Role Of Partners Research Articles

Evaluating Local Government Policy Innovations: A Case Study of Surabaya's Efforts in Combating Stunting and Enhancing Public Health Services Quality

This research aims to evaluate regional innovations in implementing Surabaya City government policies to reduce stunting rates and improve the quality of public health services. A qualitative descriptive method was used with a case study approach involving field observations and structured interviews. The research results show the success of Posyandu Prima in reducing stunting rates significantly in the last two years. The Surabaya City Government has proven effective in managing this program's human resources and budget. The active involvement of Great Surabaya Cadres (KSH) and non-governmental organizations also contributed greatly to the program's success. Cross-sector collaboration plays an important role in supporting implementation. Institutional characteristics, such as commitment to public health and ability to collaborate, also matter. Theoretically, this research shows that synergy between the parties involved and government commitment can achieve significant results in handling the stunting problem. In conclusion, the Prima Posyandu Program has proven successful in reducing stunting rates and improving the quality of public health services in Surabaya. Additionally, the collaborative efforts between community stakeholders, healthcare providers, and governmental bodies underscore the crucial role of multi-sectoral partnerships in addressing complex public health issues like stunting. This synergy fosters comprehensive approaches that combine local knowledge, resources, and policy support to effectively combat stunting and enhance the well-being of communities. Thus, the Prima Posyandu Program's success is a compelling example of how concerted action and sustained commitment can yield tangible improvements in population health outcomes.

The role of microbial partners in heavy metal metabolism in plants: a review.

Heavy metal pollution threatens plant growth and development as well as ecological stability. Here, we synthesize current research on the interplay between plants and their microbial symbionts under heavy metal stress, highlighting the mechanisms employed by microbes to enhance plant tolerance and resilience. Several key strategies such as bioavailability alteration, chelation, detoxification, induced systemic tolerance, horizontal gene transfer, and methylation and demethylation, are examined, alongside the genetic and molecular basis governing these plant-microbe interactions. However, the complexity of plant-microbe interactions, coupled with our limited understanding of the associated mechanisms, presents challenges in their practical application. Thus, this review underscores the necessity of a more detailed understanding of how plants and microbes interact and the importance of using a combined approach from different scientific fields to maximize the benefits of these microbial processes. By advancing our knowledge of plant-microbe synergies in the metabolism of heavy metals, we can develop more effective bioremediation strategies to combat the contamination of soil by heavy metals.

Readers, Writers, and Everything in Between: Considering Co-Creative Relationships on Digital Storytelling Platform

This paper uses the notion of the empowered reader in hypertext to think about the role of readers and creative partners in constructing art and digital storytelling. Using the Indian digital storytelling platform 'Voices of Rural India' as a field site, this research considers the role of the fan and other facilitators of digital storytelling as being central to the production process. While there has been argument for including the work of fans as a form of labor, I argue instead for calling this a co-creative partnership, in the vein of Banks and Humphrey (2008). In doing so, I resist the urge to label all forms of production as labor and consider instead the fruits this creative relationship may bear. This paper also looks closely at the idea of volunteerism in the context of Voices of Rural India and the ways in which volunteer work can become a form of unpaid labor in the context of digital storytelling. Overall, this paper seeks to empower the practice of reading and argue for its necessity and worth in the wider infrastructure of digital storytelling and creative production, while also promoting the notion of creative partnership and shared storytelling.

Insights and recommendations for working collaboratively and improving care in Alzheimer's disease: Learnings from the Finding Alzheimer's Solutions Together (F.A.S.T.) Council.

