼4200 datasets, making it the most comprehensive multi-omics resource for molluscs to date. MolluscDB 2.0 expands the layers of multi-omics data, including genomes, bulk transcriptomes, single-cell transcriptomes, proteomes, epigenomes and metagenomes. MolluscDB 2.0 also more than doubles the number of functional modules and analytical tools, updating 14 original modules and introducing 20 new, specialized modules. Overall, MolluscDB 2.0 provides highly valuable, open-access multi-omics platform for the molluscan research community, expediting scientific discoveries and deepening our understanding of molluscan biology and evolution.

The behavior patterns of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) housed across 18 US zoos.

Interpreting animal behavior in the context of welfare can be inherently challenging given the limited behavior data available for many species housed in zoos. Describing common behavior patterns may help animal managers by providing additional background when assessing the individuals in their care. Although valuable, these efforts require a large, collaborative approach and have, consequently, been rare. Here, we share the behavior patterns of zoo-housed giraffes, an iconic and commonly housed megafauna in zoos. Behavior data were evaluated for 66 giraffes living across 18 AZA-accredited zoos using the ZooMonitor Community platform. Data were recorded during 10-minute observation sessions. Observations were conducted during daytime hours over the course of approximately one year at each zoo (mean total observed time per individual = 23.2 hr). The most common behaviors observed were feeding/ foraging behaviors, which accounted for 38.6% of the mean visible time budget across giraffes. Time spent in these behaviors varied by individual and ranged from 14.3% to 69.3% of visible time. Stereotypic behaviors occurred in all study individuals, with oral stereotypic behaviors being most common. Although prevalent, stereotypic behaviors varied considerably across giraffes, with some individuals exhibiting these behaviors only on a few occasions to an individual that exhibited these behaviors once every few minutes. This study provides a robust evaluation of giraffe behavior across zoos to present a picture of their common behavior patterns in managed care. We hope these multi-institutional behavior patterns can provide perspective to aid animal managers in evaluating giraffes in their care.

ScRAPdb: an integrated pan-omics database for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae reference assembly panel.

As a unicellular eukaryote, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strikes a unique balance between biological complexity and experimental tractability, serving as a long-standing classic model for both basic and applied studies. Recently, S. cerevisiae further emerged as a leading system for studying natural diversity of genome evolution and its associated functional implication at population scales. Having high-quality comparative and functional genomics data are critical for such efforts. Here, we exhaustively expanded the telomere-to-telomere (T2T) S. cerevisiae reference assembly panel (ScRAP) that we previously constructed for 142 strains to cover high-quality genome assemblies and annotations of 264 S. cerevisiae strains from diverse geographical and ecological niches and also 33 outgroup strains from all the other Saccharomyces species complex. We created a dedicated online database, ScRAPdb (https://www.evomicslab.org/db/ScRAPdb/), to host this expanded pangenome collection. Furthermore, ScRAPdb also integrates an array of population-scale pan-omics atlases (pantranscriptome, panproteome and panphenome) and extensive data exploration toolkits for intuitive genomics analyses. All curated data and downstream analysis results can be easily downloaded from ScRAPdb. We expect ScRAPdb to become a highly valuable platform for the yeast community and beyond, leading to a pan-omics understanding of the global genetic and phenotypic diversity.

4.A. Skills building seminar: Waves of community health engagement and governance: innovating through a design-as-policy approach

