Good Practice Research Articles

Exploring methodologies and frameworks for best practice transfer at the primary care level

Abstract Background In Feb 2023, the EU’s Joint Action on the transfer of best praCtices In pRimary CarE (CIRCE-JA) was launched with the objective of effectively transferring and implementing six best practices (BPs) among Member States (MS). Transferability from one primary care (PC) setting to another can be challenging given organizational, legal, cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors, requiring robust a methodological framework to guide the transfer process. A scoping review was conducted to identify conceptual models and methodological frameworks for context-relevant and evidence-informed BP transfer in PC settings. Methods The study aimed to identify models or frameworks to guide BP transfer in PC settings, whilst maximizing transferability. The JBI methodology was used, and an extensive search was conducted in PubMed (time limit: Jan ‘13-May ‘23). All publications of original research, systematic reviews, and text and opinion papers in English were eligible for inclusion. Key exclusion criteria were set, i.e., intervention type, level of care and reporting quality. The search was supplemented by gray literature review. Results From a total of 369 publications, 9 met eligibility criteria, reporting on 10 conceptual and methodological models/framework largely varying. These included transfer models applicable to all BPs as well as elements specific to some BPs, i.e., addressing integration, patient-centered care, care coordination, and health promotion. Strengths and weaknesses were identified for all. Conclusions Transferability of health interventions is complex, requiring systematic consideration of setting and intervention characteristics to inform and support local adaptation, implementation, and decision-making. Key elements identified can support the CIRCE-JA BP transfer and are largely relevant for further BP transfer across PC settings in EU MS, incl. for local adaptation, stakeholder engagement and effective implementation monitoring. Key messages • Innovative BPs are successfully deployed in many EU MS. To best support transformation for strong EU primary care and resilient health systems, it is important to ensure evidence-informed BP transfer. • This review reports on the selection of appropriate frameworks and models, and key elements thereof, to allow successful transfer of CIRCE-JA BPs and other BP transfer across PC settings in Europe.

Needs Assessment for Primary Care for Best Practice Implementation: The CIRCE Joint Action

Abstract Introduction CIRCE is a Joint Action (JA) supporting the transfer of six best practices (BPs) to new primary care settings in Europe. High-quality needs assessment can set the foundation for strong planning and implementation of the CIRCE-JA best practices in these new primary care settings. Methods A needs assessment tool was developed based on the TO-REACH knowledge transfer framework and learnings from a scoping review of international knowledge transfer frameworks. The needs assessment provides structured tool for local sites to self-assess the alignment of the BP with local priorities, readiness of the local site to successfully implement the BP, the availability of necessary leadership, resources and partnerships, and an examination of barriers to local BP implementation and mitigation strategies. Results Twenty-six CIRCE-JA teams completed the needs assessments. Local teams identified the CIRCE-JA BPs were value-adding and aligned with local priorities. Cross-cutting barriers were identified which were common among the six CIRCE-JA best practices across five thematic areas: (1) provider level, (2) intervention level, (3) health system/policy level, (4) partnership and physical resources and (5) information technology. The needs assessment supported primary care sites with a structured approach to planning for transfer of BPs to their local setting that is based on established international best practices and knowledge transfer frameworks including early identification of barriers and mitigating strategies. Conclusions The needs assessment has supported teams with conducting a self-assessment and informing initial planning for adoption of the BP in their local primary care practice. Given the importance of the local needs assessment to high quality implementation of BP the CIRCE-JA experience with local needs assessment may provide learnings for future BP transfer initiatives. Key messages • Local needs assessment supports the transfer of best practices to primary care settings, which is a critical component of service transformation during the post-COVID-19 period. • For successful transfer of best practices in primary care, it is vital to give to examine such as provider capacity, available human resources, health policy, and information technology.

