Local Organizations Research Articles

Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Rural Iowa Hospitals: Content Analysis of Community Health Needs Assessments.

With the shift to value-based care, social needs screening and referrals and other means of addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) have become important ways for hospitals to address population health, which is particularly important for rural communities. Our objective was to evaluate how Iowa rural hospitals identified SDOHs in their community health needs assessment (CHNAs). We conducted content analysis on the most recent CHNAs, and corresponding implementation plans of 53 rural Iowa hospitals, capturing broad social needs terms (eg, social screening, social risk) and specific SDOH terms (eg, housing, food insecurity), and hospital-community partnerships. We conducted stratified analysis by hospital-level characteristics like ownership (not-for-profit, non-federal government), type, and Accountable Care Organizations participation, and sociodemographic characteristics of each hospital's defined community area. The most frequently identified SDOH were food insecurity (94.4%), transportation (92.6%), and housing insecurity (83.3%). Implementation plans primarily addressed food insecurity (53.7%), transportation (48.1%), and housing insecurity (35.2%). The most common hospital partnerships were with schools (68.5%), local organizations (53.7%), and faith-based organizations (31.5%). A lower percentage of Critical Access Hospitals and non-federal government hospitals addressed SDOH in their implementation plans compared to rural prospective payment system hospitals and non-profit hospitals, respectively. Hospitals serving counties with higher social needs showed higher assessment but lower implementation addressing these needs. The disparities in screening and implementation efforts by hospital type, ownership, and payment models highlight the need for tailored policy interventions and infrastructure support to enhance social needs strategies, particularly in rural contexts.

Training Health Care Providers Caring for Seriously Ill LGBTQ+ Persons and Their Partners: Project Respect.

Background: Despite improvements in the social, cultural, and legal environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, backlash in recent years has been severe, with increases in discrimination, harassment, and stigma, including in the provision of health care and palliative care. Objectives: To document disrespectful and discriminatory health care to seriously ill LGBTQ+ patients and partners and identify behaviors that might benefit from provider training to promote respectful and competent care to this population. Design: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted. Surveys were completed online and took about 15 minutes to complete. Settings/Subjects: LGBTQ+ people with a serious illness or their spouses, partners, and widows were recruited from national and local organizations in the United States that serve LGBTQ+ communities, including health care organizations, hospice and palliative care programs, and LGBTQ+-focused programs. Measurements: Open-ended questions on 11 types of discriminatory care to patients and 5 types of discriminatory care to partners due to sexual orientation or gender identity. Results: Seven areas of concern that are relevant to training health care providers were identified, including provider discomfort, lack of knowledge on health concerns, asking about important relationships, asking about sexual behaviors, psychosocial concerns, institutional responsibilities for training, and relationship between training and good care. Conclusions: Health care organizations and professional education should promote staff training and nondiscrimination policies to ensure that all patients and families are competently treated with equity and compassion, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, especially in conservative regions of the United States and when caring for transgender patients and communities of color.

Examining spatial expansion and stemming strategies of urban shrinkage: evidence from Detroit, USA

This study introduces a new modeling paradigm called gravity-networked spatial interaction zones-based spatial panel modeling (GSIZs-Spanel). Using Detroit as a case study, this paper investigates urban shrinkage by integrating shrinkage driving factors, their regional interactions, networks of cities, spatial processes, and longitudinal dynamics. Results suggest that high minority population concentration and persistent poverty are the primary factors impacting Detroit’s inner-city shrinkage. Demographics, economics, and development practices affect shrinkage in suburbs and surrounding cities. Shrinkage spreads outwards like waves; different juxtapositions of driving factors affect shrinkage resilience; spillover effects are particularly vibrant at 25–50 GSIZs; rightsizing is a rational strategy, but it failed to work alone. Integrating spatial planning of driving factors, land uses, spillover effects, rightsizing strategy, and regional collaboration among federal, regional, and local organizations could moderate urban decline. GSIZs-Spanel, which was developed here, could be applied in any U.S. city or other global city.