Abstract In this workshop we will engage our participants in a practice oriented exercise to experiment with a collaborative design-as-policy approach for a community health action plan. The exercise will be based on the lessons learned in two large evaluation projects: 1) an 8-year evaluation of the Dutch All about Health (AaH) platform of social health initiatives on the local, regional and national level; and 2) a comparative multiple case study, including Portugal, building a framework for sustainable citizen engagement, published in the WHO Handbook ‘Voice, Agency, Empowerment: The Handbook on Social Participation for UHC’. Both projects show striking similarities in findings, and developed guidance for devising collaborative action through (a) the use of community platforms, (b) concrete engagement mechanisms and (c) mediating civil society organizations. These will be brought together in a Guidance Tool that participants will work with in the exercise. The aim of the tool is to support initiatives to bring together both top-down participatory efforts and bottom-up grassroots movements in order to anchor community and minority voices into policy decision-making for a more level playing field for policy influence. The aim of the workshop is to let participants experiment with the Guidance Tool and develop collaborative design-as-policy skills. The outline of the skills building exercise: 1. Group introductions using Mentimeter and invitation to pick a particular complex health issue from participants’ own work or community setting (5 mins). 2. Three pitches on the projects, the Portugal case and the Guidance Tool (10 mins). 3. Exercise instructions (5 mins). 4. Exercise (35 mins) a. Upon room entrance participants receive a colored badge based on their professional background: public health professional/practitioner, community resident, researcher or policymaker; b. Form small sub groups of 6-8 participants with different backgrounds (2 mins); c. Introduce with key words on paper their respective complex community health issues and sub group jointly selects one issue for which most information and experience is present (6 mins); d. First round in duos within sub group: participants work through the guidance steps to an initial idea for the collaborative action approach consisting of a community platform, engagement mechanisms, and mediating civil society organizations, drawn out on paper (10 mins); e. Second round in duos within the sub group: duos review another duos initial design idea and conduct an intuitive SWOT analysis of feasibility, acceptability, and practicability (8 mins); f. Third round in sub group: compare the three proposals in SWOT perspective, select the most salient one, and improve with strong elements from other proposals (8 mins); g. Summarize in key words the final proposal and enter into Mentimeter. 5. Plenary wrap up using Mentimeter: select the winning proposal, and evaluate the exercise (5 mins). Key messages • Collaborative action is enhanced considerably through (a) the use of community platforms, (b) concrete engagement mechanisms and (c) mediating civil society organizations. • The Guidance Tool offers concrete steps for designing a reflexive and adaptive structure and process for community collaborative action and self-governance. Speakers/Panelists Marleen Bekker Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands Dheepa Rajan WHO, Brussels, Belgium Goncalo Figueiredo Augusto National Health Council, Lisbon, Portugal

3.X.2. Integrating trust as a key component of pandemic preparedness and resilience

Abstract Trust is a key component of pandemic preparedness, which impacts the success of response measures during the public health emergency. Trust is built during preparedness, however the drivers and dimensions of trust are complex and context-specific. What is required is a collaborative, inclusive approach that provides a platform for communities to express their questions and concerns. The proposed workshop will begin with a presentation from a global expert on trust in the content of epidemics and pandemics and the current knowledge about how trust can be built during preparedness. This will be followed by interactive group-work, designed to encourage collaborative discussions and decision-making. Finally, introducing the WHO Hive digital platform that provides a safe space for public health communities to share information and ask questions. Attendees will then reconvene in plenary to discuss these approaches and interventions that can be implemented to build and maintain trust prior to and during an epidemic or pandemic. This workshop has the following objectives: 1. To demonstrate how trust is an important determinant of successful pandemic response; 2. To enable attendees to explore how the implementation of public health and social measures, infodemic management and digital community partnerships and engagement can build trust during pandemic preparedness for both online and offline communities; 3. To provide opportunity for attendees to workshop how the different features of the Hive digital space can enhance trust building, and to develop actionable strategies for health emergency preparedness, response and resilience. The workshop will deliver these objectives through an interactive simulation activity. Attendees will be placed into small groups to work through a scenario, having to decide on the actions that need to be taken, considering budget constraints, other health priorities, and the current local context. The teams will co-create actionable strategies for building and maintaining trust. While there is not a one size fits all approach to trust building, this workshop will aim to increase understanding of the drivers and determinants of trust to encourage participants to consider how they can be applied in their local context. It will be interactive and hands-on requiring active participation from participants. Key messages • Trust as a construct is an important component of pandemic preparedness and readiness that impacts on response. • A multidimensional approach to building and sustaining trust needs to considered across a range of drivers and determinants, where actionable strategies are vital.

