Non-governmental Research Articles

Molecular characterization of Ebola virus, immune response, and therapeutic challenges: a narrative review

AbstractThe Ebola virus (EBOV) remains a major public health challenge due to its complex structure and the lack of appropriate and effective vaccines and therapies. This review characterizes the Ebola virus, its immune response, and its therapeutic challenges. Structural EBOV proteins include the envelope glycoprotein, nucleoprotein, RNA polymerase L, and viral proteins VP30, VP24, VP35, and VP40. The proteins play a role in the virus’s pathogenesis by evading the host's immune response. The immune system evasion mechanisms of EBOV are critical in its pathogenesis. Some vaccines, such as the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-Zaire Ebola virus (RVSV-ZEBOV), have proven to be very effective and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) additionally, four other vaccines have been approved including Gam Evac-Combi (licensed in Russia), ad5-EBOV (approved in China), Zabdeno and Mvabea (approved in Europe). However, some challenges remain in developing effective vaccines, such as the selection of immunogens, cross-protecting immunity, long-term protection, mechanism of protection, and rapid response vaccination. Despite the progress made, there is still a need for an effective vaccine that offers durable and broad protection against multiple strains of the Ebola virus. This will be achieved through the collaboration of various organizations and government and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) agencies.

Exploring the long-term impact of a nurse-midwife mentorship intervention in Neno district, Malawi: a secondary data analysis of maternal and neonatal complications

Abstract Background There is critical need to strengthen the global nursing and midwifery workforce. This is especially true in Malawi where they are the primary providers of obstetric and neonatal care. In Neno district, Malawi, in 2017, we implemented an intensive training and longitudinal bedside mentorship intervention for nurses and midwives. From inception, there was a pre-planned project target completion after 5 years, including a staged handover to local ownership after 3 years. The objective of this study was to assess differences in reported maternal and neonatal complications following project completion and handover to local leadership. Methods The project was a partnership between an academic institution and local nongovernmental organization. In October 2020, the intervention was handed over and maintained by the local organization with limited support from the academic institution. Data from January 2019 to May 2023 were extracted from the Malawi District Health Information Software 2. Bivariate analyses explored differences in the pre- and post-handover periods for all government-collected, birth-related variables. The “pre-handover” period encompassed January 2019 to September 2020 and “post-handover” from October 2020 to May 2023. Multivariate linear regression explored outcomes while controlling for health facility. Results Data were collected from 10 health facilities in the district and included a total of 23,259 births. Overall, there were few significant changes between periods. Exceptions were in reporting of antepartum hemorrhage (p < 0.01), maternal sepsis (p = 0.01), and manual removal of the placenta (p < 0.01), where we observed decreases in reporting. There was a significant decrease in the reporting of neonatal sepsis (p = 0.01) in the bivariate analysis, which remained only borderline significant in the multivariate model (p = 0.05). Where differences occurred, they were associated with improvements in reported identification of complications and provision of associated emergency care. Conclusions Few differences in reported maternal and neonatal complications between the periods suggest positive impact of the intervention was sustained following project handover and transition of activities to local leadership. These findings strengthen support for longitudinal mentorship as a pivotal component for skill retention after training. Transparent partnerships which include pre-determined end points and time for handover of activities to local ownership are crucial components for sustainability.

Impact of regional environmental non-governmental organization density on green innovation and firm value

Impact of regional environmental non-governmental organization density on green innovation and firm value

Community engagement in rural and urban marginalized communities in Jamaica: Building community resilience in crisis

ABSTRACT In the Caribbean, Jamaica mobilized strategies to ensure that the most vulnerable were protected against the threats and fears of COVID-19 and other crises over time. One strategy involved wide-scale collaboration with public and private sectors, non-governmental and community-based organizations, and volunteers. This study describes the approach taken by stakeholders in response to the needs of vulnerable residents in marginalized communities, and to highlight the experiences building community resilience during COVID-19. Three questions guided the research: 1) What major issues that affected the community during the COVID-19 crisis? 2) What measures have been implemented to help communities manage and adapt coping mechanism during this crisis? and 3) How has the community shown resilience and recovery in mitigating crises? A descriptive research design was employed comprising focus groups and interviews. We sampled 28 participants from 7 non-governmental organizations and 12 communities in rural and urban Jamaica. The analysis generated policy recommendations.

