Community Welfare Research Articles

The "Right Kinds of Nurses": Centering LPNs in the Nursing Labor Force.

The nursing profession is currently grappling with an ongoing nursing shortage illuminated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While this burgeoning health and environmental crisis exacerbated this workforce issue, it did not create it. This study seeks to expand the idea of "who is a nurse" by arguing for the use of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as safe, credentialed persons in the nursing workforce. Archival research using primary and secondary sources highlights the history of the LPN movement. Historical case studies of LPN schools show how LPNs enhanced not only the quantity but also the quality of nursing practice. Case studies also reveal successful collaborations between nurses, communities, and hospitals to enhance the nursing workforce and community well-being. Aspects of this study were either approved by or deemed not human subjects research by institutional review boards. The increased emphasis on the registered nurse in the mid-20th century led to the marginalization of LPNs. Yet, history has revealed that collaborations that enhance diversity in the workforce and improve health-care access for patients, without compromising quality of care, can be formed by engaging LPNs. LPNs must be respected as consistent contributors to the country's health-care workforce. As the AACN commits to diversifying nursing, it is significant that LPNs have added to a more diverse, inclusive nursing labor force. For LPNs who wish to advance their nursing education, pathway programs must be supported-thus increasing diversity in the professional and advanced practice workforce.

The Key Success Factor for Sustainable Rural Tourism Development in Madura Using Integration of the IPA-Kano Model

The momentum for the rise of global tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic has become an opportunity for developing local tourism and Indonesia's creative economy. One of the promising tourism regions in Indonesia is Madura. The tourism potentials on the island of Madura are historical, religious, natural, and cultural. Unfortunately, Madura's tourism potential has not been fully utilized, and as a result, the benefits have not emerged to strengthen the Madurese community's economy. In addition, tourism development directions are also partial without looking at environmental sustainability, community welfare, and other social aspects. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the key success factors of sustainable tourism by integrating the Important-Performance Analysis method with the Kano model. This study was conducted in Sampang, Madura, specifically in a tourist village called Bira Tengah. The result of the study is that the tourist village should adopt key success factors such as leading to maintaining the destination environment, improving the contribution of tourists and local communities in area conservation, increasing the competitiveness of tourist destinations, conducting more intensive tourism promotions, creating fun tourism activities, increasing participation of the community and stakeholders of tourist villages, using local and environmentally friendly materials, improving the cleanliness of destinations, disseminating local cultural information and increasing employment opportunities. The cultural factors are a highlight in improving sustainable tourism performance. In addition, to enhance tourism performance, it needs to benchmark with developed and autonomous tourist villages that have demonstrated success in sustainable tourism.

Place attachment, wellbeing, and conservation in surf destination communities

Place attachment, wellbeing, and conservation in surf destination communities

Quality of Service in the Preparation of Population and Civil Registration Administration Documents at the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office

Public Service Procurement is a task for the government in creating community welfare, for the creation of welfare in the community it is necessary to have quality in the implementation of these services, in this era of digitalization the government is expected to be able to implement technological advances by utilizing digitalization as an effort to improve services with easy access for the community. This study is aimed at finding out how the quality in the implementation of public services at the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office, measuring the level of public satisfaction with the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office, and finding out how to Improve the Quality of Public Services at the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office. The research method used is a Qualitative Research Method with Questionnaire data collection techniques that are disseminated to the community in Cirebon Regency through Google Forms, Interviews with employees of the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office, and Location Observation which is a place of service located at the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office. Research shows that the quality of administrative document loading services at the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office has not been maximized, improvements are needed to improve the quality of service. a) improving Facilities and Infrastructure that are Facilities in the Service process; b) hard skills training is needed in the implementation of E-Governance; c) There is a need for training on excellent service so that they know how to behave well and appropriately to maximize service to the community

Environmental Efficiency of Municipalities in the Araguaia River Valley in The State of Mato Grosso, Brazil: An Approach Via Data Envelopment Analysis