Applications of H2-Enriched syngas and slag products from plastic wastes via novel plasma dual-stage-arc pyrolysis

Sustainable plastic waste management in the prevailing ‘new-normal’ post-pandemic scenario calls for calorific waste plastic up-cycling into high-end product recovery pathways. The present work employed a novel dual-stage arc plasma pyrolysis reactor to recover syngas and slag products from mixed plastics and Low-Density Polyethylene and Polyethylene Terephthalate (LDPE-PET) plastic waste feeds. Syngas product yield decreased while the solid slag yield increased with rising arc current, attaining 75% and 25% for mixed plastic waste feed and 59% and 41% for LDPE-PET wastes, respectively, at 200A arc current. The resultant syngas composition showed 83% and 77% H2 while 1.7% and 2.7% CO for mixed plastic waste-feed and LDPE-PET wastes, respectively, with no significant presence of CO2. Slag characterization studies revealed the presence of scattered pores on the slag surface, graphitic nanostructures due to scraped carbon depositions from electrode tips and the absence of aromatic groups due to complete conversion. High carbon content was observed in the slag due to the dissociation of lighter hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide on dual-arc exposure in two stages, underscoring the higher efficiency. For holistic integrated circular onsite ‘plastic waste-to-resource’ recovery-cum-application, electricity was generated from the resultant syngas and the slag was used for the manufacture of tiles in the community platform. Techno-economic evaluation of an up-scaled plasma pyrolysis facility shows the power recovery of 3.5 kWh/kg of waste plastic, with a net annual profit of $2800 and a payback period of 1.7 years. The findings of the present work suggest that the proposed integrated dual-arc plasma pyrolysis based plastic waste-to-resource recovery in circular-economy model has a viable outcome.

Supporting Educators to Co-Design Interdisciplinary Projects Integrating Educational Robotics and Arts

The growing call to foster interdisciplinary learning has found educators struggling to co-design learning across disciplinary boundaries. Aiming to contribute to the area of interdisciplinary learning design, we explored how to support educators in co-designing interdisciplinary projects integrating Educational Robotics (ER) and Arts, hereafter called Artful ER projects. Our research included developing the "FERTILE" Learning Design methodology as a conceptual tool scaffolding the integration of discipline-oriented viewpoints while educators co-design. Acknowledging that one of the challenges in interdisciplinary collaboration derives from educators’ different intentions for students’ learning outcomes, the "FERTILE" methodology introduces Computational Thinking (CT) skills as an Artful ER project’s primary learning outcome. In this line, the “FERTILE” methodology adapts the Creative Computational problem-solving model, which has been reported to cultivate CT skills through its staged process. Furthermore, we developed the "FERTILE" Community Platform as an online environment providing two-fold support to educators as designers of interdisciplinary learning. The "FERTILE" Community Platform incorporates community functionalities that address collaboration practicalities while educators co-design. Additionally, it integrates authoring functionalities scaffolding educators in designing Artful ER projects based on the "FERTILE" Learning Design methodology. This paper explores how the authoring functionalities of the "FERTILE" Community Platform support educators in designing interdisciplinary learning. We report on a pilot study conducted with Greek and Spanish educators. In this study, we applied a mixed-method research design with a quantitative strand adopting indicators from the Usability Metric for User Experience (UMUX) model and a qualitative strand providing insights into participants’ perceptions. The findings indicate that scaffolding disciplinary elaboration (e.g., robot technical requirements and art forms) and systematising interdisciplinary context (e.g., through project categories) may trigger educators’ mutual understanding. The participants endorsed authoring functionalities that adopted high contextualisation levels for learning design representation to communicate their design ideas across disciplinary boundaries. Also, the participants valued CT skills as the primary outcome of interdisciplinary learning, indicating that CT skills’ cultivation may be the broker among disciplines and trigger educators to overcome disciplinary barriers. Finally, we discuss the findings and implications for refining the "FERTILE" Community Platform as an online environment for educators co-designing Artful ER projects.