People’s Perception on the Establishment of Buffer Zone and Ecotourism Development in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal

The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of Nepal introduced the buffer zone (BZ) concept to ensure people's participation in conservation. BZ plays a significant role in ecotourism development, particularly in areas rich in biodiversity, natural beauty, and indigenous cultures. Delays in declaring BZ might create challenges in benefit sharing and sustainable management, especially in developing countries like Nepal. This study aims to understand the perception of local people towards the establishment of BZ and ecotourism development in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve of western Nepal. A household survey (n=152), key informants interview (n=6), focus group discussion (n=6), and an intensive literature review were used for the data collection. Statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, and chi-square tests were employed to interpret the collected field data. The study revealed that local communities lack awareness about the benefits of BZ establishment. The area offers facilities and services with warm hospitality, caring for health & sanitation in homestays, seminar halls, hiking, and nature walks for the tourists. A significant association between education level and perception towards ecotourism prospects, as well as its role in environmental conservation, culture preservation, and the development of cottage-based industries, was determined. The results suggest that the successful implementation of ecotourism initiatives is possible with the collaboration of the local community, government, and non-governmental organizations.

Contemplating G20 Presidency Branding and Impression Management - Local and Global Contextual Organization Perspectives

This review seeks to examine the effectiveness of impression management through the lens of the G20 Presidency branding for lessons in the efforts of organizations when expanding into the international business sphere. Organizations increasingly require novel approaches, such as cultural sensitivity and integration, and to understand regional and global differences and manage engagement in global contexts, that commence with refining of the local brand. This review contemplates the approach to the G20 Presidency branding as an important reflection in tailoring impression management strategies to the local contexts and effectively serving the target audiences. Markets are transitioning from domestic to international contexts, justifying the need to invest in impression management. The review focuses on innovative strategies for G20 Presidency branding and impression management, and how to enhance international significance in an increasingly competitive business environment. It synthesizes existing literature on impression management and applies the findings to contemporary business activities. The key topics for review include impression management in different regions, and how each country over the past five years uniquely branded the G20. The main countries examined are Saudi Arabia (2020), Italy (2021), Indonesia (2022), Brazil (2024), and South Africa (2025). The review also includes innovative approaches to global branding, evidence-based strategies for impression management, the role of technology in impression management, and seizing impression management opportunities and navigating associated challenges. All these topics affirm the role of impression management in aligning business values with community needs and advancing cultural intelligence, continuous improvement, and ethical practices. The review has noted that impression management affects organizational outcomes for firms entering new markets. It also influences countries’ appeal to the global community while maintaining their national identities. During the G20 presidency, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa employed distinct branding methods to increase their global appeal. Therefore, organizations must adjust their impression management strategies based on their regions of operations. The Northern, Western, Southern, and Eastern regions have different priority areas that must be adopted by businesses in their impression management efforts. The review has also emphasized the need to abandon traditional approaches for more contemporary strategies for navigating international branding. Innovative approaches such as cultural adaptability and complexity are necessary steps in aligning business operations with diverse cultural contexts. Some of the evidence-based approaches to impression management include adapting communication to environmental and cultural contexts, investing in sustainability, advancing employee engagement, and incorporating cultural intelligence in business operations. Thus, businesses should seize opportunities in the field of impression management. Transitioning from the domestic to international markets requires businesses to address contextual and cultural strategy differences. Evidence-based impression management strategies will foster collaboration and inclusivity. Organizations can leverage technologies like virtual and augmented reality to deliver immersive brand experiences that highlight their values and products, fostering customer loyalty. Equally important are inclusivity and ethical leadership. Integrating regional narratives into global campaigns enhances cultural relevance and supports a more inclusive approach to international branding. Future research should focus on the evolution of impression management approaches as seen in evolving domestic and international market trends.

Examining the sustainability of a community-led job creation initiative: Building capacity and raising black-consciousness through partnerships

ABSTRACT This case study examines a community-led job creation initiative (JCI) in the Midwest, which has created over 1,000 livable-wage jobs in underserved Black neighborhoods for over 10 years. Through our direct observation and testimonial interviews with JCI members and local business owners, the study identifies diversified and multi-functional partnerships as crucial for the capital needed to sustain their mission. We explicitly depict how partnerships with local nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions uniquely contribute to the JCI, and we recommend what is needed to strengthen synergy and capacity-building across partnerships. Overall, the findings challenge and reinforce existing community development theories (e.g. sustainable livelihood approach, community capital framework, and the solidarity economy framework), suggesting that community-led economic development initiatives should not operate in isolation. This case study also highlights how Black community leaders and activists collaborate with predominantly White institutions and White allies to support local-level racial equity.