EXPRESS: Responsibilizing the Net-Zero Hero? Creation and Implications of a Tragic Subject Position

The energy sector is the largest contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions. To address the current climate emergency however, energy market actors (e.g., energy providers, nongovernmental organizations, policy makers) try to make individual consumers take responsibility for achieving an overall net balance of zero greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of this research is to understand this process of responsibilization and its implications. The research method is a narrative discourse analysis of hundreds of public documents by energy market actors. The findings show that market actors try to shape ordinary consumers into “net-zero heroes” with responsibility for emissions reduction but end up creating a tragedy when they translate their collective agenda. These findings have implications for consumer responsibilization specifically and the conversion of agendas into action more generally. Theoretically, this research shows (1) the influence of the translation stage in the agenda-to-action chain, (2) the way market actors attempt to form net-zero heroes, and (3) the limited usefulness of the hero narrative. Practically, the research explains the implications of making consumers solely responsible for the emissions reduction problem.

Investigating Media Accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Iraq

Media accessibility, (MA) for short, is still largely uncharted research territory in the Translation Studies scene in Iraq. To examine the status quo of media accessibility for the (DHH) community, this study has three aims to address: first, to subject the Iraqi constitution to a thematic analysis to highlight the legal status of media accessibility; second, to examine the real actions taken by the government and non-governmental organizations to ensure that the d/Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) can access this service; third, to probe the DHH community’s reception and their level of expectations towards the available (MA) service. The findings suggest that the Constitution of the Republic of Iraq contains Articles that refer directly to rights of people with special needs to access the public service, but no reference to the right of media accessibility (MA) is identified. The study also shows that sign language interpreting (SLI), though scarcely employed in very few TV channels, has been the only audiovisual modality available for DHH viewers to access TV news whereas subtitling for the d/Deaf and hard of hearing (SDH) modality has never been implemented.

Power dynamics and social enterprises: A case study of an international NGO

AbstractHuman Resource Development (HRD) scholarship and practice include attention to social justice and human rights, which are critical in international workspaces, including social enterprises. HRD principles could help such organizations better foster intercultural collaboration and respect, while promoting both economic prosperity and social good. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore, through a critical national HRD lens, how HRD principles could enhance the operations of an international social enterprise, focused on skills development, capacity building, and empowerment for women entrepreneurs in Ghana. This study highlights the role HRD principles could play in addressing challenges the entrepreneurs faced and in enhancing economic and social development. We apply an integrated critical national HRD framework consisting of three components: (1) global awareness, (2) holistic, socially conscious economic development, and (3) the negotiated power and performance. We find that HRD practices, such as cross‐cultural training and development programs, could mitigate challenges entrepreneurs experienced due to cultural conflict based on language, mismatched expectations regarding production quality, and a lack of predictability or control over workload and compensation. Yet, the work of the nongovernmental organization (NGO) did support their financial independence and stability and work to consider the role of gender in the support women received. Attention to socially conscious economic development as viewed through the critical national HRD can support such organizations as they seek to address women's holistic needs. We offer recommendations for research, policy, and practice to help NGOs minimize sociocultural confusion, develop meaningful programming, and bridge the economic and social missions of the organization.

