Collaborative Support Research Articles

Intersectoral Collaboration in Support of Youth in Residential Care: A Scoping Review of Effects, Barriers and Good Practices

ABSTRACT This research was conducted as part of an action research project supporting intersectoral care experiments in Flanders for minors in residential care. This article details some of the questions the stakeholders in this project had at the start of such a project, as well as the results from a scoping literature review conducted to answer these questions. This scoping literature review was conducted on four databases, returning 23 articles providing information on the effects of, good practices of, or barriers for intersectoral care for looked-after minors. Results show that research on this specific topic for this population is scarce, mostly qualitative, and mostly from the perspective of staff rather than clients. Reports on the effects of intersectoral initiatives seem cautiously encouraging. Many possible obstacles for coordinated or shared care have been identified, with difficulties in communication, information sharing and lack of shared vision as prominent ones. Many potentially good practices have however also been identified in this review that can help collaborative partners overcome several of the barriers.

A Preliminary Methodological Framework of the Potential Hydrogen Economy for a Sustainable Transport in Malaysia

The transition to a hydrogen economy is vital for achieving sustainable transport in Malaysia, particularly in mitigating the environmental impact of heavy-duty mobility. This paper proposes a preliminary methodological framework to evaluate hydrogen's potential as a transformative solution for decarbonizing the transportation sector, focusing on key areas such as hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and vehicle integration, with an emphasis on green hydrogen from renewable sources. Our assessment reveals the significant potential of hydrogen to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, positioning it as a viable alternative to fossil fuels and battery-electric vehicles, especially in heavy-duty applications. The study assesses the technological feasibility, economic viability, and environmental benefits of adopting hydrogen in Malaysia, considering current infrastructure, production capabilities, and regulatory frameworks. Key challenges identified include the high costs of hydrogen production and infrastructure, technological barriers in storage and vehicle integration, and gaps in policy and market readiness. To address these, we propose strategic recommendations for stakeholders, highlighting the need for government support, public-private partnerships, and international collaborations. This framework aims to guide Malaysia’s transition to a hydrogen-powered transport sector, aligning with the nation’s sustainability and energy security goals while positioning Malaysia as a leader in hydrogen technology in Southeast Asia.

Influence of an AYA cancer program on cancer care delivery.

4 Background: Adolescent and young adults (AYAs, aged 13-39) with cancer face barriers to care and stagnant survival outcomes. The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill's AYA Cancer Program, established in 2015, aims to address these challenges. The program operates through both consultations and targeted outreach based on patient risk-stratification, offering services such as fertility counseling, enhanced access to clinical trial enrollment, a dedicated sarcoma palliative care collaborative, survivorship clinic, and psychosocial support. AYA program providers work with patients to create tailored care plans that meet AYAs' psychosocial and medical needs. To better understand the reach and impact of this novel care delivery approach, we performed a retrospective cohort study over the 8-year period of program development. Methods: Using linked electronic health record (EHR) and State Cancer Registry data, we performed a retrospective cohort study of AYA patients at UNC from 2014-2022, comparing sociodemographic and clinical criteria between those with and without AYA Cancer Program contact. Our analysis included outcomes of care utilization, complications, and supportive care measures. Using SMR propensity weighting with multivariable log binomial modeling, we evaluated associations between outcomes and AYA program contact. Factors such as age at diagnosis, race, sex, insurance status, cancer site, metastatic disease, and receipt of systemic therapy were considered in the weighting scheme. Results: Of 4,016 AYAs receiving cancer care at UNC, 670 had contact with our program. Program-engaged patients were younger at diagnosis, more likely to be Black, and had higher rates of metastatic disease or hematologic malignancies. In weighted model analyses, program patients were more likely to receive guideline recommended care, including enrollment in a clinical trial, receipt of fertility counseling and palliative care, and documented advanced care planning. Over time, our program's reach expanded from 6% to more than 25% of the total AYA population. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that AYAs contacted by our program through a consult-based, targeted outreach model represent a distinct population with higher clinical needs. Despite this complexity, they were more likely to receive guideline-recommended care, including clinical trial enrollment, fertility counseling, and palliative care. Care delivery outcomes by program contact. No Program Contact (n= 3346) Program Contact (n=670) Clinical Trial Enrollment 882 (26.4%) 301 (44.9%) 1.31 (1.14, 1.49) Fertility Counseling 77 (2.3%) 119 (17.8%) 2.09 (1.56, 2.80) Palliative Care 102 (3.0%) 125 (18.7%) 3.46 (2.44, 4.91) Advanced Care Planning 176 (5.3%) 91 (13.6%) 1.55 (1.14, 2.11)

