Partner Agencies Research Articles

Capacity Building Approach and Application: Utilization of Earth Observation Data and Geospatial Information Technology in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

While the Earth observation (EO) data and geospatial information technology (GIT) are getting more open and accessible, lack of skilled human resources and institutional capacities are limiting effective applications in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region. This paper aims to present the capacity building approach and applications designed to fill these gaps and empower decision makers and practitioners through information education and training. The capacity building approach consists of four components: assessment, design, implementation and monitoring (ADIM). The assessment component focuses on identifying the needs and priorities of capacity building for targeted institutions. The design component develops training content in order to execute the plan in coordination with subject matter experts (SME). The implementation component executes the capacity building activity in any of these four formats – standard training, training of trainers, on-the-job training and exposure learning. The monitoring component helps to identify the participants’ expectations, learning achievements and feedback to improve capacity building events. In the application of ADIM, we conducted needs assessment in four countries, designed 26 types of capacity building contents and implemented 39 capacity building events. A range of thematic topics – from agriculture and food security, water resources and hydro-climatic disasters, land use, land cover and ecosystem, weather and climate services, to crosscutting issues – were covered in the events. Altogether, the activities reachedout 1,000+ individuals (35% of them women) from 200+ unique institutions in 30 countries. Institutional capacity was built for universities in Afghanistan and Bangladesh to design and deliver courses independently. The capacity of partner agencies were built to co-design and co-develop data and applications. The approach also experienced challenges in the nomination process and in identifying women participants due to the lack of women professionals in the field and in the respective agencies. The ADIM approach and its workflow focused on bridging the gap between the current trend and progression in EO and GIT fields and the existing state of capacity of the agencies involved in the decision-making process. It promoted gender equity, adopted frontier technologies, engaged SMEs and provided sustainable solutions, which are starting to bring success stories in the region.

Establishing Comprehensive Cancer Care in Cambodia

Abstract Radiotherapy and cancer care did not exist at all during the civil wars in Cambodia, and of course, the cancer care was not a priority soon after the wars until 2003 when a Cobalt-60 machine was in full operation at the Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital. However, this was still just the beginning of re-establishing cancer treatments for Cambodians. Due to the economic growth and the expansion of the middle-class in the past two decades, more people have access to provincial and national hospitals for the diagnosis of cancer, although the standard of facilities is not the same as in high-income countries. More medical specialties have also emerged in response to demands. These factors and others have finally resulted in the planning of the national cancer center project at the Calmette Hospital in Cambodia. The government, the World Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency and multiple international partners have collaboratively worked to achieve the goals. The presentation will highlight the most essential milestones to realize some of the goals as of today, the challenges and the prospects of the project.

A religiously-tailored, multilevel intervention in African American churches to increase HIV testing: Rationale and design of the Taking It to the Pews cluster randomized trial

HIV continues to disproportionately impact African American (AA) communities. Due to delayed HIV diagnosis, AAs tend to enter HIV treatment at advanced stages. There is great need for increased access to regular HIV testing and linkage to care services for AAs. AA faith institutions are highly influential and have potential to increase the reach of HIV testing in AA communities. However, well-controlled full-scale trials have not been conducted in the AA church context. We describe the rationale and design of a 2-arm cluster randomized trial to test a religiously-tailored HIV testing intervention (Taking It to the Pews [TIPS]) against a standard information arm on HIV testing rates among AA church members and community members they serve. Using a community-engaged approach, TIPS intervention components are delivered by trained church leaders via existing multilevel church outlets using religiously-tailored HIV Tool Kit materials and activities (e.g., sermons, responsive readings, video/print testimonials, HIV educational games, text messages) to encourage testing. Church-based HIV testing events and linkage to care services are conducted by health agency partners. Control churches receive standard, non-tailored HIV information via multilevel church outlets. Secondarily, HIV risk/protective behaviors and process measures on feasibility, fidelity, and dose/exposure are assessed. This novel study is the first to fully test an HIV testing intervention in AA churches – a setting with great reach and influence in AA communities. It could provide a faith-community engagement model for delivering scalable, wide-reaching HIV prevention interventions by supporting AA faith leaders with religiously-appropriate HIV toolkits and health agency partners.

