Outreach Initiatives Research Articles

Editorial: Congenital Heart Defects in Pakistan: Addressing Challenges and Enhancing Care

Introduction:
 Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are a significant health concern worldwide, affecting millions of infants each year. In Pakistan, the prevalence of CHDs is alarmingly high, posing a considerable burden on the healthcare system and placing numerous families in distress. This editorial aims to shed light on the challenges associated with CHDs in Pakistan and highlight the need for improved strategies and resources to enhance the care and outcomes for affected individuals.
 
 High Prevalence:
 Pakistan witnesses a high incidence of CHDs, with estimates suggesting that around 50,000 children are born with these defects every year [1]. The exact causes for this high prevalence are not yet fully understood, but factors such as consanguineous marriages, maternal malnutrition, exposure to environmental toxins, and limited access to prenatal care may contribute to the increased occurrence [2].
 
 Challenges Faced:
 Several challenges impede the effective management of CHDs in Pakistan. Limited awareness among the general population, particularly in rural areas, hampers early detection and timely intervention. Late diagnosis often leads to complications and reduced chances of successful treatment. Moreover, the shortage of specialized pediatric cardiac centers and trained healthcare professionals further exacerbates the problem [3].
 
 Inadequate Infrastructure:
 Pakistan faces a scarcity of dedicated pediatric cardiac centers equipped with the necessary technology and facilities to diagnose and treat CHDs effectively. The existing infrastructure is insufficient to cater to the overwhelming demand, resulting in long waiting times and delayed interventions. Investment in establishing more centers with state-of-the-art equipment and skilled medical staff is essential to ensure timely and accessible care for affected children throughout the country.
 Financial Barriers:
 The cost of treating CHDs can be exorbitant, making it unaffordable for many families in Pakistan. Surgical interventions and long-term medical management impose a significant financial burden, further compounded by the lack of health insurance coverage for congenital conditions. Public and private collaborations, along with governmental initiatives, are needed to develop financial assistance programs and insurance schemes that provide necessary support to families affected by CHDs [4].
 
 Improving Awareness and Education:
 Raising awareness about CHDs is crucial in order to promote early diagnosis, timely intervention, and prevention strategies. Public health campaigns, educational programs in schools and colleges, and community outreach initiatives should be implemented to disseminate information about CHDs, their signs and symptoms, and the importance of seeking medical attention. Empowering healthcare professionals with specialized training and knowledge in pediatric cardiology is also essential to enhance the capacity for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management[5].
 
 Collaboration and Research:
 Strengthening collaboration between healthcare institutions, researchers, and policymakers is vital to tackle the challenges associated with CHDs effectively. Increased investment in research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of CHDs in the Pakistani context can lead to significant advancements in understanding the disease and developing targeted interventions. Furthermore, fostering international collaborations can facilitate knowledge exchange and promote best practices in CHD management.
 
 Conclusion:
 Congenital heart defects present a significant healthcare challenge in Pakistan, affecting a large number of children and placing a strain on families and the healthcare system. Addressing the challenges associated with CHDs requires a comprehensive approach that includes improved infrastructure, enhanced awareness, financial support, and collaborative research efforts. By investing in these areas, Pakistan can pave the way for better outcomes and improved quality of life for individuals with CHDs.

Bridging the gap: Survey highlights challenges and solutions in outreach and identification of people with inherited bleeding disorders.

Inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) are genetic conditions that affect blood clotting, leading to complications such as prolonged or spontaneous bleeding into muscles or joints. Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. However, effective patient outreach and identification programs for IBD face significant challenges globally. This study aimed to identify successful patient outreach initiatives for IBD, barriers encountered during implementation, and approaches used to overcome them. The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) conducted a survey of its national member organizations and other patient associations, totalling 153 organizations, to identify common strategies, barriers to their implementation, and solutions for outreach and the identification of people with IBD. The survey consisted of both closed-ended and open-ended questions, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Common challenges included resource and sustainability-related aspects such as financial constraints, limited lab equipment for diagnosis, and inadequate government commitment. Significant barriers also encompassed physical/geographical challenges like difficulty accessing remote areas, and inadequate logistical support and transportation. Seven themes emerged to enhance patient outreach: resource mobilization; awareness-raising and advocacy; knowledge and capacity building; collaboration and partnership; decentralization of services; improved logistical support and infrastructure; utilization of technology and innovation; and financial aid and incentives. Multistakeholder collaboration, coupled with secured government commitment, is crucial for improving global outreach, diagnosis rates, and access to care for individuals with IBD. Customized outreach programs should consider regional contexts, financial constraints, and prioritize innovation.

Mammography screening beliefs and barriers through the lens of Black women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mammography is an effective screening tool that leads to decreased breast cancer mortality, yet minority women continue to experience barriers. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been proven to have negatively affected minority communities, yet its effect on mammography screening habits in Black women is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate breast cancer mammography screening habits and barriers for Black women in two northeast communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The study participants were Black women aged 40years or older who were recruited from community outreach initiatives. Study coordinators conducted telephone surveys to determine mammography screening behaviors, perceptions, and psychosocial factors. Two hundred seventy-seven surveys were completed. Two hundred fifty-six patients who reported ever having a mammogram became the study population of interest. One hundred seventy-four of these patients (68%) reported having a mammogram within the past year (nondelayed), and 82 (32%) had a mammogram more than a year ago (delayed). Only thirty-one of the delayed participants (37.8%) had private insurance. There was a significant difference in the mean score for mammography screening perceived barriers for nondelayed participants (mean=9.9, standard deviation [SD]=3.6) versus delayed participants (mean=11.2, SD=4.3, p=.03). There was also a significant difference in the mean score when they were asked, "How likely is it that 'other health problems would keep you from having a mammogram'?" (p=.002). Barriers to mammography screening for Black women during the COVID-19 era include insurance, competing health issues, and perceptions of screening. Community outreach efforts should concentrate on building trust and collaborating with organizations to improve screening despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project Meitner. Contributions of the pioneer women of radioactivity

Project Meitner is an outreach initiative aiming at raising awareness on the situation of women in Physics. To this purpose, a series of actions have been carried out at the Instituto de Física Corpuscular (IFIC, Spain) with a double purpose: help the pioneer women of radioactivity become known by the broad public, and demystify the current archetypal view of the scientist by presenting the diversity of women who work at our institute. Special attention is paid to stimulate the self-confidence in Physics, Engineering and Computer Science (PECS) subjects to secondary-education female students, as well as to other types of public usually overlooked in outreach activities, such as people with disabilities and elderly people.

Knowledge Shared by Alaska Native Commercial Salmon Set Gillnetters in Norton Sound to Reduce Marine Fatalities

ABSTRACT Objectives The goal of this exploratory pilot study was to reduce marine fatalities in Norton Sound using knowledge shared from Alaska Native salmon set gillnetters in Unalakleet, AK. The following objectives to address this goal were: 1) identify factors that influence safety for Alaska Native commercial set gillnetters in Norton Sound; 2) use findings from objective 1 to improve commercial fishing training, education, and resources; and 3) disseminate and communicate results from objective 1 to commercial fishers in the Norton Sound fleet, commercial fishing safety partners, and the Alaska Native injury prevention community. Methods Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with Alaska Native commercial set gillnetters in Unalakleet, AK. We utilized knowledge shared to identify factors that influence safety for their fleet. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Methodology, 10 interviews were recommended for a homogenous sample. Results Most participants learned to fish at a young age from the family, with safety lessons passed on by family members. Fishing is a lifestyle and interconnected with harvesting and a way of living. Set gillnetters in Norton Sound use open skiffs and have limited access to workable Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and safety training. Participants reported health benefits but also negative long term physical effects, financial stress, and difficulty fishing with age. Respect and awareness of the ocean was reported as the most important strategy to reduce risk. Stories were shared of falls overboard, capsizing, and local fatalities and hazards, such as being overloaded with fish, entanglement, and maneuvering a small boat in large waves. Stronger winds and shifting weather patterns were experienced from climate change. Conclusion This exploratory pilot study identified factors that influence safety for Alaska Native commercial set gillnetters. Findings should be used to 1) determine best methods to influence behaviors to reduce risks in this hazardous fishery; 2) increase awareness and promote expanded application of best practices, equipment, and resources; 3) encourage and promote outreach initiatives targeted for this unique population; and 4) develop tailored training programs for commercial fishing in an open skiff. Research with Alaska Native fishing communities will require value and respect of indigenous knowledge, collaboration with local people, and follow-up to bring findings back to the community.