SETI at FAST in China

Abstract Since the commencement of the first SETI observation in 2019, China’s Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence program has garnered momentum through domestic support and international collaborations. Several observations targeting exoplanets and nearby stars have been conducted with the Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST). In 2023 the introduction of the Far Neighbour Project (FNP) marked a substantial leap forward, driven by the remarkable sensitivity of the FAST telescope and some of the novel observational techniques. The FNP seeks to methodically detect technosignatures from celestial bodies, including nearby stars, exoplanetary systems, Milky Way globular clusters and more. This paper provides an overview of the progress achieved by SETI in China and offers insights into the distinct phases comprising the FNP. Additionally it underscores the significance of this project’s advancement and its potential contributions to the field.

Exploiting the determinant factors on the available flexibility area of ADNs at TSO‐DSO interface

AbstractActive distribution networks (ADNs) are consistently being developed as a result of increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and energy transition from fossil‐fuel‐based to zero carbon era. This penetration poses technical challenges for the operation of both transmission and distribution networks. The determination of the active/reactive power capability of ADNs will provide useful information at the transmission and distribution systems interface. For instance, the transmission system operator (TSO) can benefit from reactive power and reserve services which are readily available by the DERs embedded within the downstream ADNs, which are managed by the distribution system operator (DSO). This article investigates the important factors affecting the active/reactive power flexibility area of ADNs such as the joint active and reactive power dispatch of DERs, dependency of the ADN's load to voltage, parallel distribution networks, and upstream network parameters. A two‐step optimization model is developed which can capture the P/Q flexibility area, by considering the above factors and grid technical constraints such as its detailed power flow model. The numerical results from the IEEE 69‐bus standard distribution feeder underscore the critical importance of considering various factors to characterize the ADN's P/Q flexibility area. Ignoring these factors can significantly impact the shape and size of Active Distribution Networks (ADN) P/Q flexibility maps. Specifically, the Constant Power load model exhibits the smallest flexibility area; connecting to a weak upstream network diminishes P/Q flexibility, and reactive power redispatch improves active power flexibility margins. Furthermore, the collaborative support of reactive power from a neighboring distribution feeder, connected in parallel with the studied ADN, expands the achievable P/Q flexibility. These observations highlight the significance of accurately characterizing transmission and distribution network parameters. Such precision is fundamental for ensuring a smooth energy transition and successful integration of hybrid renewable energy technologies into ADNs.

Proposed Nutrition Competencies for Medical Students and Physician Trainees: A Consensus Statement.

