Technical Assistance Research Articles

DESIMINASI PEMBERIAN TANDA PADA TERNAK SAPI POTONG DI DESA LIANG KECAMATAN SALAHUTU MALUKU TENGAH

Cattle farming in rural areas is often considered a form of investment or living savings. Farmers maintain cattle as assets that can be sold at any time when they need urgent funds, such as for healthcare, education, or other expenses. Liang Village, located in Salahutu District, Central Maluku, has great potential for the development of beef cattle farming. However, its productivity remains low, partly due to a lack of proper livestock management. One important aspect of livestock management is individual identification. Without proper identification, it is difficult for farmers to track the growth of livestock, control diseases, and increase the market value of the cattle. This community service activity aims to raise awareness among farmers in Liang Village about the importance of livestock identification and technical assistance in the implementation of appropriate tagging methods. The desired outcome is that farmers will be able to manage their operations more effectively, especially in terms of livestock identification systems. Farmers have responded positively, as they view this as a beneficial and innovative approach. It is recommended that ongoing support be provided in the form of training on cattle tagging so that farmers can effectively monitor their livestock.

PENDAMPINGAN TEKNIS APLIKASI BAHAN ORGANIK EKSOGEN PADA LAHAN HORTIKULTURA KELOMPOK TANI MEKAR BARU DI DESA WAIMITAL KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN BARAT

Providing exogenous organic materials is a very important ingredient in efforts to safely improve soil productivity, so that the resulting products are safe for consumption and free from chemical contamination. The application of organic fertilizer to horticultural land will directly affect crop yields. The aim of community service on horticultural land in the Mekar Baru farmer group in Waimital village is as an effort to assist and strengthen the plant cultivation system for farmers in maintaining land productivity and sustainable production based on the application of organic fertilizer. The method used is technical assistance to farmers during plant cultivation. The results of the technical assistance provided show that new awareness has been built in the horticultural plant cultivation system. This indicator shows that the application of liquid organic fertilizer to several horticultural plants on farmers' land is better than on land that does not receive organic fertilizer.

Pediatric Rash Illness Outbreak with Initial Positive Measles Immunoglobulin M Antibody Test Results - American Samoa, March-July 2023.

On April 24, 2023, the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDoH) declared a public health emergency amid concern about a possible measles outbreak given low 2-dose vaccination coverage at the time. ASDoH had received two positive measles immunoglobulin (Ig) M test results after Flag Day festivities 1 week earlier from vaccinated children. ASDoH performed active case finding, took actions to mitigate transmission, and requested technical assistance from CDC. ASDoH implemented a vaccination campaign to improve suboptimal coverage. Confirmatory molecular testing of specimens from these initial persons under investigation (PUIs) was not possible, but subsequent testing of specimens from additional PUIs by Hawaii State Laboratories Division and CDC ruled out measles. In settings with low measles prevalence, measles antibody testing results have low positive predictive value and can lead to difficulties with interpreting results. Testing for additional pathogens revealed a variety of viruses known to cause common childhood viral exanthems. Both molecular and serologic testing should be performed for all suspected measles cases. To decrease the probability of false-positive IgM results, testing should be reserved for cases that meet the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists measles case definition, especially those in persons with no evidence of immunity and with a history of recent international travel. In addition, maintaining high measles vaccination coverage can prevent future outbreaks.

Sustainable Agro-Food Systems and Their Importance for Farmers in the Moxotó History, State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Objective: To analyze the sustainable agri-food systems and their relevance for farmers in Sertão do Moxotó, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, implemented by the Alternative Technology Service - SERTA through the Sustainable Semiarid project, in order to identify the changes that have occurred in farmers, and what they turned to believe and practice from this experience. Theoretical Framework: Based on topics, family farming, agroecology, agri-food system, food and nutritional security, water, nutrients and energetics, and Technical Assistance and Rural Extension - ATER. Method: The adopted methodology was action research, with individual visits to 20 farmers from nine communities, in a universe of 40 farmers from 19 communities. Data collection was carried out through interviews, questionnaires, and SERTA bibliographic documents. Results and Discussion: The results showed significant changes in the lives of farmers, with 10 farmers participating in agro-ecological-based fairs, increased production without pesticides, family involvement, concern for water, soil, and air, and trust in SERTA. Among the elements presented, it was noted that the project's discontinuity generated insecurity since the SERTA team was considered a family. Implications of the Research: Therefore, the results are innovative and relevant to strengthening and disseminating agroecology and inspiring others to change their practices in a conscious and economically viable way. Originality/Value: This study reveals the importance of social projects aimed at farmers, with technical and pedagogical training focused on food and nutritional security, nutrients, water, and energy, which will provide positive impacts on changes in conceptions and practices from the perspective of a good living.

