Network Committee Research Articles

Racial and ethnic diversity of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) committee members.

81 Background: Racial and ethnic disparities are pervasive in cancer care including within the workforce and in leadership. A diverse workforce can increase patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and improve optimal care in underserved populations. NCCN committees set the standard of care for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, but little is known about the diversity of committee members. Methods: All NCCN organ-specific treatment guidelines from 2022 were reviewed; demographics including degree and leadership role were documented. Photographs were collected via online search and race, ethnicity, and gender were determined using a combination of facial recognition software and manual review. Academic rank and H-index were collected from professional profiles and Scopus, respectively. Multivariate analysis (MVA) assessed diversity of committees of the deadliest cancers in Black and Hispanic patients (breast, cervical, colon, gastric, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, multiple myeloma, non-small cell lung, pancreatic, prostate, rectal, small cell lung, and uterine cancers). Results: 1,172 unique members were found, representing 62 NCCN committees (median: 33.5 members; range: 24-40). Photographs could not be identified for 3, leaving 1,169 as the final sample. NCCN members were 74% White, 24% Asian, 2% Black, and 3% Hispanic. Members were mostly male (62%) and senior faculty (71%). Women were more likely to be junior faculty (25% vs 37% men, p<0.001) with lower median H-Index (20 vs 30 men, p<0.001). Less than half of committees (42%) had at least 1 Black member; most (76%) had at least 1 Hispanic member. The majority (82%) had at least 1 Black or Hispanic member. Of 63 Chairs, most were White (81%) and the remainder were Asian (19%). Of 59 Vice Chairs, 80% were White, 14% were Asian, and 7% were Black. There were no identified Hispanic committee Chairs or Vice Chairs. Committees for the deadliest cancers in Black and Hispanic patients were no more likely to have a respective Black (OR=1.25, 95%CI 0.58-2.71, p=NS) or Hispanic (OR=1.08, 95%CI 0.59-1.97, p=NS) committee member. On MVA, being female (OR=1.27; 95%CI: 1.01-1.58; p=0.038) and having a higher H-index (16-30: OR=1.41; 95%CI: 1.03-1.94; p=0.033; >30: OR=1.83; 95%CI: 1.32-2.55; p<0.001) were associated with increased odds of serving on a committee of a cancer deadliest in Black and Hispanic patients; neither race nor ethnicity increased the odds of serving on these committees. Conclusions: NCCN committee members in 2022 were predominantly White and Asian, with few Chair positions held by Black or Hispanic members. Less than half of committees had any Black member and committees providing guidelines for cancers with high mortality rates in Black and Hispanic patients were no more likely to have diverse members. Future efforts should focus on both diversifying the physician workforce and within leadership positions in oncology.

Transplant-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy in the Context of Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Where We Stand.

Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) constitutes a significant contributor to the increased morbidity and mortality after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). TA-TMA is a heterogenous disease, characterized by the triad of endothelial cell activation, complement dysregulation and microvascular hemolytic anemia, which may affect all organs. The lack of consensus diagnostic criteria, along with the common clinical features mimicking other diseases that complicate allo-HSCT, make the diagnosis of TA-TMA particularly challenging. Significant effort has been made to recognize specific risk factors predisposing to the development of TA-TMA and to identify serum biomarkers predicting the development of the disease. With regard to treatment, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been traditionally used, although with doubtful efficacy. On the other hand, the pivotal role of complement activation in the pathophysiology of TA-TMA has led to the exploration of the therapeutic potential of complement inhibitors in this setting. Eculizumab has been proposed as a first-line therapeutic agent in TA-TMA, owing to the very promising results in both pediatric and adult clinical trials. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies and CH50 levels are of paramount importance in the allo-HSCT setting, as a different dosing schedule (more intensive-in dose and frequency-at the beginning) seems to be required for successful outcomes. Furthermore, Narsoplimab, a MASP-2 inhibitor, recently received a Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for the treatment of TA-TMA after allo-HSCT. Finally, the decision to withdraw the CNIs, although initially advised by the Bone and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network Committee, remains debatable owing to the controversial results of recent clinical trials. This review summarizes the current updates on pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutic approaches and emphasizes future goals and perspectives.

Practice Patterns and Management Protocols in Trauma across Indian Settings: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey.

