Local Organizations Research Articles

Discursive analysis of rejection voices against brand social responsibility initiatives in Indonesia

A health soap product brand launched an advertising campaign about an initiative to improve sanitation facilities and educate people about clean living in one of the most underdeveloped villages in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Unfortunately, this campaign was rejected by various elements, from local non-government organizations, nomads, residents, and local media to the regional government. Rejection is based on advertising content that displays poverty in the village. Using a Foucauldian discursive formation approach, this study intertextually analyses advertising documents, news reports, petitions, microsites, social media, and online comments to understand media representation and voices of resistance and discover various conflicting interests, ethnic identity politics, regional sentiment, and political economy intertwined within the text as the power/knowledge. This study underscores the need for sensitivity to ethnic identity in brand social responsibility initiatives, as it is a crucial aspect of respect and consideration.

How tailor-made copolymers can control the structure and properties of hybrid nanomaterials: the case of polyionic complexes.

Hybrid polyionic complexes (HPICs) are colloidal structures with a charged core rich in metal ions and a neutral hydrophilic corona. Their properties, whether as reservoirs or catalysts, depend on the accessibility and environment of the metal ions. This study demonstrates that modifying the coordination sphere of these ions can tune the properties of HPICs by altering the composition of the complexing block or varying formulation conditions. Hence, double hydrophilic block copolymers were synthesized using RAFT polymerization, with polyethylene glycol as the neutral block and different ratios of acrylic acid (AA) and vinylphosphonic acid (VPA) as the functional block and further complexed with Fe(III) ions. The resulting iron-based HPICs with higher VPA content were more stable at low pH due to stronger VPA-iron interactions, but their catalytic efficiency in the photo-Fenton process decreased at higher pH. In nanoparticle synthesis, polymers with higher VPA content produced smaller, less-defined Prussian blue nanoparticles, while a 50/50 AA/VPA ratio resulted in uniform nanoparticles and optimal reactivity. Multivariate analysis revealed that not only composition but also local structural organization impacts HPIC properties, influenced by changes in the complexing block structure (e.g., statistical, block) or formulation conditions.

Addressing Water Scarcity to Achieve Climate Resilience and Human Health.

Water scarcity is projected to affect half of the world's population, gradually exacerbated by climate change. This article elaborates from a panel discussion at the 2023 United Nations Water Conference on Addressing Water Scarcity to Achieve Climate Resilience and Human Health. Understanding and addressing water scarcity goes beyond hydrological water balances to also include societal and economic measures. We consider five categories of health impacts resulting from deteriorating water qualities and quantities: (i.) water-related diseases and water for hygiene, (ii.) malnutrition and water for food, (iii.) livelihoods, income, development, and water for energy, (iv.) adverse air quality from drought-induced dust and wildfire smoke, and (v.) mental health effects from water scarcity-related factors. A discussion on the barriers and opportunities for resilient water systems begins by re-framing water scarcity as a 'pathway to water bankruptcy' and introducing Water Partnerships to empowering local water leaders with the awareness, education, and resources to devise and implement locally-appropriate water management strategies. Other barriers include the (i.) lack of tools to consider the socio-economic implications of water scarcity, (ii.) lack of water information being in actionable formats for decision-makers, (iii.) lack of clarity in the application of water scarcity modelling to gain policy-relevant findings, and (iv.) inadequate drought adaptation planning. The article includes recommendations for local governments, national governments, international actors, researchers, non-governmental organizations, and local constituents in addressing these barriers. The predominant theme in these recommendations is collaborative, multi-disciplinary Water Partnerships, knowledge-sharing in accessible formats, and empowering participation by all. This paper's central thesis is that addressing water scarcity must focus on people and their ability to lead healthy and productive lives.