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the environmental efficiency of municipalities located in the Araguaia River Valley, in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, focusing on the relationship between economic development and sustainability, aiming to identify practices that promote the conservation of biodiversity and the reduction of environmental impacts. Theoretical Framework: The text addresses concepts of sustainable development and sustainability, highlighting important distinctions between them. It highlights the relevance of urban planning, in association with the Sustainable Development Goals, as a tool for including environmental factors in promoting environmental quality and the well-being of communities. In this sense, the rational use of natural resources appears to be a preponderant and essential factor in ensuring sustainability and promoting balanced development. Method: This is a qualitative and quantitative approach. The data were obtained through the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics website for the Gross Domestic Product variable and on the Terrabrasilis website for the deforestation variable, involving 25 municipalities in Mato Grosso, in the Araguaia river basin. Based on the data, the R software was used to process the information, using a mathematical model based on Data Envelopment Analysis. Results and Discussion: The results showed a low level of environmental efficiency in the VRS model, with average values ​​of 0.25762 (2017), 0.21655 (2018), 0.36978 (2019), 0.214396 (2020) and 0.28803 (2021). A minority of municipalities were highlighted in environmental efficiency, indicating that they are located on the DEA production frontier, pointing to a balance between environmental protection and economic growth. The success of the municipalities that stood out demonstrates the importance of planning, social mobilization and commitment, it is possible to reverse or minimize the scenario of environmental degradation. Research Implications: The study points to the need for public policies aimed at improving the environmental efficiencies of municipalities that showed lower performance, especially minimizing deforestation. Originality/Value: The originality of the study focuses on the importance of studies aimed at measuring environmental efficiency in the municipalities that make up the cerrado, highlighting the importance of preserving and conserving this biome.

Entangled Amid Misaligned Seams: Limitations to Technology-Mediated Care for Repairing Infrastructural Breakdowns in a Youth Empowerment Program

The COVID-19 pandemic broke down the human infrastructure of many community-based programs, disrupting in-person care services for low-resourced families. Yet, minimal work has explored how actors repair these breakdowns and how other infrastructures may interfere with repairs in such contexts. Interviewing adolescents and adults affiliated with a youth empowerment program, we used the pandemic to examine how a human infrastructure that previously facilitated a sense of community broke down and how members attempted to repair this infrastructure. While organized activities, resources, and interpersonal interactions aligned to facilitate in-person care that established a sense of community, incorporating information and communication technologies to align a sociotechnical infrastructure during social restrictions could not overcome multiple constraints imposed by other infrastructures that limited this sense of community. We discuss limitations to care and aligning together multiple disjointed infrastructures, calling for CSCW researchers to critically consider asset-based design as a methodology that might help sustain a community's well-being.

Strengthening healthcare providers’ leadership capabilities, interprofessional collaboration, and systems thinking: a conceptualization of the Clinical Scholars program impact

BackgroundHealthcare provider leadership programs represent an intervention opportunity to support advancement of the national system of care and an evaluation of their program impacts is needed. Between 2016 and 2023, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) funded Clinical Scholars (CS), a three-year equity-centered leadership training program for US healthcare providers. CS recruited participants (referred to as Fellows) in cohorts and engaged them as members of interprofessional teams to transform their careers and the health of their communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate Fellows’ perspectives on the success of CS, specifically the program elements and their importance for community well-being and sustainability.MethodsWe used the mixed methods group concept mapping (GCM) approach to evaluate Fellows’ perspectives on program success. First, we conducted the qualitative phases of brainstorming, sorting, and rating with Fellows. Secondly, we conducted the quantitative phases using multi-dimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis and integrated the sorting and rating information from each Fellow to develop a series of concept maps. Finally, we conducted the interpretation phase to synthesize findings. Fellows (N = 177) across five cohorts were invited to participate in the study.ResultsFifty-seven Fellows (32%) completed one or more GCM phases. A conceptual map emerged, consisting of seven thematic clusters, which showed that program value could be attributed to the following elements: “Resources”, “Wicked Problem Impact Project (WPIP) Support”, “Curriculum”, “Thinking Bigger”, “Leadership Training”, “Networking”, and “Teamwork.” The pattern match showed that all seven clusters were highly rated by Fellows across the Community Well-being Impact and Sustainability domains.ConclusionStudy findings support the value of the RWJF-CS program strategy of long-term investment in the development of healthcare leaders with applied skills in interprofessional collaboration who will be prepared to continue addressing complex, multi-faceted challenges in the system of care.

