Community Support Research Articles

Influence of community factors on formal care use among older Chinese adults

Community plays a pivotal role in older adults' well-being and long-term care issues. This study investigates how community factors, including community support and social participation, with self-assessment of health as an intervening variable, influence the use of formal care. Further, how a community contributes to older adults' well-being has also been discussed. Data was collected from older adults (men 150, women 150, age>60 y/o) and was analyzed by using structural equation modeling (SEM). This study used health as an intervening variable to investigate community factors' influence on formal care use. The results find a significant negative influence of social participation and self-assessment of health on the use of formal care. While community support was not found to influence the use of formal care significantly, both community support and social participation could negatively influence the use of formal care by positively influencing the self-assessment of health. Cohabitation has also been found to influence community support significantly positively. In China, where formal care still needs to be more developed, reducing over-reliance on formal care follows Chinese cultural values and economic considerations. Moreover, older people living alone need to be attended to by the community.

Experiences and needs of patients with sarcoma: a qualitative meta-synthesis.

Experiences and needs of patients with sarcoma: a qualitative meta-synthesis.

An analysis of the maternal health referral system: a case study of the BAKSOKUDA system in Central Lombok, Indonesia

Maternal mortality remains a critical concern in Central Lombok, with over 50% of maternal deaths in hospitals involving cases referred through the BAKSOKUDA referral system. This suggests potential failures within the referral process, raising concerns about systemic issues compromising maternal health emergencies. This research uses a qualitative case study methodology to investigate the BAKSOKUDA system, aiming to identify the challenges contributing to high maternal mortality and provide insights for improving healthcare outcomes. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eleven participants: midwives, doctors, nurses, and a hospital manager. Thematic analysis identified several critical issues: communication breakdowns, inconsistent adherence to protocols, difficulties in securing family cooperation, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of community support for blood donation. These findings highlight four interrelated components—human resources, the professional environment, patients and families, and community support—as central to effective maternal health systems. To address these challenges, the study recommends enhancing communication and protocol adherence, providing comprehensive midwife training, promoting cultural sensitivity, and addressing systemic issues like ambulance availability. Strategic planning, resource allocation, and regional coordination are essential to improving infrastructure and ensuring effective referrals. The findings stress the need for a holistic approach, continuous improvement, and active community engagement to optimize maternal care.

Desafíos y resiliencia de docentes unidocentes en el cantón Espíndola, Ecuador: Un estudio de método mixto

This research analyzes the experiences of single-teacher educators in rural areas of the Espíndola canton, Ecuador, one of the poorest regions in the south of the country. Using a mixed methodological approach that combined structured surveys of eight single-teacher educators with focus group interviews, the study explored their professional training, pedagogical challenges, and adaptation to the rural environment. The results show that 75% of participants consider themselves to face greater challenges than their urban counterparts, mainly related to multigrade teaching, geographical isolation, and lack of specific training. Qualitative analysis revealed bidirectional dynamics between teachers and communities, where educators take on extended social roles while receiving community support. Despite adversity, the teachers demonstrated a remarkable capacity for adaptation and intrinsic satisfaction with their work, partially contradicting perceptions of low academic performance in rural schools. It is concluded that there is a significant gap between the teacher training received and the skills required for work in single-teacher schools, highlighting the need for specific training programs and contextualized support systems that enhance educational quality in rural areas.

Culinary tourism in Thailand: A sustainable approach to promoting Thai cuisine as a global attraction by 2030

Culinary tourism has emerged as one of the globe's fastest-growing niches in the international tourism industry, with food and gastronomy increasing as key drivers of travel. In this regard, with its rich culinary tradition and regional variations, Thailand is an outstanding gastronomic travel destination. In this essay, culinary tourism as a tool of sustainable development in Thailand in terms of promoting Thai cuisine as an international brand by 2030 is explored. Thai cuisine as a combination of the indigenous flavor and the influence from the adjacent cultures reflects the national social and cultural values. With a growing global demand for authentic culinary experiences, Thai cuisine has gained global recognition for its distinctive flavors, use of fresh herbs, and balance of taste. The article highlights the cultural significance of Thai food, its global image, and the significance of sustainable food practices in the tourism sector. Through embracing sustainable food systems, food waste management, and local food heritage, Thailand can enhance its culinary tourism products while promoting environmental sustainability and cultural exchange. The proposed approach is centered on a business model that integrates advocacy cooking classes, promotion of food authenticity, and support for local communities. This sustainable approach will not only enhance Thailand's status as a leading gastronomic destination but also assist in ensuring that culinary tourism is useful in supporting the nation's long-term socio-economic and cultural development.