Collaborations between patient organisations (POs) and the pharmaceutical industry can help identify and address the unmet needs of people living with a disease. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the scale and complexity of the current unmet needs call for a broad and cross-sectoral collaboration, including people living with Alzheimer's(PLWA), their care partnersand the wider research community. This study aimed to describe learnings from the Finding Alzheimer's Solutions Together (F.A.S.T.) Council, a collaboration between POs and Roche, convened to better understand the unmet needs of PLWA and their care partners. 1. Learnings from the collaboration, including clarifying objectives and members' expectations upfront, and establishing a set of guiding values and engagement principles. 2. Insights and recommendations for improving care in AD, including a wide range of unmet needs and potential solutions, systematically captured throughout the PLWA journey. These have resulted in several published reports and other outcomes, including (1) 'Portraits of care', highlighting the role of care partners, and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on care; (2) Clinical trial guidebook, recommending how PLWA and care partner experience can be incorporated into trial design; (3) 'Commitments Catalogue', highlighting progress by governmental organisations in achieving their commitments; and (4) a report to guide policy on improving diversity, equity and inclusion in clinical trials. Close collaboration between POs and the pharmaceutical industry in AD can enable effective research, in which PLWA and care partners are engaged as 'experts through experience' to help identify key unmet needs and co-create solutions with the wider AD research community. This paper and the work undertaken by the F.A.S.T. Council may act as a blueprint for meaningful collaboration between POs and the pharmaceutical industry. The paper reports the collaboration between POs, the F.A.S.T. Counciland Roche to progress towards a future in which PLWA can live fulfilling lives with their disease managed well. Not applicable.

MODERNIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT: INNOVATIONS, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES

The modernization of higher education system management is an imperative process driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving pedagogical approaches, and the changing landscape of global education. This article explores the innovative strategies, challenges, and opportunities associated with the modernization of higher education system management. It discusses the adoption of digital technologies, data-driven decision-making, quality assurance mechanisms, and theimportance of fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within higher education institutions. Furthermore, it examines the role of stakeholders, including policymakers, administrators, faculty, students, and industry partners, in shaping the future of higher education management.

Food Waste Reduction in Europe: Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships Lessons for the Global South.

Food waste is a critical global issue with significant environmental, economic, and social consequences. This paper investigates the efficacy of multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing food waste, with a specific focus on lessons learned from initiatives taken in Europe for application in the Global South. This study uses qualitative research methods, that involves review of existing literatures and a case study analysis of the initiatives taken by the International Food Waste Coalition (IFWC). This study evaluates the impact of multi-stakeholder partnerships in food waste reduction efforts. Key themes such as collaboration, measurement, innovation, and policy advocacy emerge as critical factors in multi-stakeholder partnerships’ effectiveness. By examining the strategies and outcomes of the IFWC, this paper provides insights and recommendations applicable to regions facing similar challenges. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on food waste management and sustainable development, emphasizing the pivotal role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in promoting collaboration between different stakeholders from different sectors all around the world and driving meaningful change on a global scale.

Exploring theoretical constructs of smart cities and ICT infrastructure: Comparative analysis of development strategies in Africa-US Urban areas

This review paper explores smart cities' theoretical constructs and comparative development strategies, focusing on the juxtaposition between African and US urban areas. It delves into the evolution of smart city concepts, highlighting how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure serves as the cornerstone for enhancing urban management and service delivery. Through a comparative analysis, the paper reveals divergent strategic approaches, innovation ecosystems, and the prioritization of sustainability and inclusivity in smart city initiatives across the two regions. It underscores the significance of tailoring smart city development to local contexts, ensuring equitable access to technology, and the pivotal role of public-private partnerships. The paper concludes with implications for urban planners, policymakers, and technology developers, suggesting future research directions to bridge existing gaps and address emerging smart city trends.

A Needs Assessment Approach for Adolescent and Young Adult Sexual and Gender Diverse Cancer Survivors.

Sexual and gender diverse (SGD) adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are an increasing and vulnerable group with unique needs that often remain unmet in the healthcare system. This paper describes the conceptualization and development of a community-based organization dedicated to serving SGD AYAs, in addition to reporting on the results of a community-led needs assessment. A total of 56 SGD AYA community members completed the online survey. Most participants were between the ages of 26 to 33, identified as white, cisgender, bisexual women, and had hematologic malignancies. Identified unmet needs of SGD AYAs included the following: sexual health and family planning; gender affirmation; financial stability; and emotional support. Areas within the community organization were identified as gaps, areas of expansion, and assets. Results highlight the role of community and academic partnerships in improving cancer care delivery for SGD AYA cancer survivors.

