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Green social infrastructure development is crucial for fostering environmentally friendly and socially inclusive communities. Stakeholder-community engagement integrates diverse perspectives, local knowledge, and cultural values into green social infrastructure, reflecting the community's identity. However, stakeholders do not adequately engage the community in decision-making processes during the green social infrastructure development, primarily due to the lack of clear and comprehensive guidelines. The aim of this study is to develop guidelines to enable stakeholders to adequately engage with communities during the development of green social infrastructure. An in-depth interview was conducted with 10 construction stakeholders in Malaysia and the data gathered were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. The findings reveal that stakeholders' integration with the community, involvement of the community in all project phases, and provision of adequate healthcare services for the communities are among the most effective guidelines that will facilitate stakeholder role in community engagement in the development of green social infrastructure. As a result, recommendations were made for effective stakeholder community engagement such as conducting a socio-economic study in the target area and preparing a petition box for the communities to communicate with stakeholders. The outcome of this research provides insight to stakeholders on their roles in incorporating sustainable practices that aligns with community needs, which in turn foster a sense of ownership, thereby paving the way for a greener and more resilient future in Malaysia.

Community-based ecotourism (CBET) aims to empower local communities through engagement and participation in Cambodia. This study investigates the relationship among tourism destination love, community engagement, socio-cultural attributes, support for CBET, perceived impact likelihood, community economic benefits, and CBET development in ecotourism sites and biodiversity conservation by drawing on a case study of the main eight ecotourism areas in Cambodia. The study used a quantitative research approach to investigate and parameterize the dynamic ecotourism components, and to explore key factors influencing the CBET using a self-administered survey by intercepted 406 visitors and structured questionnaire items were asked local communities who provide tourism services to visitors in eco-tourism destination sites in November 2022 and March 2023. The results of SEM indicated that all relationships among research variables (as proposed in the conceptual model) were significantly impacted and confirmed by this study. This means that CBET requires additional essential support from the resources listed above in order to grow in local communities in Cambodia.

Green social infrastructure development is crucial for fostering environmentally friendly and socially inclusive communities. Stakeholder-community engagement integrates diverse perspectives, local knowledge, and cultural values into green social infrastructure, reflecting the community's identity. However, stakeholders do not adequately engage the community in decision-making processes during the green social infrastructure development, primarily due to the lack of clear and comprehensive guidelines. The aim of this study is to develop guidelines to enable stakeholders to adequately engage with communities during the development of green social infrastructure. An in-depth interview was conducted with 10 construction stakeholders in Malaysia and the data gathered were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. The findings reveal that stakeholders' integration with the community, involvement of the community in all project phases, and provision of adequate healthcare services for the communities are among the most effective guidelines that will facilitate stakeholder role in community engagement in the development of green social infrastructure. As a result, recommendations were made for effective stakeholder community engagement such as conducting a socio-economic study in the target area and preparing a petition box for the communities to communicate with stakeholders. The outcome of this research provides insight to stakeholders on their roles in incorporating sustainable practices that aligns with community needs, which in turn foster a sense of ownership, thereby paving the way for a greener and more resilient future in Malaysia.

Rural landscapes are a fundamental part of the European territory and are generally recognised for their specific ecological, economic and cultural qualities. Great importance is attached to identifying new strategies for protecting, conserving and developing these landscapes, which are often characterised by the coexistence of a fragile balance between natural resources, agricultural traditions and small urban settlements. Citizen participation is among the most pressing demands in the international debate on heritage and landscape. Although documents such as the European Landscape Convention (ELC) promote the engagement of locals in defining landscape heritage values and identifying strategies for its protection, management and planning, observance of these principles is not widespread in practice. The aim of this thesis was to develop and evaluate a methodology that makes it possible to uncover local heritage perceptions and integrate them into a planning strategy in order to implement the ELC principles and foster widespread participation in the landscape planning practice. To this end, PPGIS and geo-design methods were combined to engage the Brindisi Plain community in Apulia (Italy) as a case study. Citizens, stakeholders and experts from different fields were involved through map-based online questionnaires and co-design workshops, allowing them to actively participate in defining and planning the local cultural landscape. Through this study, the developed methodology proved to be an effective way to implement the European Landscape Convention principles by facilitating participation and the involvement of the local population in the definition and planning of cultural landscapes. The three-step approach allowed us to uncover local heritage perceptions of the Brindisi Plain community and integrate them into a shared planning strategy. Combining citizen and expert knowledge produced a multivocal representation of heritage values, which could then be translated

The farming management system proposed in this research aims to revolutionize the agricultural industry by empowering farmers to sell their products directly to buyers through an e-commerce platform, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This platform facilitates a direct connection between farmers and buyers, offering a user-friendly interface for secure and efficient transactions. Farmers can upload product details, set prices and shipping options, while buyers can browse products based on location, category, and keywords, and place orders securely. Once confirmed, orders are fulfilled by the farmers, ensuring a seamless process from purchase to delivery. The Farming Management System (FMS) integrates advanced technologies to streamline agricultural practices, optimize productivity, and promote sustainability. By leveraging data analysis and automation, the FMS enables farmers to make informed decisions, reduce waste, and meet the increasing demand for direct-to-consumer sales. This research highlights the transformative impact of technology in modernizing agriculture, creating a more equitable and sustainable food system, and empowering farmers to thrive in a competitive market.

