An exploratory test of the pathways between adverse childhood experiences and later perpetration of intimate partner violence in South African male youth using theoretical frameworks.

Community factors associated with the prevalence of pedestrian barrier removal plans in U.S. municipalities

Military-to-civilian reintegration is a complex process shaped by psychological, social, occupational, and cultural transitions. Student Veterans often face barriers in higher education, including social isolation, competing responsibilities, and health challenges, with few structured supports. Occupational therapy practitioners can address these needs by promoting adaptation and meaningful participation. To examine reintegration needs among student Veterans and inform development of Battlefield to Playing Field, an occupational therapy-informed, leisure-based pilot program to support reintegration through social participation. University stakeholders (n = 2); military-affiliated students and community members, including family (n = 22); and military-affiliated students enrolled in university summer 2024 courses (n = 14). Stakeholder interview data and survey responses examining reintegration needs, participation barriers, and preferred leisure and social activities. Literature review and stakeholder interviews identified three domains affecting reintegration: (1) identity (re)construction and belonging, (2) participation in meaningful leisure activities, and (3) campus systems and culture. Participants expressed an interest in recreation and leisure, particularly outdoor activities, team sports, and wellness classes. Facilitators included peer support and flexible scheduling; barriers included time constraints, family obligations, health conditions, and limited awareness of opportunities. Findings highlighted the need for culturally responsive, peer-driven, leisure interventions in higher education and informed development of Battlefield to Playing Field. Plain-Language Summary: Reintegration after military service involves more than jobs or health care. Many student Veterans struggle with feelings of belonging, balancing school and family responsibilities, and reestablishing social connections. In this study, we asked Veterans, students, and families what would help. Surveys and interviews revealed that sports, outdoor activities, and group recreation can help build confidence and foster connections; however, barriers-including time constraints, family responsibilities, health issues, and a lack of awareness-limit participation. These findings helped shape Battlefield to Playing Field, a new program designed to use leisure and social participation to enhance belonging, well-being, and success for student Veterans in higher education.

Evidence-based interventions for Ending the HIV Epidemic inadequately reach Latino men who have sex with men, particularly in Florida and Puerto Rico, stressing the need for implementation strategies. SOMOS Alianza (San Juan, Orlando, Miami Organizational Strategic Alliance) connects implementers, community members, and researchers pursuing Ending the HIV Epidemic goals among Latino men who have sex with men. We describe SOMOS Alianza, present its post-one-year outcomes, and explore how strategic alliances serve as implementation strategies that reduce HIV disparities. (Am J Public Health. 2026;116(5):619-624. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308390).

Multi-scale diversity analysis reveals scale-dependent microbial alterations in Parkinson's disease

Traditional accounts of cognitive development often portray children as solitary learners, primarily engaged in epistemic discovery through observation or reasoning. However, given their deep dependence on others, children must also make sense of the norms and values that are important to their social group. This paper explores the role of affective social learning in shaping individual attitudes - understood as emotional stances toward objects, behaviors or norms - throughout development. Drawing on philosophy, social psychology and developmental science, we conceptualize attitudes as emotionally grounded evaluative tendencies that are both culturally variable and socially transmitted. We argue that children acquire these attitudes through various affective learning mechanisms, including emotional contagion, passive observation, social referencing, and explicit pedagogy. These mechanisms help young learners to detect what is socially relevant and emotionally valued within their cultural context. For example, emotions such as pride and shame act as internal guides that reinforce normative behavior, while the reactions of caregivers and community members shape the motivational landscape that children internalize. By placing emotion at the core of cultural transmission, this paper presents an integrative framework for understanding how individuals embrace the attitudes of their reference groups and how these internalized evaluations subsequently influence their behavior and sense of belonging.

Enrichment and application of sulfur-dependent denitrifying microbes at low temperatures.

Development and psychometric evaluation of two substance use disorder knowledge scales.

Occurrence of insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides in household drinking and irrigation water in an intensive floriculture region of Ecuador.