Fabrication of Hydroxyl Modified Hollow Glass Microsphere Composite Isocyanate‐Based Polyimide Foam and Optimization Strategy Based on Different Bonding Mechanisms

ABSTRACTIn this study, the hydroxyl modified hollow glass microsphere (HM‐HGM) is added to different foaming slurries of isocyanate‐based polyimide foam (IBPIF) at varying ratios, and different bonding effects are formed to optimize the dispersion behavior. Then, the novel HGM composited IBPIF (IBPIF/HGM) is prepared. Hydroxyl groups on HM‐HGM establish hydrogen bonding effect with pyromellitic acid dimethyl ester and dimethyl formamide in the white slurry and react with isocyanate groups in the black slurry. The cell structure of IBPIF is altered to improve its sound absorption performance and mechanical behaviors. Compared with IBPIF/HGM‐0, the average cell size of IBPIF/HGM‐1 and BPIF/HGM‐5 decreases significantly. The sound absorption performance and mechanical behaviors of them are improved to some extent. Compared with samples in which the HM‐HGM is added alone to a single slurry, when the dosage ratio of HM‐HGM in black and white slurries is 1:1, IBPIF/HGM‐3 has more uniform cell structure. The change of IBPIF cell structure by the introduction of HM‐HGM and the unique structure of HM‐HGM can enhance the sound absorption performance and mechanical behaviors of IBPIF. The design idea of different bonding mechanisms significantly provides technical assistance to enhance the acoustic performance of polymeric foam materials.

Annual Survey of State and Territorial Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Capacity and Organizational Development Needs—United States, 2023

Objective: The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) is a nonprofit organization that supports state and territorial chronic disease prevention and health promotion efforts through capacity building and technical assistance. Each year, NACDD surveys health department leaders who oversee chronic disease prevention and health promotion (hereafter, Chronic Disease Directors). We have previously used the annual survey results to inform strategic planning and resource allocation but have not historically published key findings in the peer-reviewed literature. In this paper, we report on NACDD’s 2023 survey outcomes and place those findings into the broader public health policy context. Design: State Chronic Disease Directors completed a survey about their organizational capacity and development needs. Responses were summarized in aggregate and by jurisdiction size. Results: State chronic disease units have varied staffing and responsibilities, but most address diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer screening and prevention. Chronic Disease Directors generally reported strong or improving capacity in most practice areas but ranked workforce development lower. Staffing increased slightly during 2023 compared with the 2020 baseline (median of 1.3 and 1.1 employees per 100 000 jurisdiction population, respectively). However, Chronic Disease Directors expressed ongoing concerns about turnover, hiring, and training of inexperienced staff, as well as about funding limitations and uncertainty. Looking forward to 2024, many Chronic Disease Directors expressed intentions to focus on supporting their workforce with training and development opportunities and addressing health equity. Conclusions: During this period of pandemic recovery, turnover, hiring, and training—particularly of the many new public health staff—remain key areas of concern for many chronic disease units. Continued stabilization of public health funding and increased prioritization of organizational capacity development—particularly workforce development, chronic disease data systems, and tools for addressing health equity—could help ensure chronic disease units can better address current and emerging challenges in chronic disease prevention and health promotion.

Numerical and experimental evaluations of the impact attenuation of a rail-fastening assembly

The stability of railway tracks relies on a complex arrangement of rail, rail pad, rail clip, sleeper, and ballast. Impact forces from wheel-rail irregularities can lead to concrete sleeper cracking. Traditional experimentation to assess impact attenuation of a rail-fastening assembly (BS EN 13146-3) is both costly and time-consuming. In this study, an experiment-finite element analysis coupling method was utilized. Dynamic properties of the rail pad were experimentally determined and incorporated them into finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate impact attenuation, which was then experimentally validated. Investigating the damping constant ( cP) and dynamic stiffness ( kP) of the rail pad revealed that while increasing cP doesn’t significantly alter sleeper strain, reducing kP decreases the initial peak strain. Therefore, the impact attenuation is primarily influenced by kP. This approach not only reduces evaluation costs and time but also aids in rail-fastening assembly design, analysis, maintenance, and development.

Gaps and Fiscal Adjustment for Debt Stability in Climate-Vulnerable Developing Countries: How Large and by How Much?