SummaryThis study investigates the contributions of Österängens Konsthall to social cohesion withinthe Jönköping community, focusing on fostering a sense of belonging and encouragingparticipation. The research applies Jenson’s (1998) framework on social cohesion,emphasizing the dimensions of participation and sense of belonging. It investigates thecentral research question – In what ways do Österängens Konsthall's initiatives seek tocontribute to social cohesion within the Jönköping community, in terms of fostering a senseof belonging and participation?A qualitative approach involves in-depth semi-structured interviews with therepresentatives of Österängens Konsthall and provides insights into the initiatives andstrategies used by the institution.The findings highlight that Österängens Konsthall seeks to play an important role inenhancing community involvement, participation and fostering a sense of belonging throughdifferent initiatives, including public art projects, exhibitions, workshops, and communitygarden activities. These initiatives are thoughtfully tailored, considering the local contextand the needs of diverse communities while promoting environmental awareness andcommunity pride.However, the study also identified challenges, including resource constraints, highresidential mobility within the area, and the absence of formal strategic documents andevaluation mechanisms. The research emphasizes the importance of understandingcommunity perspectives and recommends future studies focus on learning insights fromÖsterängens Konsthall beneficiaries.Overall, research provides valuable insights into understanding the role of culturalinstitutions and possible ways they can be empowered to enhance the social cohesion process.

The case study “To Engage a Community” examines the Pikin to Pikin Tok radio project in Sierra Leone, a project designed by Child to Child and the Pikin-to-Pikin-Movement to address child rights issues during and after the Ebola crisis. The study focuses on the projects’ use of participatory communication strategies to engage communities in the Kailahun district. The primary objective of the study is to offer valuable insights to the field of communication for development by analysing the project's design. Through a qualitative approach that involved thematic analysis of project documents and interviews with project staff, the research sought to gain a deeper understanding of the community participation in the project. A key finding highlighted in the study is the pivotal role of the community in the design and implementation of the radio program, underscoring the significance of tailoring initiatives to be child-friendly, and adapted to culture and context. The study emphasises the importance of genuine community engagement throughout the project, emphasising the need for sustained involvement and ownership beyond consultation. By shedding light on the successes and challenges encountered in the Pikin to Pikin Tok project, the research aims to offer valuable lessons that can inform future social change initiatives and contribute to the communication for development field., Fallstudien undersöker Pikin to Pikin Tok-projektet i Sierra Leone som utvecklades av organisationerna Child to Child och the Pikin-to-Pikin-Movement, med särskilt fokus på användningen av teorin participatory communication (deltagarbaserad kommunikation) för att engagera samhället i Kailahun-distriktet. Det främsta målet med studien är att bidra med värdefulla insikter inom området kommunikation för utveckling genom att analysera projektets planerings- och designfas. Genom en kvalitativ metod bestående av en tematisk analys av intervjuer med projektarbetare och projektdokument, strävade forskningen efter att nå en djupare förståelse för civilsamhällets deltagande i projektet. Ett resultat som lyfts fram i studien är civilsamhällets avgörande roll i utformningen och genomförandet av radioprogrammet, vilket understryker vikten av att anpassa initiativ till till barn samt kultur och kontext. Studien betonar den kritiska betydelsen av genuint samhällsengagemang genom hela projektet, och framhäver behovet av långvarigt engagemang bortom enbart konsultation. Genom att belysa framgångar och utmaningar som möttes i Pikin to Pikin Tok projektet, syftar denna uppsats att bidra med värdefulla lärdomar som kan bidra till utvecklingen av framtida sociala förändringsinitiativ och bidra till området kommunikation för utveckling.

This thesis is motivated by a desire to explore the business model centred on sharing, aiming to address critical issues of social inequality and environmental degradation. Inspired by the potential of resource-sharing to reduce overconsumption and enhance equitable access to resources, we chose to study a community-based non-profit sharing organisation Fritidsbanken to assess its impact on social justice and environmental sustainability. Through this study, we show how generosity, trust, and community engagement are embedded within the organisation's operations, enhancing justice and well-being while reducing material consumption, which also introduce new perspectives within the sharing economy. Our research highlights that the success of such initiatives is not only dependent on building trust, generosity and community engagement, but also hinges on how sharing is designed around principles of justice and equality. Consequently, the strategic design rooted in justice fosters trust and generosity, potentially driving a shift towards greater equity within the sharing economy. However, despite the positive impacts, the study also uncovers the organisation's operational challenges tied to funding and resources, reflecting broader systemic issues that hinder the pursuit of sustainability. It calls for strategic changes that support the scalability and effectiveness of community-based sharing initiatives.

Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to develop a framework for obtaining social acceptance in the establishment of greenfield projects within hard-to-abate industries by identifying key factors and activities related to the topic. Method: The research was based on an exploratory single-case study of a Swedish greenfield project. The study aimed to gain a nuanced understanding of factors and activities regarding various aspects of the topic. A qualitative approach was used to deepen knowledge and insights into the research gap. The empirical data was collected in three phases: through exploratory workshops, interviews with representatives from the local community, and interviews with representatives from the establishing company. Findings: We have identified several factors and activities that consist of componentfactors/activities that provide a more detailed description of each factor and activity. This identification of influential factors, coupled with the proposal of activities to attain social acceptance, provides project managers with a tangible framework to obtain social acceptance. Factors affecting social acceptance in greenfield projects are (1) Community relationship, (2) Project information, (3) Operational concerns related to the project, (4) Ripple effect concerns, (5) Regional growth, and (6) Sustainability. The key activities we have found to stimulate the factors successfully are (1) Collaborating with external parties, (2) Establishing a communication strategy, (3) Community segmentation, (4) Going above and beyond legal obligations, (5) Community engagement, (6) Create trust by genuineness, and (7) Allocate financial resources to community investments. Theoretical contribution: This study contributes to the literature by verifying that many of the factors identified by previous scholars also apply to greenfield projects within hard-to-abate industries. Even if empirical evidence does not explicitly state the same factors and activities, we have

BACKGROUND: In North America, there is a notable underutilization of complementary and integrative health approaches (CIH) among non-White and marginalized communities. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to understand how CIH educational instutitions are proactively working to redress this disparity in access and utilization among these communities. METHODS: We conducted interviews with 26 key informants, including presidents, clinicians, and research deans across 13 CIH educational institutions across the US and Canada. Thematic analysis included deductive codes based on the interview guide during interview scripts review. RESULTS: Six themes were identified: (1) CIH institutions often had a long and varied history of community engaged care through partnerships to increase access and utilization; (2) CIH institutions long-standing community outreach had been intentionally designed; (3) CIH institutions provided an array of services to a wide range of demographics and communities; (4) addressing healthcare access and utilization through community partnerships had a strong positive impact; (5) funding, staffing and COVID-19 were significant challenges that impeded efforts to increase CIH access through community engaged work; (6) identified gaps in community partnerships and services to increase access and utilization were recognized. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore significant efforts made to enhance healthcare access and utilization among marginalized, underserved, and racial and ethnic communities. However, barriers such as funding constraints, resource allocation, and the need for proper measurement and accountability hinder proactive initiatives aimed at redressing disparities in CIH utilization within these communities.

Similar to other community formations, Afro-Caribbean identities are sustained by fulfilling instrumental and expressive needs wherever Afro-Caribbean individuals are situated, owing to the inherent diasporic nature of the community resulting from colonial regimes that sought to erase, displace, and relocate them. Crucial to this dynamic are the structures of integration within the host society. For many, the new environment they inhabit has been intentionally designed to deny their very existence. Traditionally, and to date, landscape architecture design processes have been concentrated around Eurocentric perspectives, overlooking alternative and marginalized discourses from non-Anglo-European contexts. This limited viewpoint and lack of critical engagement mirror the constraints of educational and professional institutions where design is taught and practiced, as well as the broader socio-political systems in which design is embedded. For many marginalized communities, the continuous perpetuation of the matrix of domination through design processes at every level generates a feeling of alterity. This feeling of not belonging is further enhanced for those belonging to the Afro-Caribbean community who experience a fluidity of intersecting narratives and identities. This work acts as a conduit to preserve the collective wisdom of the Afro-Caribbean lived experiences and to situate the Afro-Caribbean voice within landscape architecture and community engagement. It explores the tools necessary to build a transparent, accessible, and collaborative approach to engagement that values the knowledge and experiences of those directly impacted by the design process through intersectionality, seeking to alter how landscape architects and designers engage with marginalized communities to better include, protect, and uplift the voices of those continuously left at the margins.

Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, presents significant challenges due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and limited infrastructural capacities. This research aims to analyze the current MSWM practices in Colombo, identify the key challenges faced, benchmark these practices against international standards, and propose sustainable solutions for improvement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from primary sources and qualitative insights from interviews with key stakeholders, including municipal officials, waste management professionals, and residents. Quantitative data analysis revealed that Colombo generates an average of 1200 tons of waste daily, primarily from residential sources (60%). The predominant waste disposal method is landfilling, which accounts for 75% of waste disposal, with significant challenges identified in infrastructure, funding, and public compliance. Qualitative data from municipal officials highlighted the importance of policies focused on waste segregation, mandatory recycling programs, and penalties for illegal dumping. However, enforcement of these policies remains problematic due to resource limitations and public resistance. The study identified several critical challenges in MSWM, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and public apathy. Collaborative efforts between the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and private sector stakeholders through initiatives like 'Zero Waste Colombo' have shown potential in addressing these challenges. Community engagement and educational programs have been implemented to promote waste reduction, recycling, and composting, but their success relies heavily on continuous support and participation from local organizations and residents. Future strategies for MSWM in Colombo include integrating advanced waste-to-energy technologies, expanding recycling facilities, and enhancing waste collection efficiency through smart techno

In Australia, like in several of the Nordic countries, truth commissions (TCs) are becoming part of the political and educational landscape. These developments are related to a global phenomenon over the past 40-odd years, where states are examining their relations to minority groups and/or Indigenous people, including acknowledging historical mistreatment and addressing remaining injustices. A common aim of these processes is to spread knowledge to the broader public via institutions for education. This paper focuses on ongoing TC processes in the Australian and Nordic contexts, with a specific focus on their potential consequences for teacher education (TE). By addressing barriers and possibilities on systemic, institutional, and practical levels of TE, the paper aims to develop an understanding of (1) how new knowledge produced through TCs meets the organization of teacher training; possible ways for TE to respond to new requirements; and (2) of the pedagogical and didactical challenges that might entail. The main argument is that a closer professional dialogue is needed between scholars engaged in TCs and TEs for TE to better respond to the requirements of TCs and for TCs to better recognize conditions for organizing TE., Umeå School of Education, Dnr: PED. 5.1-6-2.