In 2022, the US House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution (House of Representatives Resolution 1118 at the 117th Congress [2021-2022]) calling for meaningful nutrition education for medical trainees. This was prompted by increasing health care spending attributed to the growing prevalence of nutrition-related diseases and the substantial federal funding via Medicare that supports graduate medical education. In March 2023, medical education professional organizations agreed to identify nutrition competencies for medical education. To recommend nutrition competencies for inclusion in medical education to improve patient and population health. The research team conducted a rapid literature review to identify existing nutrition-related competencies published between July 2013 and July 2023. Additional competencies were identified from learning objectives in selected nutrition, culinary medicine, and teaching kitchen curricula; dietetic core competencies; and research team-generated de novo competencies. An expert panel of 22 nutrition subject matter experts and 15 residency program directors participated in a modified Delphi process and completed 4 rounds of voting to reach consensus on recommended nutrition competencies, the level of medical education at which they should be included, and recommendations for monitoring implementation and evaluation of these competencies. A total of 15 articles met inclusion criteria for competency extraction and yielded 187 competencies. Through review of gray literature and other sources, researchers identified 167 additional competencies for a total of 354 competencies. These competencies were compiled and refined prior to voting. After 4 rounds of voting, 36 competencies were identified for recommendation: 30 at both undergraduate and graduate levels, 2 at the undergraduate level only, and 4 at the graduate level only. Competencies fell into the following nutrition-related themes: foundational nutrition knowledge, assessment and diagnosis, communication skills, public health, collaborative support and treatment for specific conditions, and indications for referral. A total of 36 panelists (97%) recommended nutrition competencies be assessed as part of licensing and board certification examinations. These competencies represent a US-based effort to use a modified Delphi process to establish consensus on nutrition competencies for medical students and physician trainees. These competencies will require an iterative process of institutional prioritization, refinement, and inclusion in current and future educational curricula as well as licensure and certification examinations.

The role of target populations in resident support for local collaboration

AbstractThe characteristics of populations benefiting from collaboration are mostly regarded as contextual factors in collaborative theory and research. Drawing on policy design and distributive justice theories, this study seeks to understand how public support for collaboration varies depending on the characteristics of the target population that benefits from collective action. The analysis demonstrates that collaborative arrangements aiding populations considered deserving are more likely to gain public approval than those benefiting negatively constructed groups. We also investigate citizens' attribution of blame for collaboration failure and find that the process appears to be independent of the characteristics of target populations.

FERTILITY CARE IN LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES: Implementing fertility care: insights from a participatory workshop in The Gambia.

The Gambia, West Africa, has made recent progress on infertility, a component of sexual and reproductive health that is lagging behind others. Since 2016, there is favourable policy environment stemming from infertility research and partnership building with national stakeholders and local civil society organisations focussing on infertility. Here, we report outcomes from a participatory workshop on infertility policy implementation in The Gambia and provide insights on setting national priorities for fertility care in resource-limited settings. We conducted a participatory workshop involving 29 participants from Gambia's public and private health sectors. Using selected participatory group work tools, stakeholders identified and prioritised key activities within the framework of five pre-defined areas of action, including (i) creating guidelines/regulations; (ii) recording/reporting data; (iii) building public-private partnerships; (iv) training health providers; and (v) raising awareness and health-seeking. A total of 17 prioritised activities were proposed across the five action areas, according to short-, medium-, and long-term timeframes. Three were further prioritised from the overall pool, through group consensus. A group model building activity helped to envision the complexity by elucidating links, loops, and connections between each activity and their expected outcomes. The participatory workshop identified actionable interventions for fertility care in The Gambia, with stakeholders setting a clear path ahead. Despite challenges, the continued engagement of Gambian policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and activists in efforts to move beyond policy creation to its implementation is essential. Improving fertility care in The Gambia and other low- and middle-income countries is feasible with effective collaboration and financial support. In The Gambia, a partnership of stakeholders from various domains, including research, grassroots activism, clinicians, and policymakers, contributed to an increased awareness of infertility. This, in turn, led to the inclusion of infertility in the national reproductive health strategic plan. An in-country participatory workshop involving participants from both public and private health sectors was held in October 2023 with the objective of identifying priorities for moving beyond planning to implementation, within the context of resource constraints. The top three identified priorities were: (i) training about infertility for health providers; (ii) harmonisation of data collection; and (iii) the development of clinical guidelines for infertility management. It is important for the Gambian Ministry of Health to implement these proposed locally relevant fertility care activities. Despite current and future challenges, having a clear vision and pathway will help establish fertility care in the country, with Gambia potentially leading the way among many other countries.