Breaking ground: transformative partnerships for inclusive bean breeding in Zimbabwe

Common bean is often considered a woman’s crop because they play important roles from production to marketing. However, breeding programs often focus on farmers without adequate attention to the interconnectedness between gender and other socioeconomic variables and how they influence varietal and trait preferences of other value chain actors. This study analyzed gendered differences in bean production and trade, implications of socioeconomic conditions on bean production and marketing, and the role of partnerships in closing gender gaps in the bean value chain in Zimbabwe. The results obtained from the analysis of survey data collected from 131 farmers and 18 trades revealed beans as a dual-purpose crop for male and female farmers and traders. Varietal and trait preferences were the same for both male and female farmers and traders but were prioritized differently. While female farmers prioritized cooking time, men farmers prioritized biofortification and market traits. Whereas male traders equally preferred price, color, and appearance, female traders prioritized price over color and appearance. Poverty and marital statuses of respondents influenced the number of varieties preferred by male and female farmers. We found that the effectiveness of partnerships in closing gender gaps in marketing is variety specific. While having partners closed the gender gaps in the marketing of the NUA45 variety, such partnerships did not have the same effect on closing gender gaps in the marketing of Cherry, Gloria, and other varieties. The results show that considering socioeconomic characteristics of actors and partnerships can reduce gender disparities in the bean value chain. Therefore, breeding programs should recognize the interconnectedness between socioeconomic variables and gender when developing breeding products.

An investigation of corporate social responsibility conformity: The roles of network prominence and supply chain partners

AbstractNumerous studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) indicate that firms adopt CSR practices for various reasons related to their supply chain. However, the necessity to conform to a firm's own industry CSR norm is overlooked. Conforming to one's industry CSR norm—a herding behavior known as CSR conformity—ensures firm in‐group legitimacy and preserves internal resources for core business activities. On the other hand, deviating from industry norms sets a firm apart from its peers, making the firm more appealing to supply chain partners. Motivated by this dilemma, this study draws on middle‐status conformity theory and explores how a firm's network prominence determines its CSR conformity. Panel data analyses of 1650 firm‐year observations reveal an inverse U‐shaped relationship between firm network prominence and its CSR conformity, indicating that firms with a mid‐level network prominence engage in higher CSR conformity. However, the inverse U is flattened when a firm's supply chain partners (and their respective industries) share similar CSR standards, suggesting that a firm can only prioritize its own industry CSR norms if its supply chain partners share a compatible CSR standard. These findings highlight the importance of understanding CSR from an organizational conformity perspective, especially in the context of supply chain network.

Infant multinationals venturing into distant markets: How do Polish firms enact opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa?

PurposeWe wanted to find out how infant multinationals originating from Poland enact opportunities in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a comparative case study of four Polish firms operating in SSA.FindingsWe found that when entering SSA, studied firms employed effectual decision-making logic. Thus, their internationalization was means-driven, serendipitous, partnership-oriented, based on the “affordable loss” principle and focused on shaping opportunities in SSA, rather than predicting, analyzing and planning any firm-specific assets or capabilities.Originality/valueWe illuminated the nature of the means employed in effectual internationalization and the role of partners (“effectual stakeholders”) in this process. Thus, we contribute to a deeper understanding of how infant multinationals navigate extreme uncertainty in the emerging SSA markets.

The Role of Industry-Academia Partnerships Can Play in Cybersecurity:

Cybercrime presents a pervasive threat globally, affecting governments, organizations, and individuals. Addressing this threat requires collaborative efforts, particularly between industry and academia. This paper delves into the key role played by industry-academia partnerships in elevating cybersecurity training and awareness, intending to narrow gaps and align the trajectories of cybersecurity professionals. Employing a secondary research methodology, this study provides insights into the impact of collaborations between academia and industry on Cybersecurity education and awareness. It identifies areas within the education sector that can be improved to enhance cybersecurity awareness. The findings emphasize the crucial role of industry-academia partnerships in advancing cybersecurity awareness and resilience, offering potential solutions for cultivating skilled cybersecurity professionals. Additionally, the research aims to contribute to policymaking by advocating for laws and regulations that encourage collaborations between state institutions and industry to mitigate cybersecurity crime effectively.