10.X.2. Strengthening primary health care through best practice transfer: the CIRCE-JA approach

Abstract Primary health care (PHC) is a fundamental component of resilient, strong, and sustainable health systems. The main aim of PHC is to address people’s health in a high-quality comprehensive system approach, ensuring person-centred and integrated care across their lifespan, which includes their physical, mental and social well-being. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems’ strengthening has become a global public health and European public health priority, and an overarching objective of the EU4Health programme. In Feb 2023, the three-year Joint Action on the transfer of best praCtices In pRimary CarE (CIRCE-JA) was launched. Its overall objective is to effectively transfer and implement six identified PHC best practices (BPs) across EU Member States (MS), with scientifically robust evidence-based approach, to ensure sound transferability methodology. Critically, it aims to increase MS capacity to deploy innovative care models in PHC and to effectively support health system transformation at this level of care. CIRCE-JA is a collaborative effort with 14 MS participating, bringing together 48 entities, to initially transfer the identified BPs into 42 new implementation sites, whilst at the same time generate all the necessary tools to facilitate uptake and evidence-informed decision-making across all MS. This implementation is based on the alignment of key BP characteristics to meet the local healthcare needs and priorities and match them with national and regional policies. It aims to facilitate integration of public health priorities to PHC practice, and to support the reorganization of services, for strong health promotion focus, synergies with community care, and better coordination of care. During this session key aspects will be discussed using the Pecha Kucha style, to inform the audience about current progress and CIRCE-JA using short stories, also on EU policies and priorities, and the EU4Health support for PHC and public health integration. What is urgently needed at EU-level when it comes to health systems’ strengthening in the post-COVID-19 period and why is PHC critical in this respect? How can the CIRCE-JA developments inform the ongoing transfer and future efforts for the selected BPs in terms of a robust scientifically evidence-based approach? How does the policy dialogue CIRCE-JA is establishing locally, nationally, regionally, supports not only the JA’s sustainability, but all future implementation efforts for PHC? Finally, a brief interaction with the audience will take a place to allow attendees to discuss on key priorities and challenges in their own settings and practice, including the barriers and difficulties that they have initially identifies in the implementation efforts. The output of this interaction will also inform the initial steps towards the establishment of the final deliverable of CIRCE-JA, i.e., the European Primary Healthcare Observatory, to sit on the European Commission’s Health Policy Platform. Key messages • Health systems’ strengthening necessitates strong PHC. CIRCE-JA delivers state-of-the-art tools and brokers policy dialogue to achieve it across Europe. • Several barriers and issues that facilitate the transferring process have been identified in the first implementation of this European initiative. Speakers/Panelists Christos Lionis CSFM & HSR-PH Lab, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece Ana M Carriazo Regional Ministry of Health and Families of Andalusia, Seville, Spain Alice Borghini National Agency for Regional Health Services AGENAS, Rome, Italy Radivoje Pribakovic NIJZ, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Testing best practices in small scale fisheries management: Evidence from a collaborative intervention in two marine protected areas of the central Mediterranean Sea

Adopting best practices (BPs) in small scale fisheries (SSF) is generally acknowledged to enhance ecological and social conditions, improving SSF management overall. Yet studies that empirically assess the effects of BPs on social-ecological outcomes (e.g., fishers' catches, revenues, and level of support towards management measures) remain limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of adopting BPs on catch per unit of effort (CPUE), revenue per unit of effort (RPUE) and small-scale fishers' perceptions in two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Campania, Italy (Santa Maria di Castellabate (CAS-MPA) and Regno di Nettuno (NET-MPA)). Two BPs were implemented and tested in the two MPAs: i) five selective gears with three different mesh/hook sizes and ii) a participatory approach to increase dialogue between fishers and managers. The results from 36 surveys with small scale fishers and 158 SSF operations monitored using photo-sampling and image analysis techniques (between 2020 and 2022) are presented. Analyses of landings showed that significant differences in CPUE and RPUE between mesh/hook sizes were found in a limited number of cases (i.e., combination of fishing gears used in the 2 MPAs). Significant but divergent effects were found on CPUE in the two MPAs for gillnet used to target amberjack (GNA) only. RPUE was significantly higher in the NET-MPA when adopting the largest mesh size for GNA and the largest hook size for bottom longlines (BLL). When analyzing perceptions, fishers generally reported that the BPs adopted had a positive impact on their revenues, improved their relationship with MPA managers and increased their support for the MPA. In addition, eight stakeholder focus groups were held which helped investigators better understand the context, feedback the data gathered from the research and open up dialogue between the relevant stakeholders. The study concluded that increasing mesh/hook sizes, within the range tested here, does not negatively impact fishers’ revenues, while likely improving the status of target populations. Moreover, increasing dialogue between fishers and decision-makers can generate more positive perceptions towards the MPA and improve mutual understanding, helping to reconcile biodiversity conservation with human wellbeing for SSF.