Abstract C011: The Critical Role of Developmental Evaluation in Supporting and Enhancing an Equitable Transdisciplinary Approach to Address Cancer Disparities

Abstract Background: Complex problems such as cancer disparities require deeper integration of social and scientific problem-solving and a broader systems approach. Given the nature of disparities, it also demands that we not just seek equitable outcomes but collaborate in ways that reflect equity in the process. To address breast and lung cancer disparities, we developed a unique transdisciplinary approach that creates teams inclusive of community, clinicians, and researchers and builds capacity to understand at a deep level the factors that underpin disparities and design and implement newer sustainable solutions. Methods: This study focuses on a phase I planning period for a transdisciplinary process with five teams locally embedded where lung and breast cancer disparities are significant. A leadership team that included primary investigators from academic medicine and public health supported community-based facilitators and evaluators responsible for guiding local teams. Deep equity, considerations on the biology to policy spectrum, and systems thinking are grounding principles in our approach. At the end of phase I, an evaluator facilitated After-Action Reviews (AAR) to assess effectiveness in maintaining fidelity to the framework and to identify successful practices and areas for improvement. These data informed changes to our approach to implementation to further root our commitment to equity during implementation. Seven AAR sessions were conducted: individual teams members, facilitators and evaluators, and the leaderships team (n-=50). The evaluator triangulated the data from the different AARs and facilitated a discussion of the integrated findings to the expanded leadership team. Results: The AAR highlighted three primary themes for critical self-reflection including (1) strengthening the understanding and use of our approach, (2) reducing ambiguity while preserving slack (e.g. flexibility with resources) and creativity, and (3) integrating project’s partners intentionally into our wider transdisciplinary network. In examining these themes, we identified several strategies for improving our transdisciplinary approach during implementation and for wider replication of our framework with future integrated science-social problem solving. These areas included improved systems for 360-degree communication, clear expectations of roles, and additional support for transdisciplinary collaboration and application of grounded principles to better self-organize a transdisciplinary system within a wider less resilient system like academic medicine. Discussion: To successfully innovate socially and scientifically within complexities of cancer disparities, we need to push beyond conventional models of research and program intervention. This means incorporating methods across fields and sectors including evaluation. An After-Action Review is an effective evaluation tool for assessing a complex process with numerous contributors to ensure a stronger outcome including more refined and relevant research questions and sustainability program, policy and practice. Citation Format: Tobi Cawthra, Laura Pinsoneault, Jerica Broeckling, Kristen Gardner-Volle, Tim Meister, Kailey Taebel, Jada Proctor, Felicia Fairfield, Kelly Hackett, David Frazer, Staci Young, Melinda Stolley. The Critical Role of Developmental Evaluation in Supporting and Enhancing an Equitable Transdisciplinary Approach to Address Cancer Disparities [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 C011.

Exploring digital competence among Vietnamese EFL preservice teachers: the role of ICT self-efficacy, collegial collaboration, and infrastructural support

This study investigated factors influencing digital competence among Vietnamese preservice EFL teachers, focusing on ICT self-efficacy, collegial collaboration, and infrastructural support. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 183 final-year EFL preservice teachers across various Vietnamese universities using validated scales. Structural equation modeling was utilized to examine the relationships between variables. Results validated a four-factor model comprising digital competence, ICT self-efficacy, collegial collaboration, and infrastructural support. ICT self-efficacy emerged as a strong predictor of digital competence (β = 0.43, p < .001), collegial collaboration (β = 0.81, p < .001), and infrastructural support (β = 0.57, p < .001). Collegial collaboration (β = 0.43, p < .001) and infrastructural support (β = 0.09, p < .05) also positively related to digital competence. The model explained 78% of the variance in digital competence. These findings underscore the importance of fostering ICT self-efficacy and collaborative learning environments in EFL teacher preparation programs, contributing to the development of evidence-based strategies for enhancing digital competence in preservice teacher education.