A crisis of authenticity: Becoming entrepreneurial and the quest for “cultural appropriateness” among the Mapuche

AbstractBased on multisite ethnographic work between 2018 and 2020, this article examines entrepreneurship promotion policies developed by the Chilean state directed at Mapuche people. We direct attention to how the notion of authenticity works as a hinge between Mapuche people, historical heritage, nongovernmental organizations, and public policymakers in their promotion of microentrepreneurship as a form of overcoming poverty and achieving full inclusion of Indigenous people in Chilean society. The negotiation processes concerning authenticity bring together people's aspiration to become entrepreneurs as authentic Mapuche and those seeking to initiate a “proper Mapuche business.” Authenticity, its recognition and contestation, appears as a central tenet in the formation of a particular entrepreneurial self that combines entrepreneurs' aspirations for a better life with a simultaneous seeking of an appropriate sense of being Mapuche, with acknowledgment from others. In the process, the meaning of authenticity goes beyond a primordialist understanding of the term, acquiring polysemy and affecting the arena of Indigenous entrepreneurship, as other aspects of contemporary Mapuche lives.

PROFITABILITY AND ITS DETERMINANTS OF MODERN HONEY PRODUCTION AMONG BENEFICIARIES OF KSAMBTT IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

The study was conducted to examine the economics of modern honey production and among the beneficiaries of KSAMBTT Kano State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire were used to collect information from 125 honey producers using multistage sampling techniques. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques, and multiple regression model. The study revealed that majority of honey producers were male and married with mean age of 40.27 years, about 87% had one form of education or the other, and a mean of 8 household members. The study also revealed that majority of honey producers had mean production experience of 14 years. The study showed that the average total output per unit of production was 220 liters per year, total cost was N620.70 per liter, and total gross revenue per liter was N1496.80 with net income of N876.10 per liter. Age (p<0.05), marital status (p<0.05), cost of modern equipment (p<0.01), and number of modern beehive (p<0.1) were the factors significantly influencing the profitability of honey production in the study area. The study further indicated that high cost of equipment, scarcity of modern processing equipment and tools and poor management were the major problems affecting honey production in the study area. The study concluded that honey production was a profitable venture in the study area and those farmers that were engaged in the venture obtained good returns. The study recommended that government and non-governmental organizations should organize more honey production trainings at a large scale so as to accommodate more people especially females in the business.

PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF CATFISH PRODUCTION IN KANO METROPOLIS, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Fish is an important dietary element and a major source of animal protein in human diet for many Nigerians. The demand for fish has been on the increase because of geometrical increase in human population, this has resulted to a significant gap created between fish demand and supply. It is obvious given the importance of fish production that efforts must be made to encourage entrepreneurs to go into the business. However, many have shown doubts on the productivity and profitability of fish production, particularly on a smallholder level. This study therefore, examines the profitability of catfish production in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Two stage sampling procedure was employed to select respondents for the study. Primary data were collected with the use of well-structured questionnaire administered to 120 catfish producers. The tools of analysis employed were descriptive statistics, gross margin and net farm income. The study revealed that Majority of the producers (69%) are male. Furthermore, 85percent of the fish producers have attained post primary education. The gross margin (GM) was ₦657,420, while the enterprise profit which is the net farm income was estimated at ₦598,128 and 0.33 return to capital for the farmers. Some of the challenges confronting the respondents in their business includes high cost of feed, lack of government support and lack of training. Thus, there is a need for provision of training for higher level of productivity, subsidizing of inputs such as feed by the government and participation in cooperative societies by the fish farmers for financial and inputs assistance by relevant Non-Governmental Organizations.

Analysing the resilience of rights-based civil society organisations (CSOs) in the era of (de) securitisation: Insights from Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This article investigates the resilience of rights-based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ethiopia amidst restrictive legal frameworks, particularly the Proclamation No. 621/2009 Charities and Societies Proclamation (CSP), government securitisation, ongoing conflicts, and subsequent regulations. Using a qualitative research method, the study employed purposive sampling and key informant interviews, supplemented by secondary data. The findings indicate that despite significant challenges, including a restrictive legal environment and operational hurdles, CSOs play a crucial role in peacebuilding, democracy, human rights promotion, and conflict resolution. While some CSOs adopted themselves to unrestricted thematic areas and rescaled their geographic scope to fit government expectations, others were resilient continuing to work on peacebuilding and other rights based themes. Some of the methods used to navigate the restrictive legal and political environment include leveraging personal connections with high level political figures, trade-off with government by serving it as a bridge to engage with critical constituencies, informal channels of fundraising as well as voluntarism.