Trauma is the leading cause of death in India resulting in a significant public health burden. Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) has established a trauma network committee to understand current practices and identify the gaps and challenges in trauma management in Indian settings. An online survey-based, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with high-priority research questions based on hospital profile, resource availability, and trauma management protocols. Data from 483 centers were analyzed. A significant difference was observed in infrastructure, resource utilization, and management protocols in different types of hospitals and between small and big size hospitals across different tier cities in India (p < 0.05). The advanced trauma life support (ATLS)-trained emergency room (ER) physician had a significant impact on infrastructure organization and trauma management protocols (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, the highest impact of ATLS-trained ER physicians was on the use of extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma (eFAST) (2.909 times), followed by hospital trauma code (2.778 times), dedicated trauma team (1.952 times), and following trauma scores (1.651 times). We found that majority of the centers are well equipped with optimal infrastructure, ATLS-trained physician, and management protocols. Still many aspects of trauma management need to be prioritized. There should be proactive involvement at an organizational level to manage trauma patients with a multidisciplinary approach. This survey gives us a deep insight into the current scenario of trauma care and can guide to strengthen across the country. Sodhi K, Khasne RW, Chanchalani G, Jagathkar G, Kola VR, Mishra M et al. Practice Patterns and Management Protocols in Trauma across Indian Settings: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(1):38-51.

Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity With Activation-Dependent Scaling for Receptive Fields Development.

Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) is one of the most popular and deeply biologically motivated forms of unsupervised Hebbian-type learning. In this article, we propose a variant of STDP extended by an additional activation-dependent scale factor. The consequent learning rule is an efficient algorithm, which is simple to implement and applicable to spiking neural networks (SNNs). It is demonstrated that the proposed plasticity mechanism combined with competitive learning can serve as an effective mechanism for the unsupervised development of receptive fields (RFs). Furthermore, the relationship between synaptic scaling and lateral inhibition is explored in the context of the successful development of RFs. Specifically, we demonstrate that maintaining a high level of synaptic scaling followed by its rapid increase is crucial for the development of neuronal mechanisms of selectivity. The strength of the proposed solution is assessed in classification tasks performed on the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) data set with an accuracy level of 94.65% (a single network) and 95.17% (a network committee)-comparable to the state-of-the-art results of single-layer SNN architectures trained in an unsupervised manner. Furthermore, the training process leads to sparse data representation and the developed RFs have the potential to serve as local feature detectors in multilayered spiking networks. We also prove theoretically that when applied to linear Poisson neurons, our rule conserves total synaptic strength, guaranteeing the convergence of the learning process.

Strong lensing in UNIONS: Toward a pipeline from discovery to modeling

We present a search for galaxy-scale strong gravitational lenses in the initial 2500 square degrees of the Canada-France Imaging Survey (CFIS). We designed a convolutional neural network (CNN) committee that we applied to a selection of 2 344 002 exquisite-seeingr-band images of color-selected luminous red galaxies. Our classification uses a realistic training set where the lensing galaxies and the lensed sources are both taken from real data, namely the CFISr-band images themselves and theHubbleSpace Telescope (HST). A total of 9460 candidates obtain a score above 0.5 with the CNN committee. After a visual inspection of the candidates, we find a total of 133 lens candidates, of which 104 are completely new. The set of false positives mainly contains ring, spiral, and merger galaxies, and to a lesser extent galaxies with nearby companions. We classify 32 of the lens candidates as secure lenses and 101 as maybe lenses. For the 32 highest quality lenses, we also fit a singular isothermal ellipsoid mass profile with external shear along with an elliptical Sersic profile for the lens and source light. This automated modeling step provides distributions of properties for both sources and lenses that have Einstein radii in the range 0.5″ &lt; θE &lt; 2.5″. Finally, we introduce a new lens and/or source single-band deblending algorithm based on auto-encoder representation of our candidates. This is the first time an end-to-end lens-finding and modeling pipeline is assembled together, in view of future lens searches in a single band, as will be possible withEuclid.