To contract or not to contract: should we use pelvic floor muscle exercises in the treatment of dyspareunia

Pelvic floor physiotherapy incorporates pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises (PFMEs), i.e. various tasks involving contraction and relaxation. These are widely used as an integral part of conservative treatment for different pelvic health conditions (e.g. urinary incontinence). Currently, there is a debate about the adoption of PFMEs for pelvic pain conditions, specifically dyspareunia. The prevailing belief within both the physiotherapy community and wider social media platforms is that PFMEs for dyspareunia are not appropriate and may even be harmful. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PFMEs in the treatment of dyspareunia, including an exploration of potential mechanisms through which these exercises may alter its symptoms. Specifically, the authors addressed the following questions: What is the rationale for PFMEs in dyspareunia? What are the documented side effects, if any? What are the outcomes following PFMEs? A list of relevant studies was compiled from extensive searches conducted for the purpose of other reviews performed by the authors, and additional, complementary searches utilizing a combination of keywords associated with dyspareunia, physiotherapy and PFMEs. The inclusion criteria were any studies discussing and investigating the use of PFMEs, such as (but not limited to) repeated contractions or hold contractions as a sole intervention or as part of multimodal treatment. Data were extracted and narratively synthesized to identify arguments advocating for and against PFMEs in the treatment of dyspareunia. Part of the narrative analysis included 10 studies involving women with different types of dyspareunia, such as vulvodynia, postpartum dyspareunia, dyspareunia related to menopause and dyspareunia in cancer survivors. Pelvic floor muscle exercises were implemented as a main intervention or as a part of multimodal physiotherapy. All of the studies reported positive results favouring interventions involving PFMEs across various outcomes, such as pain intensity, sexual function, symptom severity and inconvenience, and PFM morphometry and function. None of the studies reported any side effects following interventions incorporating PFMEs. These exercises may have multiple applications in the treatment of dyspareunia. It appears essential to consider PFMEs as a multifaceted intervention that can be adapted in various forms for diverse objectives that extend beyond simple strengthening. Contrary to prevailing beliefs, PFMEs have been widely incorporated in research studies that have reported positive outcomes and demonstrated the safety of the interventions implemented.

AMRColab - a user-friendly antimicrobial resistance detection and visualization tool.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global public health, with the potential to cause millions of deaths annually by 2050. Effective surveillance of AMR pathogens is crucial for monitoring and predicting their behaviour in response to antibiotics. However, many public health professionals lack the necessary bioinformatics skills and resources to analyse pathogen genomes effectively. To address this challenge, we developed AMRColab, an open-access bioinformatics analysis suite hosted on Google Colaboratory. AMRColab enables users with limited or no bioinformatics training to detect and visualize AMR determinants in pathogen genomes using a 'plug-and-play' approach. The platform integrates established bioinformatics tools such as AMRFinderPlus and hAMRonization, allowing users to analyse, compare and visualize trends in AMR pathogens easily. A trial run using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains demonstrated AMRColab's effectiveness in identifying AMR determinants and facilitating comparative analysis across strains. A workshop was conducted and feedback from participants indicated high confidence in using AMRColab and a willingness to incorporate it into their research. AMRColab's user-friendly interface and modular design make it accessible to a diverse audience, including medical laboratory technologists, medical doctors and public health scientists, regardless of their bioinformatics expertise. Future improvements to AMRColab will include enhanced visualization tools, multilingual support and the establishment of an online community platform. AMRColab represents a significant step towards democratizing AMR surveillance and empowering public health professionals to combat AMR effectively.

The influence of virtual community platform attributes on Chinese luxury consumers’ purchase intention: The role of policy innovation in digital infrastructure

This research examines the influence of virtual community platform attributes on luxury consumers’ purchase intentions, with a specific focus on the role of policy innovation in digital infrastructure. The study aims to 1) identify key factors affecting purchase intentions toward luxury products in virtual environments; 2) develop and validate a structural equation model to analyze these intentions; and 3) provide actionable insights for luxury goods marketers to refine their strategies within these platforms. Utilizing a structural equation model, the study investigates the interactions among various determinants of consumer behavior in virtual communities, highlighting the impact of policy innovation. Data was collected through purposive sampling from 1142 respondents in China’s top 10 high-spending cities on luxury goods, ensuring data relevance. The findings emphasize the significance of knowledge sharing, interactive communication, and leaders’ opinions in virtual communities in building consumer trust and shaping perceptions of online reviews. These elements influence purchase intentions directly and indirectly, with consumer trust serving as a crucial mediator. The study reveals the substantial impact of virtual community attributes on fostering consumer trust and shaping buying decisions for luxury items, underlining the contribution of social development processes. Moreover, the role of policy innovation is found to be significant in enhancing these virtual community dynamics, suggesting that regulatory changes can positively influence consumer engagement and trust. The conclusions offer valuable implications for marketers, proposing strategies to boost consumer engagement and drive sales in virtual settings. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of digital consumer behavior and provides practical strategies for innovation and growth within the luxury goods sector, emphasizing the critical role of policy innovation in shaping these dynamics.