Cleft Care in the Developing: World: Building the Full Continuum in El Salvador

Objective: To reflect upon the evolution of global surgical care in lower and middle income countries (LMICs) through the analysis of healthcare delivery models and our senior author’s personal experiences to implement an advanced model of effective cleft care in the developing world. Materials and Methods: A thorough literature review was conducted on the need for cleft care in the developing world and how international organizations have responded. We analyzed the types of healthcare delivery models, delineating between those addressing immediate operations versus models emphasizing long-term healthcare investments through local infrastructure and primary care system expansion. We also highlight our senior author’s experiences, a craniofacial-trained plastic surgeon who has worked with a local cleft organization in Austin, Texas and undergone individual mission trips to El Salvador for over a decade. Results: In the United States, outcomes in cleft care have improved due to subspecialization and multi-disciplinary care. We believe that the combination of high-level surgical care and a coordinated team approach are the two most important determinants of good cleft outcomes and pillars of what we are trying to uphold in our model in El Salvador and the developing world. Implementation of a model named the Oblique Model, which achieves synergy between immediate and lasting investments while ensuring trusting partnerships, can enrich LMICs to build sustainable local healthcare delivery services, benefiting local communities through addressing the cleft care continuum from lip/palate treatment to orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. Conclusion: Global surgical care has undergone significant changes in recent decades. To respond to the rising need for cleft care in LMICs and ensure optimal outcomes, implementation of a model that encompasses multidisciplinary care, subspecialization, culturally sensitive discussion, partnership, and fellowship style training in both the first world and host countries is crucial for optimizing craniofacial care.

Tomatoes Die: A Design Fiction for Grassroots Climate AI

This design fiction proposes a panel session in the near future having environment and climate advocates share their stories of using artificial intelligence (AI) in their work. This work explores how the development of an embodied river persona, a farming assistant app, and a community hazard mapping tool could pose challenges and aid successes to respective local communities. Our design fiction highlights issues of design and development challenges that local organizations might face in a varied AI development for the environment. We explore questions around incorporating traditional knowledge, ethical participatory design models, and challenges of implementing and sustaining tools. Our work demonstrates how design fiction might be used to imagine AI for the climate challenge that considers people, place, and community.

Taking a partnership approach to embed physical activity in local policy and practice: a Bradford District case study

BackgroundSupportive policy is an important component of a whole-systems approach to increasing physical activity and reducing inequalities. There is a growing body of literature surrounding the design and effectiveness of national policy approaches to physical activity, but evidence related to local-level approaches is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine ‘what works’, and identify factors underpinning change, focused on work to embed physical activity in local policy and practice in Bradford, UK.MethodsA mixed-methods case study approach involved collecting data from cross-sectoral stakeholders directly or indirectly engaged in the physical activity agenda in Bradford over a period of three years (2021–2024). Data collection included focus groups, semi-structured interviews, researcher observations of key workshops and meetings, and surveys at two time-points (December 2021 and January 2024). Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsFour themes were identified which embody conditions that appear to be critical for working towards physical activity being embedded in local policy & practice within the Bradford District. These included: collaboration and sector integration, co-productive working, governance and leadership, and cultivating a learning culture. The process of co-producing a district-wide strategy for physical activity was key to facilitating shared ownership of the physical activity agenda across different levels of the system, and for supporting and maintaining cross-sectoral collaboration. On average, survey respondents connected with four more local organisations in relation to the physical activity agenda in January 2024 than in December 2021.ConclusionTaking a partnership approach, and fostering a culture of evidence-informed decision making, is key to embedding physical activity into policy and practice at a local level. Investing time to understand the aims and values of each partner, and potential synergies and tensions between them, can support the development of a positive and productive collaboration and, subsequently, more effective whole-system delivery and population-level increases in physical activity.

The use of ethanol as contrast enhancer in synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast imaging leads to heterogeneous myocardial tissue shrinkage: a case report.