Viral hepatitis in persons living with HIV in the post-COVID era.

Coinfection with hepatitis viruses A to E is frequent in persons living with HIV (PLWH) and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Oro-fecal transmissible hepatitis A and E mostly produce acute self-limited episodes in poor income regions and in non-vaccinated travelers. In high-income countries, outbreaks of hepatitis A occur in men having sex with men (MSM) and chronic hepatitis E is occasionally reported among PLWH with severe immunodeficiency. Chronic hepatitis B, C, and D are frequent in PLWH in highly endemic regions and globally in persons who inject drugs (PWID) and MSM. Progression to liver cirrhosis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is major clinical complications in coinfected patients. Current estimates for PLWH are of 38 million worldwide. Roughly 12% have chronic viral hepatitis (5 million). Coinfection figures are of 5-10% for HBV (2-4 million), 4% for HCV (1.5 million), and 15% of HBsAg+ for HDV (0.5 million). Oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) cure almost all treated patients with hepatitis C. However, given that there is no protective HCV immunity, PLWH with high-risk behaviors may experience HCV reinfection episodes. Tenofovir is the drug of choice in PLWH with chronic hepatitis B, given its dual effect on HIV and HBV. Lifelong oral tenofovir suppresses HBV replication and ameliorate liver damage. However, the risk of HCC persists even in the absence of cirrhosis. Finally, HDV causes the worst of viral hepatitis with faster progression to cirrhosis and HCC. An entry inhibitor, bulevirtide, has recently been approved and another drug, lonafarnib, is completing Phase 3 trials. Combination antiviral therapy for hepatitis D could improve dramatically the poor prognosis of HIV-HDV coinfected patients. The resumption of good medical practices in PLWH after the big disruption caused by COVID-19 will reduce the burden of viral hepatitis coinfections. Renewed efforts on HAV and HBV vaccination of susceptible individuals and earlier and wider prescription of antiviral therapy for HBV, HCV, and/or HDV coinfection should be prioritized in PLWH. The benefits of innovative strategies for viral hepatitis, including pre-exposure prophylaxis or use of long-acting antivirals, warrant further consideration in PLWH.

A human resource professional perspective of strategies to accommodate employees with mental health conditions in the workplace in South Africa.

The South African Labour Relations Act, specifically the Code of Good Practice (CGP) advocates against the discrimination and unfair dismissal of individuals with mental health conditions in the workplace. However, little is known about the implementation of these national policies within the workplace, especially from the perspective of the employer rather than the employee. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of how human resource practitioners accommodate and support individuals with mental health conditions in the workplace. Eleven participants (Human Resource Professionals) participated in the study. The researchers utilized semi-structured interviews where the data was analysed by means of thematic analysis to formulate themes. Three themes emerged depicting the participants' experiences and perceptions of barriers and facilitators which influenced their return to work: The themes that emerged through thematic analysis consisted of 1) Challenges perceived by Human Resource personnel that influences work participation; 2) The influence that workplace accommodations and support structures have on the work participation; 3) The prevalence of policies and laws that are available in theworkplace. The study highlighted that Human Resource Professionals struggle to interpret and implement labor related polices that aid in employing individuals with mental health conditions in the workplace. It is important to implement strategies that will assist Human Resource practitioners in understanding how to implement such policies to successfully accommodate individuals with mental health conditions in the workplace.