A growing crystallographic community: new outreach and education initiatives at the IUCr

A growing crystallographic community: new outreach and education initiatives at the IUCr

HPV vaccination rates in 9- and 10-year-olds following a pharmacist-led intervention

BackgroundThe American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend administering the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to children aged 9 and 10 years to improve on-time vaccination rates as they continue to be below national goal. Pharmacist-led interventions using the electronic health record (EHR) may be an effective way to increase these rates. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate change in first-dose HPV vaccination rate in 9- and 10-year-olds before and after a multifaceted HPV outreach initiative. MethodsA pre-post, quasi-experimental study involving a pharmacist-led intervention was implemented at 2 primary care offices within a large health care network. Adolescents aged 9 and 10 years during the entire intervention period were included. Between November 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, an education session was provided by an ambulatory care pharmacist to each primary care team regarding the HPV vaccine and eligibility of 9- and 10-year-olds. On June 1, 2022, a direct message was sent via the EHR to parents or guardians of eligible patients describing eligibility, risks and benefits, and best practice recommendations. The primary end point evaluated change in first-dose HPV vaccination rates in 9- and 10-year-olds measured 6 months after direct messaging. Secondary outcomes evaluated EHR message receipt, adverse events, and program revenue. Nominal outcomes were assessed with McNemar’s test or Cochran’s Q test using SPSS software; P < 0.05 was considered significant. ResultsA total of 367 patients aged 9 and 10 years were eligible for HPV vaccination. After the intervention, 45 patients were vaccinated with vaccination rate increasing from 0.5% to 12.8% (P < 0.001). A total of 288 (78.5%) had access to EHR messaging with 203 (55.3%) having confirmed receipt of the message. No adverse reactions were reported within 7 days of vaccination. Most patients (76%) had private insurance, followed by Medicaid (22.6%) and uninsured (1.4%). Approximate revenue of the program was $4129.89. ConclusionsA multifaceted intervention using education and EHR direct messaging significantly increased HPV vaccination rates in 9-and-10-year-olds.

Perceptual Barriers to Becoming a Plastic Surgeon among Underrepresented Medical Students.

The field of plastic surgery has experienced difficulty increasing diversity among trainees, despite significant efforts. Barriers to recruitment of underrepresented in medicine (URM) students are poorly understood. This study assesses URM students' exposure to plastic surgery, access to mentors and research opportunities, and the importance of diversity in the field. A survey was designed and distributed to members of the Student National Medical Association over 3 months. Survey data were collected using Qualtrics and descriptive statistics, and logistical regressions were performed using SAS. Of the 136 respondents, 75.0% identified as Black (n = 102/136), and 57.4% (n = 66/115) reported a plastic surgery program at their home institution. Of the total respondents, 97.7% (n = 127/130) were concerned about racial representation in plastic surgery, and 44.9% (n = 53/114) would be more likely to apply if there were better URM representation. Most respondents disagreed that there was local (73.4%, n = 58/79) or national (79.2%, n = 57/72) interest in URM recruitment. Students whose plastic surgery programs had outreach initiatives were more likely to have attending (OR 11.7, P < 0.05) or resident mentors (OR 3.0 P < 0.05) and access to research opportunities (OR 4.3, P < 0.05). URM students feel there is an evident lack of interest in recruiting URM applicants in plastic surgery. Programs with outreach initiatives are more likely to provide URM students access to mentorship and research opportunities, allowing students to make informed decisions about pursuing plastic surgery.