Proceedings of a membrane update symposium: advancements, scientific insights, and future trends for dialysis membranes for enhanced clinical outcomes in end stage kidney disease patients.

From September 6 - 8 2022, the Life/2022 Membrane Symposium was held in Frankfurt, Germany, and transmitted live to a worldwide internet audience. The event was part of the Life/Nephrology Campus initiative, a continuous educational platform for the nephrology community to expand knowledge and share expertise on contemporary topics in chronic kidney disease. We describe recent questions and advances in the field, and we underline challenges in the care of dialysis patients and opportunities for integration of new findings into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes in end stage kidney disease patients. Most patients with kidney failure are on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The scientific program of the symposium was developed around topics about the role, functional determinants, technical aspects, limitations, and clinical implications of membranes presently in use. International experts with clinical or technical expertise as well as scientific recognition within the nephrology community were asked to prepare their presentations based on their own experiences, perceptions, opinions, and sources of information. The symposium devoted a major portion to discussing novel approaches for improving membranes and treatment quality, including updates on innovative concepts that may could potentially transform the landscape of kidney replacement therapy for chronic kidney disease patients in the future. The intent was to provide insights into current attention points for healthcare professionals new to the field of MHD, and to test a unique forum for continuing medical education integrating physician and patient experiences to promote changes in clinical practice. Furthermore, the symposium premiered a specifically developed mixed reality holographic 3D model to demonstrate recent dialyzer innovation diminishing protein fouling on membrane surfaces. As a continuous online educational platform for scientific exchange, this Life/2022 event provided online learning opportunities with on-demand content, with all symposium lectures freely available on nephrologycampus.com.

Filling the gaps: grassroots prevention of domestic and family violence within the Korean-Australian community

This study focuses on the bridging roles of grassroots community groups from migrant communities in Australia, specifically in the context of domestic and family violence (DFV). Through in-depth interviews with 15 victim-survivors and 16 practitioners and community volunteers of Korean heritage, the study examines how members of the Korean community are attempting to fill the gaps in social support for victim-survivors of DFV and what issues, barriers and limitations they face. The results indicate that community members face multiple barriers in their efforts to fill gaps in service, which in turn affects the quality of their response to victim-survivors. This study argues that the emergence of a peer-support network is a response and even a partial solution to those barriers and limitations, challenging the traditional community groups (for example, ethnic churches) that used to serve as a main platform for the Korean diasporic community in Australia. A deeper understanding and engagement with these emerging networks are needed to fill the gap in the work investigating DFV response and prevention within Australian-Asian communities.

Towards an open and integrated cyberinfrastructure for river morphology research in the big data era

The objective of this paper is to present the initial illustration of a cyberinfrastructure named the RIver MORPHology Information System (RIMORPHIS) that addresses the current limitations related to river morphology data and tools. RIMORPHIS is supported by a data model for storing river morphology data. A new specification for data and semantics on river morphology datasets has been developed to support the web-based platform for discovering and visualization of river morphology data. Several geoprocessing tools are developed that enable scientific analysis and practical studies, including the coordinate transformation, cross-section generation and bathymetry mesh generation. Our vision for RIMORPHIS is to create a self-sustained community platform with tools to support scientific discoveries on river morphology and to enable multidisciplinary research for riverine environments. To accomplish this vision, we created a community to gather input and build partnerships. The RIMORPHIS cyberinfrastructure addresses the community needs related to data access, processing and visualization. The current implementation of RIMORPHIS is scalable for new data and tools.