Abstract We explore the extent of the fiscal resource gap described by climate-vulnerable developing countries which have called for debt flexibility. We compute indices of fiscal sustainability, defined as the difference between an economy’s current tax rate and the “sustainable” tax rate, or the rate which, if constant, would enable the debt-to-GDP ratio at time n to be equal to the debt-to-GDP ratio at time 0, given current policy rules. We estimate short- and medium-term gap indices for 2010 to 2020, and a “climate change gap” (CCG) which incorporates countries’ reported climate change needs for the period 2021–2030. Estimated short- and medium-term gaps capture the 2020 disruption to fiscal sustainability, while CCGs indicate a highly diverse picture: one-third of the sample have CCGs ranging from 10 to 99 % of GDP, another third have CCGs from −8.6 to −0.3 %. Negative CCGs, which imply that immediate adjustments in taxes or spending are not required for fiscal policy sustainability, are surprising but come with a crucial caveat: CCGs are likely to be significantly understated because of data gaps, especially regarding adaptation requirements. This highlights the urgent need for finance and technical assistance dedicated to building national capacities for determining and costing climate change needs.

Low-carbon agricultural technologies improve forage and feed production in the Caatinga biome, Brazil: Characteristics, comparison, effects of climate change, resilience, local development, and food security

Adjustments in Brazilian livestock are necessary to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, since the largest source of methane comes from ruminants’ enteric fermentation, and of carbon from deforestation. Low-carbon agriculture technologies (LCAT) contribute to mitigating these emissions and this study evaluates the role of these technologies on ruminant forage production in Caatinga. A Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threats analysis was used to elucidate the main features, followed by an Analytic Hierarchical Process, ranking the LCAT, and a risk analysis. Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest System (ICLFS) is the most recommended technology, followed by Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and Recovery of Degraded Areas with Pastures (RDA-P). The results can aid in the choice of the LCAT to be implemented by the smallholder in Caatinga, demonstrating the need to strengthen rural technical assistance, so that there is a real benefit to the producer and the environment.

Commentary: Bridging and Reducing the Gaps Between Research and Practice: Pathways to Outcomes and the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation 2.0.

There are many ways proposed to achieve better societal outcomes (e.g., in health, education, and well-being) including: (1) bridging research and practice, (2) building the motivation and capacity of service delivery organizations (e.g., schools, hospitals, clinics, and community-based organizations) to innovate, and (c) providing service delivery systems with high-quality support via training and technical assistance. The Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) was developed to describe how relevant systems, organizations, and processes can interact and work toward these goals. Stimulated by the 13 articles contained in the two special issues of Strengthening the Science and Practice of Implementation Support: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Training and Technical Assistance Centers, we describe several enhancements to the ISF including: how service delivery systems can operate better, how motivation and capacity can be built, and how training and technical assistance centers can provide more evidence-informed technical assistance and other promising innovations. ISF 2.0 incorporates these and other enhancements with the goal of achieving better outcomes. We conclude that the actions and accountability of funders and of organizations and systems to funders would accelerate progress in the systems to achieve outcomes-and result in improving the science and practice of implementation support.

Molecular mechanism underlying effect of D93 and D289 protonation states on inhibitor-BACE1 binding: exploration from multiple independent Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics and deep learning

ABSTRACT BACE1 has been regarded as an essential drug design target for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Multiple independent Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulations (GaMD), deep learning (DL), and molecular mechanics general Born surface area (MM-GBSA) method are integrated to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of D93 and D289 protonation on binding of inhibitors OV6 and 4B2 to BACE1. The GaMD trajectory-based DL successfully identifies significant function domains. Dynamic analysis shows that the protonation of D93 and D289 strongly affects the structural flexibility and dynamic behaviour of BACE1. Free energy landscapes indicate that inhibitor-bound BACE1s have more conformational states in the protonated states than the wild-type (WT) BACE1, and show more binding poses of inhibitors. Binding affinities calculated using the MM-GBSA method indicate that the protonation of D93 and D289 highly disturbs the binding ability of inhibitors to BACE1. In addition, the protonation of two residues significantly affects the hydrogen bonding interactions (HBIs) of OV6 and 4B2 with BACE1, altering their binding activity to BACE1. The binding hot spots of BACE1 recognized by residue-based free energy estimations provide rational targeting sites for drug design towards BACE1. This study is anticipated to provide theoretical aids for drug development towards treatment of AD.