A mental health outreach program in child welfare centre with homoeopathy

Mental health problems during childhood and adolescence are a major health concern globally. Children in welfare centres pose varied emotional and behavioural problems (EBP) and need special treatment with a multidisciplinary approach. Homoeopathy has an evidence base for effectiveness in the management of some behavioural problems in children. Objective was to evolve the approach to mental health intervention using homeopathic medicines in the management of behavioural issues in children at a child welfare centre (CWC) through an outreach initiative. A screening program was conducted on 46 children at a child welfare centre, out of which 20 children were diagnosed with mental health issues according to ICD-10 criteria. These children were treated with individualised homoeopathic medicines and are followed up in regular intervals to assess the changes in behaviour of children after homoeopathic intervention. 3 cases of conduct disorders are illustrated to show the constitutional approach in children with behavioural problems. Causal attribution to the outcome after intervention are described as per Monarch criteria. 85% of cases were found to have moderate to marked improvement after 1 year of treatment. The remedies indicated are Sulphur (6), Carcinosinum (3), Natrum Mur (3), Silicea (2), Lachesis, Lycopodium, Merc Sol, Phosphorus, Staphysagria and Tarantula hispanica. Individualized homoeopathic medicines are found to be useful in the management of EBP of children in CWC. This preliminary mental health outreach serves as a model for future pragmatic research. Studies with appropriate study designs focussing on specific behavioural problems in juvenile delinquents are suggested.

MIT Zero-G outreach initiative: Using experiment design and virtual reality to inspire the next generation of space scientists and engineers

MIT's Space Exploration Initiative offers a course on project development, prototyping, and deployment readiness for parabolic flights, culminating in an annually chartered research flight with Zero-G. MIT's Resource Exploration and Science of our Cosmic Environment (RESOURCE) team participated in the course in the fall of 2021 with a Zero-G flight in May of 2022 testing technology for a virtual reality platform to enable science on Lunar rover exploration missions. In parallel with the scientific effort, the team developed the MIT Zero-G Outreach Initiative (0G-OI), an outreach program to engage with the Cambridge Public School's (CPS) grade 7 classes to teach them about research in microgravity, parabolic flight, and experiment design. The goal of the outreach program is to inspire the next generation of space scientists and engineers using virtual reality.The CPS grade 7 curriculum covers ‘Mysteries of the Universe’ where students consider the role of gravity in the solar system. They also complete a unit on roller coasters in which they learn about key ideas of force, motion, and energy through the context of roller coasters. The 0G-OI Initiative ties these two units together through five videos covering: 1) an overview of the initiative, 2) the basics of parabolic flight and how we perceive gravity, 3) an overview of gravity and its function in the universe, 4) why and what we can study in microgravity and 5) how to design an experiment for microgravity. The students then design their own experiments for microgravity. These are down-selected to the top 5 experiments that are reviewed by an astronaut to select one experiment to fly on the MIT chartered Zero-G parabolic flight. The flight and the experiment are filmed in VR video by the MIT RESOURCE team. Each participating school is provided with an Oculus Quest 2 VR headset and a flight day is held at each school where the students experience the Zero-G flight and see the results of their experiment in an immersive VR environment. Using this initial setup, the 0G-OI can be run annually in parallel with MIT's SEI parabolic flight course.Some key development parameters included keeping the educational videos under 10 min, that having an astronaut select the winning experiment provided incentive and finally, using VR, as this technology is commonly associated with gaming and entertainment. Lessons learned focused on improvements to scheduling and coordination with Zero-G, in-person programming and classroom experience optimization. The 0G-OI aims to develop a lasting relationship with the CPSs and make the exciting experience of parabolic flight and space exploration an accessible experience.