Kontribusi Lembaga Filantropi Islam Berbasis ZIS untuk Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat di Desa Adipura Kencana Kecamatan Sungai Bahar Kabupaten Muaro Jambi

This research explores the contribution of ZIS-based Islamic philanthropic institutions in improving community welfare in Adipura Kencana Village, Sungai Bahar Sub-district, Muaro Jambi District. The aim of this study is to understand the contributions, impacts, and efforts of ZIS-based Islamic philanthropic institutions in supporting business capital assistance programs in Sungai Bahar Sub-district, Muaro Jambi District. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method, using both primary and secondary data. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation, while data analysis is conducted using domain, taxonomic, and componential analyses. The results indicate that direct fund distribution by the institution significantly strengthens the relationship and sense of kinship between the community and the philanthropic institution. Through direct interaction with the community, prospective aid recipients are more open in expressing their concerns and needs, making the assistance provided by the philanthropic institution highly beneficial. The community feels a considerable positive impact from the presence of Islamic philanthropic institutions managing zakat in their area, as many individuals are able to improve their welfare through productive enterprises thanks to the assistance provided by the institution. The institution carefully selects aid recipients to ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it. However, some community members still feel they belong in the less-privileged category yet have not received assistance from the institution.

Decoding Public Policy: How Cultural Dynamics Shape Decision-Making in Indonesia’s Political Landscape

This study explores how cultural dynamics shape public policy in Indonesia, focusing on the influence of cultural dimensions on policy-making processes and outcomes. The purpose is to understand the impacts of Indonesian cultural values on various policy sectors, including education, health, environment, and economic development. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study relies exclusively on secondary data from academic literature, government reports, and media sources to examine these cultural influences. Findings reveal that high power distance leads to centralized decision-making, while collectivism shapes policies toward community welfare. High uncertainty avoidance results in rigid regulatory frameworks, and traditional gender roles affect gender-related policies. Sector-specific analyses highlight the integration of traditional knowledge in environmental policies and the challenges of balancing modernization with cultural heritage in economic policies. The implications of these findings suggest that policymakers should incorporate cultural considerations into policy design to enhance effectiveness and inclusivity. This research contributes original insights into the intersection of culture and policy, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches in diverse governance contexts. By shedding light on how cultural factors impact policy formulation and implementation, the study offers valuable guidance for developing culturally relevant and effective policies addressing societal needs.

Strengthening Tourism Products Through Storytelling Exploration in Kemiriombo, Gerbosari Village, Samigaluh District, Kulonprogo Regency

Kemiriombo, a hamlet in Gerbosari Village, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, is known for its diversity of spices (empon-empon) cultivated and processed by the local community. This area has significant potential for developing tourism based on local culture and traditions, but the tourism narrative has not been optimally managed. This study aims to explore the potential of storytelling as a strategy for developing tourist destinations in Kemiriombo. The methods used include observation, interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), surveys, and community participation to understand the needs and expectations of the local community. The study found that Kemiriombo has tourism potential such as the processing of empon-empon at Rumah Jamu Menoreh, local cultural arts such as Jathilan, Gejog Lesung, and Karawitan, as well as culinary traditions like Sega Brongsong and Legondo. The 5W1H technique (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) was applied in the storytelling analysis to produce engaging narratives that can promote local cultural identity. Storytelling plays a crucial role in introducing local products and traditions, enhancing tourist attraction, and preserving community culture. Through the development of strong narratives, Kemiriombo is expected to become a tourist destination that offers not only visual experiences but also emotional and social dimensions for visitors. The integration of local traditions and storytelling innovation is expected to positively impact the welfare of the local community.