Contribution of Responsive Governance to Personal Security of Crime Victims in Kenya

This study explored the critical role of responsive governance in enhancing the efficacy of victim assistance programs, with a particular focus on Kenya’s criminal justice system. By examining Kenya's low ranking on the World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index and comparing it with other nations such as the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Nigeria, the study highlights significant gaps in the protection of crime victims' rights. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study investigated how governance impacts victim support by analyzing data from surveys and interviews with victims, government officials, law enforcement, and advocacy groups in Nairobi. The research identified the key principles for successful victim support, including inclusivity, transparency, accountability, and flexibility. It underscores the need for victim-centered approaches that prioritize accessibility, empathy, respect, confidentiality, and empowerment. The findings reveal both successes and challenges in current programs, with issues such as inadequate funding and limited collaboration affecting service delivery. The study advocates for the establishment of a Victim Support Agency (VSA) in Kenya to centralize victim support, enhance transparency, and foster effective stakeholder collaboration. The study recommends a holistic, coordinated, and well-funded approach that includes continuous improvement of victim support programs to address the existing gaps and advance justice and support for crime victims.

Taking grandparents to school: how school-community-family collaboration empowers intergenerational learning in China

Intergenerational relationships that highlight learning characteristics are created in interpersonal conflicts and lifelong education. Realizing the high-quality development of intergenerational learning has become a key problem. A primary school in eastern China united communities and families to create an efficient intergenerational learning project. This study aims to explore how this intergenerational learning is created. A principal, a teacher, two community educators, and five family members were recruited as the unstructured interview participants to collect data. This study finds that the school, community, and families play irreplaceable roles in creating intergenerational learning. Influenced by educational policies and education responsibilities, the school proactively designed the intergenerational learning project that takes grandparents to school in interaction with the community and families. Adhering to the principle of social services and age-friendly, the community provides sufficient educational resources for implementing intergenerational learning through collaborative support. Considering the generation gap and integration between grandparents and grandchildren, families as participating identities make intergenerational learning from possible imagination into real practice. This study highlights the theoretical framework of how intergenerational learning is created in school-community-family collaboration. The practical implications for optimizing intergenerational relationships and coping with population aging are further emphasized.

Assessment of the use of Open Educational Resources at five European Library and Information Science higher education institutions during and post-COVID-19 pandemic

This article presents an analysis of the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their potential use in the post-pandemic, in Library and Information Science (LIS) higher education institutions. The research explored how OER were used and created, what were the main barriers and drivers in practice and some main lessons learned that can help to improve the quality and increase the use of OER beyond times of crisis. The research was based on fieldwork carried out in the LIS departments of the universities of Barcelona (Spain), Hildesheim (Germany), Osijek and Zagreb (Croatia) and the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies in Sofia (Bulgaria). The methodology approach was qualitative and was based on interviews with faculty and focus groups with students. Results show that faculty members were still hesitant to adopt OER since they generally did not consider them. Moreover, those who did use them did so on their own initiative and as additional resources. We discuss the different speeds of OER implementation that have been observed depending on the faculty’s prior level of knowledge, and on whether their institutions and countries are prepared to support the use of OER. The promotion of post-pandemic OER involves greater capacity building, as well as collaboration and institutional support. Students’ attitudes about the usefulness of OER focus on their availability. The large number of teachers and students who participated in the study, as well as the international scope of the study, constitute a strength in the treatment of a topic such as the use of OER where the user perspectives and LIS context have been little addressed in the literature.

Bridging academia and industry in the era of Industry 4.0 by means of the triple helix: The PLANET4 initiative

Practical Learning of Artificial Intelligence on the Edge of Industry 4.0 (PLANET4) is a cross-disciplinary initiative funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ program that embodies the triple helix model of collaboration between academia, industry, and administration. It aims to bridge the gap between academic teaching and practical applications in the context of Industry 4.0. PLANET4 focuses on developing hard skills in artificial intelligence, industrial Internet of things, and cloud and edge computing, along with the soft competencies required to manage changes in the industrial ecosystem. It involves three phases: (1) training needs analysis, taxonomy development, and workshop design; (2) collection of best practices and training material design; and (3) implementation of the PLANET4 learning course. This paper presents the materialization of these phases into a blended learning course, highlighting the integration of the triple helix model and the European Commission’s support for academia-industry collaboration with the aim of improving education quality and promoting Industry 4.0 innovation in Europe.