Talk is cheap: Direct evidence of conservation‐based changes in angler behavior

AbstractPost‐release mortality threatens shark populations already imperiled by overfishing, capture stress, and a changing climate. Few studies have quantified post‐release mortality for sharks captured in land‐based recreational fisheries. From 2018 to 2021, a land‐based shark post‐release mortality study was conducted and identified water temperature and species‐specific behavior as contributing factors to post‐release mortality. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effectiveness of disseminating the recommendation for best practices to recreational shark anglers and to determine if this information influenced angler behavior. Awareness of our post‐release mortality study influenced an angler's likely release behavior, with an increase in sharks landed in the water and corresponding decrease of sharks landed on dry sand. This study demonstrated direct evidence of conservation‐based changes in angler behavior following effective research communication and involvement of anglers in research. Outreach and engagement initiatives aimed at providing best handling practices to recreational anglers should be easily digestible, widely available, and an important component of future research.

Pemanfaatan minyak jelantah menjadi sabun batang pada masyarakat kelurahan Air Hitam Pekanbaru

Every cooking activity in households inevitably generates waste commonly known as waste or garbage, whether in solid or liquid form. One of these wastes is used cooking oil, commonly referred to as used cooking oil or "Minyak Jelantah". Environmental awareness plays a crucial role in promoting community consciousness toward the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, improper waste disposal, including used cooking oil, is a common practice among the public, leading to environmental pollution and adverse effects on human health. Used cooking oil results from repeated use in cooking, causing an increase in acid and peroxide levels and containing carcinogenic compounds. This community outreach program aims to educate and train the residents of Air Hitam Village, Pekanbaru, on the proper utilization of used cooking oil by transforming it into solid soap. The implementation of the program involves preparatory measures, practical soap-making sessions, and ongoing mentoring and support. The program's outcomes reveal an increased understanding among the community regarding the beneficial utilization of used cooking oil and a heightened awareness of the importance of preserving both the environment and personal health. Moreover, the production of solid soap from used cooking oil is expected to create an additional source of income for the local community and the Waste Bank group. This outreach initiative has successfully fostered a greater sense of environmental and health consciousness among the residents of Air Hitam Village

Commemorations and outreach: Shi‘i leaders of metro Detroit take on theCOVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractOn March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus (COVID‐19) outbreak a global pandemic, spurring dramatic changes in public health policies, travel between countries, and (trans)national economies, as well as in religious and political institutions. In the United States, in particular, the pandemic provoked and revealed an increasingly fraught relationship between scientific, religious, and political sources of information and leadership—an American “crisis of authority” wherein many Americans distrusted scientific and medical establishments. This article explores how Shi‘i Muslim institutions and leaders of metro Detroit navigated these competing authorities, even as their communities faced entrenched societal inequities, including anti‐Muslim racism (Islamophobia). Through interviews with Shi‘i religious leaders in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and Detroit, supplemented by digital and in‐person ethnographic research at five major Shi‘i mosques, we show how major Islamic centers and leaders argued for the efficacy, safety, religious value, and legality of COVID‐19 medical guidance and led extensive community outreach initiatives to help their struggling communities. Supported by religious scholars in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, their guidance offered messages of hope and resilience, as well as an emphasis on the community preservation and selflessness (caring for others) exemplified by the Family of the Prophet. They also emphasized how religious and scientific knowledge intersect, as per the sacred texts of Islam (the Qur'an and hadiths). Their approach compels us to better understand how sources of religious authority can tether vulnerable communities to forms of (legitimate) knowledge in times of upheaval, divisive politics, and misinformation.