Global Climate Governance: Evaluating Policy Responses in an Era of International Cooperation and Competition

This research paper provides an in-depth analysis of how the global community is working to address climate change through international cooperation and competition. It highlights dual forces that shape global climate governance, focusing on the Paris Agreement as a key framework. The article focuses on the fact that although international cooperation. Most countries fail to achieve the targets they set forth as part of their pledges; the gap between the pledging and the actual reduction of emissions is huge. International competition, especially in the area of renewable energy, would spur innovation and progress. China and the United States have invested heavily in green technologies; these investments have economically and strategically benefited those respective nations. This competition creates unequal disadvantages, especially for developing countries that cannot compete because they do not have sufficient resources. Non-state actors, including cities, corporations, civil society organizations, are also increasingly crucial to filling out national efforts.

Implications of Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Entrepreneurship—Solutions to Combat Climate Change

We face significant challenges related to sustainability and social responsibility, so sustainable entrepreneurship is a key way to help address these issues. How can sustainable entrepreneurship contribute to combating climate change? This is the question from which this research started. The paper proposes important research directions to develop innovative and sustainable solutions tailored to the problem. By investigating the impact of different innovation strategies, the study aims to provide concrete recommendations to all stakeholders. Recognizing that effective climate action requires collaboration among government, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and citizens, the study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, education, and access to information. Using fsQCA software version 4.1, the research analyzes various innovation strategies to develop tailored, sustainable solutions. The findings offer concrete recommendations for stakeholders, aiming to facilitate the implementation of sustainable practices and foster a supportive framework for green initiatives. Ultimately, this study contributes to efforts aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and promoting a more responsible economic model in Romania. The results not only provide concrete recommendations for relevant actors but also outline a strategic vision on how a more responsible economic model can be promoted in Romania, with the potential to influence sustainable development policies and inspire future initiatives.

Evaluating factors influencing youth participation in agricultural enterprises: Implications for food security and agribusiness

Background: Agriculture is crucial for economic growth, yet youth engagement in agricultural enterprises is declining due to concerns related to perceived profitability, resource access, and social stigmas. Understanding these determinants is vital for fostering youth interest in agriculture and promoting sustainable rural development and food security.Aim: This study examines the factors affecting youth engagement in agricultural enterprises in Umzimvubu Local Municipality, South Africa, and their implications for food security and agribusiness.Setting: Addressing youth unemployment and enhancing agriculture’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) require understanding barriers to youth participation. This study was conducted in Umzimvubu Local Municipality, South Africa.Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 210 youths through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics and a univariate probit regression model were used for analysis.Results: Findings indicate male dominance in agriculture, with educational background positively correlating with participation. Single youths showed greater interest than married counterparts. Challenges like land availability and a lack of financial support hinder engagement. Significant determinants include age, education, farming skills, social group membership, and household revenue, while factors like household size, gender, and limited access to credit negatively impact willingness to participate.Conclusion: Addressing financial barriers through improved access to loans is essential to enhance youth involvement. Policies should cater to youth-specific traits and environmental challenges to build a resilient agricultural sector driven by young innovators.Contribution: The study emphasises the need for a comprehensive policy framework collaboratively developed by the government, the Department of Agriculture, and non-governmental organisations.

Effect of Women’s Involvement in Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises on their Economic Empowerment in Calabar, Cross River State