Family-Based Palliative Care Model for Advanced Cancer Patients in Community Settings in the Northeast, Thailand

Background: Advanced cancer patients (ACPs) need complex care and appropriate support from the family to relieve suffering and stress during the life-threatening course of the disease until the end of life. Objective: To examine the current situation of family cancer care and to develop a family-based palliative care model for ACPs in community settings in the Northeast, Thailand. Materials and Methods: The present study was a participatory action research study comprised four phases, situation analysis, model development and planning, model implementation and assessment, and follow-up assessment and model remodification. The participants included 12 dyads of ACPs-family caregivers (FCGs), 44 community network committee members (CNCs), comprising 28 community network volunteers-CNVs such as local leaders, teachers, Buddhist monks, nurses, and village health volunteers (VHVs), 11 health personnel, and five other local leaders. Data collection used interview schedules, in-depth-interview guide, focus group discussion guidelines, and observation checklists. Data analyses used descriptive and analytical statistics for quantitative data, and content analysis for qualitative data. Results: The results showed that the participatory model developed was called “the integrated family-based palliative care for ACPs in community or IFPC-ACPC model”. It was composed of 1) the CNCs for ACPs and families, 2) the roles of the CNC in providing social support to the ACPs and families, 3) the palliative care guidelines for ACPS, FCGs, and CNCs, 4) the three-workshop training on palliative care for ACPs, FCGs, and CNCs, and 5) the home visits and the home environmental modification. This eight-week model was applied to all patient-caregiver dyads after the CNCs agreed upon its potential for implementation at a high level. The satisfaction of the FCGs and CNCs changed, and the ACPs’ symptoms were significantly changed at the end of the implementation at post-test and follow-up. The clinical outcomes revealed that the ACPs had PPS duration of 70 to 90 reflected by multidimensional adverse symptoms of the ACPs. The ESAS were improved significantly at post-test and follow-up (p&lt;0.05). The ACPs’ knowledge, perceptions, palliative care behavior, and social support were improved significantly at post-test and at follow-up (p&lt;0.05). The received symptom management from his/her FCGs were also at a higher level. Conclusion: The developed IFPC-ACPC model can be implemented in semi-urban communities in the Northeast, Thailand with adjustments based on local problems and needs. However, outcome evaluation for the model effectiveness in the long term needs further study. Keywords: Advanced cancer patient; Family-based care; Integrated palliative care model; Family caregiver; Community network

The Texas collaborative center for hepatocellular cancer: Reducing liver cancer mortality in Texas through coordination, collaboration and advocacy.

Texas has the highest age-adjusted incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States. To address cancer prevention and early detection through research, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has funded the Texas Collaborative Center for Hepatocellular Cancer (TeCH) to facilitate liver cancer research, education and advocacy activities. This paper describes the organizational structure, program measures, the actions completed and future plans of TeCH. This center is comprised of several cores and committees including the Administrative Core, Steering Committee, Data and Biospecimen Core, Scientific Committee, Clinical Network Committee, and the Community Outreach Committee. Each core and committee provide its own level of connectivity and necessary research support. We have developed and published a TeCH Framework, a conceptual model designed for improving primary and secondary prevention of HCC. TeCH and its committees facilitate connections and collaborations among HCC researchers and clinicians, healthcare leaders, biotechnology companies and the public to reduce liver cancer mortality in Texas by 2030.

Stay in love with your PhD

Abstract Get this: PhDs are hard. But PhDs can be hard for the wrong reasons. A recent event held by the RAS's Early Career Network Committee identified a host of unnecessary energy-drains that should be avoided for a more profitable PhD experience. By Dominic M. Bowman, Fred Richards, Megan Maunder, Áine O'Brien and Douglas Boubert.

Применение неоднородных сверточных нейронных сетей для построения маршрутов перемещения объектов в пространственных средах с накопленным энергетическим потенциалом

