Regional Partners Research Articles

The potential of collaborative solutions to improve management of California (United States) wildlands

Across the western United States and elsewhere, the frequency and intensity of wildland fires are projected to increase, posing a challenge to natural‐resource management. While collaborative, multi‐benefit partnerships can provide opportunities to overcome barriers to effective management, in many cases these collaborations have been slow to form. To investigate this issue, we surveyed natural‐resource professionals in California to identify barriers to effective management and potential solutions in the form of collaborations. Analyzing our data using social network analysis, results show that limited financial and human capital were the most salient barriers in our sample, while lack of public support and data were less common concerns. Collaboration networks were dominated by land‐management and other public agencies, as they were the most frequently mentioned as collaborators. Tribes, universities, private‐sector organizations, and watershed‐service providers mentioned other actors as collaborators more often than they were mentioned as collaborators, while the opposite was true for land‐management and other public agencies. Universities, land managers, watershed‐service providers, and private‐sector organizations displayed a strong desire to establish new collaborations, while other public agencies and tribes displayed less of a desire to do so. Overall, this study highlights insufficient financial and human capital as barriers confronting natural‐resource management in California. It also shows that organizations with the capacity and capability to help mitigate these shortcomings, such as the private sector and universities, are among those most positive toward additional collaborations. Our findings suggest that initiatives to expand regional collaborative partnerships could increase the effectiveness of natural‐resource management in California.

ADVOCACY STRATEGY IN OPTIMIZING THE USE OF VILLAGE FUNDS FOR THE STUNTING PREVENTION PROGRAM IN EAST SUMALATA DISTRICT

Stunting is a critical public health issue in North Gorontalo Regency, and efforts to prevent it during the First 1000 Days of Life face significant challenges, particularly due to insufficient allocation of village funds for stunting prevention initiatives. This research aims to explore effective communication and advocacy strategies for securing village fund support for the stunting prevention program focused on the First 1000 Days of Life at the village level in East Sumalata District, North Gorontalo Regency. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing document analysis, observations, interviews, and focus group discussions to examine village fund management and assess the effectiveness of advocacy strategies. The findings indicate that an effective advocacy strategy for securing village fund allocations for the stunting prevention program involves informal communication with a persuasive approach directed at regional leaders. Key elements include presenting accurate target data, referencing relevant regulations, submitting well-prepared activity proposals, and obtaining recommendation letters from local authorities such as the Head of the Office or the Subdistrict Head. Given the sensitivity and limitations of village budget discussions, consistent monitoring of advocacy proposals is essential to ensure program implementation. Support from regional leaders and partner organizations is crucial for successful advocacy efforts.

India does not accept China as the pre-eminent power in the Indo-Pacific

ABSTRACT This article examines the complex dynamics between India and China, particularly their positional and spatial rivalries in the Indo-Pacific region. Since the late 1940s, the two nations have engaged in territorial conflicts along the disputed border, culminating in the 1962 war. China’s quest for preeminence in the Indo-Pacific prompted India to strengthen ties with the US, join the Quad, and enhance regional partnerships. This paper argues that China’s intrusions along the Line of Actual Control in May 2020 aimed to teach India a lesson reminiscent of the 1962 war, diminish its influence, and force acceptance of China as the preeminent power. Analyzing China’s ambitions, and India’s strategic responses, the article assesses India’s inclination to recognize China’s dominance in the Indo-Pacific. As the two nations grapple with historical baggage and contemporary geopolitical shifts, the article explores the implications of their strategic choices on regional stability and global power dynamics.

Collaboration, Organizational Capacity, and Sustainability: The Cross-Sector Governance of Smart Cities

Interactions with other organizations likely influence how local governments confront complex problems. Drawing on theories of collaborative governance, we investigate the extent to which collaboration affects U.S. local governments’ prioritization of the sustainability benefits of Smart Cities Technologies (SCT). Using data from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) 2016 Smart Cities Survey and the U.S. Census Bureau, we find that collaboration with local, regional, and private sector partners influences the extent to which local governments prioritize the sustainability benefits of SCT. Organizational capacity is also an important predictor of perceived benefits of SCT. Our findings suggest a hidden side of boundary spanning, suggesting that collaboration can enhance opportunities for sustainability technologies.

Evolving Trends in College Students' Health Education: A Bibliometric Analysis.