Analyzing Best Practices, Challenges, and Coping Mechanisms in School-Based Sports Activities: A Phenomenological Inquiry

Behind every school sports event are dedicated sports officers who work tirelessly to balance passion, preparation, and limited resources. Their stories offer a closer look at the real challenges and triumphs of implementing sports programs in public schools. The implementation of school sports in the Philippines is significantly influenced by national issues. Executive Order No. 64, s., mandates that DepEd follow the "Sports for All" policy IN 1993, which mandates that physical education and sports be available to all students. However, despite these efforts, there are still notable differences in the caliber and availability of sports programs among different educational institutions. This study analyzed the best practices, challenges, and coping mechanisms in school-based sports activities of public secondary schools in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines. Using a phenomenological research design, the study explored teachers' perceptions through semi-structured interviews with six participants, with data analyzed using thematic analysis. The results highlighted three best practices: (1) Effective Event Organization and Planning, (2) Collaborative Community Engagement, and (3) Holistic Sports Integration for Development. However, five major problems arose: (1) time and scheduling constraints, (2) funding and budget limitations, (3) inadequate facilities and infrastructure, (4) balancing academics and sports, and (5) limited support and participation, all of which hampered the seamless implementation of school sports programs. To address these issues, four coping methods were identified: (1) external support and partnership strategies, (2) internal collaboration and preparation, (3) creative and adaptive solutions, and (4) motivation and engagement initiatives. To maintain interest in school-based sports activities, these tactics include garnering community support, involving stakeholders, improvising with available resources, and acknowledging achievements. The findings highlight the need for strong collaborations, strategic planning, and resourcefulness to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of school-based sports programs.

Socio-economic viability of nature-based solutions: a case study in Kolkata

Urban flooding in Kolkata, intensified by climate change and rapid urban development, has been presenting critical challenges, particularly in low-lying areas like Maheshtala and ecologically sensitive zones such as Rabindra Sarovar Lake. This study examines the feasibility and community support for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as flood mitigation strategies through Contingent Valuation (CV) to gauge willingness to pay (WTP), and Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA) to determine socio-economic viability. Maheshtala and Rabindra Sarovar serve as study sites, with a CV survey assessing WTP across three NBS improvement scenarios. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was utilized to reduce the dimensionality of survey data, identifying core environmental concerns and future expectations that influence community preferences for NBS. The results have shown that issues like poor canal conditions and frequent flooding in Maheshtala, and low water level of the lake and land (including concretization of the park area) and water pollution in Rabindra Sarovar Lake strongly influence the respondents’ willingness to pay for improvements. Further, a Bivariate Probit model was used to assess respondents’ preferences across the three scenarios. In Maheshtala, respondents with frequent exposure to flooding and environmental degradation showed a greater WTP for larger interventions, whereas, in Rabindra Sarovar, higher education levels of the visitors positively correlated with a willingness to contribute to ecological restoration efforts. The CBA identified a positive net present value (NPV) of approximately 22.4 million INR for Maheshtala, indicating long-term viability with a 2% social discount rate. Rabindra Sarovar Lake’s project, however, showed an NPV of around 3.3 million INR, justifying investment at a 19% social discount rate, indicating immediate gains over future. These outcomes emphasize the economic and social feasibility of NBS as flood mitigation strategies in Kolkata. NBS provides a community-supported alternative to conventional flood management. Integrating NBS into urban planning frameworks in Kolkata and similar flood-prone cities could enhance flood resilience and conserve natural ecosystems, promoting sustainable urban development.