The Use of Syndromic Surveillance Data For Prevention and Monitoring of Hepatitis A

ObjectiveWe describe our efforts to prevent a hepatitis A outbreak in Houston.IntroductionSince 2017, over 11 states have been impacted by outbreaks of hepatitis A among persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) and drug use. The primary methods of transmission for the hepatitis A virus (HAV) are person-to-person contact and ingestion of contaminated foods. The HAV infection typically presents with minor symptoms, but the infection can cause serious complications and death in those with poor health. Houston, TX, the 4th largest U.S. city, has a large, mobile homeless population and is at risk for such an outbreak. Of the US adults surveyed for NHANES, only 27% reported hepatitis A immunity; and the homeless population is considered high risk for acquiring hepatitis A. The Point in Time Homeless Census (2017) estimated 3,412 PEH in the Houston metro area. Nationally, the HAV outbreaks have been marked by high rates of hospitalizations and deaths. Emergency and ambulatory department data was monitored and assessed for HAV-related visits using the Houston Health Department’s (HHD) syndromic surveillance system.MethodsCase reports and syndromic surveillance query were used to assess baseline data. HHD provided single-dose units of Hepatitis A vaccine through the Adult Safety Net program to two community medical providers that deliver care to PEH in Houston. Staff administered vaccines via clinics and outreach efforts. Immunization records were recorded in the state immunization registry. Monitoring of potential outbreaks occurred monthly using the syndromic query. Data from case reports or syndromic surveillance were analyzed once immunization efforts concluded.ResultsFrom 2015-2017, the annual mean of HAV cases reported was 13. Analyses of syndromic surveillance conducted in March and August 2018 revealed no increase in jaundice complaints. Briefings were conducted with multiple stakeholders including community members, medical providers, academia, and health professionals in December 2017. HHD provided 150 single-antigen hepatitis A vaccine allotments to two community partner agencies. Immunizations began in late January 2018; 400 homeless persons had been immunized as of March 30, 2018.ConclusionsOngoing review of surveillance data in conjunction with community assessments of PEH is necessary to prevent a hepatitis A outbreak among PEH in Houston. Since vaccination is cited as the best method of prevention, continuing immunization efforts are needed to build herd immunity.The availability of vaccines was limited due to the increased demand in responding to the multi-state HAV outbreaks. However, Houston Health Department (HHD) had access to doses of the hepatitis A vaccine post Hurricane Harvey. While a mass immunization campaign of at-risk groups would be ideal, staffing isn’t feasible as HHD uses a medical home model for immunization efforts. Innovative public health interventions are required to overcome the inherent challenges of delivering preventive programs to PEH. To prevent a potential HAV outbreak in Houston, comprehensive surveillance strategies should include 1) participatory stakeholder engagement, 2) timely reporting, 3) prompt referrals from providers who care for PEH, 4) community education about transmission and hygiene, and 5) vaccination of at-risk groups to increase herd immunity.

Evaluation of the Cancer Control P.L.A.N.E.T. Web Portal.

The Cancer Control P.L.A.N.E.T. (P.L.A.N.E.T.) Web portal was designed to ease access to data and evidence-based resources for cancer control practitioners and researchers focused on developing, implementing, and evaluating cancer control programs. To determine usability, applicability, and opportunities to improve the P.L.A.N.E.T. Web portal after significant changes to the portal over time. The National Cancer Institute surveyed and interviewed cancer control professionals to assess factors influencing utilization of P.L.A.N.E.T. Data were collected from May 2017 to June 2018 via partner agencies, electronic publications, and online links. Descriptive statistics with χ test were used to analyze the quantitative data and examine the relationship among variables. Qualitative interviews further informed the quantitative analysis. Of the 724 participants surveyed, 51% were users of P.L.A.N.E.T., with the majority accessing P.L.A.N.E.T. within the last 6 months. Most users felt that P.L.A.N.E.T. effectively met their needs for accessing specific cancer data, identifying evidenced-based programs, and ascertaining details on various cancer topics. There were statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics between users and nonusers of P.L.A.N.E.T., where users were more likely to have more experience in the cancer field, were older in age, and located in southern states. Results indicate that P.L.A.N.E.T. is seen as a viable and credible source for cancer control program planning and delivery. A reassessment of P.L.A.N.E.T.'s goals is warranted, which may support reaching out to new audiences, amplifying or removing underutilized resources, and adding additional resources and topics. Consideration for training and tutorials on P.L.A.N.E.T. would benefit partner agencies and build capacity for evidence-based program development.