Motivating factors among LGBTQ+ individuals for the uptake of a forthcoming HIV vaccine: recommendations for enhancing preparedness.

Hazardous waste disposal is a significant environmental and public health hazard in Madridejos, Bantayan Island. Improper handling and disposal of hazardous materials such as chemicals, medical waste, batteries, and technological waste can lead to major environmental degradation, water and soil contamination, and health hazards for the population. Many existing waste management procedures rely on manual processes and inadequate monitoring tools, which often result in delayed reporting, lack of transparency, and difficulty in tracking the collection and disposal process. These challenges highlight the need for a more efficient and reliable system to manage hazardous waste in the locality. This study introduces Tox Track, a digital tracking and management system meant to improve the monitoring and reporting of hazardous waste in Madridejos. Technology allows neighborhood members to readily report illegal dumping or hazardous waste situations using a user-friendly interface. Local government authorities can evaluate these reports, organize garbage collection activities, and allocate jobs to approved waste collectors. Local government authorities can evaluate these reports, organize garbage collection activities, and allocate jobs to approved waste collectors. The system improves accountability by providing a detailed record of all reported occurrences, scheduled collections, and accomplished disposal actions. This lets municipal authorities monitor waste management operations more effectively and respond rapidly to environmental concerns. Future developments of the system include the inclusion of blockchain technology to maintain safe and immutable records, as well as mobile application notifications to increase communication and operational efficiency among community members, authorities, and waste collectors.

Indigenous women, two-spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people in Canada experience disproportionate HIV and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) inequities shaped by colonial violence and systemic racism. While Indigenous doula work is resurging as reproductive justice, its application to HIV/STBBI prevention and care remains underexplored. We examined how Indigenous HIV/STBBI doula care is envisioned and what competencies are needed to support implementation.This community-based study was guided by an Indigenous Community Guiding Circle of people living with HIV/STBBI and anchored in cultural protocols and ceremony. We conducted 40 in-depth interviews with Indigenous community members living with HIV/STBBI (n = 20), relatives (n = 7), helpers/service providers (n = 8), and Elders/Knowledge Holders (n = 5). Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis guided by Indigenous storywork principles.Participants described doulas as kin and "helpers" who: (1) provide sustained, nonjudgmental presence across diagnosis, parenting, substance use, and grief; (2) reconnect people to culture, land-based healing, and ceremony; (3) offer peer mentorship rooted in lived experience; (4) deliver practical HIV/STBBI education and stigma reduction; and (5) enact structural advocacy across healthcare, justice, housing, and child welfare systems.Indigenous HIV/STBBI doula care offers a culturally grounded, peer-led model with potential to strengthen engagement across the HIV/STBBI care cascade.

Hornets, which constitute part of the subfamily Vespinae, are widely distributed social wasps, and some species have been documented as invasive in many parts of the world. However, in their native habitats, they may also play important roles in local diets, medicine, and cultural traditions. In Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan, China, hornets remain a key biological and cultural resource, yet systematic ethnobiological documentation has been lacking. This study aimed to document the diversity of hornet species, their traditional uses, and local practices of hornet rearing, and to assess their ecological and economic significance. Using ethnobiological approaches, we conducted systematic investigations in Dehong to document hornet species diversity, ecological traits, and human-hornet interactions. Data were obtained through field observations, semi-structured interviews based on pre-designed question guides, informal interviews conducted during fieldwork, and participatory surveys with local community members. Nine hornet species were recorded in Dehong, belonging to 3 genera: Vespa (eight species across five subgenera: magnifica, tropica, velutina, bicolor, and basalis), Vespula (one species, V. flaviceps), and Provespa (one nocturnal species, P. barthelemyi). These species are primarily distributed in forest habitats. Local communities make extensive use of hornets for many purposes: Hornet pupae are consumed as a protein-rich food; venom and nests are applied in folk medicine, and hornets hold ritual and symbolic roles. In addition, hornet rearing practices, including luring, nest tracking, nocturnal transfer, and semi-domesticated management, were systematically documented. Rearing hornets provides ecological services such as pest control and pollination while generating substantial household income through the sale of pupae, venom, nests, and colonies. However, although native hornets can provide such benefits, they may also pose risks by stinging people and preying on honeybees. This study highlights the unique integration of hornets into the ecological, cultural, and economic life of Dehong's communities. By documenting species diversity and rearing practices, this study lays the groundwork for understanding hornets as both elements of traditional heritage and emerging livelihood resources. The findings highlight the importance of integrating local knowledge and modern management practices for the sustainable use of hornets in agroecosystems and rural mountainous communities.