Change in Cultivation of Bajra in Haryana and Rajasthan

Background: Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum) is the main coarse cereal crop grown mainly in Africa and Asia. In India, it is mainly grown in Rajasthan and Haryana. It is cultivated in the dry and warm climatic regions. It is a Kharif crop that is grown at the start of the season’s first monsoon. Objective: This study aimed to explore the change in the cultivation of bajra in two states, Haryana and Rajasthan. Cultivation means how the crop is grown in any particular area and what steps are taken to improve the growth of crops. Methods: In this study, different aspects like area, productivity, and yield were studied from 2018 to 2020, and data were compiled for all these factors in both states with the help of various literature research. Results: This study demonstrated that the growth trends in the area under cultivation, productivity, and yield of bajra increased from 2018 to 2020 due to stability in yield, price (MRP), and insured marketing. All the results and data were obtained from different published sources in these two states. Conclusion: This review gives a brief account of the changes in the cultivation of bajra in two different states, Haryana and Rajasthan. The expansion of the area of bajra is due to the use of good quality seeds, the use of hybrids, and the adaption of good agricultural practices, and it is also the reason for an increase in production and yield.

Art Teaching: Inclusive Factor and Attention to Diversity

<p style="text-align: justify;">The current research aims to analyze art teaching as an inclusive factor and pays attention to diversity in excluded populations to meet the needs of students in the pandemic context. In regard to methodology, we used the naturalistic paradigm, a qualitative approach, and an inductive method with a phenomenological and hermeneutical design. The data collection techniques we used were semi-structured interviews with teachers of the Regular Basic Education in Peru. The findings show that through the mediation of diverse artistic languages and the implementation of different didactic strategies, it is possible to achieve an interaction free from exclusion barriers, driven by good teaching practices that enable the inclusion and attention to the diversity of students, providing them with opportunities to develop capacities and skills to establish better coexistence. We concluded that art education comprises a lasting learning process that guarantees a healthy environment for peaceful coexistence, which today, inclusive teachers, parents, and students should keep in mind.</p>

Does internal audit matter? Audit committee, its attributes, and corporate social responsibility reporting quality

This study explores the nexus between internal audit, audit committee attributes, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure quality in A-share listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2010 to 2019. Utilizing refined samples and robust datasets, this investigation reveals critical insights that a robust internal control system significantly correlates with higher-quality CSR disclosure, underscoring its pivotal role in safeguarding non-financial reporting integrity and enhancing transparency in CSR disclosures. Larger audit committees are positively associated with improved CSR disclosure quality. This highlights the strategic advantage of a diverse and expansive audit committee in navigating the complexities of CSR reporting. Contrary to expectations, the proportion of independent directors on the audit committee and the frequency of audit committee meetings do not show a significant positive relationship with CSR disclosure. Companies benefit from strategic investments in internal control systems, crucial for non-financial reporting integrity and fortified CSR disclosure practices. In conclusion, this study provides concise insights into critical factors influencing CSR disclosure quality in Chinese companies, offering actionable implications for corporate practices and regulatory frameworks. AcknowledgmentThis paper is co-funded by the European Union through the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) within the project “EU BEST PRACTICE OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT, SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTING AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING” – 101047667-ERASMUS-JMO-2021-MODULE https://jm.snau.edu.ua/en/eu-best-practice-of-life-cycle-assessment-social-envi­ron­mental-accounting-and-sustainability-reporting/ Oleh Pasko expresses sincere gratitude for the support from the Kirkland Research Program, generously provided by the Leaders of Change Foundation established by the Polish-American Freedom Foundation.

Intra-household gender dynamics and the adoption of best practices among teff farmers in Ethiopia

Teff farming in Ethiopia is commonly seen as being dominated by men, with women playing supporting roles on some aspects of the growing process. This study is rooted in existing literature on drivers of Best Practices (BP) adoption and decision-making theory and is unique in that it focuses primarily on understanding how gender-specific factors influence decision-making on the adoption of BPs. To this end, the study assessed the intra-household gender dynamics at play within farming households in Amhara, Ethiopia, and their influence on deciding whether or not to adopt agricultural best practices for teff farming. These gender dynamics include the division of labor between women and men, intra-household decision-making processes, social and cultural norms and access factors (such as access to information, training, credit and control over income). Using data from a three-round quantitative survey with one woman and one man in 555 households, as well as focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, this study is uniquely placed to assess the impact of these gender-specific and intra-household factors on the adoption of best practices. The findings show that households where women are more involved in teff farming, have less input into decision-making, less control over income, and more access to information and adopt on average more best practices. However, there is significant heterogeneity when looking at individual best practices, with women’s decision-making power or access to resources particularly important for specific practices such as sowing in rows. This study implies that designing more gender-sensitive agricultural programs and extension services in Ethiopia – specifically on practices relevant to women and men – can increase best practice adoption, with the ultimate aim of increasing productivity and income for teff farming households, and empowering women. Since male and female farmers are involved in different practices, access to resources and decision-making power have different impacts depending on the gender of the respondent and the practice analyzed, and there is no “one size fits all” solution to improve teff farming productivity. Key words: intra-household dynamics, decision-making, gender roles, best practice adoption, teff