We consider the synthesis of a hybrid neural convolutional network with the modular topology-based architecture, which allows to arrange a parallel convolutional computing system to combine both the energy transfer and data processing, in order to simulate complex functions of natural biological neural populations. The system of interlayer neural commutation, based on the distributed resonance circuits with the layers of electromagnetic metamaterial between the inductive elements, is a base for simulation of the interaction between the astrocyte networks and the neural clusters responsible for information processing. Consequently, the data processing is considered both at the level of signal transmission through neural elements, and as interaction of artificial neurons and astrocytic networks ensuring their functioning. The resulting two-level neural system of data processing implements a set of measures to solve the issue based on the neural network committee. The specific arrangement of the neural network enables us to implement and configure the educational procedure using the properties absent in the neural networks consisting of neural populations only. The training of the convolutional network is based on a preliminary analysis of rhythmic activity, where artificial astrocytes play the main role of interneural switches. The analysis of the signals moving through the neural network enables us to adjust variable components to present information from training bunches in the available memory circuits in the most efficient way. Moreover, in the training process we observe the activity of neurons in various areas to evenly distribute the computational load on neural network modules to achieve maximum performance. The trained and formed convolutional network is used to solve the problem of determining the optimal path for the object moving due to the energy from the environment

Strategic Management of Upper Mae Kuang River Basin with the Participation of Civil Society

The purpose of this research was to analyze management patterns, barrier levels, factors affecting successful management of the river basin, as well as offering strategic guidelines that will serve as a mechanism for the effective involvement of civil society. However, the result of this research will be of benefit to the academic sector, policy implementation, to the society and community, natural resource, and environmental management, including educational research and various development forms. Many of which will lead to the development of natural resources and environment, and appropriate river basin management that are under the area. Target area and key informants consisting of Mae Kuang River Basin Network Committee, relevant government personnel, experts, scholars, community leaders, philosophers, villagers, and people in the area. A questionnaire, survey, interview, group meeting, workshop, and critical analysis were used as a form of data collection. The data were analyzed and were presented in both qualitative and quantitative. The result of the study showed that the management pattern and procedures, for the management of the Upper Mae Kuang River Basin, consists of for patterns such as 1) Government Management Pattern 2) Project Management through Roya Initiatives 3) Community Management 4.) Private organization or NGO. Whereby, operate according to King Rama 9 Philosophy: 1) implementation of the procedure from small to large 2) the process of reforestation in the people’s mind learn, understand, access and development 3) support on a culture's resources, natural environment, and community, 4) participation and cooperation process from all parties. The results of the research lead to the development of the Upper Mae Kuang River Basin ecosystem. Which help improve the quality of river basin in the area, the community were able to live and eat abundantly around the river basin with the community economy from agro-forestry and eco-tourism management. The Barrier level from the management of the Upper Mae Kuang River Basin involves the quantitative participation of civil society was found to be low, as for the qualitative results, it was found that the government and the public sector lacked the knowledge and understanding of the holistic river basin management and the perceived information between government officials and people differed. And the implementation of redundant development / solving projects in the government sector. The factors affecting the success of the management of the Upper Mae Kuang River Basin include 1) the knowledge body that is appropriate to the geosocial characteristics and the learning process that can build awareness, build understanding based on culture, Wisdom and life 2) An explosion from the inside (inside out) caused by understanding, recognize the value system, reach out, generate opinion guidelines for developing and implement a plan of action and judgement. 3) Participation, identify love, unity, strength, through group processing, networking and empowerment from all sectors including government, private, academics, developers and communities 4) Holistic co-management. It is driven by vision, plan, working together and management in all dimensions. Analyzing the strategic guidelines that will serve as a mechanism for the effective involvement of civil society analysis include the following: 1) Integrated Management Strategy by the mechanism of the Integrated River Basin Management Committee River basin provisions and river basin management funds. 2) Strategies for driving the management process through the mechanism of the Institute of Natural Resources Environment and way of life for the future is responsible for driving knowledge management. Being the core of cooperation Expansion of concepts, principles, and knowledge..

Network administrators facilitate information sharing among communal forest organizations in Thailand