The Role of the Igbo Apprenticeship System in Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria

The growth of entrepreneurship is vital for Nigeria's economic development, with Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) playing a key role. This study examines the impact of the Igbo Apprenticeship System on entrepreneurship development and youth employment in Nigeria. Through semi-structured interviews with 50 Igbo business owners at Dugbe market in Ibadan, Oyo State, a significant market in South-Western Nigeria, the research highlights the system's role in establishing small businesses and imparting entrepreneurial skills to apprentices. The study confirms that the apprenticeship system is well-established within the community, with all respondents familiar with it. It highlights the system's critical role in entrepreneurship development in Nigeria, noting that 98% of respondents have participated in the system, and over 60% have sustained their businesses for more than ten years. The system also positively impacts youth employment by providing young people with the skills necessary to start and run their own businesses. However, it shows limited success in empowering females, and challenges such as financial settlement issues and a hostile work environment persist. The study recommends restructuring the system to shift from an individualistic focus to one that promotes teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support, with a particular emphasis on enhancing inclusivity for women.

Global Neurosurgery: A Path Forward Through Health System Strengthening.

The future of global neurosurgery should focus on addressing the unmet neurosurgical need from a health system approach should we hope to achieve sustainable and ethical change. In this article, we review the global building blocks, as defined by the World Health Organization, and use this framework to propose strategies to strengthen neurosurgical care on the global frontier. The targets for Universal Healthcare Coverage by 2030, as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, are reviewed, and the role of neurosurgeons in addressing the global targets is discussed. Surgical indicators according to the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery are also reviewed, and neurosurgical indicators are proposed according to the 6 surgical indicators of the commission. The execution of these global targets and indicators within the context of health system strengthening will be a persistent challenge, given the complexity of health system and its components. The neurosurgical community must continue to support, promote, and diversify collaborations, especially among deserts of neurosurgical care across the world. Innovative technology and education are essential to this global dilemma.

Social Support Networks and Faculty Motivation: Insights from Tribhuvan University

Study examines the topic of “Social Support Networks and faculty Motivation." The research aims to shed light on the significant factors influencing teachers' motivation within the context of Tribhuvan University. The study employed a quantitative research design, collecting data from a sample of teaching Faculty within the university. The study utilizes regression analysis to show the impact of four variables on the motivation levels of teaching faculty. SPSS 26 was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that family support and faculty-parent collaboration have a strong positive impact on faculty motivation. On the other hand, faculty -community relations and social recognition of faculty had less significant effects. These findings emphasize the importance of family encouragement and partnerships between faculty and parents in boosting faculty motivation. The study suggests that focusing on family support networks and improving teacher-parent cooperation can be effective ways to enhance faculty motivation in Tribhuvan University. Novelty: This research provides a new perspective i.e. Social Recognition, Faculty Community Relation, Faculty Parent Relation, and Family Support by studying the factors that influence faculty motivation specifically at Tribhuvan University.

Interprofessional collaboration in family support in low-threshold open meeting places for families in Finland: professionals’ narratives

Interprofessional collaboration in family support in low-threshold open meeting places for families in Finland: professionals’ narratives

Answering the Call for Community: Establishing a Collaborative Peer Support System for Faculty Librarians

This article explores how the creation of a community of practice among early-career librarians effectively fosters change in academic libraries. The authors distributed a survey to evaluate the needs of untenured faculty librarians at their institution and assess the best approach to address these needs. The results indicated that their library’s established model of mentorship between untenured and tenured colleagues left gaps that could be best met through the creation of a peer support group. The authors share the survey results, indicate the implications from these findings, and suggest how librarians at other institutions can implement similar communities of practice.

Building a network for collaborative support in professional development

This paper aims to explore and describe important steps in creating beneficial conditions for networked learning in a project in organisations. In the inception phase of the project, four important steps were identified: creating a common virtual space, the handshake, the initial support and the mentorship. It is concluded that all the four described steps are important for a successful establishment of a networked community of practice.