Implementation of the UMKM Program in Poverty Alleviation di Desa Padengo Kabupaten Pohuwato

This research discusses the implementation of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) program in efforts to alleviate poverty in Padengo Village, Pohuwato Regency. Padengo Village is one area that still faces significant challenges related to poverty. In this context, the UMKM program is one of the strategies adopted by the Padengo Village Government to improve community welfare and reduce poverty levels. This research uses a qualitative approach by collecting data through in-depth interviews with various stakeholders, including government officials, UMKM business owners, and local community members. Data was also obtained through direct observation and documentation studies. The results of the research show that the implementation of the UMKM program in Padengo Village has had a positive impact on poverty alleviation efforts. These programs have encouraged local economic growth, created new jobs, and provided training and support for UMKM to improve their skills and productivity. However, this research also identified several challenges and obstacles faced in implementing UMKM programs, including bureaucracy complex issues, lack of access to capital and markets, and lack of understanding of the benefits and opportunities of the UMKM program among the community. Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed to increase the effectiveness of the UMKM program in alleviating poverty in Padengo Village. Among other things, simplifying administrative procedures, increasing access to capital and markets, participatory approaches in program planning and implementation, as well as increasing public understanding and awareness of the importance of UMKM in overcoming poverty.

Analysis of Swamp Buffalo Tourism Potential to Improve Community Welfare in Paharangan Village, South Kalimantan

This study explores the potential of swamp buffalo tourism in Paharangan Village, South Kalimantan, as a means to improve community welfare. By examining the cultural and economic value of swamp buffalo, the study highlights how community-based tourism could enhance local livelihoods and support sustainable development. Using interviews, observations, and SWOT analysis, findings reveal that swamp buffalo tourism has strong potential due to the cultural uniqueness of the buffalo and the village’s natural setting, despite challenges such as limited infrastructure and marketing support. Opportunities lie in the growing interest in eco-tourism and cultural experiences, which could position Paharangan as a distinctive destination. The study recommends a community-based model for tourism development, involving locals directly in planning, training, and promotional activities, thus enabling economic benefits and preserving cultural heritage. This research underscores the role of community-driven tourism in enhancing rural welfare and sustaining traditional practices in alignment with environmental conservation goals.

INVESTIGATING RURAL DEVELOPMENT: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND FACTORS FOR PROMOTING IT

Rural development is a multifaceted concept encompassing economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. This paper explores the various factors involved in promoting rural development, with a focus on the outcome produced by the interplay between agriculture, infrastructure development, non-farm activities, social and cultural relations, education, environmental sustainability and government interventions. Drawing from scholarly literature and empirical evidence, it examines the role of each of these components in enhancing the well-being of rural communities. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of rural economies, but diversification into non-farm activities and the development of infrastructure are equally important. Infrastructure investments improve market access, reduce transaction costs, and stimulate economic activity, while non-farm activities contribute to job creation and income generation. Moreover, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation can drive economic growth and create opportunities for rural businesses. Social and cultural relations play a vital role in rural development, fostering community cohesion and resilience. Education emerges as a key enabler of rural development, empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in economic and social life effectively. Environmental sustainability is integral to rural development, as it ensures the long-term viability of rural ecosystems and livelihoods. Overall, rural development requires coordinated efforts across multiple fronts, involving various stakeholders and sectors. By addressing economic, social, cultural and environmental challenges in an integrated manner, policymakers can foster inclusive and sustainable rural development, thereby improving the well-being of rural communities and contributing to overall national development goals.