One of the main limitations of conventional absorption-based X-ray micro-computed tomography imaging of biological samples is the low inherent X-ray contrast of soft tissue. To overcome this limitation, the use of ethanol as contrast agent has been proposed to enhance image contrast of soft tissues through dehydration. Some authors have shown that ethanol shrinks and hardens the tissue too much, also causing small tissue ruptures due to fast dehydration. However, the local tissue deformation occurring as a consequence of tissue dehydration and whether tissue shrinkage can modify myocardial architecture has not been quantified yet. The aim of this paper is to quantify the local myocardial tissue deformation due to ethanol dehydration based on 3D non-rigid registration and perform a detailed characterization of its myocardial tissue organization, before and after ethanol dehydration. A rat adult heart was imaged with synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray phase contrast imaging (X-PCI) three times: before, 9 h after and 342 h after ethanol immersion. The total volume shrinkage as well as changes in the left ventricular myocardial thickness were computed. Then, to determine local deformation of the heart caused by ethanol dehydration, the related 3D tomographic datasets were registered by means of a non-rigid registration algorithm. Finally, changes on the orientation and organization of myocytes were assessed. Our results show that the use of ethanol in synchrotron X-PCI can improve image contrast, but the tissue shrinkage is not homogeneous thus changing the local myocardial organization.

Generative tension and social risk management surrounding sexualised drug use practice among men who have sex with men in highly stigmatised environments: A qualitative study from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Global policies emphasise the need for tailored interventions to reduce the harms of sexualised drug use (SDU) among men who have sex with men (MSM), including taking account of local risk environments and the influence of social norms, drug and sexual minority stigma, and cultural and political conditions. To help guide the production of local SDU harm reduction interventions, this study aimed to explore the social and structural conditions that shape the practice of, and response to, SDU by MSM in Jakarta, Indonesia. Informed by an interactionism theoretical perspective and socioecological frameworks, a reflexive thematic approach was used to analyse in-depth qualitative interview data from 20 MSM who practised SDU in Jakarta. To recruit the participants, the study was promoted through local organisations providing HIV services for MSM, as well as snowball recruitment. To protect their SDU practice, MSM in Jakarta developed a set of social risk management strategies designed to reduce the generative tension between enabling and disabling forces caused by local social and structural environments. Enabling forces emerged primarily from within MSM networks, were extended through the interpersonal dynamics of sexual partner relationships to peer influence and reinforced by product branding and marketing on both offline and online platforms. The disabling forces, which were introduced primarily from outside the network, manifested in stigmatising social norms, politics and religious beliefs towards homosexuality and drug use, and forced MSM who practised SDU to relocate to virtual environments. Programmatic responses seeking to mitigate the risks associated with SDU practice among sexual minority men should incorporate established mechanisms of peer networks and virtual spaces into their design to maximise reach and intervention acceptability and effectiveness.

FACILITATORS OF AND BARRIERS TO ADULT DAY SERVICES PROVISION: PROVIDERS’ PERSPECTIVES

Abstract Adult day services (ADS) can help people living with various chronic conditions remain in their community, and may improve well-being among participants and their family caregivers. Despite the potential benefits, knowledge of the ADS landscape is underdeveloped, especially as it pertains to the experiences of ADS providers since the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to understand the facilitators and barriers experienced by ADS providers. We conducted two focus groups with seventeen ADS providers in Ohio. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes in the data. Several facilitators for providing ADS were identified, including dedicated, consistent, and committed staff; partnerships with local organizations; sufficient reimbursement; and diverse funding sources. Barriers included: staffing issues (e.g., recruitment and retention); referral and recruitment of ADS participants; limited knowledge, awareness, and misconceptions about ADS among families and case managers; transportation services (e.g., inadequate and safe escort of participants to and from ADS centers); and insufficient or delayed reimbursement. Providers identified the following solutions with the potential to mitigate perceived barriers: educational initiatives to foster understanding of ADS among key stakeholders (e.g., regulators, case managers, community members) and additional funding and media publicity support from local, state, and federal authorities. As one of the only studies that seeks to understand the landscape of ADS in Ohio, this research is uniquely situated to provide crucial insights for tailoring interventions that consider ADS providers’ unique challenges. It also informs future research focusing on improving the quality of ADS.

