Federal Resources Research Articles

US federal resource allocations are inconsistent with concentrations of energy poverty.

Recent data from the US Energy Information Administration reveals that nearly one in three households in the United States report experiencing energy poverty, and this number is only expected to rise. Federal assistance programs exist, but allocations across states have been nearly static since 1984, while the distribution of energy poverty is dynamic in location and time. We implement a LASSO-based machine learning approach using sociodemographic and geographical information to estimate energy burden in each US census tract for 2015 and 2020. We then compare the allocation to states from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to an optimized allocation. We allocate funds to the most burdened households, providing them with enough assistance to reduce their energy expenditures so that their household energy burden is equal to a new maximum allowable energy burden. This markedly shifts funds from the northern cold-weather states to the southern warm-weather states.

Determining factors associated with vaccination coverage in the first year of life in Brazil (2013−2022)

Access to vaccination has emerged as a growing global public health concern; however, there has been limited research on characteristics of local governments that are associated with vaccination coverage. The objective of this study was to evaluate predictors of vaccination coverage in Brazil for the first year of life between 2013 and 2022. We focused on variables pertaining to the available resources of local governments and their investments in infrastructure and human resources in the health sector. We used binomial generalized linear mixed models to estimate the association of these variables with vaccination coverage in Brazilian municipalities. Our results show that municipalities with better fiscal capacity were more effective in delivering vaccines. Municipalities that rely more on federal and state resources had lower vaccination coverage. Additionally, investment in health professionals was often negatively correlated with vaccination coverage. The study underscores the importance of better understanding the relationship between local government characteristics and vaccination coverage, particularly in regions where local governments are responsible for vaccine delivery.

Психологическое сопровождение социокультурной адаптации иностранных студентов в системе высшего образования: итоги проектно-аналитической сессии

The paper analyzes the experience of psychological support for the socio-cultural adaptation of foreign students at universities of the Russian Federation. The relevance of the work is due to the significant socio-cultural, psychological, and academic difficulties that foreign students face when studying at Russian universities and, in this regard, the need to replicate the successful experience of organizing measures to adapt this target group of students in the higher education system. The results of a monitoring survey of psychological services specialists conducted at the sites of 13 universities participating in the pilot testing of the psychological service model in the higher education system in terms of psychological support for foreign students are presented. The results of the design and analytical session organized by the Federal Resource Center for Psychological Services in the Higher Education System of the Russian Academy of Education are presented in order to further replicate successful practices of psychological support for foreign students at the university. A comprehensive program of measures for psychological support of foreign students at the university is proposed. Conclusions are drawn about the expediency of integrating individual measures to accompany and support foreign students into the overall structure of the psychological service of the university.

Weaknesses of Federalism in Somalia and Required Reforms

This study critically examines the federal governance system in Somalia, identifying significant areas of weakness that undermine its efficiency and effectiveness. These include an unclear definition of the type of federalism practiced, ineffective dispute resolution mechanisms between the federal government and member states, limited federal capacity and resources, lack of consensus on key issues prior to federalism’s adoption, and poor coordination between the federal government and member states. The lack of clarity regarding the federal system, exacerbated by constitutional contradictions, ambiguous processes, and incomplete definitions, poses substantial challenges in implementing and assessing federalism. Ineffectual mechanisms for resolving disputes have been further compromised by an “un-federalized” legal framework and a paralyzed democratization process influenced by the 4.5 clan representation system. Resource mismanagement and role duplication between federal and member states have led to resource wastage. The study suggests key areas for reform to address these issues, including enhancing political inclusion, completing constitutional review, clarifying roles and powers, establishing transparent state creation processes, and strengthening institutional capacities. Implementing these reforms is crucial for harnessing federalism’s potential to contribute to Somalia’s political, social, and economic development

Federal Public Resources in Response to Natural Disasters in Rio Grande do Sul

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the sources and allocation of federal public resources applied to natural disasters in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul in 2024. Theoretical Framework: Based on Public Choice Theory, the study investigates how self-interests can influence the allocation of public resources, which is relevant in the context of Brazilian public administration. Method: Using a descriptive and documentary approach, this qualitative research collected data from provisional measures and the Transparency Portal, analyzing the sources and amounts of funds quantitatively and their allocations qualitatively through the lens of Public Choice Theory. Results and Discussion: Most of the funds come from Official Credit Operations (41.80%) and Federal Financial Charges (13.97%). The allocation covers a range of areas from climate change mitigation to support for microenterprises. The diversity of allocations suggests an effort to meet multiple emerging needs and maximize political benefits, reflecting the influence of self-interests in public management. Research Implications: The study emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in public management, especially in disaster situations. By revealing how resources are allocated and identifying potential influences of self-interests, the research contributes to the formulation of more efficient and equitable public policies. Detailed understanding of the allocations can improve accountability and integrity in resource allocation, promoting governance practices that increase public trust in government actions. Originality/Value: Applying Public Choice Theory, this study offers insights into the efficiency and equity of resource allocation for natural disasters in Rio Grande do Sul, contributing to the literature on disaster management and public administration in Brazil.