Carbon sequestration in Canada's croplands: a review of multiple disciplines influencing the science–policy interface

A widely considered climate change mitigation strategy in agriculture is enhancing soil carbon (C) sequestration—the process of capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and storing it in the soil. By adopting natural climate solutions (NCS) such as cover crops, reduced tillage, and diverse crop rotations, farmers can increase soil C sequestration and co-benefits such as improved biodiversity. Canada is increasingly interested in better positioning farmers to adopt NCS via government cost-share programs, ecosystem marketplaces, and outreach and education initiatives. Given the policy and market-driven interest in soil C sequestration in agriculture, there is a need to advance the science–policy interface, ensuring foundational science, NCS implementation, and approaches to promote NCS are aligned. Herein, the objective is to present insights from multiple disciplines that can help build connections between soil C sequestration science and policy relevant to Canada's croplands. The method is a review of literature on soil and pedoclimate science, agricultural NCS adoption, agricultural NCS governance, and science–policy interfaces to achieve this objective. From this review, key insights underline that Canadian cropland soils do not have a homogenous history in NCS adoption and production type, nor are all regions influenced by the same contextual factors, have the same potential in C storage, or exist within the same agri-environmental conditions. Therefore, it is emphasized herein that policies that aim to enhance soil organic C in croplands should consider local context and C sequestration potential. Policies and programs implemented locally to enhance C sequestration across Canada should be complemented by nationally scalable measuring and monitoring to ensure outcomes are accounted for against climate goals. This review aims to contribute to building a common understanding of soil C sequestration in Canada's croplands and its science–policy interface. Efforts to further strengthen the science–policy interface for soil C sequestration in Canada's croplands might include greater integration and utilization of science and data from multiple disciplines, co-design and collaborative opportunities, and establishing on-the-ground test projects to explore innovation in policy and market design.

"Where is the spleen? Where are the lungs?"-An investigation of the level of anatomical knowledge of the Hong Kong public.

This article investigates the level of anatomical knowledge of the Hong Kong public and uses the data to help suggest public engagement activities and health campaigns to raise health literacy in the general population. In the annual public engagement event organized by the University of Hong Kong, 250 attendees took a survey assessing basic anatomical knowledge by putting organs/structures in their correct positions. Description analysis, correlation analysis, independent sample t-test, and one-way ANOVA analysis were conducted by SPSS 27.0. Overall, a mean score of 6.5 out of 20 was achieved. Differences between various demographic parameters were analyzed, and the results showed that better performance on the survey was associated with younger age, higher educational levels, and having healthcare experience. There was also a statistically significant difference in correctly positioning the thyroid between males and females. Interestingly, some misconceptions were thought to arise from the bespoke use of the Chinese language in the survey. The data reflected room for improvement in the level of anatomical knowledge among the public, notably in the older age groups. This was attributed partially to a lack of public outreach initiatives and established anatomy-focused programs, which has restricted public exposure to anatomical knowledge and hindered the development of anatomical sciences in Hong Kong. In conclusion, the knowledge of the public on the human body needs to be improved and possible solutions to improve public awareness of health were raised.

Enhancing the Reach of Socially Missioned Nonprofits: Insights from a TOC-LP Application

Socially missioned nonprofit organizations exist to connect at-risk populations to critical healthcare, food, and financial services. However, these organizations face several internal (resource infrastructure, management capability) and external (multiple stakeholders, client demographics and capabilities) constraints within which they must work to attain their goal of helping people in need. The extant academic literature offers a variety of solutions to such allocation problems for use in for-profit organizations. Yet noted differences in the operational systems of for-profit and nonprofit operations limit practitioners’ capabilities to readily leverage these tools. Thus, in this paper, we extend the applicability of classic resource allocation principles to the context of nonprofit operations’ outreach efforts. We describe a detailed case study analysis at one nonprofit organization (SC Thrive) wherein we implemented the theory of constraints–linear programming framework to help maximize the effectiveness of outreach initiatives carried out by the organization. Based on the results from our stepwise, nonlinear yield model, SC Thrive is now capable of doubling the annual number of applications submitted by potential beneficiaries for assistance services. History: This paper was refereed.