ENGAGING CHINESE AND KOREAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES IN DEMENTIA RESEARCH: A JOURNEY OF INCLUSIVITY AND PARTNERSHIP

Abstract The NYUCI-ES Project, designed to deliver a family-based psychosocial intervention to enhance social support and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk for Chinese and Korean American dementia caregivers, has developed and undertaken a culturally sensitive recruitment strategy. Our navigation through the journey has shed light on the challenges and successes faced when recruiting in these minority and underrepresented communities. Common challenges include reluctance of involving other family members, stigma towards dementia and the concept of family counseling. Encountered challenges prompted us towards multiple efforts to engage the communities, including leveraging online communities, building strategic partnerships with local community organizations, participate in local events and make presentations at local service agencies, and working with community partners to adapt recruitment messages and methods to better align with cultural norms and preferences. For example, we replaced the term “counseling” with “family meetings” and used “memory issues” rather than “dementia” and emphasized the practical benefits and the opportunity for children to practice filial piety. For the Chinese community, our strategies focused on initiating the conversations with practical skills rather than directly discussing emotions. For the Korean community, framing the intervention in terms of discussing caregiving strategies while highlighting the personal and social benefits of participating in the study has helped lower the rejection rate. Our journey highlights the importance of culturally sensitive recruitment strategies in dementia research and demonstrates the potential for greater engagement and participation when communities are approached with respect, sensitivity, and an understanding of their unique cultural dynamics.

‘Health Camp’ model: a unique approach for child vaccination in non-state armed actor controlled, inaccessible geographies in Somalia

ABSTRACT Decades of conflict, political instability, and limited infrastructure left Somalia facing significant challenges to offer consistent and equitable health services, especially for child vaccination. Recent data reveals alarming vaccination gaps, with 60% of children receiving no vaccinations, and only 11% completing required vaccines. Despite global support, an estimated 1.15 million children remain unvaccinated, half of them reside in inaccessible areas controlled by non-state armed actors. In this context, the Far-Reaching Integrated Delivery (FARID) project was initiated since October 2022 across 10 districts of Galmudug and Hirshabelle state in Somalia. Employing the ‘Health Camp’ model, FARID addresses social, structural, and gender barriers, adapting to ever-changing context of inaccessible regions by providing mobile health facilities and outreach health and nutrition services, including child vaccination. This approach effectively reached previously unreached population in Somalia’s most difficult-to-reach areas. Implemented in phases, the project immunized 51,168 children (0–23 months) who had not received any prior vaccinations (23,753 boys and 27,415 girls), screened and treated 14,158 malnourished children (0–59 months) and vaccinated 11,672 pregnant women during March–December 2023. The project’s success hinges on intensive community engagement, local partnerships, innovation in mapping and data management, and delivery of integrated services tailored to population needs. The project underscores the critical role of local community-based organizations and clan elders in reaching inaccessible populations through humanitarian negotiation amidst security challenges. The project has achieved significant milestones aligned with national health strategic plans, including progress towards universal health coverage and improved immunization access in Somalia’s most challenging regions.

Hofstede’s National Cultural Dimensions in the Managerial Context (Case study)

Efficient management is crucial for organizational development, considering the diverse national cultures worldwide. Solid empirical and theoretical knowledge exists globally to study cultural dimensions’ role in this context. However, findings cannot be generalized to every culture, including Georgia, without local research on values and characteristics. This study aimed to identify Georgian society’s cultural dimensions, influenced by both Western and Eastern elements due to its unique geographical position and context. Understanding these dimensions is essential for effective human resource management and cross-cultural cooperation in organizations, facilitating successful business activities. The literature review highlights how national culture impacts management practices, citing studies by various scholars. The research employed Hofstede’s cultural dimensions framework, updated with insights from five major Georgian cities, using quantitative methods to ensure representative findings. Comparing the dimensional scores of cultural orientations of Polish culture studied similarities and differences, driven by shared history and regional proximity. The study’s innovative approach addresses gaps in empirical cross-cultural management research in Georgia, offering recommendations for leadership and HR management in local organizations. Hypotheses were formulated and tested using self-administered surveys and SPSS software, confirming Georgia’s individualistic tendencies and moderate long-term orientation. Differences between educational levels and national comparisons with Poland were also explored, revealing insights into cultural orientations. Limitations consider studying only two dimensions and five cities in the country.