This study examined small and medium-scale enterprises and women’s economic empowerment in Calabar, Cross River State. It specifically examined the effect of women’s involvement in SMEs on their economic empowerment dimensions such as financial independence, skills development and business networking opportunities. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain primary data from 337 female operators of SMEs in Calabar. The data were descriptively analyzed, while the study hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). After the analysis, it was found that women’s involvement in SMEs operations had a significant positive effect on their financial independence, skills development and business networking opportunities in Calabar. Hence, the study recommended that women in Cross River State should genuinely be supported with financial, technical and material resources to get fully involved in entrepreneurship through SMEs in order to improve their financial independence, ensuring self-employment, income generation, and asset ownership to support their families. It was also recommended that the Government of Cross River State and relevant stakeholders should introduce credible and fully-funded programmes that enable women to gain and improve valuable entrepreneurial skills to effectively engage in SME operations in order to attain sustainable economic empowerment. Additionally, the study recommended that stakeholders in the private sector, including industrialists, non-governmental organizations, and trade associations, among others should encourage female entrepreneurs to participate in networking events, professional associations, workshops and conferences in order to build valuable connections to grow their business.

The quality of psychosocial health and psychosocial illness among women with and without shelter homes: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundExisting research on the psychosocial wellbeing of sheltered women is primarily from Western contexts, with limited studies from collectivistic cultures like Pakistan. This study aims to compare the psychosocial health and illness of sheltered women in Pakistan with those of women living with their families.MethodsA total of 184 sheltered women and 207 women from the general population from four Pakistani cities participated in this study. Data were collected using two validated instruments: the Psychosocial Health Evaluator and the Sukoon Psychosocial Illness Scale. The study employed independent sample t-tests, simple linear regression and Pearson correlation.ResultsThe study revealed significant differences between women residing in shelters and those in the general population. Sheltered women exhibited lower levels of psychosocial health and higher levels of psychosocial illness. Emotional, sexual, spiritual, and social health were notably lower among sheltered women. Sheltered women also reported elevated levels of psychosocial problems, including emotional, social, and professional difficulties. Additionally, the length of stay in shelters was negatively correlated with psychosocial health and positively correlated with psychosocial illness, while education showed a positive correlation with psychosocial health.ConclusionThe current research highlights the psychosocial vulnerability of women residing in shelter homes. Government, non-governmental organizations, and mental health professionals are advised to work together to uplift the psychosocial health of women residing in Pakistani shelter homes. Appointments of psychological counselors in shelter homes are highly recommended in this regard.

Poverty, Development and Hunger in a Global Age

This paper opines that the issues of poverty, development, and hunger have become increasingly prominent since the end of World War II. It stresses that in the early phase, this occurred as decolonization failed to bring about economic and social progress in what was then portrayed as the Third World, at the same time that industrially advanced Western countries were experiencing historically unprecedented levels of economic growth. As global economic disparities widened, some argued that colonialism had given way to ‘neocolonialism’, political domination having been replaced by more subtle but no less effective economic domination. Others heralded the emergence of a ‘North–South divide’. This paper emphasizes that in this context, bodies as different as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the one hand, and a host of development Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and activist groups on the other, came to view the task of reducing the gap between rich countries and poor countries as amoral imperative. However, the paper stresses that poverty, development, and hunger are complex and deeply controversial issues. It examines the orthodox mainstream understanding of poverty, development, and hunger, and contrasts this with a critical alternative approach. Consideration is given to how successful the development orthodoxy has been in incorporating and thereby neutralizing the concerns of the critical alternative. The paper then closes with an assessment of the likelihood of a globalization with a human face in the twenty-first century.

ARC Life Course Centre International Data for Policy Workshop

ObjectivesIdentify factors that support development of socially acceptable next generation linked data ecosystems that deliver higher standards in research, evaluation, and evidence-based policy. ApproachAustralian speakers showcased Australia’s current state of play in linked, longitudinal life course data. This was contrasted with examples of data settings in other countries, via international speakers. ResultsSeveral points of agreement emerged as areas for global improvement, such as: Developing best practice guidelines for inclusion of non-government organisation (NGO) service data into government funded, research accessible, safe-sharing, linked data systems Standardising user accreditation and credentialing that can be recognised across multiple data systems, to prevent duplication and aid efficiency Advocate for building evaluation funding into NGO service contracts Consider developing Community Data Labs/Data Explorers/Data Concierge Services to facilitate easy access and intuitive use of data by non-expert users (E.g. government, NGO, philanthropic, general public users, etc…) Encourage publication of measures of linkage quality by both custodians of data linkage systems and researchers Consider Indigenous Data Sovereignty, and sovereignty of other population groups, when collecting, linking, using, and reporting from administrative data about them. Conclusion The ARC Life Course Centre Data for Policy Portfolio members will determine how to prioritise our approach to each of these points and get a better understanding of how we could pursue them in partnership with key stakeholders domestically and internationally.