In Anbetracht der globalen Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie setzt sich die vorliegende Masterarbeit mit der Situation von Schüler*innen und Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund im Kontext der Pandemie auseinander, um ein tieferes Verständnis für deren spezifische Herausforderungen sowie Bewältigungsstrategien zu erlangen. Daraus ergibt sich das konkrete Ziel der Forschungsarbeit, Belastungs- und Resilienzfaktoren dieser Personengruppen zu ermitteln und zu überlegen, welche weiteren Maßnahmen in zukünftigen Pandemien Unterstützung leisten könnten. Zur Beantwortung dieser Fragestellung wurden Expert*inneninterviews mit Vortragenden eines Projektes durchgeführt, welches im Schulkontext in verschiedenen Fremdsprachen Informationen zu COVID-19 und der Impfung vermittelt hat. Die Vortragenden wurden zu Stärken, Schwächen und Bedürfnissen von Schüler*innen und fremdsprachigen Communities befragt. Die Daten wurden mithilfe der Qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Kuckartz in MAXQDA analysiert und liefern folgende Ergebnisse: Sowohl für Schüler*innen als auch für Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund galten Fake News sowie daraus resultierende Ängste hinsichtlich der Impfung und eine durch die Pandemie ausgelöste verunsicherte Grundstimmung als Belastungsfaktoren. Für Schüler*innen kam die Verstärkung eines sozialen Gefälles, ausgelöst durch ein unterschiedliches Maß an Unterstützung, erschwerend hinzu, während Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund aufgrund geringer finanzieller Mittel und einer Sprachbarriere zusätzliche Belastung erfuhren. Als Resilienzfaktoren galten für Schüler*innen unterstützende Strukturen in der Schule, Freundschaften und eine allgemeine Wissbegierde. Wichtige Ressourcen für Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund waren Fachleute und Vertrauensstrukturen innerhalb Communities sowie dort vorherrschende Hilfsbereitschaft und gut funktionierende Kommunikationskanäle. Insgesamt leistete das Projekt durch die altersgerechte und fremdsprachige Informationsvermittlung sow, Masterarbeit Universität Innsbruck 2024

Zusammenfassung Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Einbindung von Menschen in vulnerablen Situationen in den Katastrophenschutz zu fördern. Dafür wurden zuerst relevante Konstrukte und Modelle identifiziert und der aktuelle Forschungstand zusammengetragen. Aus diesen Ergebnissen wurde deutlich, dass die aktuellen Hilfeleistungssysteme den Dynamiken und Herausforderungen der aktuellen Zeit nicht mehr gewachsen sind und deshalb ein Wandel hin zu einem intersektionalen, partizipativen Katastrophenschutz nötig ist. Bei Menschen mit Behinderungen wurden schon partizipative Projekte der Inklusion in den Katastrophenschutz realisiert, nicht jedoch im eher protektiven Setting von älteren Menschen. Die beiden unterschiedlichen Settings und die Frage der Kompatibilität mit den aktuellen Ausrichtungen des Katastrophenschutzes waren die Ausgangspunkte für Fokusgruppen und Beobachtungstudien in einer Einrichtung für Menschen mit Behinderungen und vier Einrichtungen für ältere Menschen welche im Zeitraum von 01.12.2022 bis 19.04.2023 durchgeführt wurden. Die Ergebnisse wurden mithilfe der Grounded Theory ausgewertet und nach protektiven und partizipativen Setting geordnet. Daraus wurde ersichtlich, dass es im partizipative Setting mehr Überschneidungspunkte mit einem modernen inklusiven Katastrophenschutz gibt. Des Weiteren konnte sich das in dieser Arbeit getestete CAVE- Modell für Community Engagement (CE) als praktikabel für die Entwicklung und Evaluierung von CE-Maßnahmen, erweisen. Neben dem Wandel hin zu partizipativen Ansätzen in der Pflege werden abschließend noch weitere Grundpfeiler eines modernen inklusiven Katastrophenschutzes diskutiert., The aim of this work is to promote the involvement of people in vulnerable situations in disaster management. To this end, relevant constructs and models were identified, and the current state of research was compiled. The results showed, that the current assistance systems are no longer able to cope with the dynamics and challenges of the present day and that a change towards an intersectional, participatory disaster management is therefore necessary. Participatory projects for inclusion in disaster management have already been implemented for people with disabilities, but not in the more protective setting of older people. The two different settings and the question of compatibility with the current orientation of disaster management were the starting points for focus groups and observational studies in a facility for people with disabilities and four facilities for older people, which were carried out in the period from 01.12.2022 to 19.04.2023. The results were analyzed using grounded theory and categorized according to protective and participatory settings. This showed that there are more points of overlap with modern inclusive disaster prevention in the participative setting. Furthermore, the CAVE model for community engagement (CE) tested in this study proved to be practicable for the development and evaluation of CE interventions. In addition to the shift towards participatory approaches in care, other cornerstones of modern inclusive civil protection are discussed in conclusion., Masterarbeit Universität Innsbruck 2024