P165 Examining the Role of Champion Volunteers: Former Participants and Agency Partners in Maryland EFNEP

Objective To examine the role of “Champion Volunteers” in Maryland EFNEP. Use of Theory or Research Theory of Planned Behavior was utilized to better understand behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention related to volunteering. Target Audience Select EFNEP “Champion Volunteers”: former EFNEP participants and partner agency staff from multiple Maryland Counties. Program Description Volunteers play a critical role in EFNEP. Former participants and partner agency staff reach out to potential program participants, provide opportunities and space for classes, assist with class management, and facilitate program participation by offering transportation, material resources etc. to support EFNEP. Volunteers who serve EFNEP above and beyond are recognized as “EFNEP Champions” based on the criterion developed by Maryland EFNEP. Evaluation Methods In-depth interviews were conducted on a convenience sample of “Champion” agency partners and former EFNEP participants (n = 20) to examine: their motivation for volunteering, perceived benefits from volunteering and their impact on EFNEP. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and transcripts were imported into NVivo (version 12), for coding. Data were analyzed and themes were generated. Results Interviewees expressed unanimous appreciation for EFNEP workshops. Key motivations for volunteering included engagement, attainment of knowledge, the learning experience, access to social support through interaction and relationships building with participants in the program: and a desire to serve the community. The impacts of the program on respondents and their families included maintenance of positive behaviors related to physical activity, healthier eating, budget planning and better management of food resources. Key findings on how former participants and agency staff supported EFNEP include recruitment of families, knowledge sharing with friends and family, advocacy, and assisting EFNEP educators in classes and promotional events. Conclusions This study provides an understanding of which motivators encourage volunteers to contribute to the community. It can inform which factors are most important when setting up new partnerships, recruiting, and engaging volunteers in the program and thereby help EFNEP and other nutrition education programs in developing a robust volunteer effort. Funding None.

The International Nurses Society on Addictions: Strategic Plan for Global Development to Shape Policy and Strengthen Addictions Nursing Influence.

The International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) believes that nurses are key to improving the well-being of individuals affected by substance use, including their families and friends and the society within which they live. It is essential that nurses are able to effectively influence change at local, organizational, systems, national, regional, and international levels.Historically, IntNSA has drawn its membership from within the United States, reflective of its origins as a national organization. In recognition of the potential for a wider international impact, members voted to formally expand its membership and status to international in 2000. In 2014, members elected its first international member to the Board, and the Board established an International Development Task Force.In 2015, the IntNSA Board outlined its plan for increasing opportunities for nurses around the world to collaborate to change and shape responses to addictions at all levels. In 2019, IntNSA's Board reviewed its progress, updated its plan, and developed consensus for further actions to be undertaken.This Policy Watch column provides a transparent overview of IntNSA's plans for global development and an update on its current progress. Its aim is to keep current and potential IntNSA members, our agency partners and interdisciplinary colleagues, and nurses in all specialties, including addictions nurses, informed about this important work. These strategies will ensure that IntNSA will achieve its stated vision "to be a global leader in addictions nursing" and accomplish its mission "to advance excellence in addictions nursing practice through advocacy, collaboration, education, research and policy development" (www.intnsa.org).