Contribution and challenges of integrating women into police reform in Somaliland

The purpose of the study was to investigate the obstacles faced by women within the police agency, assess their contributions, and develop appropriate recommendations aimed at enhancing the status of women and promoting their recruitment, retention, and advancement as police officers. In Somaliland, women encounter numerous barriers in the policing sector, which include organizational, personal, psychological, and social challenges that impede their representation. Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, following the collapse of the central Somali government. Although it does not enjoy full international recognition, Somaliland has effectively established a stable government, developed functional state institutions, and conducted democratic elections. The country has focused on enhancing its security framework, with the Somaliland police being formed in 1993, playing a crucial role in upholding law and order in a context of persistent regional instability. The Somaliland Police is estimated to comprise around eight thousand personnel distributed across all six regions, with approximately 5 percent representation of women in law enforcement. This research paper adopted a descriptive methodology that utilized qualitative techniques to investigate the challenges encountered by women in law enforcement. Eight key informant interviews were carried out with police personnel, representatives from civil society organizations, officials from the Ministry of Interior, UN agencies, and members of the community. Furthermore, four focus group discussions were organized, comprising women police officers, male officers, and community members. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, while secondary data was obtained through a thematic literature review concerning the roles and obstacles associated with the integration of women into police reform. The research paper indicated that female police officers perform the same duties and responsibilities as their male counterparts, with the exception of patrolling and night shifts at police stations. Additionally, they are involved in specific activities concerning women's and children's issues, such as conducting physical checks of women entering public spaces, assisting female victims, investigating cases of harm against women, apprehending, and interviewing female offenders, addressing domestic violence and supporting victims of gender-based violence. The primary challenges faced by women in the police force in Somaliland include issues related to their attire, inadequate access to essential equipment and facilities, discrimination, imbalances between marriage, family, and work, limited understanding of the police system, and cultural obstacles. To mitigate these challenges, the research suggests increasing awareness of the roles and contributions of female police officers, conducting a capacity assessment for these personnel, improving their training and equipment, and creating a supportive environment for women, where government initiatives, in partnership with the stakeholders, and community can effectively address the challenges faced by women.

Status of HPV disease and vaccination programmes in LMICs: Introduction to special issue

Sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are extremely common in both men and women and while most will clear naturally, some may progress to cervical cancer and other cancers. Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines and well-established screening and treatment practices, the global burden of HPV-related disease remains high, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We outline the current global epidemiology of cervical cancer disease incidence and mortality, with the highest burden in Africa and Asia. As part of a strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, the WHO recommends a 3-fold approach combining the use of prophylactic vaccines with cervical cancer screening and treatment. This overview focuses on the globally available HPV vaccines and current status of vaccine introduction in LMICs. We describe decreased HPV vaccination coverage in recent years and highlight the need for emphasis on new vaccine introductions and existing vaccine programme strengthening in order to reach goals for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. It is estimated that US$3.20 will be returned on each dollar invested in cervical cancer prevention efforts through 2050 [1]. Success for these initiatives centers on strategic vaccine delivery and collaborations that foster political support and engagement with civil society organisations and educational sector stakeholders. Recent increases in vaccine supply and single-dose efficacy evidence pave the way for cervical cancer elimination through vaccination coupled with screening and treatment. Subsequent manuscripts in this supplement will outline case studies and lessons from two symposia held in Africa and South Asia by the Coalition to Strengthen the HPV Immunization Community in 2022 including evidence for a one-dose strategy, the challenges of maintaining vaccine programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and progress in cervical cancer screening programmes.