Utilizing Support Vector Machines to Detect Hate Speech on Social Media

This paper presents a novel application of Support Vector Machines (SVM) in developing automated systems to detect hate speech on social media platforms, addressing a critical need for scalable solutions to enhance online safety and societal cohesion. By leveraging SVM's proven efficacy in managing high-dimensional data and optimizing the balance between precision and recall, the study offers a comprehensive methodology that includes data collection, preprocessing, model training, deployment, and evaluation. The results demonstrate robust average performance across key metrics, affirming the model's reliability in accurately identifying hate speech while minimizing false positives. This research advances the field by showcasing the practical and theoretical contributions of SVM in automated hate speech detection, highlighting its potential to significantly improve content moderation practices. The findings underscore the necessity for ongoing refinement of detection systems and collaborative efforts among researchers, technology firms, and policymakers to create more inclusive online environments that promote respectful discourse and community well-being.

Navigating wicked problems: the unrecognised contribution of social pedagogy to Aotearoa New Zealand’s successful Covid-19 response

Aotearoa New Zealand’s government, alongside its Indigenous Māori and Pacific communities, spearheaded a unique and effective response to the first three years of the Covid-19 crisis that swept the world. The measures taken enabled the country to largely keep its society within its borders open and functional, minimise the impact of the pandemic on individual lives and community well-being and keep morbidity rates low. While there have been numerous studies and articles exploring this national response, to this point no examination has been undertaken through a social pedagogical lens. This article identifies key concepts from the discipline that are relevant to Aotearoa New Zealand’s context, discusses the ways in which these were (albeit unknowingly) applied during the peak of the pandemic and explores future potential for application in social and public health policy and practice. Weaving together a shared framework of Māori, Pacific and unique Aotearoa New Zealand world views and cultural practices alongside the principles of social pedagogy presents an exciting opportunity to shape a national crisis response that is effective and meets the needs of diverse communities. It is argued that making the contribution of social pedagogy visible has the potential to enhance responses to wicked problems in times of crisis and further the acceptance of the discipline in the southern hemisphere.

Examining the Relationship Between Social Vulnerability and Animal Shelter Intakes and Outcomes: Patterns and Implications.

(1) Background: This study investigates the impact of social vulnerability, as quantified by the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), on animal shelter intakes and adoptions, and the flow of animals between SVI groups at seven shelters within the United States. Understanding how social vulnerability influences these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve shelter outcomes and community support programs. (2) Methods: The research analyzed intake and adoption data from multiple animal shelters to assess the relationship between the social vulnerability at intake and adoption locations based on Census Tract obtained from addresses, focusing on comparison across strays, seized animals, and owner surrenders. Effect sizes were calculated to determine the magnitude and practical implications of these relationships. The study also examined the distribution of outcomes and reasons for animal surrender in relation to SVI levels. (3) Results: The analysis found that animals tended to enter shelters from areas of higher vulnerability while being adopted out to homes from all levels of vulnerability. Stray animals and those seized by authorities were more likely to come from high-SVI areas and showed a stronger disparity between intake and adoption SVI levels than owner surrenders. Racial/ethnic minority status and socioeconomic status were the components of the SVI that produced the strongest differences between intake and adoption vulnerability levels. Adoptions, however, were evenly distributed across different SVI levels, suggesting equitable access to adoption services. The study also identified that animals from high-SVI areas were not euthanized at higher rates compared to those from lower-SVI areas. (4) Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for further investigation into the high numbers of stray adult dogs in areas of communities that are most socially vulnerable as well as programs to address the volume of young animals originating from these areas. The equitable distribution of adoptions across SVI levels suggests that shelters are effectively engaging with socioeconomically and racially/ethnically diverse communities. Future research should focus on exploring the dynamics of stray animal intakes and enforcement patterns to enhance community and animal welfare initiatives.