Demographic and socioeconomic factors affecting relative poverty level of older adults in Türkiye

BackgroundAs Türkiye’s older adult population grows rapidly, poverty among older adults has become a pressing social issue. This study aims to guide policymakers by examining the sociodemographic and economic factors influencing poverty levels among older adults.MethodsData from the Income and Living Conditions Survey (ILCS) of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) were utilized in this study. Poverty thresholds were set at 40% and 50% of median household income, categorizing households into three distinct poverty levels. Accordingly, a generalized ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore factors impacting poverty among older adults.ResultsVariables such as marital status, education level, age, gender, household size, homeownership, and social assistance usage were found to have significant relationships with relative poverty. Older adults, especially those aged 75 and older, exhibit a higher poverty risk. Moreover, older adults living in Türkiye’s eastern regions experience higher poverty levels compared to those in the western regions.ConclusionPolicies aiming to reduce poverty among older adults should not be limited to financial aids but should also adopt multidimensional approaches that improve older adults’ access to healthcare services and strengthen social security networks. The high poverty risk in Türkiye’s eastern regions and among individuals with lower education levels underscores the importance of targeted social policies that account for regional disparities. Policies addressing older adults should incorporate flexible solutions based on household structure, prioritize health issues, and enhance community support. In this context, it is recommended to develop comprehensive social support programs involving local governments and non-governmental organizations.

Travelling virtually to Nepal: an innovative pedagogical approach to delivering social work education abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT This article shares findings from a research study that sought to evaluate the strengths and challenges of a virtually delivered, short-term international social work group study program (GSP) to Nepal that took place in Spring 2021 and 2022. This GSP entitled Community and Sustainable Development: Collaborative Field Study in Nepal was delivered virtually, in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic travel restrictions. Despite the obvious drawbacks of not traveling to Nepal, the instructors embraced the challenges as an opportunity to redevelop the course virtually and engage local practitioners, non-governmental organizations, instructors, and students meaningfully by drawing from an anti-oppressive and anti-colonial pedagogy, with an aim to promoting inclusivity, cultural humility, and sustainability. The GSP was led by two instructors from the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary in Canada in partnership with the Department of Social Work at the Southwestern State College in Nepal. This article reviews the relevant literature, describes the methods, details the findings evaluating the model based on the voices of both Canadian and Nepali students and instructors who participated in the GSP. It outlines future implications for social work educators and researchers interested in offering sustainable, inclusive international education.

Molecular investigation of Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in stray dogs and cats in Ukraine

BackgroundThe increasing population of stray dogs and cats in Ukraine poses an important risk of the transmission of vector-borne parasites, particularly Dirofilariarepens, Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum, all of which are zoonotic and may affect human health. Despite numerous reports of human dirofilariosis in Ukraine, epidemiological data on these filarial parasites in companion animals remain limited. The aim of the study was to conduct a molecular epidemiological survey to assess the prevalence of filarial infections in stray dogs and cats across Ukraine and evaluate factors associated with infection in dogs. In collaboration with the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a total of 457 blood samples (233 dogs and 224 cats) were collected between March and December 2023 from Berdychiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Sumy and Zvenyhorodka. Molecular detection of D. repens, D. immitis, and A. reconditum was performed using a two-step quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay with novel species-specific primers.ResultsThe method demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, capable of detecting DNA from a single microfilaria, with no evidence of cross-reactivity among target species. Among the canine samples, 66 (28.3%) tested positive for at least one filarial species, including cases of both mono- and co-infection. In contrast, only 8 feline samples (3.6%) were positive for D. repens or D. immitis. Statistical analysis revealed a higher prevalence among male dogs and those weighing over 10 kg, while the lowest prevalence was observed in the youngest age group (< 3 years).ConclusionsThese findings provide the first molecular evidence of Dirofilaria spp. and A. reconditum infections in stray animals from several under-studied areas of Ukraine, highlighting the relevance of the One Health approach in mitigating the risk of zoonotic transmission.

A 21ª Semana Nacional de Museus em um museu de história natural na Amazônia The 21st National Museum Week at a natural history museum in the Amazon

The 21st National Week of Museums at the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG) highlighted museums' role as spaces for social transformation and sustainable development, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program addressed topics such as health and well-being, climate action, and biodiversity conservation, fostering dialogues between traditional and scientific knowledge. Helda crossmultiple venues, the event included discussions, exhibitions, workshops, and panels, expanding its reach and fostering social inclusion. Strategic partnerships with local organizations, social movements, and riverside communities were pivotal to the event's success. Initiatives like teacher training at the Ferreira Penna Scientific Station and the “Replicating the Past” exhibition in Icoaraci underscore MPEG’s commitment to preserving the Amazon’s cultural and environmental heritage. This account highlights how museums can act as active agents in building more sustainable and inclusive futures by connecting communities, promoting environmental education, and valuing local identities.