This study offers new insights into college students' health education (CSHE) regarding its research status, hot spots, and trends by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of this field in the past decade (2014 to 2024). Specifically, we analyzed publication trends and used the bibliometric method with CiteSpace software to explore collaborative networks, detailed co-citation status, and co-occurrence dynamics based on 1358 Web of Science Core Collection articles. Our results indicate increased relevant publications and the collaboration networks show complex institutional and regional partnerships. At the same time, co-citation and co-occurrence analyses highlight interdisciplinary research themes that encompass public health. The study particularly underscores the emerging importance of mental health, global health, and innovative educational approaches. These findings reveal trends in CSHE research and provide crucial insights for future studies, stressing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and creative strategies to tackle student health challenges. Moreover, in practice, this study contributes to promoting and practicing targeted health intervention policies and countermeasures aimed at enhancing student well-being, such as establishing dedicated health education courses, providing specialized training for teachers, conducting regular health assessments, and providing funding for CSHE.

Understanding and addressing the needs of refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people

Abstract Issue/problem Europe is home to an increasing number of refugee and asylum-seeking children at risk of health and wellbeing needs due to their life experiences. They are frequently marginalised, impoverished, and face barriers accessing the healthcare and support they need. Bevan, an English social enterprise providing health and wellbeing services to Inclusion Health populations, carried out a needs assessment of migrant children registered at one of its General Practices to determine challenges and opportunities to ensuring their right to health. The knowledge and learning generated is relevant across sectors; organisations and geographical boundaries. Description of the problem The assessment included a literature review, audit of child new patient health checks, service mapping, multi-agency stakeholder interviews and a consultation event with unaccompanied minors. Findings informed Bevan’s Migrant Children and Young People (CYP) Strategy, local service development and system-wide recommendations. Results Key areas of concern identified included mental health; safeguarding; development; nutrition; and inter agency working. Challenges to meeting needs were complex and included national policies, poor provider understanding of rights and entitlements, language and cultural barriers, health service waiting lists, housing and silo-working. Lessons Responding to findings Bevan invested in an in-house CYP mental health service and CYP social prescriber, opened a drop-in clinic and wellbeing service for unaccompanied minors, and initiated orientation and health information sessions for new arrivals with peer advocate support. Bevan now hosts a city-wide cross-sector Migrant CYP stakeholder group and collaborates with regional and national partners to develop resources to promote the health of migrant CYP. Key messages • The needs assessment enabled development of a responsive integrated service for migrant CYP that meets their health needs and addresses their social determinants of health. • The Migrant CYP stakeholder group has improved inter-agency working, helped identify service gaps, increased advocacy opportunities, and facilitated co-creation of solutions to meet population needs.

Women's Participation in the Arab Spring Protests and the Prevalence of Domestic Violence: Evidence From Egypt

During the Arab Spring protests, Egyptian women demonstrated in streets in unprecedented numbers, challenging societal norms about women’s roles and rights. Using a triple difference approach and nationally representative DHS data, this study exploits regional variation in protest intensity and women’s participation in the protests from 2011 to 2014 to examine the changes in women’s risk of experiencing domestic violence. Results show that women experienced a significant decline in their probability of experiencing physical, sexual, and psychological violence from their intimate partners in regions more exposed to women’s political participation in Arab Spring protests. Exploring potential channels, the study finds a significant increase in women’s decision-making power in more affected regions, without significant changes in attitudes toward domestic violence or labor market outcomes. These effects underscore the role of increased visibility of women in public spaces in empowering women and reducing their experience of intimate partner violence. HIGHLIGHTS Egyptian women protested in unprecedented numbers during Arab Spring demonstrations. Exposure to these events changed women’s risk of experiencing intimate partner violence. Women experienced a significant decline in intimate partner violence in more affected regions. Women also experienced an increase in decision-making power within the household.

SIEMES DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CASE STUDY TOWARDS ORGANIZATIONAL SCALE AND SUCCESS IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY”