P168 Farm to School Positions within State Agencies, Extension, and SNAP-Ed Programs

Background Farm to school programs are a recommended strategy to improve dietary habits and nutrition. The National Farm to School Network (NFSN) prioritizes three state-level strategies to advance and institutionalize farm to school efforts: advocacy for farm to school policies, development of farm to school networks, and investments in farm to school positions at state agencies and in university Extension programs. Objective To describe and quantify the current farm to school positions at state agencies and in university Extension and those related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) programs. Study Design, Settings, Participants Data about state-level farm to school positions were collected through surveys of NFSN Core and Supporting Partners conducted by NFSN between January-April 2018. The number of positions was reported, along with qualitative data (title, description, funding, duration, and agency/organization). Measurable Outcome/Analysis NFSN partner organizations and agencies in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and US territories (n = 53) responded. Results were grouped by positions in state agencies and positions in university Extension programs. Results There are 157 farm to school positions (part-time and full-time), with 98 in state agencies and 59 in university Extension. The majority of state agency positions are in departments of agriculture and departments of education. Positions based in departments of health, social services, and environment are less common. Although some are funded through legislation, in many cases they have come through administrative authority or amendments to an agency's or university Extension program's scope of work. Some positions are supported through state and federal grant funds. Three states reported a total of 12 positions connected with SNAP-Ed. Conclusion State-level farm to school positions are integral to improving nutrition through advancing farm to school activities. Further study is needed to assess their purpose and effectiveness and the potential for similar positions in other states. Funding Tides Center.

Early Successional Forest Management on Private Lands as a Coupled Human and Natural System

Facilitating voluntary conservation on private lands is a crucial element of policies that seek to mitigate forest habitat loss and fragmentation around the world. Previous research emphasizes the role of social factors (e.g., landowner characteristics, economics) in forest management, but environmental outcomes of past management can also affect landowner decisions. Our objective was to evaluate how positive outcomes for wildlife and habitat might reinforce or amplify landowner efforts to manage forest habitats. We applied the lens of coupled human and natural systems to investigate private lands management for early successional forests, which are declining along with associated wildlife in rural areas of the eastern U.S. Efforts to restore early successional forest in this region involve active forest management to create patches of successional forest in native, mature mixed hardwood stands. By integrating field-based monitoring of wildlife with surveys of landowner perceptions, we examined how landowners observed, interpreted, and responded to property-scale ecological outcomes of forest management. We recorded presence of Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) and American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) and estimated bird species richness in spring 2015 and/or 2016 on private properties located in the Appalachians (Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania) and Upper Great Lakes (Minnesota, Wisconsin). These properties were enrolled in early successional forest management programs administered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Bird surveys were paired with landowner responses to a telephone survey conducted from January to May 2017 (n = 102). Most (71.6–81.6%) landowners’ perceptions of avian presence on their properties matched monitoring results. These perceptions were informed by personal observations and by outreach from agency partners and field technicians. Landowners who already completed their conservation program contracts (n = 85) continued managing early successional forests. Continued management for early successional habitat was positively associated with perceived benefits to birds, forest health, and scenery. Our findings give insight into how private landowners respond to environmental effects of forest management. We conclude that positive environmental outcomes of these conservation programs are related to continued early successional forest conservation by private landowners.