Community health promotion and disaster recovery: a PhotoVoice project in Comerío, Puerto Rico

ABSTRACT Background PhotoVoice – a series of workshops involving participatory photography and narrative-building – was employed in the rural town of Comerío, Puerto Rico (PR) to describe disaster recovery in a rural setting and foster policy dialogue. Methods Using PhotoVoice workshops and ethnographic observations, the project describes how women affiliated with a local community-based organization described the priorities for disaster recovery in visual images and narratives. We draw analytically upon theories of intersectionality and coloniality to describe socio-structural and community factors that shape community health in the context of ongoing disasters. Results Analysis indicated that gender and generational differences are key intersecting factors that mediate adaptation to disasters in this setting. Conclusions The project, which has already shown impacts on local policy decisions, demonstrates the possibilities of using PhotoVoice to foster community-driven crisis responses and policy dialogue that can shape health promotion and disaster recovery responses in PR and elsewhere.

Analysis of Foreign Aid Effectiveness for School Education Improvement and Economic Growth of Nepal

Background: Nepal is struggling to improve its education system due to financial deficiency, social disparities, and political instability. The government relies heavily on international aid for education improvement. Nepal's education system shows foreign aid's potential and limitations in sustainable development. Foreign aid, GDP per capita, and government spending affect Nepalese youth literacy and gross enrollment rates. This aims to examine the aid effectiveness in school enrollment and GDP growth in Nepal. Methods: This study has employed an econometric approach based on ARDL and Granger causality tests. Model I focuses on youth literacy rates as a measure of educational outcomes, while Model II examines gross enrollment ratios to assess access to education. Results: The results reveal a significant long-term role of foreign aid in improving literacy outcomes, whereas GDP per capita emerges as a critical determinant of enrollment. Granger causality tests highlight bidirectional relationships, showing how literacy improvements influence foreign aid allocation and GDP growth. The findings underscore the importance of aligning aid strategies with local priorities and enhancing the efficiency of public spending to achieve sustained educational improvements. Conclusion: This study contributes to human capital theory by exploring the interplay between education and economic development, emphasizing the need for targeted, sustainable interventions. Future research should focus on the role of institutional quality and demographic disparities in shaping education outcomes. Novelty: This study offers a comprehensive analysis of aid efficacy and its congruence with local requirements by incorporating perspectives from local educators, students, policymakers, and donor organizations.

Developing Students’ Environmental Literacy (EL) for a Sustainable Environment: A Search for Strategies of Environmental Education (EE) in Thailand

This article aims to discuss the following objectives: 1) the development and importance of EL and EE; 2) strategies of EE for developing EL among students in Thailand. To write this article, the authors used the state-of-the-art literature review method, by reviewing only some literature related to the study’s objectives. Authors searched literature available on the internet by typing keywords such as Environmental Literacy, Environmental Education of students, Strategies of environmental education, and literacy of students from relevant search engines available online. Some strategies that can be used to increase students’ EL in Thailand include: 1. Develop the practice of being concerned for the environment among students; 2.Encourage students to use analytical reasoning andsolution skills; 3. Practice the approach of learning through experience; 4. Form partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders and local organizations; and 5. Use technology and digital tools to enhance learning. The study concluded that since human activities are responsible for these environmental problems, the solution to this problem lies in changing the behaviour of individuals through environmental education to be equipped with knowledge of environmental protection to students, and future citizens for creating a sustainable society.