Looking back, looking forward: lessons from COVID-19 communication measurement, evaluation and learning (MEL).

Communication is an integral component of an emergency response, including to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Designing effective communication requires systematic measurement, evaluation and learning. In the Western Pacific Region, the World Health Organization (WHO) responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by using the Communication for Health (C4H) approach. This included the development and application of a robust measurement, evaluation and learning (MEL) framework to assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 communication, and to share and apply lessons in real time to continuously strengthen the pandemic response. MEL was applied during the planning, implementation and summative evaluation phases of COVID-19 communication, with evidence-based insights and recommendations continuously integrated in succeeding phases of the COVID-19 response. This article captures good practices that helped WHO to implement MEL during the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on lessons from the evaluation process, including the importance of planning, data integration, collaboration, partnerships, piggybacking, using existing data and leveraging digital media. Despite some limitations, the systematic application of MEL to COVID-19 communication shows its value in the planning and implementation of effective, evidence-based communication to address public health challenges. It enables the evaluation of outcomes and reflection on lessons identified to strengthen the response to the current pandemic and future emergencies.

Test score comparison tables: How well are they serving test users?

While several test concordance tables have been published, the research underpinning such tables has rarely been examined in detail. This study aimed to survey the publically available studies or documentation underpinning the test concordance tables of the providers of four major international language tests, all accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for Australian visa purposes. To evaluate the concordance studies, we first identified the good practice principles in concordance research through a review of both the relevant literature and leading professional standards in the field of educational measurement and language assessment. Next, we reviewed the concordance studies against the identified good practice principles. Our findings revealed that the information supplied by test providers varied, with some making the full research papers available, whereas others providing little information about their underpinning research. None of the concordance studies fulfilled all the good practice principles. Based on the findings of this study, we offer recommendations for future concordance research in the field of language testing as well as suggestions for practice.

Legal Consequences of the Judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-432/21

This article synthetically discusses the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 2 March 2023 in case C-432/21. It aims to familiarise international readers with this issue, which might be a contribution to an academic, international discussion in this field, significant in the era of climate change. The author first indicates the role of forests in climate policy and considers the socio-economic conditions of the current situation of forests in Poland. Then, the international reader will be introduced to the most critical issues related to the judgment that concern the Polish legal order, i.e., forest management and the code of good practices in forests. In the next part, she moves on to the essential elements of the legal basis for the complaint filed by the European Commission against Poland and shows grounds of action and the operative part of the judgment. Then, the most important points of the parties’ arguments were briefly presented. In addition, reference will be made to the legal consequences of issuing the judgment in question.

Social innovation initiatives of NGOs in a Hungarian disadvantaged area

The study examines social innovation endeavours initiated by non-profit organisations in the Abaúji region53. Addressing the challenges facing the region (emigration, ageing, unemployment and educational inequalities) requires the accurate identification of local needs and the involvement of the population in decision-making. One of the tools for these initiatives is social innovation and support for social innovation endeavours. The key actors in the social innovation process are non-profit organisations (NGOs), which see social innovation primarily as a mission. The aim of our study is to present social innovation solutions initiated by NGOs in the region and to explore the possibility of their adaptation as good practice. The study alsoidentifies the main sets of criteria that, in addition to providing a structured record of each case study, will help to make good practices comparable. Documentation against the identified criteria will support the process of adaptation, which is critical to the successful implementation of social innovation initiatives.