Hindrances and Enablers of Healthy Eating Behavior Among College Students in an HBCU: A Qualitative Study.

Research indicates widespread unhealthy eating habits among college students, posing long-term health risks. This study at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) aimed to explore the perceived obstacles and facilitators to healthy eating among college students, using the social ecological model (SEM). Through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, the study identified several barriers to healthy eating, including challenges in accessing federal food assistance resources, gaps in nutrition knowledge, cost concerns, limited food variety on campus, difficulty accessing grocery stores, and a lack of cooking skills. To address these barriers, participants suggested various solutions, such as implementing cooking demonstrations, providing nutrition education, increasing food variety on campus, offering gardening opportunities, adjusting cafeteria hours for more flexibility, making fresh produce more available on campus, assisting students in accessing federal food assistance programs, and providing transportation to nearby grocery stores. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier dietary behaviors among college students, particularly those attending HBCUs. By addressing the identified barriers and implementing the suggested solutions, initiatives can be developed to support students in making healthier food choices, ultimately reducing long-term health risks associated with unhealthy eating habits.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Mortality trend in the Federal District, Brazil, 2000-2020

Objective: To identify the trend and spatial distribution of deaths from ALL from 2000 to 2020 in the Federal District, Brazil. Method: This is ecological time series study in which data were obtained from Brazil's Mortality Information System. The population was obtained through death certificates and investigation forms of the underlying cause of death classified by code C91.0 for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in the International Classification of Diseases from 2000 to 2020 in the Federal District, Brazil. Statistical analysis was performed using Prais-Winsten linear regression. Results: The deaths from ALL predominantly occurred in male (51.70%), single (60.41%), and white (52.16%) subjects, as well as in those with four to seven years of schooling (27.37%). During the last 20 years, ALL mortality increased among subjects aged 0-4 and 50-59 years, with increment rates of 9.0% and 8.7% respectively. In children, ALL generally has a short latency time, progressing more quickly and invasively. Conclusions: Knowledge regarding mortality patterns for ALL in the Federal District will allow optimizing the allocation of federal and local resources, as well as understanding gaps in diagnosis and specific therapies that still need attention on the part of public policy makers.

Environmental Scan of Online Government Complementary Feeding Resources in the United States.

Parents commonly seek online sources of information on the important complementary feeding period, but the accuracy of these sources varies. The 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA) states federal government resources should be accurate and user-friendly; however, the quantity, quality, and accuracy of federal resources on complementary feeding is unknown. An environmental scan of online federal, parent-facing resources about complementary feeding was conducted. The authors reviewed federal resources for concordance of information with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Quality was evaluated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool. A total of 112 resources across 2 federal government departments. Overall quality was high as was concordance with recommendations from the DGA for age of complementary food introduction, foods to introduce, and foods to avoid. Allergenic food introduction and textured food progression recommendations were less consistent. Recommendations for improvements to federal resources are made. This environmental scan only included federal resources for CF. Parents may be accessing other, non-federal resources online. However, given the enactment of IDEA, it is expected that these federal resources will be up-to-date and user-friendly, which was not always the case. Nurses should review the DGA guidelines for complementary feeding and provide evidence-based anticipatory guidance to families, focusing especially on allergenic food introduction and textured food progression. Future complementary feeding interventions may benefit from directing families to online exemplars from federal sources.

A cross-sectional survey of clinical trials knowledge, participation, and perspectives in an underserved community of Washington, DC.