This study investigates a range of scaling strategies for electrical engineering firms, with a focus on various crucial aspects such as internal innovation, strategic regional expansion, geographical proximity, and collaborative partnerships. Internal innovation is highlighted as a key driver of growth, as it allows firms to develop new technologies and processes that can differentiate them from competitors. Strategic regional expansion is discussed as a means to tap into new markets and leverage local opportunities, while geographical proximity is examined for its impact on operational efficiency and customer relationships. Collaborative partnerships are also emphasized for their role in enhancing capabilities and driving mutual benefits. The case study of Siemens AG serves as a prominent example, showcasing how digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing have significantly transformed their approach to scaling. Siemens AG's experience underscores how these technologies can support internal innovation, streamline regional expansion efforts, overcome geographical barriers, and foster effective collaborations. The article proposes a detailed framework in which digital transformation is central to driving these strategies. It argues that digital technologies are not just enablers but essential components that fuel innovation across various domains. Additionally, digital transformation is posited as a critical factor in facilitating smoother and more effective expansion into new regions, bridging geographical gaps that can otherwise impede growth, and enhancing collaborative efforts both within and outside the organization. By integrating these elements, businesses can achieve sustainable growth and maintain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving and challenging market landscape.is considered near the evaluation of efficiency of management an enterprise. Evaluation technology is realized on the basis of comparison of financial indexes, in particular to the analysis of indexes of profitability and analysis of business activity

From regional signal to alert in addictovigilance

France has several monitoring systems that form the foundation of its health safety surveillance. This system is designed for the early detection of signals and their swift into an action system that enables timely, appropriate, and effective interventions to protect public health. These signals are considered alerts when sufficiently validated after an initial risk assessment and if they represent a potential threat to public health, necessitating an appropriate response. The French Addictovigilance Network (FAN) was established specifically to address complications associated with the use of psychoactive substances (PAS), both medicinal and non-medicinal, excluding alcohol and tobacco. This system, unique in Europe, provides information on one of the most complex vigilance systems due to its scope, and the risks associated with it are becoming an increasingly significant public health issue. FAN is at the forefront of identifying potential signals. It has been working closely with regional partners since 1990, particularly through a multi-source approach that combines data from various sources, in collaboration with local professionals. After outlining the missions of the addictovigilance centres and the general principles of signal detection in addictovigilance, this article will present recent examples involving similar products but different identifications or modes of consumption: synthetic cannabinoids, nitazene, pregabalin, methylphenidate. These examples demonstrate that while there are regional disparities, the risk of occurrence in other French regions should not be overlooked, and information should be rapidly communicated at the national level for preventive action.

Позиции Республики Корея и Японии по институционализации военно-политического сотрудничества в Азиатско-Тихоокеанском регионе

The article analyzes the current stance of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan on the institutionalization of defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, provides the assessment of the prospects for the US-ROK-Japan triangle institutionalization, as well as the assessment of the prospects for the possible accession of Japan and South Korea to the AUKUS agreement. Drawing from the strategic documents of Tokyo and Seoul in the field of security, as well as joint statements and other official information materials of the United States and its partners in the Asia-Pacific region, the author comes to the conclusion that the announced "Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework" of the United States – South Korea – Japan will be poorly formalized, and the main area of cooperation within this framework will be the exchange of intelligence data and monitoring of the military activity of the DPRK. The Memorandum of Cooperation concluded in July 2024 has primarily an ideological significance and is intended to create a precedent for formalizing military cooperation in a trilateral format. The potential entry of the ROK and Japan into AUKUS also has its problems. Through the license-free AUKUS arms trade ecosystem, Japan potentially can be able to develop its own defense industry and gain a foothold as an arms exporter. On the contrary, for South Korea, which is already an established exporter of military equipment and weapons, this would be a potential risk and the possibility of losing its acquired positions in Australia and other markets. Nevertheless, the prospect for both parties joining AUKUS is real, and cooperation within this multilateral format can also be of a weakly formalized nature, reduced to work on a number of joint projects, mainly in high-tech areas with the ultimate goal of developing common technological and legal standards.

Understanding International and Regional Partnerships for Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: A Focus on the Asia Pacific Region

Understanding International and Regional Partnerships for Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: A Focus on the Asia Pacific Region

Women’s support-seeking for reproductive decision-making in Australia: rationales and socio-demographic contexts

ABSTRACT While a positive relationship between social support and women’s reproductive decision-making outcomes exists, little is known about the reasons why women engage supporters to assist them when making reproductive decisions. This study explores Australian women’s reasons for engaging supporters for reproductive decision-making and whether women’s socio-demographic characteristics are suggestive of any such reasons. A modified content analysis approach, combining directed and summative analysis methods, was applied to data from two qualitative Australian studies exploring women’s support-seeking for reproductive decision-making. Findings suggest that the most important rationales for engaging supporters were ‘understanding or empathy’, ‘informed or educated’, ‘on the same page’, ‘little interference’, ‘close’ and ‘stake in the decision’. Some socio-demographic characteristics, particularly regional area and partner status, helped to explain some reasons, while other reasons were better explained by the nature of the decision being made. Further research is required to enhance our understanding of reproductive decision-making processes and enable women to access support that facilitates decisions appropriate to their bodies and life circumstances.