Hurricane Harvey AAR: Preparedness Recommendations Based on Surveillance Data

ObjectiveTo provide recommendations for future preparedness response efforts based on an assessment of the Post-Hurricane Harvey After-Action Report (AAR).IntroductionOn August 25, 2017 Hurricane Harvey moved onshore near Port Aransas, Texas, eventually overwhelming areas of Houston with between 41-60 inches of rain (Houston Health Department [HHD], 2017). As a category 4 storm, with wind speeds as high as 130 mph, Harvey broke several rainfall records across the state and ended the prolonged period of twelve years in which no major hurricanes had made landfall in the United States (Mersereau, 2017). Harvey ambled at a leisurely pace through Houston and resulted in devastating flooding that destroyed homes and required the evacuation of approximately 37,000 Houstonians to over 78 shelter facilities across the affected area (HHD, 2017). Through concerted efforts, the American Red Cross and the HHD established the shelter at the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) and “delivered or coordinated social services, medical and mental health services, disease surveillance and food/sanitary inspection services” for the duration of the need for the shelter (HHD, 2017).MethodsSyndromic surveillance data is essential to understanding the health status of affected communities during and after a disaster. For this abstract, we reviewed data collected from different surveillance systems and programs within the Houston Health Department (HHD), namely Real-Time Outbreak and Surveillance (RODS), Houston Electronic Disease Surveillance System (HEDSS) and other program systems, and reports compiled into the AAR. The AAR contained an assessment of the data collected daily during shelter surveillance and helped identify gaps in the implementation of preparedness plans, current procedures, and best practices. HHD’s Informatics team was responsible for data collection, training of staff and maintaining a cloud based repository of information on surveillance data and resources. A review of the AAR indicated a need for resources for the general shelter population to address the need for pharmacy data, enhanced behavioral support for individuals with mental health needs, dialysis treatment plans and pharmaceutical needs for patients with respiratory illness or hypertension.ResultsFrom August 30, 2017 to September 8, 2017 approximately 3,500 evacuees residing at the GRB shelter were assessed for a variety of medical conditions and complaints. Patient encounters peaked on September 4, 2017, with 705 patient encounters recorded. Data from the AAR suggested there were four most prevalent conditions of immediate need; affecting almost 25% of the shelter population were hypertension (10.4%), mental and behavioral issues (7.9%), diabetes (5.7%) and dialysis or renal failure (0.3%). There were challenges with supply of medications and synchronization of data collection by HHD and partner agencies. The department’s Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP) was voluminous and was not easily accessible during the disaster response. The findings from the After-Action Report indicate that disasters present multidimensional health challenges that can overwhelm advance preparations and more needs to be done to address the problems identified from previous disaster responses to improve on future outcomes.ConclusionsSyndromic surveillance can be strengthened in the following recommended areas for better incorporation into disaster response plans; pharmacy and health related data and data collection.The ingestion of pharmacy data by the syndromic surveillance systems could highlight gaps in the supply of needed medications at pharmacies during and post disaster, data from behavioral health clinics could show whether victims of the disaster who suffer mental health issues are able to access care, and whether dialysis treatment plans were continued. Based on the gaps identified, recommendations include integration of pharmacy data into the City’s disease surveillance system “ESSENCE” for tracking prescriptions and OTC purchases, to ensure adequate preparation for disaster stock levels and identification of sources for reordering when stocks run short.Additionally, it is recommended to revise and standardize data collection tools used during shelter surveillance to streamline the data collection process and to align the data tools of partner agencies, particularly DMAT and Red Cross, to prevent unnecessary duplication of efforts.Finally, the City’s Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP) has been revised since Hurricane Harvey and is periodically assessed and updated. The revised and updated COOP provides a concise and readily accessible document which can be easily reviewed and implemented to support an emergency response.

ГУМАНІТАРНА ДОПОМОГА ТА ЦИВІЛЬНИЙ ЗАХИСТ ЯК НАПРЯМ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОГО СОЮЗУ ДЛЯ СПРИЯННЯ МІЖНАРОДНОМУ МИРУ Й БЕЗПЕЦІ