The science at HIVR4P 2024: The era of choice in biomedical HIV prevention.

HIVR4P 2024, the 5th HIV Research for Prevention Conference, took place in Lima, Peru, 6-10 October 2024. The conference focused on new developments in HIV prevention from basic research to new product development and implementation science. Sessions were assigned to one of five tracks: basic science; pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral (ARV)-based prevention; vaccines and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs); applied and implementation science; and other prevention modalities and cross-cutting issues. A team of rapporteurs covered each track and identified conference highlights. Strategies to elicit bNAb responses by vaccination are advancing to clinical trials, while combination bNAbs show promise as an alternative to ARV-based products. There is promising diversity in the PrEP product pipeline and twice-yearly lenacapavir has demonstrated exceptional efficacy, but barriers to widespread access and implementation remain, compounded by new challenges from the significant policy changes and funding reductions of the new US administration. Innovative ways of delivering PrEP to vulnerable communities that could benefit are being explored and, in some cases, have been successfully implemented. Choice in HIV prevention products and differentiated delivery models that enable clients to select options that meet their preferences and changing needs is essential. Additionally, the involvement of the community throughout the design, implementation and dissemination process is necessary to maximize the impact of HIV prevention. Ensuring equitable access in a rapidly changing context will involve policy changes, partnerships with local organizations and addressing social determinants that impact health outcomes. We are in an era with more tools than ever before to prevent HIV acquisition; now, we need to facilitate collaborations between diverse stakeholders, including researchers, community members, policymakers, healthcare providers and funders. The future of HIV prevention should lie in a holistic approach that respects individual choice, enhances service accessibility and is flexible to meet evolving challenges and opportunities. However, policy changes since the conference ended have profoundly altered the HIV prevention landscape and threaten the advances described in this report.

Using population risk prediction for healthcare planning: a qualitative study of healthcare planners' experiences and views.

Although English National Health Service (NHS) policymakers are eager to mandate use of data analytics to inform healthcare planning and prevention, little is known about what happens in practice. This study investigated the ways in which planners within the local payer organizations use population risk prediction models to inform their planning of healthcare and enablers and barriers to use of such tools. Qualitative case study design across five payer organizations. Interviews (n=20) were conducted with senior decision-makers from various backgrounds. Analysis was guided by diffusion of innovation frameworks. Financially stable organizations with existing investment in health intelligence using linked data were more likely to report use of risk prediction in their planning practice. Obstacles to uptake identified were financial instability; workforce capacity to consider use of such intelligence; distraction by centrally mandated system changes; concerns about completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of data; and interest in other sources of insight to inform planning such as patient experience. Those working in healthcare, public health, or health intelligence need to recognize that financial and organizational stability are as important as investment in staff capacity/skills and data systems to increase the use of risk prediction to support prevention in the NHS.

Epilepsy treatment gap and its associated factors in individuals aged 65 years and older with active convulsive epilepsy in rural Northwestern China.

Epilepsy treatment gap and its associated factors in individuals aged 65 years and older with active convulsive epilepsy in rural Northwestern China.

Modelo y procedimientos para la gestión de la innovación tecnológica en asociaciones campesinas agrícolas de Cotopaxi, Ecuador

The management of technological innovation in community agriculture is essential to improve productivity, sustainability and local development. In the province of Cotopaxi, Ecuador, peasant associations face challenges related to the adoption and management of new technologies. This work proposes an alternative management model of technological innovation for agricultural peasant associations adapted to this region. A qualitative methodology with an inductive-deductive approach was used, based on a systematic review of the literature, interviews with key actors and work with experts using the focus group technique. The findings highlight the importance of considering external factors such as government policies, conditions imposed by the market, and the participation of Quadri-Helix actors: State, Business, Academia and Local Organizations to facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies. It is important to adapt technology transfer to the local culture, promote associativity and ensure adequate resources. The model translates into an application procedure with three stages: 1) technological diagnosis; 2) selection and incorporation of technology; 3) technological impact evaluation. This structured approach provides an adequate and relevant methodological tool as an alternative for the management of technological innovation in the peasant agricultural associations of Cotopaxi, highlighting the importance of a holistic and collaborative approach for success that contributes to sustainable agricultural development, and the strengthening of the local economy.