Parents' hourly wages in female same-sex and different-sex couples: The role of partner's gender and employers

Objective: This research article investigates the relationship between parenthood and wages, considering the partner's gender and the influence of employers on wage trajectories for birth and non-birth mothers and fathers. Background: It offers a novel examination whether the gender of the partner affects the wage outcomes for birth mothers and explores the differential impact of employers on wages for birth and non-birth mothers, using Dutch register data. Method: Utilizing OLS regression, Heckman selection, and fixed-effects models, this study focuses on all Dutch couples who had their first child between 2008 and 2014 in the Netherlands, from two years prior to the birth until two years after birth. Results: Consistent with human capital theory, the findings reveal a consistent and unfavourable wage development for birth mothers, regardless of whether they are in same-sex couples or different-sex couples. The wage development for non-birth mothers in female same-sex couples resembles that of fathers, showing a more positive trajectory compared to birth mothers. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that employers do not differentiate in their treatment of birth and non-birth mothers, suggesting that biological constraints associated with motherhood impact wages of birth mothers, while both their male and female partners’ wages do not decline. Conclusion: The study contributes to the existing literature in family sociology, highlighting the need for policies and interventions that address the specific challenges faced by birth mothers in the labor market.

Audit partner style and financial statement comparability: New evidence from the US market

AbstractWe explore the influence of individual audit partner style on financial statement comparability in a US setting using newly available data. We find evidence of an audit partner style effect on comparability incremental to audit firm and audit office effects. Our results are consistent across several comparability measures and are economically significant. For example, the audit partner effect is associated with a 12.59% decrease in the mean difference in abnormal accruals compared with a 4.4% decrease for firm pairs audited by the same Big 4 audit office. We also find that audit partner expertise and experience have a greater influence on comparability than audit office expertise and experience. Our results are consistent in endogeneity and robustness tests including (1) auditor switching tests, (2) entropy balancing, (3) placebo tests and (4) controlling for clients’ economic similarity. Our results suggest that the association between audit partner style and financial statement comparability persists in highly regulatory environments and corroborate the PCAOB's intuition that the role of the engagement partner “is of singular importance” to the outcome of the audit (PCAOB 2011).

Power imbalances and equity in the day-to-day functioning of a north plus multi-south higher education institutions partnership: a case study

BackgroundPartnerships between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the global north and south have commonly been used as a vehicle to drive global health research and initiatives. Among these initiatives, include health system strengthening, research capacity building, and human resource training in developing countries. However, the partnership functioning of many global north-south partnerships still carry legacies of colonialism through unrecognized behavior patterns, attitudes, and belief systems in how they function. Even with research literature calling for a shift from equality to equity in the functioning of these partnerships, many still struggle with issues of complex and unspoken power dynamics. To understand the successes and challenges of north-south partnerships, this paper explored partnership development and functioning of a northern and multi-southern HEIs partnership focused on nutrition education and research.MethodsA qualitative research approach was used; data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) with questions developed from the Bergen Model of Collective Functioning (BMCF). Thirteen IDIs were conducted with partners from all institutions including stakeholders.FindingsThe partnership was built on the foundation of experiences and lessons of a previous partnership. Partners used these experiences and lessons to devise strategies to improve partnership inputs, communication, leadership, roles and structures, and maintenance and communication tasks. However, these strategies had an impact on partnership functioning giving rise to issues of inequitable power dynamics. The northern partner had two roles: one as an equal partner and another as distributor of project funds; this caused a conflict in roles for this partner. The partners distinguished themselves according to partner resources – two partners were named implementing partners and two named supportive partners. Roles and partner resources were the greatest contributors to power imbalances and caused delays in project activities.ConclusionUsing the BMCF to examine partnership dynamics illuminated that power imbalances caused a hierarchical stance in the partnership with northern partners having overall control and power of decision-making in the partnership. This could impact the effectiveness and sustainability of project in the southern institutions going forward.