Improving gallic acid detection in plant samples: Fabrication and optimization of a sensitive and selective NiO-supported carbon paste electrode

In this study, we successfully prepared a modified nickel oxide (NiO) carbon paste electrode to detect gallic acid (GA). NiO nanoparticles were synthesized by the simple, organic solvent-free chemical coprecipitation method, and the electrochemical properties of the electrode and GA were thoroughly investigated using CV, SWV, and EIS, while morphological properties were examined using ICP-OES, TEM, SEM, and XRD. Excellent catalytic characteristics are displayed by the developed material which facilitates the interaction of the target with the electrode surface. The obtained electrochemical information showed that the incorporation of NiO nanoparticles to the carbon paste electrode effectively facilitates electron transfer processes and enriches the catalytic response of the carbon paste electrode. The fabricated NiO/CPE sensor showed a satisfactory linear relationship between peak current and GA concentration in the broad range of 0.2–100 μM and 100–200 μM with a low detection limit of 0.04 μM and limit of quantification of 0.12 μM at pH 3 of BRBS as supporting electrolyte. The selectivity of the proposed method was satisfactory, with acceptable stability, considerable repeatability, and accurate reproducibility. Moreover, the good practicability performance could be effectuated at the NiO/CPE sensor for the quantitative analysis of GA in bourtree, walnut, primrose, and chamomile tea samples. The results were compared with the standard DPPH test and statistical processing of the results was performed, which confirmed the excellent agreement between the two methods. The developed method can provide a cost-effective, rapid, selective, and sensitive means for GA monitoring. When compared to other works, the developed technique has a wider linear range and lower LOD and LOQ, which makes this work a very important reference for the highly sensitive analysis of GA in the field of food safety.

Responding to misrepresentation: sample pack creation, branding and distribution

ABSTRACT This article documents the creation and distribution of a new sample pack, Instruments INDIA, as an intervention against systemic orientalist practices observable within the marketing, branding and production of non-Western instrument sample packs. This intervention draws upon Edward Said’s model of Orientalism and Stuart Hall’s theories of representation, fortifying an interrogation of practices that misrepresent diverse sonic content, musicians and cultures in negative ways. The research brings into focus the influence digital samplers and early sample library CDs had in determining technical configurations and misrepresentation tendencies found within paratextual elements of contemporary sample packs. The article joins forces with a leading sample pack distributor, Loopmasters, to cultivate change via new policy documents and good practice principles. Attending to problematic representation issues at the start of the music production chain offers a strategy to scaffold and promote positive change throughout the production process and into other connected music industry areas, where influential language and imagery align sample content with music production goals and aspirations. The article offers a first-hand account of sample pack development in collaboration with musicians of Indian musical instruments, which provide a case study to better understand and inform more ethical commercial practices in the future.

Isolation and identification of <i>Brucella abortus</i> and <i>B. melitensis</i> in ruminants with a history of abortion: the first report from Eritrea

Brucella species have never been isolated or documented in Eritrea. The present study was initiated to isolate and identify Brucella species that infect livestock in Eritrea. A total of 316 blood sera, 137 milk, 71 vaginal swabs, a placental cotyledon, and a fetal stomach content were sampled from 208 goat, 102 sheep, and 6 cattle. Series testing protocol starting with Rose Bengal plate test, followed by c-ELISA, culturing, and then multiplex AMOS-PCR was followed. The purpose-sampling strategy was applied, and animals with a history of abortion in the last three weeks were sampled to increase the probability of capturing Brucella species. Isolation was conducted on Burcella media agar, and Brucella broth was added with Brucella selective supplement containing 2,500IU polymyxin B, 12,500IU bacitracin, 50.0 mg cycloheximide, 2.5mg nalidixic acid, 50,000 IU nystatin, and 10.0 mg vancomycin. Accordingly, 41 animals were positive for a series of serological tests. The overall Brucella seropositive detection proportion was 13.0%, and goats constituted the majority 78% (n=32). The highest number of positive samples were from the Maekel region. Six Brucella organisms were successfully isolated from two milk samples, two vaginal swabs, one placental cotyledon, and one fetal stomach content obtained from seropositive animals. Among the Brucella isolates, five were B. melitensis, while the remaining one was B. abortus as per the multiplex AMOS- PCR assay. The present study documented the first B. abortus and B. melitensis isolates in Eritrea. Milk, vaginal discharges, placental cotyledon, and aborted fetus were identified as sources of Brucella for livestock and livestock keepers. Besides, the findings highlight a reasonable proportion of the reproductive disorders in cattle and small ruminants could be due to brucellosis. This calls for public sector intervention to control the diseases in animals and to enhance community awareness of good practices such as drinking boiled milk and avoiding contact with infected tissues and body discharges to prevent potential public health risks from zoonosis.