The Church and African Mortuary Rites

There is no doubt that there is an existential conflict between African funeral rituals with certain Christian religious beliefs and social norms. Conflict over burial rituals and especially among the Agiriama people has led to tension between the community and Christian churches andparticularly the Catholic Church in Kilifi, Kenya. In order to avoid such conflicts, this article set out to explore the possibilities of enculturating some funeral rites, such as ‘Nyere za Mwezi,’ a cardinal post-burial ritual among the Agiriama community. The latter has continued to practice their traditions and culture associated with burial and funeral despite their conversion to Christianity and Islam, the two dominant religions in the region. This article primarily aims to analyze the Agiriama funeral rites, their symbolic meanings, and their significance to the community.It extends the discussion by examining the Roman Catholic Church's interpretation of those rituals such as ‘Nyere za Mwezi.’ It concludes by examining the challenges and opportunities for inculturation of‘Nyere za Mwezi,’ one of the most significant post-burial rituals that enhanced the community well-being. The article relied on both secondary and primary data based on informed interviews with 30 respondents, mainly priests, Kaya elders, and lay Christians.

Socio-Economic Profile and Vulnerabilities Assessment in Small-Scale Fisheries of Lower Gangetic Flood Plain Wetland: An Initiative Towards Achieving Wetland Ecosystem Sustainability and Community Well-Being

ICAR-CIFRI has been continuously working to develop wetland fisheries in a transdisciplinary knowledge-to-action mode to upscale the livelihood of vulnerable small-scale fishermen communities. The integrated development approach was initiated in different lower Gangetic floodplain wetlands of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, to increase the fish production and socio-economic development of small-scale fishermen communities of the wetlands. Duma is one of the most extensive horseshoe-shaped wetlands in Asia. To augment the fish production from this wetland, the pen culture system was adopted by the fishers under the supervision of ICAR-CIFRI in 2021. Within a year, they received 15 tons of commercial fish, valued at around 30 lakhs apart from the small indigenous fish. It has recently been advised that auto-stocked, high-value minor carp in the wetland be adopted to improve income and conserve small indigenous species. In this article, SDG 14 (Life below water) addresses sustainable ecosystem management and livelihood enhancement for the wellbeing of the local people (SDG 3). Nutritional security of the local people is maintained through the small indigenous fish species which is crucial for addressing ‘No hunger’ as per SDG-2. The research also proves that women can play a crucial role in small-scale fisheries and they can economically stand alone, which is the main aim of SDG-5 (gender equality). However, significant issues such as lack of jurisdictional coordination, ecological changes, inequitable distribution of benefits, and income reduction persist in wetland management. The need for urgent reformation of policy and resource management systems is crucial to boost the economic efficiency of the SSF in the wetland. Training for more knowledge on fishing and fish farming, acquiring alternative livelihood and education on financial management should be brought to the fishermen’s communities. These could develop a resilient community that is more equipped to respond to future crises.

THE INFLUENCE OF LOCAL WISDOM ON SOIL FERTILITY IN SOUTH NIAS

This study aims to explore the influence of local wisdom on soil fertility in South Nias. Local wisdom, which includes traditional agricultural practices such as the use of organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and sustainable forest management, has proven effective in enhancing soil quality and productivity. Through a literature review approach, data were collected from various sources to analyze the relationship between local practices and soil fertility. The results indicate that local wisdom not only improves soil fertility but also contributes to environmental preservation and ecosystem sustainability. These findings underscore the importance of integrating local wisdom into modern agricultural practices to achieve sustainable food security and community well-being in South Nias.

The Effect of PAD, DAU, DAK, BHSDA, Investment, and Economic Growth on Poverty in North Maluku Province

This study examines the relationship between various economic factors—regional own-source revenue (PAD), general allocation funds (DAU), special allocation funds (DAK), natural resource revenue sharing (BHSDA), investment, and economic growth (PDRB)—and poverty levels in North Maluku Province. While economic growth is commonly associated with improvements in community welfare, North Maluku presents a paradox: despite increasing economic growth, poverty rates have also risen. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of these factors on poverty alleviation in the region. Using variance decomposition analysis, the study finds that the variables of PAD, DAU, DAK, BHSDA, investment, and PDRB collectively have a minimal influence on poverty reduction in North Maluku. This suggests that other factors, not captured by these variables, may play a more significant role in shaping poverty outcomes. The findings highlight the complexity of poverty dynamics in the region and imply that additional policy measures beyond economic growth and fiscal transfers may be necessary to effectively reduce poverty in North Maluku.