How emergency departments are responding to the opioid crisis: Results from a statewide survey in Kentucky

ObjectiveThere is a rising effort for hospital emergency departments (EDs) to offer and expand substance use disorder (SUD) services. This state-wide evaluation studies SUD services offered along the continuum of implementation across Kentucky’s EDs to inform future state efforts to build ED bridge programs.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods study using an online survey of all Kentucky Emergency Department Directors between January and May of 2023. We created a hospital-level dataset which we used to summarize quantitative questions and thematically analyze open-ended responses.ResultsOur sample included 85 unique respondents (89% of all eligible Kentucky hospitals). Nine (11%) had active bridge programs to initiate opioid use disorder patients on buprenorphine. Respondents reported that the most challenging SUD-related services for EDs to implement were buprenorphine induction for opioid use disorder treatment (n = 36, 42%), referrals to community-based providers (n = 34, 40%), and providing social work services (n = 25, 29%). Respondents noted that the implementation and improvement of screening protocols were needed to better identify patients with SUD, expressed concerns about care continuity, and explicitly conveyed the need and desire for additional supports to provide SUD care.ConclusionsThe landscape of Kentucky’s ED SUD supports shows several hospitals that offer services along the continuum of SUD care, and highlights the importance of technical assistance and financial resources to ensure the continuum is broadly available. Kentucky’s experience speaks to broader national challenges in supporting SUD in EDs – specifically the need for financial resources, buy-in and education, and creating referral relationships to ensure care continuity.

Technical Assistance: A High-Touch, High-Impact Community Engagement Model

Technical Assistance: A High-Touch, High-Impact Community Engagement Model

A 4D time-lapse morphometry method to quantify bone formation and resorption during distraction osteogenesis.

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is widely utilized for treating limb length discrepancy, nonunion, bone deformities and defects. This study sought to develop a 4D time-lapse morphometry method to quantify bone formation and resorption in mouse femur during DO based on image registration of longitudinal in vivo micro-CT scans. Female C57BL/6 mice (n = 7) underwent osteotomy, followed by 5 days of latency, 10 days of distraction and 35 days of consolidation. The mice were scanned with micro-CT at Days 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 50. Histological sectioning and Movat Pentachrome straining were performed at Day 50. After registration of two consecutive micro-CT images of the same bone (day x and day y), the spatially- and temporally-linked sequences of formation, resorption and quiescent bones at the distraction gap were identified and bone formation and resorption rates (BFRdayx-y and BRRdayx-y) were calculated. The overall percentage error of the registration method was 2.98% ± 0.89% and there was a strong correlation between histologically-measured bone area fraction and micro-CT-determined bone volume fraction at Day 50 (r = 0.89, p < 0.05). The 4D time-lapse morphometry indicated a rapid bone formation during the first 10 days of the consolidation phase (BFRday15-25 = 0.14 ± 0.05 mm3/day), followed by callus reshaping via equivalent bone formation and resorption rates. The 4D time-lapse morphometry method developed in this study allows for a continuous quantitative monitoring of the dynamic process of bone formation and resorption following distraction, which may offer a better understanding of the mechanism for mechano-regulated bone regeneration and aid for development of new treatment strategies of DO.

The land tenure and environmental policies nexus: policy integration and spatial planning in Benin

ABSTRACT This article examines the dynamics of integration between land tenure and environmental policies in Benin. This country is characterised by growing vulnerability to the effects of climate change and is marked by a long history of extraversion and dependence on international aid. This article contributes to the theoretical debate on the integration and coordination of environmental and climate policies by showing that cross-cutting policy objectives can hardly be achieved by State sectoral institutions alone, which are largely dependent on international development aid. It successively analyses the different agendas for rural and urban land issues, the incomplete institutionalisation of a Ministry of the Environment, and finally the growing development, supported by international aid, of a more targeted approach to spatial planning, which is more inclusive of land and environmental issues, but which remains focused on urban areas. The article concludes with a discussion of the structural difficulties encountered by international donors and the Beninese government in reaching agreement on cross-cutting issues, and the sectoral autonomies that contribute to the dynamics of inertia and limit the integration of these issues into bureaucratic routines.

Towards ‘retroliberalism’ or food security?: Donor development aid to the agricultural sectors of four Melanesian states, 2008-2021

Towards ‘retroliberalism’ or food security?: Donor development aid to the agricultural sectors of four Melanesian states, 2008-2021

‘They Don’t Want to Label It’: Insights from Communities Not Enrolled in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

ABSTRACT More than 800 municipalities and 11 states and territories in the United States have joined the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities (NAFSC); however, to our knowledge, no studies have examined the many communities that have not joined. The present study explored the factors that inhibit communities from joining the NAFSC. Data were drawn from semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 community leaders in Massachusetts and Maine. Results indicated variation in perceptions and attitudes, with some participants seeing benefits to joining but encountering barriers to doing so, while others did not see sufficient benefit to joining to make the effort worthwhile. Key themes included lack of human and financial capacity, concerns over aspects of the NAFSC model, and desire to maintain local control over the process and components of age-friendly efforts. Participants voiced a need for funding and technical assistance in order to expand their age-friendly work.