Does Supply Concentration Encourage Cooperation? Evidence from Airlines

One of a firm’s key strategic decisions is whether to concentrate its input purchases in a small number of suppliers versus spreading them among many suppliers. We propose that supplier concentration solves an interfirm free-riding problem: By internalizing externalities between suppliers, it incentivizes buyer-supplier cooperation. Guided by a simple theoretical model, we investigate this hypothesis on slot exchanges between major airlines and their outsourced regional airline partners during inclement weather, a setting where externalities between suppliers are ubiquitous. We find robust evidence that a regional airline engages in more frequent slot exchanges with its major airline partner when it operates a larger share of the major’s outsourced flights. We also find that this positive effect of concentration on mutual cooperation increases in the size of the externalities between regionals. Our results suggest that, in contrast with Porter’s classic five forces framework, supplier concentration can serve as a governance instrument for buyer-supplier collaborations. More broadly, our paper provides novel evidence on task concentration as a tool to solve free-riding problems in multiagent settings. This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy. Funding: This paper received financial support from the Spanish Research Agency (MICIU/AEI) [Grants PID2022-136983NB-I00, MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03455 .

Abstract B095: Evaluating the research experiences and outcomes of pre-pilot and pilot awardees of a U54 regional cancer partnership: Success, challenges, and solutions

Abstract Purpose: The Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Equity in Cancer Health (SPEECH) is a regional, comprehensive cancer health disparity initiative jointly led by Temple University/Fox Chase Cancer Center and Hunter College (TUFCCC/HC). This partnership is supported by a U54 grant from the National Cancer Institute. In this study, we present the successes of the Pre-Pilot and Pilot Projects funded by the U54 Partnership Matched Fund. Additionally, we discuss the challenges encountered in the award process and propose solutions to enhance this process for current and future recipients. Background: One of the key components of SPEECH - the Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Equity in Cancer Health - is to provide rigorous and robust multidisciplinary cancer disparities research education experiences and mentorship to graduate, post-doctoral, and junior faculty trainees in cancer and cancer health disparities research. So far, through the SPEECH U54 Partnership Matched Fund provided by the Partnership institutions, SPEECH has successfully funded a total of 63 studies, including 35 pre- pilot and 28 pilot projects. Methods: The Planning and Evaluation Core (PEC) team conducted virtual face-to-face interviews and surveys with open-ended questions with 8 awardees. We also connected video testimonials from the awardees. The main goal was to understand the awardees' experiences in applying for, implementing, and evaluating their projects funded under the U54 Partnership. Results: Preliminary results showed five areas of successes, including improved research skills, advanced career in cancer health disparities research, expanded professional network, foster a sense of belonging and scientific identity, and facilitating scientific collaboration and integration across disciplines and institutions. Specifically, awardees mentioned gaining experience with the grant writing process and transitioning to an independent investigator, encompassing tasks such as data collection and manuscript development, and research dissemination, which helped to expand their professional portfolio. Awardees also highlighted receiving mentorship that championed for career advancement and opportunities for professional awards. We also identified four main areas for improvement in the solicitation and implementation process of the awards. These include improving the comprehensibility of the application process, timelines, budget, and other outputs. We also identified the opportunity to augment the networking channels for mentors and collaborators of the SPEECH partnership. Conclusion: As we continue our interviews and surveys with additional awardees, we will analyze the qualitative data collected to identify how to improve the award mechanism for current and future cohorts. We plan to help facilitate the proper improvements and continue to re-evaluate the award process. Citation Format: Jade A. Truehart, Elisabeth Russell McKenzie, Cicely Johnson, Grace X Ma, SJ Dodd, Lin Zhu. Evaluating the research experiences and outcomes of pre-pilot and pilot awardees of a U54 regional cancer partnership: Success, challenges, and solutions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B095.

The Role of Local Health Departments in Addressing the Opioid Crisis and Deploying Opioid Settlement Funds.

This article examines the evolving role of local health departments in North Carolina's opioid crisis response. Highlighting strategies like community mobilization, data prioritization, and regional partnerships, it illustrates the impact of opioid settlement funds in empowering local health departments to manage behavioral health systems and implement effective opioid abatement interventions.