Гуманітарна допомога й цивільний захист належать до напрямів зовнішньополітичної діяльності Європейського Союзу. Допомога спрямовується через 200+ міжнародних і місцевих партнерських організацій та агентств і підтримується тисячами європейських волонтерів. Це робить ЄС одним із найпотужніших донорів гуманітарної допомоги у світі. На міжнародній арені Союз підтримує й пропагує свої цінності та інтереси й сприяє миру, безпеці, сталому розвитку і взаємній повазі між народами. Збереження життя, запобігання та полегшення людських страждань, збереження честі й гідності населення, яке постраждало від стихійних лих та техногенних криз, – місія Генерального директорату Європейської комісії з питань цивільного захисту й операцій із гуманітарної допомоги. Уся діяльність ЄС та країн-членів у сфері надання гуманітарної допомоги здійснюється відповідно до норм міжнародного гуманітарного права і його базових принципів: гуманності, нейтральності, неупередженості та незалежності. Операції з надання допомоги ЄС керуються такими додатковими принципами: координації, узгодженості й взаємодоповнюваності між задіяними учасниками; якості, ефективності та підзвітності; різноманітності партнерських відносин. Низка нормативно-правових документів регулює гуманітарну діяльність ЄС щодо збереження життя людей під час надзвичайних ситуацій, подолання їхніх негайних негативних наслідків; надання необхідної допомоги постраждалим від довготривалих криз, особливо там, де уряди виявляються неспроможними допомогти; боротьби з наслідками переселення населення; забезпечення готовності до ризиків стихійних лих і використання відповідного швидкого раннього попередження й системи втручання тощо. Із 1992 р. ЄС надавав допомогу потерпілим після численних катастроф по всьому світу, зокрема жертвам війни в Югославії, геноциду в Руанді, громадянської війни в Судані; постраждалим від стихійних лих у Тихоокеанському регіоні, Західній Африці, на Балканах тощо. Сьогодні Україна також є реципієнтом гуманітарної допомоги ЄС .

Mind The Gap: Towards and Beyond Impact Messaging to Enhance Tropical Cyclone Risk Communication

ABSTRACT Traditionally, meteorological agencies collect, analyse, and share technical information about natural hazards with emergency services organisations and community members; often sending different warning products to each of these groups. For the general public, effective risk communication requires that technical information be translated to first gain attention and build understanding of risk, and then continue to be exchanged by all parties. The World Meteorological Organization and its partner agencies have recognised this need for translated information by moving away from warnings describing risks solely in terms of meteorological parameters and towards clearer messaging emphasizing significance and potential impacts. While the move towards more relatable weather warning messaging is a positive one, risk communication is a complex, dynamic and interactive process that is highly dependent on audience psychology, knowledge, skills, and capabilities; presenting at once difficulties and opportunities for agencies. Over recent years, advertisers, politicians and public safety advocates have all improved their messaging through the use of big data, psychology, social networking and behavioural economics principles, yet the links between these elements and weather risk communication are still relatively immature. This report aims to build links between weather forecasters, social scientists and related industries by outlining three conceptual models social scientists have developed to meet different challenges in the field of risk communication; the mental models approach, risk information seeking and processing, and the protective action decision making model. Recent issues and successes in the communication of tropical cyclone risk will then be examined and compared to these models, and future opportunities will be discussed.

Collaborative policing: networked responses to child victims of sex crimes.

In response to child victims of sex crimes, Canadian police agencies are required to work collaboratively with child victim oriented community organizations. Such collaborations involve the navigation of potentially competing objectives of partner agencies. In our research, we examine police interpretations of collaborative responses to child victims of sex crimes in order to assess the challenges and benefits of police and community partnerships. We conducted 52 semi-structured interviews and focus groups with police officers working on one of different ten police service organizations across Canada in order to unpack the joint responses of police and community partner agencies to child victims of sex crimes. We coded and analysed focus group and interview transcripts for emergent themes pertaining to police interpretations of their collaborations with governmental and non-governmental organizations when responding to child victims of sex crimes. In focusing on the management and sharing of information, the complexities and practicalities of joint responses to child sexual abuse are revealed. Collaborative tensions, such as differing mandates and blurred boundaries, were present in all participating policing agencies, but police working in and alongside CACs were more likely to recognize that the safety and best interest of children was a shared goal across partner agencies. Operating in successful partnership requires clearly demarcated roles and mutual understanding and respect between both police and partnerships agencies.

India’s RMNCH+A Strategy: approach, learnings and limitations

Building on the gains of the National Health Mission, India’s Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) Strategy, launched in 2013, was a milestone in the country’s health planning....

N.J. agency partners with legal group to help SPMI patients

Noting that medical‐legal partnerships are being recognized and gaining traction as an effective and relatively low‐cost intervention to improve health outcomes, a New Jersey–based mental health organization and a public interest law agency have partnered to assist patients with a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) in need of legal assistance before they reach a crisis point.