Building healthcare-community partnerships: process evaluation of a coalition approach to addressing cancer survivors’ health-related social needs

BackgroundCoalitions involving both healthcare organizations and community organizations, are a way of providing community support to patients. However, the impact of these collaborations and partner satisfaction can be hard to measure without the use of a theoretical framework to guide progress.MethodsIn January 2023 we established the BEAT-C coalition, guided by the Community Coalition Action Theory (CCAT), to improve clinical-community linkages for addressing non-medical needs among individuals affected by cancer in the Washington, D.C. region. To create broad representation, we invited organizations focused on faith, older adults, cancer support, health promotion, healthy food access, and community health to join. The coalition dedicated significant effort at the outset to establish trust, cultivate relationships, and define shared values, mission, goals, and objectives. To assess coalition functioning, we administered a modified version of the Coalition Self-Assessment Survey (CSAS) in December 2023.ResultsSixteen individuals representing 10 organizations completed the adapted CSAS. Respondents generally responded positively regarding the coalition and made decisions primarily through discussion and agreement (75.0%). Respondents noted respect for leadership (81.3%) and respect for and from fellow coalition members (100.0%). While 56.3% reported meaningful action through the coalition, 31.3% thought there could be more meaningful action. Qualitative feedback mirrored these findings: participants positively regarded the coalition’s responsiveness and noted activities occurring through partnerships developed from the coalition, but some respondents emphasized a desire to act more swiftly.ConclusionOur research described facilitators and barriers to early implementation of a theory-driven collaborative coalition to enhance cancer survivor support. Through the continued efforts of the coalition and increased community capacity building, the multi-disciplinary efforts of the coalition have potential to address the needs of cancer survivors.

Interwoven: A Phenomenological Perspective on Relationship Resiliency Among Intercultural Same-Gender Loving Male Couples With One Black Partner

While couples counseling research provides strategies that support a diversity of relationship configurations, little research has been conducted on the factors which contribute to the vitality of intercultural gay male relationships. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences which impact the longevity and resilience of Same Gender Loving Male Couples with at least one Black partner. The researchers conducted a qualitative research study, using an interpretive phenomenological methodology, to explore the factors of resilience within couples. Six couples (12 individuals) participated in the study, leading to three main themes: Strategies for Longevity and Growth, Community Support, and Family Relations. Discussion will include an exploration of the complexity of intercultural and interracial relationships while providing implications for counselor practice and training.

Disability policies in South Africa and Sweden: A critical policy analysis from a social work perspective

AbstractBackgroundThis study critically examines the central policy documents that regulate care and support for people with disabilities in South Africa and Sweden.MethodsThe study critically analyses South Africa's White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Swedish Disability Act. Utilizing the “What's the Problem Represented to be? (WPR)” framework developed by Bacchi, the problematization of disability in these policy documents is discussed.ResultsBoth countries have shifted from a medical model of disability toward a more inclusive, rights‐based approach. While South Africa focuses on addressing historical inequalities and promoting mainstreaming, Sweden prioritizes individual autonomy, personal assistance, and structural support for independent living.ConclusionsThe analysis reveals that South Africa relies more heavily on family and community support for individuals with disabilities. By contrast, Sweden promotes greater self‐determination for individuals, reducing the burden on families by offering state‐supported personal assistance.

Credit Card Fraud Detection

Abstract —This project is all about finding credit card fraud using machine learning. Credit card fraud is been increasing a lot nowadays, With the criminals using fake tricks and identities in order to steal money So, It is very important to find a way to stop these frauds. Our project majorly carries out at finding illegal activities. As criminals change their mind and methods often, it’s very hard to catch them easier. First, the system starts collecting the data on how these credit cards are used and trains a model using algorithm like Random Forest and Decision Tree. Then, it checks new data to see whether any fraud is happening. Thereby our project gives graphs to show the results and the Random forest model gives the best accuracy. Keywords—Random Forest Algorithm, Community Support, Criminal Transactions, Credit Card, Integrating AI Assistant

Evaluating Modern Android Frameworks: A Comparative Study of Flutter, Kotlin Multiplatform, Jetpack Compose, and React Native