The exchange of information among communal forest organizations is potentially beneficial for the creation and transfer of knowledge, but the establishment and maintenance of links between distant communities can be challenging. Network facilitators can help to establish and strengthen ties or collect and relay information among organizations. For this purpose, communal forest organizations in Thailand organized provincial network committees in collaboration with the Royal Forest Department (RFD). This policy represents a unique example of inter-organizational network administration in the context of natural resource management. The objective of this study was to determine how these network committees influenced information sharing among communal forest organizations.A network survey was conducted to gain information about the flow of information between community forest organizations in three Thai provinces, Chumphon, Kanchanaburi, and Trat, which differed in network maturity and activity. Exponential random graph modelling was used to compare the influence of network committees on the information flow among geographically dispersed community organizations while accounting for structural network processes.Results indicated that trust-generating network structures, specifically network triangles and strong ties, facilitated information flow. However, geographical distances significantly impeded direct information transmission between communities. Network committees played an important role in connecting local clusters beyond geographical limits. The structural position of committee presidents showed that they coordinate the provincial network by bridging gaps between distant organizations or concentrating all information flow in a centralized position. Presidents increased the efficiency and resilience of information networks by acting as a central information hub. The findings suggest that a cohesive network committee can help to establish a strong network among all communal organizations. Network committees have the potential to facilitate the development of a cohesive inter-communal network given sufficient skills and resources.

Editorial introductions

Editorial introductions

Remifentanil Patient-controlled Analgesia in Labour: 6-Year Audit of Outcome Data of the RemiPCA SAFE Network (2010-2015)

(Int J Obstet Anesth. 2019;39:12–21) Remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) has been used for ∼20 years during labor as an alternative analgesic approach. While many units utilize this analgesic option in patients who cannot receive neuraxial analgesia, some offer it routinely to their laboring patients. There are some potentially serious side effects of remifentanil PCA, such as respiratory depression and hypoxemia. Swiss researchers developed the RemiPCA SAFE Network in 2009 when the analgesic technique became available in their country. The purpose of the network was to monitor PCA use and assess maternal and neonatal outcomes. While initially developed for Swiss facilities, the network later allowed obstetric units from other countries to participate and provide their data. Data collected by the network helps individual facilities to evaluate their performance and allows the network committee to assess the overall outcomes of remifentanil PCA for labor. The goal of the current audit study was to accurately outline the quality assurance system used by the network and analyze outcomes on remifentanil PCA effectiveness and safety based on the data collected.

Potential impact of OPTN plan in association with donors’ factors on survival times of transplanted kidneys

The standing Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) committee formed in July 2003 to systematically ensure that OPTN policies and systems provide for efficient, effective, and measurable organ allocation and distribution, with the aims of (1) increasing the utility of donated organs, (2) providing for the health and safety of transplant patients, while (3) instilling public trust in the national transplant system. We investigated the potential impact of OPTN plan established in 2003.Cox Proportional Hazard, Kaplan Meier, and ANOVA are used for survival analysis of the transplanted kidneys between 1987 and 2010 with regard to OPTN plan and donors’ factors. We have observed a decrease in the proportion of failed transplanted kidneys between 2003 and 2010 in comparison with previous time intervals. The observed decrease in the proportion of the failed transplanted kidneys between 2003 and 2010 could be potentially associated with OPTN plan. The results show that the increase in the number of kidney transplants between 2003 and 2010 could also potentially be associated with the OPTN committee plan.

A Call to Accountability: Reporting Outcomes in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation.

Summary:Because nearly all the vascularized composite allotransplants performed in the United States have been proposed and carried out as research, the ethical duty to report outcomes pertains. This duty is set forth in several international statements, including the World Health Organization’s Statement on Public Disclosure of Clinical Trial Results, the 2013 Helsinki Declaration, and the Singapore Statement on Research Integrity. These international statements call for the reporting of negative and inconclusive outcomes as well as positive outcomes, and for the reporting of results from previously unreported past research. In 2014, the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network vascularized composite allotransplant committee proposed mandatory data collection and submission requirements for transplants, but only for those which took place in September 2015 or later. Reporting of data for the allotransplants which took place before September 2015 was regarded as optional, even though the pre-September 2015 transplants represent the majority of vascularized composite allotransplants in the United States and all the long-term outcome data. We encourage the American Society of Reconstructive Transplantation and the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network committee to embrace the international ethical standards and to hold all vascularized composite allotransplant programs in the United States accountable for reporting data on outcomes of pre-September 2015 transplants.

Building a European 'network of networks' for stroke clinical research - The European Stroke Organisation Trials Alliance (ESOTA).