Large-scale synaptic dynamics drive the reconstruction of binocular circuits in mouse visual cortex

In the binocular primary visual cortex, visual experience shapes neuronal responses to the contralateral and ipsilateral eye during a critical period in postnatal development. The synaptic changes that underlie the construction of binocular circuits are unknown. Using chronic in vivo two-photon imaging to record the somata and excitatory synaptic inputs onto dendritic spines of identified layer 2/3 neurons in mouse binocular visual cortex, we report that spines experience significant turnover and eye-specific remapping of their visual responses during the critical period. Spine retention is strongly linked to their calcium activity, particularly in response to the soma’s preferred visual stimulus. Furthermore, spine responses become more correlated to those of their neighbors after development. Using a single-neuron model, we show that Hebbian and heterosynaptic mechanisms plausibly underlie the retention and localized organization of synaptic inputs. Our results underscore the profound dynamics at individual synapses and the fundamental synaptic mechanisms that shape the development of visual cortical neurons.

Trade-offs in a bigger pie: how the relationships between digital civic infrastructure and political participation vary across rural and urban communities – the case of Michigan

ABSTRACT This study draws on a survey sample of the U.S. state of Michigan, combined with public data, to test the interrelationships among local storytelling networks, broadband availability, and political participation. Expanding upon Communication Infrastructure Theory, our analysis presents original findings indicating that the relationship between digital civic infrastructure and voter turnout varies across geographic divisions: Among rural residents, access to local information is more negatively associated with voter turnout for those with higher broadband availability, while the opposite pattern is found among urban residents. Moreover, the study aligns with previous research, confirming a positive relationship between local organization connectedness and civic participation. Our quantitative case analysis opens new avenues for future work exploring the democratic potential of the internet, integrating geographic context.

PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF BURNOUT AMONG NATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AID WORKERS, ADEN/YEMEN

Burnout is a global public health problem of great concern that can develop among all types of professions. It’s a significant psychosocial hazards outcome. This research aimed to identify the relation between workplace psychosocial hazards and burnout among national humanitarian aid workers in Aden governorate/Yemen. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June-August 2024 in 32 UN, International, National and Local organizations in Aden/Yemen. A convenience sample of 315 national humanitarian aid workers participated. A self-administrated questionnaire adapted from Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was distributed to collect data. Data were checked, and entered to SPSS-23 for analysis. The overall prevalence of burnout was 36.5%, prevalence of personal burnout constitutes 53.4%, work-related burnout 39.6% and 33.6% for beneficiaries-related burnout. According to the binary logistic regression, those who experienced high work-life conflict demonstrated significantly higher personal (AOR = 4.047; 95% CI: 2.247–7.290), work-related (AOR = 2.811; 95% CI: 1.520–5.198), and beneficiaries-related burnout (AOR = 2.455; 95% CI:1.365–4.413). Quantitative demands were associated with increased likelihood of personal (AOR = 2.120; 95% CI: 1.108-4.054) and work-related burnout (AOR = 2.087; 95% CI: 1.036–4.207). Low vertical trust heightened risks of personal burnout (AOR = 2.222; 95% CI: 1.108–4.457), and beneficiaries-related (AOR = 2.129; 95% CI: 1.155–3.928). Emotional demands increased personal (AOR = 2.622; 95% CI: 1.372–5.010) and work-related burnout (AOR = 2.513; 95% CI: 1.290–4.896). Job insecurity and role conflict elevated risk of work-related burnout (AOR = 2.078; 95% CI: 1.127–3.832), (AOR = 1.952; 95% CI: 1.041–3.661) respectively. Low organizational justice and low possibilities for development increased risk of work-related burnout (AOR = 2.173; 95% CI: 1.080-4.374), (AOR = 2.146; 95% CI: 1.104-4.172) respectively. Burnout is a major problem among national humanitarian aid workers in Aden-Yemen. Aid environment encompasses psychosocial hazards associated with burnout. These underscored the importance of reviewing organizations' policies regarding mental health, and providing psychological support for national aid workers.