This study amis to examine the knowledge and utilization of the suger palm (Arenga pinnata) by the local community in Alor Besar Village, Alor Barat Laut District, Alor Regency. The sugar palm holds significant ecological, economic, and cultural value for the local people. The research employed a qualitative approach with data collection techniques including direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation leaders, sugar palm farmers, and community members involved in processing palm products. The results show that almost all parts of the sugar palm are traditionally utilized, such as the sap for traditional drinks and palm sugar, fibers (ijuk) for brooms and roofing, leaves for food wrapping, and the trunk and roots for construction materials and handicrafts. These uses are not only economic in nature but also reflect local wisdom in preserving natural resources. However, challenges remain, such as the lack of natural regeneration of palm trees and low interest among the younger generation in managing this plant.

This study examines the effectiveness of public service delivery in issuing Certificates of Residence at the Benda Village Office, Karangampel Subdistrict, Indramayu Regency. Public service effectiveness is crucial in ensuring administrative efficiency, community satisfaction, and good governance at the village level. The objective of this research is to analyze the level of service effectiveness and identify supporting and inhibiting factors in the issuance process. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, documentation, and literature review, involving village officials and community members as informants selected through purposive sampling. The analysis is based on Agus Dwiyanto’s framework of public service effectiveness, which includes productivity, service quality, responsiveness, responsibility, and accountability. The findings indicate that overall service effectiveness is categorized as fairly good. Service quality, responsiveness, and responsibility have been implemented effectively, reflected in accurate documentation, responsive communication, and adherence to procedures. However, productivity and accountability still face challenges, particularly due to limited internal coordination and the absence of formal feedback mechanisms. These constraints lead to occasional service delays and limited public participation in evaluation processes. In conclusion, while the service for issuing Certificates of Residence at the Benda Village Office is generally effective, continuous improvements are needed, especially in strengthening coordination and enhancing transparency and community involvement to achieve optimal public service delivery

Dengue affected countries have responded with many surveillance strategies to detect outbreaks early. However, the early identification for the individual case before a confirmed dengue diagnosis is still lacking, limiting the effectiveness of early intervention strategies. This case-control study involved 206 dengue cases and 824 controls, which selected from patients who visited outpatient clinics at any medical institutions affiliated to the Futian District of Shenzhen city, China from January 1, 2018 to December 15, 2024. All medical visit information was obtained from the "Futian District Population Health Information Platform". Multiple predictive models for early identification of the dengue cases were established based on the logistic regression analyses. C-index was used to evaluate the accuracy. 1030 study subjects were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. In the training set, three separate multivariable early case identification models were constructed across diverse data availability scenarios. Model 1 incorporated symptom descriptions with a C-index of 0.793. Model 2 incorporated symptom descriptions and epidemiological exposure factors (C-index: 0.844). Model 3 incorporated symptom descriptions and complete blood count parameters (C-index: 0.973). In the validation set, the C-index of the three models were 0.779, 0.867 and 0.957, respectively. Based on Chinese outpatient diagnostic data, this study established early identification models for dengue cases with high predictive accuracy. These models can be integrated into clinical decision support systems to alert high-risk patients and enable self-assessment tools for community members.