The inclusion of participants from underrepresented and underserved groups is lagging in dermatology clinical trials. Through dissemination of a pilot survey at a community skin health fair, knowledge, participation, and perspectives of clinical trials were evaluated in an urban, medically underserved community in Washington, DC. Clinical trial-related questions were derived from the Health Information National Trends Survey 5 Cycle 4. This cross-sectional survey analyzed responses from 39/55 attendees (71% response rate). Most respondents were female (23/37 [62.2%]), between the ages of 25 and 54 (19/38, [50.0%]), and self-identified as non-white (35/39 [89.7%]) with a majority self-identifying as Black (16/31 [41%]). Most respondents self-reported knowing "little" to "nothing" about clinical trials (26/35 [74.3%]), and even more were unaware of the federal resource clinicaltrials.gov (30/37 [81.1%]). Few respondents discussed clinical trials as a treatment option with their healthcare provider (8/35 [22.9%]), yet having a discussion was significantly correlated with clinical trial participation (p = 0.0302). Self-reported level of knowledge was not significantly associated with participation in a clinical trial (p = 0.3035). Healthcare providers were the preferred first source of clinical trial information, followed by an internet search. Respondents rarely cited mistrust or skepticism as a barrier to participation (2/34 [5.9%]). Subjective positive healthcare experiences were significantly correlated to positive expectations with clinical trial participation (p = 0.0242). The findings of this study suggest the essential role healthcare providers, including dermatologists, play in clinical trial education and recruitment of underrepresented populations, and that patient mistrust may be present but is a rarely cited barrier to clinical trial participation.

Voluntary federal transfers and resource application: a systematic literature review

Voluntary federal transfers and resource application: a systematic literature review

Transition obstructionism and ‘embodied energy injustice:’ a Wyoming case study

ABSTRACT Wyoming is the epicentre of the coal transition in the United States. The coal industry is critical to the state’s economy, both in terms of jobs and a state revenue model dependent on federal coal leasing payments, mineral royalties, and mining severance taxes. However, due to economic, regulatory, and political pressures, the U.S. is currently on track to retire half of its coal-fired electricity generation capacity by 2026. Accordingly, Wyoming faces an uncertain future. Despite the difficult path ahead, many Wyoming policymakers, industry officials, and residents express hostility toward the idea of transition. This often manifests in opposition to renewable energy through policies that double down on investments in fossil fuel energy, despite the increased availability of federal resources and programmes to ease the burden of change. I refer to this phenomenon as transition obstructionism. While transition obstructionism is detrimental to residents across the state, harm is also distributed downstream in the fossil fuel lifecycle, particularly in historically marginalised communities. This article reviews recent efforts by state lawmakers and institutions to actively disincentivize transition and prolong the fossil fuel economy in Wyoming. It then considers how transition obstructionism contributes to ‘embodied energy injustices’ both within and beyond Wyoming.

Financial constraints and incentives for the prevention and control of obesity in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The present study aimed to analyze how these changes, both at the national and state levels, could affect the conditions of the implementation of obesity prevention and control (OCP) actions in primary health care (PHC) in the Rio de Janeiro State from 2014 to 2021. This study was based on policy analysis methods that emphasize the understanding of the implementation contexts, as well as the induction mechanisms and government incentives for the development of actions and integration of two projects that analyzed the OPC actions in PHC in the 92 municipalities of RJS between 2014 and 2018 (PPSUS-RJS) and between 2019 and 2021 (PEO-RJS). The results indicate that, by 2016, it was possible to observe the positive impacts of the structuring of PHC and the federal induction mechanisms in RJS. However, inflections in the expansion and funding of PHC contributed to the weakening of units, teams, and strategies, and led to retraction of resources for both state and municipal actions. Between 2016-2018, RJS's political and financial scenario deteriorated due to national crises, and the positive counterpoints since then were the induction mechanisms and federal resources that remained, in addition to the technical areas of the RJS-HD and state co-financing resources.

Estimating the Impact of Rurality in Disparities in Cancer Mortality.

Estimation of the independent effect of rurality on cancer mortality requires causal inference methodology and consideration of area-level socioeconomic status and rural designations. Using SEER data, we identified key incident cancers diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 at age ≥20 years (N = 3,788,273), examining a 20% random sample (n = 757,655). Standardized competing risk and survival models estimated the association between rural residence, defined by Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, and cancer-specific and all-cause mortality, controlling for age at cancer diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, year of diagnosis, and Area Deprivation Index (ADI). We estimated the attributable fraction (AF) of rurality and high ADI (ADI > median) to the probability of mortality. Finally, we examined county measurement issues contributing to mortality rates discordant from hypothesized rates. The 5-year standardized failure probability for cancer mortality for rural patients was 33.9% versus 31.56% for urban. The AF for rural residence was 1.04% at year 1 (0.89% by year 5), the highest among local stage disease (Y1 2.1% to Y5 1.9%). The AF for high ADI was 3.33% in Y1 (2.87% in Y5), while the joint effect of rural residence and high ADI was 4.28% in Y1 (3.71% in Y5). Twenty-two percent of urban counties and 30% of rural were discordant. Among discordant urban counties, 30% were only considered urban because of adjacency to metro area. High ADI was associated with urban discordance and low ADI with rural discordance. Rural residence independently contributes to cancer mortality. The rural impact is the greatest among those with localized disease and in high deprivation areas. Rural-urban county designations may mask high-need urban counties, limiting eligibility to state and federal resources dedicated to rural areas.