Abstract Selecting a correct mobile development framework is crucial for obtaining efficiency, maintainability, and performance for Android apps. This study presents a comparative analysis of four most popular Android frameworks: Flutter, Kotlin Multiplatform, Jetpack Compose, and React Native. Every framework offers a variety of strengths and trade-offs concerning performance, UI capabilities, platform integration, developer experience, and community support. Flutter, Google's creation, is a UI toolkit that provides cross-platform development using a shared codebase through its Skia rendering engine-based highly customizable and fast UI. But its dependency on Dart and non-native orientation can bring along integration issues. Kotlin Multiplatform, in contrast, supports code sharing while maintaining native UI development, thus being a good option for teams that value platform-specific experiences but minimize duplicated logic. Jetpack Compose, Google's new declarative UI library for Android, enhances UI development with concise, reactive code but is only for Android, restricting its cross-platform capability. React Native, sponsored by Meta, supports cross-platform development with JavaScript and native-component bridge with balanced performance and development speed but at risk of performance bottlenecks due to its JavaScript-to-native interface. This book compares empirically these frameworks on parameters such as rendering speed, memory, development ease, and flexibility between platforms. Based on analysis of actual implementation scenarios, the study discusses the pros and cons of each framework and offers recommendations to developers, companies, and teams in selecting the optimal framework based on project requirements. The results indicate that the best option relies upon the level of complexity in projects, the skill level of the team, performance requirements, and long-term maintenance. The analysis is a guide for Android development framework choices by developers in the changing environment of Android development. Keywords: Android frameworks, cross-platform performance, UI rendering, code reusability, scalability, developer productivity, Flutter, Jetpack Compose, React Native, Kotlin Multiplatform.

Faith in Flux: Using Transformative Learning Theory to Explore Religious Doubt in Adult Christians

Abstract This study places practical theology in conversation with the field of adult education to explore the phenomenon of religious doubt. The experiences of four Canadian adult Christians who have faced religious doubt are analyzed using transformative learning theory as a theoretical frame. Three main findings emerge, including the role of community (especially church-based) support in either facilitating or blocking positive transformation prompted by religious doubt. Different cognitive and affective coping strategies are also explored, as is the extent to which religious doubt may be considered a positive factor in faith development. The study concludes with four implications and areas of future study for the field of practical theology.

Police officers’ self-legitimacy and support for community policing

ABSTRACT Police officers’ perception of self-legitimacy influences their attitudes and behavior in interactions with residents. Drawing on data from a survey of 415 police officers collected in 2022 at 24 police stations in Slovenia, this study aims to test the correlations between police officers’ self-legitimacy and their support for community policing. Multivariate analyses showed that relations with colleagues correlated with the self-legitimacy of police officers. Results indicate that correlations between traditional ‘core variables’ (relationships with colleagues, supervisors’ procedural justice, and audience legitimacy) used to explore self-legitimacy in police and police officers’ self-legitimacy are limited. Self-legitimacy, audience legitimacy, and gender correlated with police officers’ support of community policing. In contrast, supervisors’ procedural justice and audience legitimacy correlated with their support for the official community policing policy (i.e. the Slovenian Community Policing Strategy). The results highlight differences between police officers’ support for community policing and support for official policies that dictate their work in practice.

Civic engagement reimagined: The roles of citizenship, civicness, and civility

ABSTRACT Citizens engage in activities in multiple ways, including volunteering, political participation, activism, community support, and everyday acts of solidarity. These forms of engagement are essential for sustaining democracy and fostering inclusive, liveable communities. While much is known about the amount and different forms of civic engagement. We miss an understanding of the underlying structures that enable or constrain it – such as the role of institutions, the conditions under which engagement takes place, and the broader implications for citizens. This article argues for a more comprehensive understanding of civic engagement by examining its core dimensions: citizenship, civicness, and civility. By analyzing these three concepts separately and in combination, we can explain the varied forms of civic engagement and provide a normative framework for assessing its inclusive and exclusive mechanisms as well as the extent to which it enables parity of participation. The article offers a new approach to studying civic engagement, one that accounts for the social, institutional and normative conditions that shape participation and determine whether all citizens have opportunities to engage on equal terms.

Community Health Empowerment in the Chinese Cultural Context: A Hybrid Concept Analysis.

Community Health Empowerment in the Chinese Cultural Context: A Hybrid Concept Analysis.