The Principle of Substitution: The Argentine Contribution to Private Sponsorship Schemes?

This paper provides a critical review of the first private sponsorship scheme to be introduced into Latin America in the last decade, the Syria Program, which has been in place in Argentina since 2014. Though the national and international bodies involved in the initiative (including the International Organization for Migration, UNHCR, and the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative) have described it as a good practice, a content analysis of their publications indicates that their interpretations may be overly rosy. Unlike refugee sponsorship schemes that have appeared in other countries, the Argentine private sponsorship program does not complement a public state resettlement scheme but rather appears to replace it.

Exploring ‘good practice’ densification projects: the impact of green space and density on local acceptance

ABSTRACT While the ‘compact city’ can provide environmental benefits, densification can result in negative trade-offs at the local scale – e.g. through increases in density and the removal of urban green space – and densification projects are often rejected by locals. This paper explores examples of densification in a compact European city, integrating different stakeholder perspectives from planners as well as neighbours of densification projects. Neighbours do not reject densification per se, but evaluate the individual projects and their contexts. Evaluation depended mostly on how the projects impacted urban green space, social mix and available parking spaces. Implications are discussed and ‘good practice’ criteria that could reduce the trade-offs of densification are suggested.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional survey from Kiambu County, Kenya.

The knowledge possessed by healthcare workers (HCWs), along with their attitudes and practices play a vital role in effectively managing a pandemic. This is crucial considering that HCWs are exposed to great risk at the forefront of such crises. We aimed to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kiambu county, Kenya. A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was conducted from 11th March 2021 to 12th August 2021. Bloom's cutoff points were used to determine KAP scores (>80%: good, 60-79%: medium and <60% poor). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses were conducted, calculating adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval. Spearman's rank correlations were used to examine the relationship between KAP scores. 438 HCWs participated in the study, majority of whom were female (64.5%), had obtained a diploma (59.6%) and were informed through government websites (78.6%). 43.0% had good knowledge, 17.5% good attitudes, and 68.4% good practice. 23.0% had medium knowledge, 35.6% medium attitude, 15.7% medium practice, while 34.0% had poor knowledge, 46.9% poor attitude and 15.9% poor practice. Only 68.9% of the caregivers correctly recognized the county's COVID-19 isolation centre and only 7.9% chose the two correct documents for the entry of data for a suspected COVID-19 case. Furthermore, the general attitude towards their own personal safety and their training regarding PPEs (17.8% and 23.8% strongly agreed with the contrary) were less compelling. There was a significant positive association between obtaining information from international government sites [AOR: 1.382 (1.058-1.807); p = 0.0178)] and good knowledge. Referring to local government sites for information regarding COVID-19 produced better attitudes [AOR: 1.710 (1.194-2.465); p = 0.0036] and produced almost twice the odds of having better practice [AOR: 1.800 (1.181-2.681); p = 0.0048]. There was a significant correlation between knowledge and practice (r = -0.330, p = 2.766×10-11), and knowledge and attitude (r = -0.154, p = 6.538×10-3). This study emphasizes the substantial impact that governing bodies have on shaping favorable KAP. As a result, it's crucial for local government platforms to prioritize the dissemination of up-to-date information that aligns with international standards. This information should be tailored to the specific region, focusing on addressing deficiencies in healthcare practices and patient management. The identification of a significant number of HCWs lacking confidence in managing COVID-19 patients and feeling unprotected underscores a clear need for improvement in their understanding and implementation of preventive measures. This gap can be bridged by adequately equipping HCWs with locally manufactured PPEs. This aspect is crucial for pandemic preparedness, and we further advocate for the creation of a locally produced repository of medical equipment. These actions are pivotal in improving future crisis management capabilities.