Twenty years of private well testing in New Jersey: A review of the United States's most comprehensive well water testing regulation

Abstract Since the adoption of New Jersey (NJ) Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) over 20 years ago, approximately 134,000 wells have been tested, representing an estimated 34% of the private wells in NJ. The PWTA requires testing of raw water from residences with a private well at real estate transfer. Landlords are required to test private wells every five years and provide results to tenants. There are up to 43 required parameters including bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), synthetic organic compounds (SOCs), arsenic, iron, lead, mercury, nitrates, gross alpha radioactivity, uranium, three per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alongside secondary contaminants iron, manganese, and pH. Among tested wells, 15.7% had at least one or more exceedance of a primary drinking water standard. The most common exceeding contaminants have historically been gross alpha radioactivity and arsenic, but since the inclusion of PFAS in 2022, over 12% of wells have exceeded for at least one PFAS. Jurisdictions interested in developing real estate private well testing policies can contemplate many of the findings, successes, and limitations of NJ's PWTA and should consider private well testing policies as a part of a larger private well program which brings together local, state, and federal resources.

Food banks show resilience in face of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented spikes in food insecurity. In California, food banks, which were already facing high demand for emergency food assistance, rallied federal, state and local resources to help meet the challenges of the pandemic. Our study draws on interviews with food banks and their partners approximately one year into the pandemic to learn how they responded to enormous challenges in staffing, procurement, distribution and infrastructure. These interviews captured lessons for resilience planning and food security policy that might otherwise have been lost. We found an encouraging story of resilience, and a story of how government agencies and community networks can work together to create and strengthen food security policies, even under the most dire circumstances.

Association of Epigenetic Age and Everyday Discrimination With Longitudinal Trajectories of Chronic Health Conditions in Older Adults.

We investigated the strength of the association between baseline epigenetic age, everyday discrimination, and trajectories of chronic health conditions (CHCs) across 3 study waves, among adults 50 years of age and older. We used 2016-2020 data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Data for the PhenoAge and DNAm GrimAge second-generation epigenetic clocks were from the 2016 HRS Venous Blood Study. CHC trajectories were constructed using latent class growth curve models. Multinomial logistic regression models assessed the strength of the association between accelerated epigenetic age, everyday discrimination, and the newly constructed CHC trajectories for participants with complete data (n = 2893). In the fully adjusted model, accelerated PhenoAge (relative risk ratios [RRR] = 2.53, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.81, 3.55) and DNAm GrimAge (RRR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.95, 4.00) were associated with classification into the high CHC trajectory class. Racial disparities were evident, with increased risk of classification into the high trajectory class for Black (PhenoAge: RRR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.68) and reduced risk for Hispanic (PhenoAge: RRR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.16, 0.64; DNAm GrimAge: RRR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.17, 0.68), relative to White participants. Everyday discrimination was associated with classification into the medium-high (RRR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.64) and high (RRR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.16) trajectory classes in models assessing DNAm GrimAge. More research is needed to better understand the longitudinal health outcomes of accelerated aging and adverse social exposures. Such research may provide insights into vulnerable adults who may need varied welfare supports earlier than the mandated chronological age for access to federal and state resources.

Constrangimentos e incentivos financeiros para a prevenção e o controle da obesidade no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract The present study aimed to analyze how these changes, both at the national and state levels, could affect the conditions of the implementation of obesity prevention and control (OCP) actions in primary health care (PHC) in the Rio de Janeiro State from 2014 to 2021. This study was based on policy analysis methods that emphasize the understanding of the implementation contexts, as well as the induction mechanisms and government incentives for the development of actions and integration of two projects that analyzed the OPC actions in PHC in the 92 municipalities of RJS between 2014 and 2018 (PPSUS-RJS) and between 2019 and 2021 (PEO-RJS). The results indicate that, by 2016, it was possible to observe the positive impacts of the structuring of PHC and the federal induction mechanisms in RJS. However, inflections in the expansion and funding of PHC contributed to the weakening of units, teams, and strategies, and led to retraction of resources for both state and municipal actions. Between 2016-2018, RJS’s political and financial scenario deteriorated due to national crises, and the positive counterpoints since then were the induction mechanisms and federal resources that remained, in addition to the technical areas of the RJS-HD and state co-financing resources.