Mechanisms of international economic cooperation to support the global energy transition: ways to improve

The global energy transition is a complex process and requires deep international economic cooperation and joint efforts to achieve sustainable development. Effective interaction between countries, financial institutions and the private sector is essential to ensure sufficient investment in renewable energy and technological innovation. International financial mechanisms, such as green bonds, can significantly contribute to accelerating this process, but they must ensure access to resources for all participants, especially developing countries. Reforming the international financial system and developing new instruments for attracting private capital is an important step towards reducing risks and increasing the investment attractiveness of renewable energy projects. Removing barriers to investment in countries with unstable economies through the development of technical assistance programs and financial guarantees is also an important condition for success. The energy transition can only be successfully realized through a concerted international effort involving both developed and developing countries. A sustainable energy future and ambitious climate change targets can only be achieved through global cooperation, innovative financial solutions and technology sharing.

IMPACTO AMBIENTAL POR USO DE PLAGUICIDAS Y SUSTENTABILIDAD DEL SISTEMA PRODUCTIVO DEL MAÍZ AMARILLO DURO EN HUAURA, PERÚ

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Hard yellow maize (MAD) is one of the main crops in economic, social and environmental terms worldwide, however, it is managed through conventional agriculture which entails a high dependence on agrochemical inputs, which cause a negative impact on the agroecosystem and through this study it will be possible to identify the critical points and establish solutions for them. &lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;To determine the coefficient of environmental impact of pesticides in the field and find the general sustainability index of the MAD production units. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; Determine the coefficient of environmental impact of pesticides in the field and find the general sustainability index of the MAD production units. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; The environmental impact (EI ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;) of pesticides in the field was evaluated by calculating the environmental impact coefficient (EIQ), concentration of the active ingredient, dose and number of applications. In addition, sustainability was determined through multicriteria analysis by applying 85 questionnaires with structured questions to farmers whose main activity is MAD, with economic, social and environmental indicators standardized on a scale of 1 to 5. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The study showed that the EI ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; of MAD was 105.11 rated as high, which generates a negative impact on the environment and a high risk for farmers who apply these pesticides. It was also found that the sustainability index of the social and economic dimensions was 3.56 and 3.18 respectively, while the environmental index (2.64) obtained a value below the minimum sustainable threshold, therefore the MAD production system in Huaura is not sustainable. The analysis found the critical points: levels and types of fertilization (2.74), incorporation of organic matter (2.33), crop residue management (1.51), living barriers (1.36), pest control method (2.49), frequency of pesticide applications (2.53), irrigation system (2.54), level of education (2.96), quality of technical assistance and training (2.8), income from other activities (2.9) and marketing channel (1.82). &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; Timely intervention on critical points allows establishing solution options and improving pesticide management.&lt;strong&gt; Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The study showed that the IE ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; of MAD was high, indicating that the pesticides used for chemical pest and disease control generate a negative impact on the environment and a high risk for farmers who apply these pesticides. Likewise, it was found that the MAD production system is not sustainable. Therefore, the identification of the critical points allows the establishment of strategies to strengthen the MAD agroecosystem in Huaura, Peru.&lt;/p&gt;

PENINGKATAN KETERAMPILAN PETERNAK MELALUI PELATIHAN BUDIDAYA HIJAUAN MAKANAN TERNAK UNGGUL DI KELURAHAN WATUMOTOBE, KECAMATAN KAPONTORI, KABUPATEN BUTON

Watumotobe Village in Kapontori District, Buton Regency, has the potential to develop forage (HMT) to support the availability of quality feed for local livestock. However, the limited knowledge of local farmers regarding superior HMT cultivation techniques is a challenge. This community service program aims to improve the skills of farmers through training in planting HMT such as odot grass, molato, red elephant grass, pakchong, and indigofera. The training method involves delivering interactive materials, field practice in demonstration plots, and technical assistance in plant maintenance. The results of the activities showed an increase in understanding and skills of farmers in cultivating HMT, which is expected to support independent and sustainable livestock feed security. This program also encourages cooperation between farmers in managing local forage resources as a step towards feed self-sufficiency in Buton Regency.