Similar to other community formations, Afro-Caribbean identities are sustained by fulfilling instrumental and expressive needs wherever Afro-Caribbean individuals are situated, owing to the inherent diasporic nature of the community resulting from colonial regimes that sought to erase, displace, and relocate them. Crucial to this dynamic are the structures of integration within the host society. For many, the new environment they inhabit has been intentionally designed to deny their very existence. Traditionally, and to date, landscape architecture design processes have been concentrated around Eurocentric perspectives, overlooking alternative and marginalized discourses from non-Anglo-European contexts. This limited viewpoint and lack of critical engagement mirror the constraints of educational and professional institutions where design is taught and practiced, as well as the broader socio-political systems in which design is embedded. For many marginalized communities, the continuous perpetuation of the matrix of domination through design processes at every level generates a feeling of alterity. This feeling of not belonging is further enhanced for those belonging to the Afro-Caribbean community who experience a fluidity of intersecting narratives and identities. This work acts as a conduit to preserve the collective wisdom of the Afro-Caribbean lived experiences and to situate the Afro-Caribbean voice within landscape architecture and community engagement. It explores the tools necessary to build a transparent, accessible, and collaborative approach to engagement that values the knowledge and experiences of those directly impacted by the design process through intersectionality, seeking to alter how landscape architects and designers engage with marginalized communities to better include, protect, and uplift the voices of those continuously left at the margins.

This DMIN project helped St. Paul High Street Baptist Church develop a community engagement team that helped them reestablish its long-lasting relationship with the community surrounding the church. Certain issues within and outside of the church were discussed that had led to a lack of community engagement within recent years. A community engagement team was put together to help bridge the gap between the church and its surrounding community. To help with this, several community engagement team events were held, and surveys were given to both church and community members. Through the successful completion of this project, St. Paul High Street Baptist Church was able to reestablish itself within the community and now serves as a resource to other churches that are trying to build relationships with their community.

This qualitative DMIN project aims to expand the outreach impact of Strengthen Thy Sister Ministry by continuing to leverage ministry and community organization partnerships to address a specific community need. Strengthen Thy Sister, an ecumenical women’s ministry in St. Louis, Missouri, partnered with Jennings School District Hope Houses to provide tangible support to the organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership helped to address food insecurity among homeless students and families in a crisis. This partnership granted Strengthen Thy Sister an opportunity to partner with certified and experienced educational practitioners with the infrastructure to serve the students at Jennings School District. Developing strategic alliances through coordinated systems provides an avenue to serve under-resourced and marginalized communities with the greatest need while sharing the love of Jesus Christ in word and deed. The project includes results from data collection, project implementation, participants’ pre- and post-questionnaires, pre- and post-focus groups, and project outcomes. These results assisted Strengthen Thy Sister with expanding its outreach ministry model while addressing an immediate crisis within the community through leveraging ministry and community partnerships.

The need and importance of a Heritage Interpretation Centre in Amravati District, Maharashtra, India. It emphasizes the significance of heritage preservation and interpretation in connecting people to their past, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting economic development. The paper discusses the rich cultural and historical heritage of Amravati District, highlighting its potential for tourism development and community engagement.

This research delves into the importance of establishing Animal Welfare Centers (AWCs) in metropolitan areas of India to address the pressing challenges faced by animals in urban environments. Through an in-depth analysis of the current state of animal welfare, identification of specific needs and challenges, examination of global models of AWCs, and proposal of design guidelines tailored to the Indian context, this study advocates for the implementation of AWCs to promote compassion, responsible pet ownership, and humane treatment of animals. By highlighting the potential benefits of AWCs in managing stray animal populations, addressing animal cruelty, and mitigating public health concerns, this research underscores the importance of collaborative efforts involving government, NGOs, and the public to elevate animal welfare standards in metropolitan cities.

This thesis is inspired by the archive of materials collated by the late Sister Bonaventure Kelleher of Brecon. Over several decades local historian Sister Bonaventure gathered extensive evidence of playbills, newspaper articles and cuttings to reveal the market town of Brecon in mid-Wales as an eighteenth and nineteenth century theatrical centre. Much of the content in the archive is underreported in academia and has been almost forgotten locally. This study uses the original archive and the author’s own research to uncover the story of Brecon’s theatrical past between 1699 and 1870 situating its place within wider provincial theatre circuits. The investigation centres on Brecon as an exercise in microhistory to uncover its position as a theatrical hub and (re)focus on the importance of provincial theatre and the stories of forgotten women within these narratives. Women are resituated in their position as influential theatre patrons and as theatre managers. Throughout it is argued that the sense of local - local people and the landscape of the area in which they live - is key to this history. At the heart of the thesis is the position of the archival resident, an investigator who lives in the area which is the subject of their research. It is a position adopted by both the original archivist and the author of the study. The final chapter analyses a promenade theatre production on the streets of Brecon created as a means of sharing Brecon’s theatrical past with its community. The production was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and produced in partnership with a local amateur dramatics group. It is argued that the position of the archival resident brings a strength and nuance to the investigation which enables a deeper and more meaningful connection to the material and an efficacy to the processes of creative heritage and public histories.