Effects of the Reduction of the Food Purchase Program Resources for the Family Farmer

The Food Acquisition Program (FAP) created in 2003 during the first term of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva represents a change in the way family farmers are benefited. However, in the period of 2019-2022 (Bolsonaro’s Government) the setback in the implementation of social policies, which began during President Dilma Roussef’s second term, worsened. In this context, this article sought to investigate the effects of the partial implementation of the FAP on the lives of family farmers in the municipality of Maracanaú-CE in that period. This is an excerpt from the dissertation “Evaluation of the Municipal Food and Nutrition Security Policy in the Municipality of Maracanaú-Ceará”, which was developed through a Fourth Generation Assessment from February to November 2022, using the Hermeneutic Circle Dialectic. The informants were family farmers benefiting from the program. Empirical data were constructed through individual semi-structured interviews, field observation and field diary, which allowed creating the empirical categories: Benefit of participating in the FAP; Challenges for maintaining family farming in recent years and Support from municipal managers to family farmers. The study concluded that the partial execution of the FAP due to the reduction in the transfer of federal resources had effects regarding the guarantee of sales, the reduction of sales and the value of products, on the conditions for purchasing equipment and supplies. This situation was worsened by insufficient support from municipal management in terms of providing resources and technical assistance, which generated instability in the segment and discouraged people from continuing with family farming. These findings allow us to reflect on the importance of the FAP to keep family farmers in the field, generate security and stability, and promote quality of life not only for the segment, but for consumers who seek healthy food produced in a sustainable way.

Federal and State Programs and Resources for Chronic Kidney Disease.

In this final column by Paul Baldwin, there is discussion of the disease state specialties that pharmacists must be familiar with in their daily work. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), including end-stage renal disease (ESRD), has been the subject of much state and federal spending over several years. Government support has gone beyond health-program support and has extended to economic support as well.

Abstract C009: Estimating the true contribution of rural residence and area deprivation on cancer mortality

Abstract Introduction True estimation of the rural effect on cancer mortality requires causal inference methodology, consideration of area-level socioeconomic status and examination of area designations (e.g., measurement of rural vs urban). Methods Utilizing Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results data we identified key incident cancers diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 at age ≥20 (n=3,788,273). Cancer types were selected based on prior evidence of rural mortality disparities. A 20% random sample was examined (n=757,655). Rurality was defined using the Rural Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC). County indicators were linked with the Area Deprivation Index (ADI, 0 least deprived to 100 highest deprivation). Standardized competing risk and survival models estimated causal impact of rural residence on cancer-specific mortality. All models controlled for age at diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, year of diagnosis, and ADI. We estimated rural residence and ADI’s attributable fraction to the probability of mortality. Models were run overall and by stage. Finally, we identified county measurement issues contributing to county rates discordant from hypothesized mortality rates (i.e., urban counties with mortality>median or rural counties with mortality≤median). Results Approximately 45% were diagnosed ≥65y, 51% were female, 71% non-Hispanic white, and 12% non-Hispanic Black. Cancer diagnoses included those with screening recommendations (70%), obesity related (57%), and tobacco-related cancers (21%). The majority of patients were diagnosed with in situ or localized disease (53%). The 5y standardized failure probability for cancer-specific mortality for rural patients was 33.9% vs. 31.6% among urban. Rural + high ADI mortality was 37.9% vs. 30.7% for urban + low ADI. Rural residence attributable fraction to the probability of cancer mortality was 1.04% at Year 1, declining to 0.9% by Year 5. The rural fraction was highest among local stage disease (Y1 2.1% to Y5 1.9%). Attributable fraction of high ADI was 3.3% in Y1 to 2.9% in Y5, while the joint effect of rural+high ADI ranged from 4.3% in Y1 to 3.7% in Y5. Discordance between hypothesized and actual mortality was greater with urban/rural definitions vs ADI cut-offs (i.e., ADI distinguishes between high and low mortality better). Among 256 urban counties, 21.7% (n=89) had a higher mortality rate than hypothesized (mortality rate > median). Of those, 27 counties had no metropolitan area, but were “attached” to a nearby metro-area according to US Economic Research Service. When these 27 counties were reclassified as rural, the rural fraction was 1.4% at Y1 and 1.2% at Y5. This was a 35% and 26% relative increase, respectively. Among 349 rural counties, 15% had mortality rates higher than expected. Conclusion: Rural residence holds a small independent contribution to cancer mortality; higher among localized disease and in areas with greater deprivation. Urban/rural county designations using standard metrics may mask high need urban counties, limiting eligibility to state or federal resources dedicated to rural areas. Citation Format: Kelly Kenzik, Elizabeth Davis, Jeffrey Franks, Smita Bhatia. Estimating the true contribution of rural residence and area deprivation on cancer mortality [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C009.