MARKETING COMMUNICATION STRATEGY PT. GO-JEK INDONESIA IN INCREASING THE NUMBER OF CONSUMERS

This study investigates the dynamic marketing and communication strategies used by PT. Gojek Indonesia to strengthen its consumer base. As one of Southeast Asia's leading technology-based platforms, Gojek has rapidly expanded its services beyond ride-hailing to include food delivery, digital payments, and more. This research uses a qualitative approach, combining interviews, case studies, and industry analysis to dissect the multifaceted strategy implemented by Gojek. This study explores Gojek's proficient use of digital channels and social media to drive consumer engagement. By analyzing consumer behavior and preferences, the study explains how Gojek tailors its marketing messages to resonate with diverse target audiences. In addition, this study examines the role of strategic partnerships and collaborations in strengthening Gojek's market presence and attracting new consumers. Furthermore, the study explores the impact of innovative features and services introduced by Gojek, such as loyalty programs and seamless user interfaces, on customer acquisition and retention. The study identifies the critical role of data analytics in shaping personalized marketing campaigns that appeal to specific consumer segments. The findings from this study contribute to a broader understanding of effective marketing and communication strategies in technology-based service industries. The insights derived from Gojek's approach provide valuable lessons for businesses looking to navigate a competitive market and expand their consumer base through strategic marketing initiatives.

Enhancing climate change planning and adaptive management in marine protected areas through targets, thresholds, and social-ecological objectives

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are being deployed globally to protect the Earth’s biodiversity in rapidly changing oceans. Nesting climate change considerations within adaptive MPA management and monitoring is becoming a more common approach, and while climate change is increasingly addressed in MPA planning, implementation gaps remain. This study applied the climate robustness index (CRI) to MPA monitoring plans to assess how climate change is outlined within site- and regional-level plans. Previously developed to assess MPA management plans, the CRI scores plans based on their degree of incorporation of climate change adaptation principles, including core elements of adaptive management. We supplemented our CRI findings for monitoring plans by associating index scores of MPAs in the United States with selected MPA traits, as well as by examining specific physical, ecological, and sociological climate change impacts that were being considered within the monitoring scope of a subset of monitoring plans. We found considerable gaps in actionable targets and thresholds in MPA monitoring plans, consistent with a previous study evaluating MPA management plans, demonstrating that the adaptive management cycle is incomplete in many cases. We consider the importance of completing the adaptive management cycle as a core climate adaptation strategy, and explore the roles of social-ecological objectives and local partnerships as avenues to continue to improve MPA outcomes in a changing world.

Evidence-Based Synthesis of The Role of Community Partnerships in Enhancing Online Education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

This review examines the crucial role of community partnerships in enhancing online education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It highlights how these collaborations can address unique challenges faced by HBCUs, offering insights into successful models and best practices for developing impactful partnerships. The significance of community partnerships lies in their potential to broaden access, improve curriculum relevance, and support student success, contributing to educational equity and innovation at HBCUs. The literature underscores the multifaceted benefits of such partnerships, including resource and technology access, alignment of educational programs with workforce needs, and comprehensive student support. Despite these advantages, the review identifies gaps in empirical research specifically linking community partnerships to online education enhancements at HBCUs, indicating a need for further study. In summary, community partnerships emerge as essential for advancing online education at HBCUs, providing a pathway towards educational equity and societal development. The review encourages policymakers, educators, and community leaders to foster these collaborations, leveraging their transformative potential for the benefit of HBCU students and the broader community.

"There is nothing that can prevent me from supporting her:" men's perspectives on their involvement and support of women's use of topical therapy for cervical precancer treatment in Kenya.