Background: A growing interest in engaging communities in the development of health care services and communities has not automatically led to progress or consensus as to how to engage communities successfully, despite the evidence base showing how to leverage enablers and alleviate barriers. Objective: To bridge the gap between the evidence base and which community engagement (CE) approaches have actually been applied in practice over time, this study aims to investigate how CE approaches have changed over the past 4 years in 6 different regions in the Netherlands and citizens’ and professionals’ experiences underlying these changes. Methods: For the last stage of a multiple case study following the development of CE approaches in 6 different regions in the Netherlands, a realist qualitative case study was conducted. To investigate how CE approaches had changed over the past 4 years, data from the entire 4 years of the study were used, including documents, interview transcripts, and observations. To examine citizens’ and professionals’ experiences underlying these changes, new interviews were conducted. The latest interview results were discussed with a panel to ensure the results had face validity. Results: The regions had implemented different types of CE approaches over the past 4 years and were adapting these approaches over time. Many of the (remaining) approaches may be operating on a smaller scale. The study identified the following overarching themes along which CE had been adapted: fewer region-wide approaches and more community-focused approaches, more focus on building relationships with (already engaged) citizens and community-led initiatives, and more focus on practical and tangible health promotion and social cohesion activities and less focus on complex “abstract” programs. The study identified a further 4 overarching themes highlighting citizens’ and professionals’ experiences underlying these changes in th

Effective implementation of cancer screening programs can reduce disease-specific incidence and mortality. Screening is currently recommended for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer. However, initial and repeat adherence to screening tests in accordance with current guidelines is sub-optimal, with the lowest rates observed in historically underserved groups. If used in concert with recommended cancer screening tests, new biospecimen-based multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests could help to identify more cancers that may be amendable to effective treatment. Clinical trials designed to assess the safety and efficacy of MCED tests to assess their potential for reducing cancer mortality are needed and many are underway. In the conduct of MCED test trials, it is crucial that participant recruitment efforts successfully engage participants from diverse populations experiencing cancer disparities. Strategic partnerships involving health systems, clinical practices, and communities can increase the reach of MCED trial recruitment efforts among populations experiencing disparities. This goal can be achieved by developing health system-based learning communities that build understanding of and trust in biomedical research; and by applying innovative methods for identifying eligible trial patients, educating potential participants about research trials, and engaging eligible individuals in shared decision making (SDM) about trial participation. This article describes how a developing consortium of health systems has used this approach to encourage the uptake of cancer screening in a wide range of populations and how such a strategy can facilitate the enrollment of persons from diverse patient and community populations in MCED trials.

The Dutch greenhouse industry contributing 19% of the national carbon emissions, highlights its significant role in the ever-increasing environmental, social, and political challenges developing from climate change. Geopolitical tensions including the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with resource scarcity and a world population growth underscore the urgency of transitioning societal practices within the food-energy nexus. Existing policies such as the European Green Deal emphasize the need to transition toward renewable energy. Given the horticulture sector’s substantial spatial and global exportation footprint, there is potential to strategically utilize these spaces and economic flows. If successful, Dutch greenhouses can be the catalyst for a circular society model that emphasizes environmental regeneration, peri-urban community empowerment, and representative policy. This report builds from theories including social justice, circular economy, glocalization, and regenerating peri-urban landscapes. By applying a circular society framework, which prioritizes sustainable consumption patterns, co-created policy, and spatial justice, this report develops a regional strategy for connecting and diversifying greenhouse sub-regions. The goals of this strategy include enhancing community engagement, ecological restoration, innovative knowledge-based production, and fully renewably sourced systems. An analysis through the lens of these intended goals leads to an instruction manual for redesigning industrial landscapes and an index of potential building blocks to implement in the redesign. This instruction manual offers to scientific relevance through a large-scale combination of innovations, and a circular 15-minute social and 30-minute economic system, and societal relevance through lowering political unrest and the combination of technical and social functions. The manual is useful for a diverse range of parties including municipalitie, AR2U086 R&D Studio – Spatial Strategies for the Global Metropolis, Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Urbanism

Welcome to the world of organic farming—a realm where the earth's natural rhythms dictate the course of cultivation, and harmony between humans and nature is paramount. In this book, "Organic Farming: Principles and Practices," we embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of sustainable agriculture, where tradition meets innovation, and ancient wisdom informs modern techniques.The global landscape of agriculture is evolving, with an increasing awareness of the environmental, social, and health impacts of conventional farming practices. In response, organic farming has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a holistic approach that nurtures both the land and its inhabitants.At its core, organic farming is more than just a set of techniques; it embodies a philosophy deeply rooted in respect for nature's inherent wisdom. By harnessing the power of natural processes, organic farmers strive to cultivate healthy soils, vibrant ecosystems, and nutritious crops without relying on synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms.In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the principles that underpin organic farming, exploring topics ranging from soil health and biodiversity to pest management and crop rotation. Drawing on the latest research and the experiences of seasoned practitioners, we offer practical insights and strategies to help aspiring farmers navigate the complexities of organic production.But this book is not just for farmers—it's for anyone who cares about the future of our planet and the well-being of future generations. Whether you're a backyard gardener, a consumer seeking healthier food options, or an advocate for sustainable agriculture, the principles and practices outlined in these pages offer a roadmap towards a more resilient and regenerative food system.As we embark on this journey together, let us honor the wisdom of the past, embrace the challenges of the present, and cultivate a future where organic farming flourishes as a cornerstone of a