Applying an ecological model to identify resources that aid peer support workers in substance use disorder recovery: A qualitative study.

This qualitative study aimed to understand the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy resources that peer support workers (PSWs) in the substance use disorder (SUD) recovery field perceive as helpful in supporting their efforts. Twenty-five PSWs participated in semistructured interviews designed to elicit their experiences and perspectives on resources that currently support or could better support their work. PSWs had a mean age of 49.3 years (SD = 12.9) and were primarily cisgender women (n = 16, 64%) and White (n = 20, 80%). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis. To ensure validity, a PSW consultant reviewed the study materials and themes. At the intrapersonal level, PSWs employed a variety of self-care practices, such as mindfulness, faith-based activities, attendance at recovery meetings, and boundary setting at work. At the interpersonal level, PSWs reported a strong network of social capital, including friends, family, and supervisors. At the organizational level, PSWs identified supportive resources, including employment benefits, a positive work climate, and workplace autonomy. At the community level, PSWs leveraged networks with local organizations. At the public policy level, PSWs appreciated support from government officials. Desired resources included more time for self-care, empathy and understanding from family and non-PSW coworkers, reduced logistical burdens and more supervision, community resources to address social determinants of health, and reduced stigma toward people with SUDs and greater funding. By reinforcing current resources and introducing desired resources, organizations, community members, and policymakers can build the resilience of PSWs and promote high-quality services for the prevention and treatment of SUDs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Transforming education in Guyana: Challenges, innovations and future prospects

While the educational system of Guyana has hugely grown, numerous persistent obstacles are observable, particularly in hinterland Guyana. The major barriers of education in Guyana are socioeconomic disparities, colonial traditions, and insufficient infrastructures, all which serve to undermine the provision quality of education. Compounding factors of inadequate internet services, insufficient resources, and inadequate numbers of suitably qualified educators heighten these within the hinterland communities of Guyana. Policymaking gaps, as well as the inefficiencies within governance, further complicate the efforts to enhance the education system. Guyana has taken massive steps to deal with these challenges. It first developed an Education Sector Plan 2021 – 2025 with the objective to modernize the curricula, the integration of digital learning in schools, and the assurance that teachers undergo intensive training programs. Moreover, the government has joined hands with both local and international organisations to work with to support reform of the education sector. The future of Guyanese education depends on the growth of Science, Technology. Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), all schools from Nursery through Primary through Secondary and through Tertiary levels. This can be achieved in significant collaboration with the local private sector and regional and international donor agencies with experience in advancing STEM. This article addresses some issues, offer creative solutions, points to future directions of education, and suggests policy changes to enhance the country's education system.

СТАНДАРТИЗАЦІЯ ПІДГОТОВКИ ФАХІВЦІВ З ПИТАНЬ МОБІЛІЗАЦІЙНОЇ РОБОТИ

The article discusses the problems of standardization of training of specialists in mobilization work. The relevance of the article is due to the fact that today in the national economy of Ukraine there is a need to standardize the training of specialists in mobilization work, who, in accordance with the legislation, are responsible for organizing and ensuring the implementation of mobilization training and mobilization measures. The article is aimed at substantiating proposals for the development of a professional standard for training specialists in mobilization work in state bodies, local executive authorities, enterprises, institutions and organizations, as a more important condition for increasing the level of mobilization training, ensuring their functioning and stable production activities aimed at fulfilling the established mobilization tasks (orders) in a special period, in particular in the conditions of the legal regime martial law. For the purpose of conducting the study, the methods of scientific cognition were applied: analysis and synthesis, observation, abstraction, formalization, comparison; system and structural approaches; process, integrated approaches. An analysis of scientific research on the professional training of specialists in mobilization work has been carried out, according to the results of which it has been established that an unsolved part of the general problem of organizing professional training and advanced training of specialists in mobilization work is the development of a professional standard of training for this profession. Based on the results of the analysis of regulations on mobilization training and mobilization, determination of qualifications, as well as the development of professional standards, proposals on the content of the professional standard of a specialist in mobilization work are substantiated, which are recommended to be taken into account when developing a professional standard. Further directions of scientific research have been identified, namely substantiation of proposals for: development of educational programs for training and advanced training of specialists in mobilization work in accordance with the professional standard; the procedure for evaluating specialists in mobilization work during the attestation and certification of personnel, assigning professional qualifications, establishing the level of competence (ability) of a person to perform labor functions.