Microbial coexistence in complex communities requires mechanisms that minimize competition and optimize resource use. However, the mechanisms by which these ecological strategies are executed remain poorly understood. Here we show that bacteria modulate protein abundance in response to specific community members, reducing functional redundancy and promoting metabolic complementarity. Using synthetic gut-derived consortia exposed to distinct carbon sources, we systematically profiled proteomic responses of individual species across isolate, pairwise and 4-member communities. We found that biotic interactions, rather than abiotic conditions, were the dominant drivers of proteomic variation. These interactions led to reproducible, partner-specific expression shifts that significantly reduced functional overlap and were frequently associated with increased community productivity. Together, these findings highlight gene expression as a means by which microbes implement ecological strategies in community contexts. Through this regulatory plasticity, microbes dynamically reshape their realized niche through protein abundance modulation, enabling them to partition metabolic space and stabilize community structure.

Background: Policies, strategies and plans of most South African municipalities are not aligned with the realities and interests of communities and do not consider the disadvantaged backgrounds of communities, with planned services delivered in specific municipalities not satisfying the poverty level and the interests of the local people. Such an act contributes to many policies designed in South Africa failing to fulfil their intended objectives. Aim: This study explores the extent of community involvement in the implementation of the indigent policy to assess its efficiency in meeting the intended objectives. Setting: The study is based on the Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM), Mpumalanga province. The study focused on community involvement in the implementation of indigent policy, involving NLM key informant officials and community members within the NLM jurisdiction. Methods: The study employed a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Data were collected through a closed-ended questionnaire and structured interviews. The Thematic and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was utilised for data analysis. Results: The findings reveal poor community consultation efforts across all four community wards (Malelane, Hectorspruit, Magogeni and Boschfontein), indicating widespread uncertainty regarding consultation processes on the implementation of the indigent policy. Conclusion: Limited community involvement in the implementation of the indigent policy is likely to undermine policy legitimacy and subsequent policy implementation effectiveness. Contribution: This study provides recommendations on how municipalities can enforce a community involvement perspective by involving different stakeholders who can collaborate to achieve effective service delivery for the vulnerable communities, as required in terms of the municipal indigent policy.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role of digital information and communication technologies (DICT) in the context of social cohesion and trust (SCT) at the community level. The analysis is grounded in the assumption that SCT underpins both social capital and the capacity for collective action in communities. Employing a comparative design, survey data were collected from residents of four villages ( n = 706) and four urban districts ( n = 1031) in Germany. Results suggest a distinction between networking capacity and relational integration. DICT use is associated with increased neighbourhood networking, consistent with the notion that it facilitates contact among community members. However, it shows no robust association with perceived SCT. Instead, SCT appears to be shaped more strongly by face‐to‐face interaction and, partly, by community identity. These findings indicate that digital communication, especially in rural contexts, primarily contributes functionally (e.g., organizing, coordinating) in the form of thin interaction rather than transformative (e.g., altering generalized perceptions of cohesion and trust). These results are discussed within contemporary debates on the limits of digital mediation for fostering SCT.

Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are among the most prevalent healthcare associated infections and an important site for development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Although CAUTI are frequently polymicrobial, the majority of research focuses on individual pathogens in monoculture, largely due to a lack of representative and tractable models. The aim of this study was to develop a tractable and reproducible model of polymicrobial CAUTI. Here we describe the use of an in vitro model of the catheterised urinary tract to generate polymicrobial communities encompassing common uropathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis), in an environment representative of the catheterized urinary tract. We show that our system establishes stable and reproducible polymicrobial communities and facilitates analysis across both planktonic and biofilm lifestyles. We confirm that polymicrobial biofilms in this system display distinct population dynamics compared to planktonic populations and modulate the impact of ciprofloxacin treatment by protecting the most susceptible community members. In addition, we demonstrate the capacity of P. mirabilis to encrust and block catheters when part of a polymicrobial community and confirm that thioridazine treatment remains effective at inhibiting catheter blockage under these conditions.