Objective: This research aims to develop a theoretical model for implementing stunting management policies applicable in East Lombok Regency, Indonesia, and other districts with high stunting prevalence across Indonesia through the enactment of statutory regulations. The study focuses on community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and capacity building. Theoretical framework: Drawing upon the Network Policy Model concept and supported by the Social-Ecological Model from USAID. Methodology: Employing a qualitative approach, the research utilizes a phenomenological study of stunting incidents, complemented by focus group discussions and interviews. Field observations are integrated to validate the data. Research is conducted in 11 intervention and 10 non-intervention sub-districts. Results: The 2023 intervention exhibited a significant decrease in stunting prevalence from 17.46% (2022) to 14.22% and wasting rate from 5.93% (2022) to 5.07%. Four aspects of success emerged: mapping of stunting areas, improved regulations, community involvement, and collaborative education programs. Conclusion: Successful stunting and wasting management in 11 sub-districts in East Lombok Regency began with intervention mapping. Government collaboration with SEAMEO RECFON, UNICEF, and universities was pivotal. Regulatory improvements included strengthening marriage regulations and school regulations. Community involvement and collaborative education programs were vital, ensuring comprehensive program implementation. Recommendation: The five recommendations from this research are strengthening community involvement by encouraging active participation, improving the governance structure, enhancing capacity building by continuing and expanding training initiatives for the organization's regional representatives, and fostering cross-sector collaboration by strengthening partnerships between regional organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, and international organizations; c

Rural enterprises often lack visual communication strategies due to limited resources or knowledge. Higher education institutions can play a key role in developing projects that support these ventures. This study analyzes how visually communication strategies proposed by academia influence rural entrepreneurship. Using a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach and a longitudinal quasi-experimental design, 15 enterprises were selected through non-probabilistic sampling. Surveys and interviews were conducted to assess their initial situation and define a brief, followed by the development and implementation of strategies by university students. The results, evaluated six months later, showed positive changes in the perception of the importance of visual communication and its impact on business success. It is concluded that the active participation of academia generates significant benefits in the rural sector, highlighting the need for greater understanding and strategic application of visual communication in entrepreneurship., Los emprendimientos rurales frecuentemente carecen de estrategias de comunicación visual debido a falta de recursos o conocimientos. Las instituciones de educación superior pueden desempeñar un papel clave en el desarrollo de proyectos que apoyen estos emprendimientos. Este estudio analiza cómo las estrategias de comunicación visual propuestas desde la academia influyen en los emprendimientos rurales. Mediante un enfoque mixto cualitativo-cuantitativo y un diseño cuasiexperimental longitudinal, se seleccionaron 15 emprendimientos por muestreo no probabilístico. Se aplicaron encuestas y entrevistas para evaluar su situación inicial y definir un brief, seguido del desarrollo e implementación de estrategias por estudiantes universitarios. Los resultados, evaluados seis meses después, mostraron cambios positivos en la percepción de la importancia de la comunicación visual y su impacto en el éxito empresarial. Se concluye que la participación activa de la academia genera beneficios significativos en el sector rural, destacando la necesidad de una mayor comprensión y aplicación estratégica de la comunicación visual en los emprendimientos.

IntroductionCommunities of color have faced disproportionate morbidity and mortality from COVID-19, coupled with historical underrepresentation in US clinical trials, creating challenges for equitable participation in developing and testing a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.MethodsTo increase diversity, including racial and ethnic representation, in local Los Angeles County NIH-sponsored Phase 3 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine clinical trials, we used deliberative community engagement approaches to form a Community Consultant Panel (CCP) that partnered with trial research teams. Thirteen members were recruited, including expertise from essential workers, community-based and faith-based organizations, or leaders from racial and ethnic minority communities.ResultsWorking closely with local investigators for the vaccine studies, the CCP provided critical insight on best practices for community trust building, clinical trial participation, and reliable information dissemination regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Modifying recruitment, outreach, and trial protocols led to majority-minority participants (55%-78%) in each of the three vaccine clinical trials. CCP's input led to cultural tailoring of recruitment materials, changes in recruitment messaging, and supportive services to improve trial accessibility and acceptability (transportation, protocols for cultural competency, and support linkages to care in case of an adverse event). Barriers to clinical trial participation unable to be resolved included childcare, requests for after-hours appointment availability, and mobile locations for trial visits.ConclusionUsing deliberative community engagement can provide critical and timely insight into the community-centered barriers to COVID-19 vaccine trial participation, including addressing social determinants of health, trust, clinical trial literacy, structural barriers, and identifying trusted messenger and reliable sources of information.

BackgroundCommunity Advisory Boards (CABs) have been frequently used to engage diverse partners to inform research projects. Yet, evaluating the quality of engagement has not been routine. We describe a multi-method ethnographic approach documenting and assessing partner engagement in two "virtual" CABs, for which we conducted all meetings remotely.MethodsTwo research projects for increasing equitable COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and clinical trial participation for underserved communities involved remote CAB meetings. Thirty-three partners representing 17 community groups participated in 15 sessions across the two CABs facilitated by a social change organization. We developed ethnographic documentation forms to assess multiple aspects of CAB member engagement (e.g., time spent speaking, modality used, types of interactions). Documenters were trained to observe CAB sub-groups via virtual sessions. Debriefing with the documentation team after CAB meetings supported quality assurance and process refinement. CAB members completed a brief validated survey after each meeting to assess the quality and frequency of engagement. Content and rapid thematic analysis were used to analyze documentation data. Quantitative data were summarized as frequencies and means. Qualitative and quantitative findings were triangulated.ResultsA total of 4,540 interactions were identified across 15 meetings. The most frequent interaction was providing information (44%), followed by responding (37-38%). The quality and frequency of stakeholder engagement were rated favorably (average 4.7 of 5). Most CAB members (96%) reported good/excellent engagement. Specific comments included appreciation for the diversity of perspectives represented by the CAB members and suggestions for improved live interpretation. Debriefing sessions led to several methodological refinements for the documentation process and forms.ConclusionWe highlight key strategies for documenting and assessing community engagement.