Running a successful ecology and environmental justice summer program: a recipe for collaboration among high-schools, local non-profit organizations and ecologists

Running a successful ecology and environmental justice summer program: a recipe for collaboration among high-schools, local non-profit organizations and ecologists

Oneiromancy – Divination through Dreams

Oneiromancy – Divination through Dreams by Buena Onda Collective (Dominika Ksel and Camila Morales) is an immersive, interactive animated project designed to empower the Far Rockaway, Queens community in the face of climate crisis and environmental injustice. Collaborating with local organizations like RISE and Shore Corps, as well as residents and CUNY students, the project engaged over 100 participants (ages 5-65+) in workshops to create drawings, 3D models, audio recordings, and animations that reflect personal histories, dreams, and ecological connections. Guided by questions about capitalism and rising tides, the collective envisioned alternative futures, blending fantasy, dystopia, and resilience. Using open-source software, AI, and stop-motion animation, these visions were transformed into immersive 360-degree experiences, accessible via mobile devices and QR codes across the Rockaway Peninsula. The 360 animations culminated in an interactive exploratorium built with Unity and Community Toolkit, showcasing the power of artistic collaboration and digital media in addressing socio-environmental challenges, and moving from scarcity to empowerment and abundance.

Tourist attraction in the Banteay Srey District of Siem Reap Province after COVID-19

This study examines the tourist attractions in Banteay Srei District, Siem Reap Province, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on three main objectives: (1) to analyze the tourist potential of the area, (2) to identify its unique attractions, and (3) to explore strategies for promoting its tourism potential. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study engaged five participants selected through judgemental sampling techniques. Data collected from interviews were analyzed using content analysis and narrative methods. The findings indicate that Banteay Srei District possesses significant potential to draw both national and international tourists. Key tourism assets include its geographical location, cultural resources, historical significance, natural beauty, human resources, traditional Khmer architecture, and landscape. Unique attractions encompass local cuisine, beverages, language, souvenirs, environment, safety, organization, recreational activities, social events, and research opportunities. Furthermore, promotional strategies for the region have been developed and implemented through various channels, including websites, social media, news outlets, community events, TripAdvisor, and travel agencies. This initiative has received backing from the Ministry and Department of Tourism, district administration, journalists, tourists, and local traders. The outcomes of this study aim to disseminate information about Banteay Srei's tourism potential to prospective travelers.

Democracy in the face of identity politics: Indonesian citizens’ perspectives

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role of religious orientation in shaping voter behavior in Madura during the 2019 Indonesian presidential election. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research examines how Islamic identity politics influenced voter preferences in a region characterized by religious homogeneity. The study finds that while support for Islamic organizations and religious leadership (ulama/kiai) played a significant role in mobilizing voters, explicit religious identity in candidates and promises to implement Sharia law were less effective. The research also highlights the complexities of identity politics in Madura, where the influence of local religious leaders and organizations often supersedes the broader national political narratives. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on identity politics in Indonesia and its implications for democratic stability.

Mobilizing community engagement for crisis response: lessons learned from a COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada

BackgroundCommunities have an important role to play in disaster and emergency planning and response. Yet community members are not typically engaged in official planning activities, including plans for mass immunization clinics during infectious disease emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study explores one case of a community driven effort to implement a COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. Operational between mid-March 2021 and late February 2022, the Cobourg Community Centre (CCC) clinic involved 600 community volunteers, and at its peak completed approximately 700 vaccinations a day. The development and operation of the clinic was largely grassroots, spearheaded by local non-profits and volunteers. Drawing on insights from the various actors involved, this study seeks to understand the factors that made this collaborative effort a success.MethodsSemi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted between September 2022 and July 2023 with 34 individuals involved in coordinating and operating the CCC mass vaccination clinic including volunteer community members, members of local community organizations and businesses, public health unit and hospital staff and city employees. Data was analyzed utilizing an inductive thematic analysis.ResultsFour major themes were identified that contributed to the clinic’s success and enabled the team’s ability to navigate challenges including, a collaborative model, leveraging community knowledge and networks, flexibility and autonomy, and volunteers as an asset.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate the importance of community engagement in strengthening emergency planning and response for future public health emergencies.