Promoting research to improve stroke prevention, acute care, and recovery is a key mission of the European Stroke Organisation (ESO). Stroke research networks may increase efficiencies and reduce waste in randomised clinical trials of stroke treatments. Several European countries have established national or regional stroke research networks, or have informal groups or stroke registers which may serve as a foundation for establishing a research network. To increase international collaboration on randomised trials for stroke in Europe, the ESO Trials Network Committee is leading the development of an alliance of national networks, the ESO Trials Alliance (ESOTA). Following initial consultation work in 2017, this paper describes an overview of progress to date in the first year of ESOTA activity. Beginning with five founding networks in England, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, ESOTA aims to gradually grow, ultimately including several hundred stroke centres and affiliated investigators working collectively on randomised trials of new stroke treatments.

Standardization of CAR T-Cell Program Implementation in the Sarah Cannon Blood Cancer Network

The Sarah Cannon Blood Cancer Network (SCBCN) consists of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) programs, 6 in the US and 3 in the UK, performing more than 1,100 autologous and allogeneic transplants annually with standard quality systems, patient care and research protocols, training and competency assessment and contracting. SCBCN programs in the US have been deeply involved in CAR T-cell clinical trials for both blood cancer and solid tumor indications, enrolling more than 60 patients. Some network programs did not have direct experience with CAR T-Cell Therapy and all programs needed an infrastructure to address the complex clinical, administrative and regulatory issues associated with delivery of commercially available CAR T-cells outsides the confines of a clinical trial. In order to ensure consistency of care and appropriate team training as well as to optimize lessons learned across the teams, the SCBCN team developed a standardized approach for all clinical and operational aspects of clinical research and FDA-approved CAR T-Cell Therapy implementation. Objectives for a successful transition from clinical trials to FDA-approved therapy included: 1. Maintaining Patient Safety, 2. Maintaining Regulatory Compliance, and 3. Minimizing Financial Risk The following processes were established: 1. Organization of the multidisciplinary SCBCN Network Executive Committee 1. Local IECT Committee reports up through Network Committee 2. FACT IEC accreditation 3. Adoption of patient eligibility criteria 4. Quality metrics established 5. Capacity evaluation 2. Establishment of Regulatory Guidelines 1. REMS implementation and tracking 2. Network readiness assessment 3. Establishment of Administrative Process 1. Worked with vendors at a national level to ensure consistency and efficiencies 2. Business case required of each program 3. Electronic patient approval process 4. Reimbursement monitoring 5. Process maps developed by multidisciplinary teams 6. Template SOPs, forms, education & training An IECT toolkit was developed containing: • Forms/documentation tools/order sets • Staff competency tools • Staff education materials • Patient education materials • Supporting documents • Coding guidance • Standardized chargemaster • Training slide decks • Mock walkthrough examples • Readiness checklist • Sample process maps • On-line education modules developed: ○ CAR T-Cell: A new Frontier (0.5 CNE) ○ CAR T-Cell: Toxicities (0.5 CE) Results To date, the 5 programs that have been approved by Sarah Cannon to move forward with CAR T-Cell Therapy Program Development have received certifications for FDA-approved CAR T-Cell products. CAR T-Cell clinical trials remain the first choice for all eligible patients. Network Readiness Assessments identified gaps in some programs that were mitigated by sharing resources developed by other SCBCN programs (e.g. process map examples).

The history and future of senior network committee

The history and future of senior network committee

The welfare provision model of a homeworker network: A case study of the HomeNet Thailand Association

The objective of this research was to develop a welfare provision model of a homeworker network using a qualitative research method in the form of a case study. The sample unit of the study involved a homeworker network, specifically the HomeNet Thailand Association (HNTA). The target group of 36 people consisted of network leaders, network committee members, network members, representatives from various sectors participating in welfare provision and other experts concerning informal worker welfare. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, group discussions, and observations. These research findings were used to develop a model for the welfare provision of a homeworker network using careful consideration and reliability confirmation by said experts. The derived model showed that the welfare provision of the homeworker network was based on the concept of welfare pluralism derived from the cooperation of homeworker network with other various sectors in a social movement to empower the homeworkers to be able to demand their rights and to develop new forms of welfare appropriate to the challenges faced by homeworkers. The model can be adapted to other informal workers networks by giving importance to creating diverse working partnerships, expanding the membership base in order to be representative of informal workers in making demands and advocating policies, raising awareness and co-responsibility of members in order to participate in welfare provision, and creating new learning processes of members.

Editorial introductions

Editorial introductions