In the same boat—a case for trans-Tasman strategic integration

ABSTRACT Arguably no two neighbours are as deeply intermeshed as Australia and New Zealand. Both have a mutually reinforcing and non-discretionary stake in the Pacific’s prosperity and security—the region of greatest strategic intersection and overlapping national interests. Although strategically aligned, New Zealand is not a ‘mini-Australia’. Australia is an Indo-Pacific middle power with equities to balance with its US ally and regional partners like Japan, Indonesia, and India. New Zealand is a small state with a Pacific identity. Despite asymmetries, New Zealand offers strategic value to Australia through Pasifika demographics, niche capabilities, and by adding another voice to shared objectives. Due to scale and culture differences, New Zealand can credibly and authentically engage with Pacific partners in a different way from Australia. The ANZUS military alliance remains the backbone of the strategic relationship. However, as the inaugural Australia-New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministerial meeting (ANZMIN) in February 2024 affirmed, increasingly all ‘tools of statecraft’ need to be applied to the compounding challenges ahead. Further, both countries should leverage their comparative advantages as part of collective efforts. A modernised understanding of the alliance might start by re-examining each country’s geopolitical mindset and the respective strategic value each provides the other.

Building Clinical Care Capacity for Patients With Special Pathogens in Advance of the Next Outbreak.

In response to the growing number of outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, the US Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has embarked on a plan to improve and expand special pathogen patient care capabilities. To achieve this, ASPR is developing a coordinated network of Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs) to serve as state-of-the-art facilities staffed by a highly trained workforce to care for and manage special pathogen patients across the lifespan. The RESPTC network represents the operational arm of a broader US National Special Pathogen System of care to prevent and prepare for the next infectious disease outbreak. RESPTCs are strategically located in every region across the country and form a network linking local and regional healthcare partners to enhance national preparedness through training in best practices for detection, isolation, and treatment of individuals suspected of or known to be infected with a special pathogen. This local, regional, and national network is also designed to lead a coordinated response that includes the dissemination of accurate and trustworthy information to responders and the public. The overarching goal of the RESPTCs is to serve as a valuable resource for clinical care, training, and material support to meet current and future major infectious diseases challenges. In this case study, 2 new RESPTCs, MedStar Washington Hospital Center and the University of North Carolina, describe their experiences related to designing a biocontainment unit, creating clinical teams, building staff resiliency, receiving mentoring from regional RESPTC partners, and developing opportunities for innovation.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's Role in Promoting Sustainable Hydropower Projects: A Comparative Analysis of the Mangdechhu and Punatsangchhu-I Projects

This study compares the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)-led Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project with the World Bank-supported Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project. By comparing the approval and implementation process, multilateral and regional cooperation, sustainable development factors, and challenges and coping strategies of these two hydropower projects, it is concluded that AIIB has a clear advantage in promoting sustainable energy projects. AIIB has demonstrated an efficient project approval and implementation process, as well as close multilateral and regional partnerships. In addition, AIIB has systematically focused on the environmental, social and economic impacts of the project, so that sustainable development can be balanced in the progress of energy projects. However, the agency's pressing issues include technical difficulties, environmental protection, and population resettlement. In order to meet these challenges, AIIB needs to strengthen the learning of experience, optimize the project strategy, and expand the scope of cooperation. The findings of this study have guiding value for policymakers and academia. In future energy cooperation and investment, governments, multilateral development banks and relevant institutions should learn from the practical experience of AIIB and formulate more effective and targeted policies and plans. By tackling challenges together, we will contribute to solving global energy problems and promoting sustainable development.

Crude Oil Theft, Illegal Bunkering and Pipeline Vandalism in Nigeria’s Niger Delta: Effects and National Responses to Curb the Menace.

Against the backdrop of the fact that Nigeria lost large scale of petroleum resources valued as huge financial losses to the nation, individuals, and other institutions, this paper examined crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria; effects and national responses. The findings show that crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism have caused adverse effects such as socio-economic losses to Nigeria, environmental pollution and degradation, a threat to national and international security, and caused huge losses to national and international oil companies and individuals. To ensure the smooth operation of the country’s oil industry, various administrations have carried out various national responses to curb the menace. These include enactment of laws, arrest, and prosecution of perpetrators, strengthening security arrangements, the establishment of the Inter-Agency Maritime Security Task Force (IAMSTF) and the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), granting of amnesty to ex-militants and collaboration with regional and international partners to curb the menace of crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. Therefore, the paper concluded that it is due to faulty implementation of such national responses that the phenomenon is unabated.

Global versus regional partnership.

Global versus regional partnership.