Assessing the Impact of Public Behavior and Industrial Emissions on Ambient Air Quality in Pakistan

Air pollution is a growing environmental concern worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. The study investigates the impact of industrial emissions, as well as public behavior, on air pollution in Pakistan. For this purpose, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among a sample size of 100 participants, including students, professors, and government employees. The goal was to assess their attitudes, practices, and understanding regarding air pollution, as well as their perception and contribution to the relevant issues and their role concerning industries and vehicles. The findings revealed significant insights into the prevailing situation. The respondents recognized the contributions of industrial emissions to pollution levels. However, a substantial portion of the participants exhibited limited knowledge regarding specific pollutants and their sources. These responses clarified certain facets regarding public behavior, including transportation choices, waste management practices, and energy-efficient technologies. It was evident that sustainable modes of transportation, such as cycling or public transportation, were underutilized, with personal vehicles being the primary choice. Furthermore, significant challenges were identified as a lack of proper waste management practices and the low adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Based on these findings, it is crucial to implement targeted interventions and raise awareness to address air pollution in Pakistan effectively. The study highlighted that there is adire need for increased education and public outreach initiatives to improve knowledge regarding air pollutants and their sources. Policies that support environmentally friendly transportation choices and encourage industry adoption of cleaner technologies should also be developed.

Issues Regarding Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sarawak: An Overview

Adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health is a commonly discussed topic in public health research. In Sarawak, similar challenges have been faced in other parts of the world which are, lack of access to accurate and comprehensive information about safe sex, contraception access and usage, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) whereby the adolescents will commit a risky sexual activity that affects their physical, mental and their socio-economic status. The Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development has stated that the cases of teenage pregnancy are rising in recent years as adolescents are engaging in risky sexual behaviour. Such cases occur due to adolescents experiencing sexual novelty during their growth and development period. Misconception about sex also contributes to risky sexual activity among adolescents as the source of information about sex they obtain is from media and pornography. Efforts have been made to enhance the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in Sarawak including school-based sex education and community outreach initiatives. However, there are still many efforts to be achieved to ensure that adolescents have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.&#x0D;

Impacts of the Marine Technology Boom: Ocean Literacy Now Requires Data Literacy

New technologies are continually being placed in the ocean, constantly collecting ocean data in real-time. As a result, Data Literacy is now a necessary learning goal for supporting students' Ocean Literacy. The newest ships in the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, the Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRVs), are being built with the aim of supporting data literacy through outreach and education, with aid from a forthcoming real-time data portal. To understand how the RCRV’s outreach and education initiatives can best support data and ocean literacy, while also facilitating intentional engagement with minoritized populations, a three-phase research strategy was conducted over three years. The objective was to determine promising practices in data literacy education and shipboard outreach that are also culturally responsive. The first phase of the research interviewed experts in the fields of teaching, data literacy, shipboard education, and community engagement in order to generate recommendations. The second phase was an assessment of a three-day data literacy high-school curriculum utilizing research vessel data. The third phase examined the success of potential culturally responsive data literacy curricular frameworks and teaching practices in an afterschool pilot program for Latinx youth. The research determined that in a world where students have never ending access to data, data literacy education must be scaffolded throughout a student's life. Data used in education must be contextual and relatable and the best tools for data literacy learning are designed for teachers and students. As new knowledge is being generated about the ocean through new technologies continually collecting data, ocean literacy can no longer exist without data literacy.

Perspectives of Certified Crop Advisers on Pesticide Resistance Management

AbstractPesticide resistance presents serious agronomic, environmental, and socio‐economic threats that continue to grow despite significant research and outreach initiatives. Existing research on producers’ pest management decisions and behaviors suggests that they face a variety of barriers and limitations to best management practices. While we know an increasing amount about producers’ perspectives on, and management of, pesticide resistance, there is limited understanding of how their advisers think about and deal with the issue. A recent survey sent to U.S.‐based CCAs provides some insight into these questions. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.