Imaginative Artisans Using Mern Stack

Abstract: This project is aimed at women artisans in “Imaginative Artisans” for transformational purposes to empower them with a special site where they can display their unique crafts and talents. By using MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js (MERN stack), the project seeks to bridge the gap between talented artisans and potential buyers to promote economic independence, recognition and community support. In essence, it solves the problem of many brilliant female artisans who have no platform specifically designed for them where they can display their skills and earn sustainable income. The project will build an intuitive and visually appealing platform that meets the different needs of both buyers and craftsmen through thorough research, user- centered design as well as agile development methods. Some key features include: authentication of users; ability to manage profiles; display of products; processing orders; having community forums and personalized suggestions. This makes the platform scalable, flexible and interactive thereby ensuring a smooth user experience since it is powered by MERN stack. The project also focuses on data privacy and security by putting in place adequate measures that would protect the user information and ensure compliance with data protection laws. To keep up with the changing needs and desires of its customers, the project seeks to develop further and improve itself over time, through continuous iteration, user feedback, performance monitoring.

SEA TO SCHOOL: BALANCING LEARNING WAVES OF LIFE OF STUDENTS WORKING AS A FISHERMEN

The study titled "Sea to School: Balancing Learning Waves of Life of Students Working as Fishermen" explores the unique challenges and experiences of students who juggle their academic responsibilities with their role as fishermen. These students are often found in coastal communities where fishing is not just a livelihood but a way of life. The study adopts a qualitative approach to delve deeply into the lived experiences of students working as fishermen. Qualitative methods allow for an in-depth exploration of the subjective meanings, perspectives, and contexts surrounding the phenomenon, providing rich, nuanced insights that quantitative approaches may not capture. The sample size of 10 participants is designed to achieve data saturation, a principle where data collection continues until no new themes or information emerge. Although 10 participants are expected to be sufficient for saturation, the researcher remains flexible and open to recruiting additional participants if necessary to ensure comprehensive data is gathered. Collectively, these implications highlight the need for a multi-level, collaborative approach to education that is both context-sensitive and student-centered. By responding to the actual conditions of learners in coastal and fishing communities, educational institutions and their partners can better promote equity, reduce dropout rates, and empower students to thrive academically while honoring their cultural and economic roles. comparative studies between different regions or countries facing similar challenges could offer valuable insights into best practices for integrating work and learning. Future studies should also focus on understanding the role of family and community support networks in shaping the educational outcomes of working students, particularly in contexts where economic pressures are high. Engaging with both students and educators to co-create solutions will enhance the relevance and impact of future educational interventions. Keywords: Sea to School, Balancing Learning ,Waves of Life , Students , Working as a Fishermen

Advancing higher education with GenAI: factors influencing educator AI literacy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy has emerged as a critical skill across various disciplines and industries, including education. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence educators' AI literacy and to examine the relationships among these factors. A sequential mixed methods approach was used to investigate the factors influencing faculty members' AI literacy, with qualitative data collected from 33 faculty members through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were then gathered using the finalized survey instrument, completed by 538 faculty members from diverse disciplines and higher education institutions in Palestine. Data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS. The findings revealed several key factors that impact educators' AI literacy, including AI competencies, perceived usefulness of AI, ease of use, professional development, and community support. Additionally, prior experience with technology played a significant role in developing AI literacy. While the study's mixed methods design provided depth, one limitation was that the qualitative phase involved a relatively small sample. Future research should further explore the broader implications of AI in education and its integration across various academic fields.

Criteria Analysis for the Selection of a Generative Artificial Intelligence Tool for Academic Research Based on an Improved Group DEMATEL Method

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools are transforming academic research by significantly enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. However, selecting the most appropriate GenAI tool requires careful evaluation of multiple, interdependent criteria. This paper makes two main contributions. First, it introduces IDEMATEL, an improved decision-making method that advances beyond the traditional DEMATEL approach. Unlike DEMATEL, which can encounter technical limitations when analyzing complex relationships, IDEMATEL ensures robust and reliable results by guaranteeing the necessary mathematical conditions for analysis in all cases. This enhancement makes IDEMATEL more broadly applicable and dependable for evaluating interrelated criteria. Second, the paper demonstrates the practical value of IDEMATEL by applying it to the selection of GenAI tools for academic research. Using this method, a comprehensive set of criteria—including functionality, ease of use, cost, data security, and community support—is systematically analyzed. The results provide researchers and decision-makers with clearer insights into how these factors interact and influence the selection process. By leveraging IDEMATEL, stakeholders can make more informed and confident choices, ensuring that the selected GenAI tools best meet the diverse needs of academic research.