Resettled Bhutanese Refugees in Ottawa: What Coping Strategies Promote Psychological Well-Being?

Background Since 2008, Bhutanese refugees have been resettled in Canada, including Ottawa. This relocation and resettling process is associated with significant physical and psychological stress, as individuals acclimatize to a new country. Purpose To assess the relationship between coping strategies and psychological well-being of Bhutanese refugees resettled in Ottawa. Methods A cross-sectional survey utilizing a convenience sample of adults (n = 110) was conducted in the fall of 2015 in Ottawa. Two tools, Brief COPE and general well-being schedule were used. Results Bhutanese refugees were in moderate distress. Using multiple linear regression, age, education, and three coping strategies (positive reframing, self-blame, and venting) were identified as predictors of general well-being ( F (11, 96) = 3.61, p < .001, R2 = 21.2%). Higher levels of education and positive reframing were associated with greater general well-being scores, while self-blame and well-being between ages 41 and 50 years were inversely associated with general well-being. Conclusions Findings suggest that a broad intersectorial approach between nurses and partner agencies is needed to enhance the mental health of this population for better adjustment in the host country. Nurses could provide support and counseling to minimize the use of self-blame and venting and promote positive coping strategies.

Obesity needs to be put into a much wider context

Obesity needs to be put into a much wider context

Digital colonialism: US empire and the new imperialism in the Global South

This article proposes a conceptual framework of how the United States is reinventing colonialism in the Global South through the domination of digital technology. Using South Africa as a case study, it argues that US multinationals exercise imperial control at the architecture level of the digital ecosystem: software, hardware and network connectivity, which then gives rise to related forms of domination. The monopoly power of multinational corporations is used for resource extraction through rent and surveillance – economic domination. By controlling the digital ecosystem, Big Tech corporations control computer-mediated experiences, giving them direct power over political, economic and cultural domains of life – imperial control. The centrepiece of surveillance capitalism, Big Data, violates the sanctity of privacy and concentrates economic power in the hands of US corporations – a system of global surveillance capitalism. As a feature of surveillance capitalism, Global North intelligence agencies partner with their own corporations to conduct mass and targeted surveillance in the Global South – which intensifies imperial state surveillance. US elites have persuaded people that society must proceed according to its ruling class conceptions of the digital world, setting the foundation for tech hegemony. The author argues for a different ecosystem that decentralises technology by placing control directly into the hands of the people to counter the rapidly advancing frontier of digital empire.

Digital Colonialism: US Empire and the New Imperialism in the Global South

This paper proposes a theoretical and conceptual framework explaining how the United States is reinventing colonialism in the Global South through the domination of digital technology. Drawing on South Africa as a case example, it argues that US multinationals exercise imperial control at the architecture level of the digital ecosystem: software, hardware, and network connectivity. This gives rise to five related forms of domination. First, the monopoly power of multinational corporations is used for resource extraction through rent and surveillance, constituting a new form of economic domination. Second, by controlling the digital ecosystem, Big Tech corporations control computer-mediated experiences, giving them direct power over political, economic, and cultural domains of life – a new form of imperial control. Third, the centerpiece of surveillance capitalism, Big Data, violates the sanctity of privacy and concentrates economic power into the hands of US corporations – a system of global surveillance capitalism. Fourth, as a feature of surveillance capitalism, Global North intelligence agencies partner with their own corporations to conduct mass and targeted surveillance in the Global South. This intensifies imperial state surveillance. And fifth, US elites have persuaded most people that society must proceed according to its own ruling class conceptions of the digital world, setting the foundation for tech hegemony. These five features demonstrate that digital colonialism is both structural and conceptual, and the international community needs to create a fundamentally different tech ecosystem that decentralizes technological by placing control directly into the hands of the people. For this task, People’s Technology for People’s Power – combined with education, grassroots movements, and creative legislation – provides practical solutions to counter the rapidly advancing frontier of digital empire.

The Xishuangbanna Declaration on Plant Conservation

The Xishuangbanna Declaration on Plant Conservation