Cervical cancer disproportionately impacts women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization's (WHO) 90/70/90 strategy aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 by increasing HPV vaccination coverage to 90%, screening 70% of eligible women, and effectively treating 90% of those with abnormal results by 2030, potentially preventing 62 million deaths in LMICs. LMICs, however, struggle with limited access to cervical precancer treatment, in part due to a lack of trained professionals and weak health systems. Effective non-surgical, self-administered, which have demonstrated efficacy in high-income countries, could bridge the treatment gap in LMICs and may be more scalable and cost-effective than provider-administered therapies. To inform feasibility studies in LMICs, data are needed on the role of male partners in influencing the acceptability and uptake of self-administered topical therapies, including their support of recommended abstinence and contraception guidelines associated with these therapies. Between November 2022 and April 2023, we conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) with men aged 25 to 65 years in Kenya to explore their perspective and perceived support regarding their female partners using topical self-administered therapies for cervical precancer treatment. The FGDs were moderated by local qualitative research assistants and conducted in local languages, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using qualitative description. Thirty-nine male participants meeting the eligibility criteria participated in five FGDs. The mean age of participants was 42.5 years. Most participants, 79.5%, had a female partner with a history of cervical precancer treatment, 5.1% did not, and 15.4% were unsure of their female partner's prior precancer treatment history. The study aimed to assess men's support of their female partners' use of topical therapies for treating cervical precancer. We find that male participants strongly express acceptance and willingness to support their wives or partners in using such therapies, if available. Reported supportive behavior included permitting the use of the therapies and support of maintaining abstinence during the recommended times. Additionally, participants desired male involvement in clinic and community-based education about topical therapies to facilitate widespread support. The use of self-administered topical therapies for cervical precancer treatment, if supported by efficacy studies in LMICs, may support achieving the WHO's 2030 goal of 90% treatment access. We find that with adequate education, men express overwhelming support of their female partner's use of topical therapies, including adherence to abstinence and contraception guidelines.

(142) Double Pause: Understanding Couple Intimacy Through Health Care Provider Lens – A Qualitative Survey

Abstract Introduction At midlife and beyond, both men and women face organic changes that can affect their sexual functioning. Women may suffer from vaginal dryness, irritation/itching, inadequate lubrication, and dyspareunia due to ovarian exhaustion. Whilst erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunctions, and testosterone deficiency may affect sexual activity in men. Objective To understand the perceptions and changes in sexual intimacy in middle-aged couple (40 years and above) and their evolution over time. To explore the supportive role of partner and health care professionals (HCPs) during this evolution. Methods 30 HCPs in the space of sexual health and couple intimacy across six countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany and Spain) participated in this survey. An in-depth interview (45–60 minutes) was conducted about key issues that middle-aged couple face about sexual/couple intimacy, the language used to initiate conversations with patients, how issues evolve over time, as well as the role that a partner and HCP can play in providing support, guidance, and treatment. Results Interviews with HCPs showed that despite some progress, couple intimacy continues to be a taboo topic. HCPs play a crucial role in initiating conversations amongst the 40 and above aged group, especially before pausing their sexual activities. Many HCPs have developed their own personal style to explore the couple intimacy topic but they believe they need more education. To effectively address sexual dysfunction in couples, a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach is crucial. This involves recognizing and addressing the unique challenges each gender faces, particularly considering the healthcare providers’ biases that disproportionately affect women compared to men. However, distinct challenges do not imply an individualistic approach to treatment, as HCPs recognize the benefits of involving both partners. While HCPs offer some resources to help patients understand intimacy issues, patients can also encounter unreliable information on social media and within society, particularly when there is inaccurate information available. Misconceptions about intimacy treatments can be a significant barrier to solving the issue, with the disparity in HCPs’ conversations with women compared to men being a significant contributing factor. HCPs face several challenges when approaching the subject of couple intimacy with patients, ranging from time constraints to a lack of psychological training. Additionally, their professional networks are often limited to referrals, and inadequate training of practitioners can further complicate their clinical duties Conclusions To effectively address sexual dysfunction in couples, a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach is crucial. This involves recognizing and addressing the unique challenges each gender faces, particularly considering the HCP’s biases that disproportionately affect women compared to men. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Viatris Inc. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: 1Mental Health Centre Copenhagen and University of Copenhagen, Denmark.