This Science Project (SP) contributes to the estimation of the impacts of the invasive species on the European Biodiversity and Ecosystems. This topic is important for European Green Deal and the new European Biodiversity Strategy. The SP is also linked with the socio-economic issues because of the NIS implications to the local ecosystems and their services, and their societal goods and services. Since many of the above impacts may be of local scale, they may alter common practices in circular economies. The SP is implemented by: (a) Combining different sources of data and information; (b) Using a dual workflow to analyse the data; (c) Integrating its resources with core EOSC services and potentially horizontal services available; (d) Engaging the relevant scientific communities. The users will be able to: (a) Analyse distribution patterns of invasive species from different sources of data; (b) Compare the above patterns; (c) Provide managerial suggestions to relevant authorities; (d) Build on the existing infrastructure to address more complex questions (e.g. future scenarios).

A preliminary review of past studies has shown that the method that was used to engage the community with arts is often articulated very poorly. In addition, formal evaluations and reflections on community art engagement projects are extremely rare. Therefore, this study aims to explore the co-creation method for community-engaged art with selected communities in Kampung Muhibbah, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The objective of the discussion is to highlight how co-creation can offer a participative approach for both art practitioners and non-art practitioners that contribute to elevating the quality of life. The research was done in a mixed method that utilized a co-creation project as a case study for data collection whereby interviews and observations were conducted in a qualitative method and a well-being evaluation score was done in a quantitative method. Results showed that the co-creation project could establish good interactions within the community through art activities and subsequently elevate their well-being quality. A deeper understanding of the co-creation method with community engagement can challenge the conventional participative art practice. The exploration of the co-creation method through art as a medium had indeed contributed extensively to the knowledge of co-creation practice in community engagement to elevate well-being., Una revisión preliminar de estudios anteriores ha evidenciado que el método utilizado para involucrar a la comunidad en las artes suele estar muy mal articulado. Además, las evaluaciones y reflexiones formales sobre los proyectos de participación artística comunitaria son muy escasas. Por lo tanto, este estudio pretende explorar el método de cocreación del arte comprometido con la comunidad con comunidades seleccionadas en Kampung Muhibbah, Kuching, Sarawak, Malasia. El objetivo del debate es destacar cómo la cocreación puede ofrecer un enfoque participativo que contribuya a elevar la calidad de vida tanto para los profesionales del arte como para los que no lo son. La investigación se llevó a cabo con un método mixto que utilizó un proyecto de cocreación como estudio de caso para la recopilación de datos, mediante entrevistas y observaciones de los participantes en un método cualitativo y una puntuación de evaluación del bienestar en un método cuantitativo. Los resultados mostraron que el proyecto de cocreación podía establecer buenas interacciones dentro de la comunidad a través de actividades artísticas y posteriormente elevar su calidad de bienestar. Una comprensión más profunda del método de cocreación con la participación de la comunidad puede poner en tela de juicio la práctica artística participativa convencional. La exploración del método de cocreación a través del arte como medio ha contribuido ampliamente al conocimiento de la práctica de la cocreación en el compromiso de la comunidad para elevar el bienestar.

Background: Emerging and reemerging zoonotic diseases have become a global concern due to their frequent occurrence. Large delays between onset of emerging zoonotic disease outbreaks and their reporting and control are indicative of weak animal and human health systems. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to tackle the time delay by suggesting a One Health Early Warning and Response System (OH-EWRS) aiming at improving the surveillance and notification of zoonotic diseases by strengthening ‘bottom-up’ approaches and systems for early detection, especially in hot spot areas where they emerge. Methods: In this conceptual paper, we searched online database including PubMed, Google and Google Scholar to explore the scientific landscape for zoonotic diseases and One Health Early Warning and Response Systems published in English up to December, 2020. In addition, the authors made use of their own expertise and critically reviewed the retrieved papers that were found to be of relevance as the three authors are experts in their own fields, coming from different backgrounds, but are all working to improve the prevention and control of zoonotic disease outbreak. Results: The OH-EWRS advocates for collaboration between relevant stakeholders including nongovernmental organisations, country offices of international and intergovernmental technical organisations, governmental bodies, research institutes, the private sector and local communities with the aim of an integrated One Health prevention and control system. The OH-EWRS considers various priorities and objectives of the different stakeholders, taking into account possible conflict of interests and considering the need for trust, transparency and mutual benefits. Conclusions: Although the operationalisation, governance and institutionalisation of the OH-EWRS should be the responsibility of government bodies, inputs from and feedback to relevant stakeholders through a bottom-up and top-down approach are essential eleme

Calls for using marine protected areas (MPAs) to achieve goals for nature and people are increasing globally. While the conservation and fisheries impacts of MPAs have been comparatively well‐studied, impacts on other dimensions of human use have received less attention. Understanding how humans engage with MPAs and identifying traits of MPAs that promote engagement is critical to designing MPA networks that achieve multiple goals effectively, equitably and with minimal environmental impact. In this paper, we characterize human engagement in California's MPA network, the world's largest MPA network scientifically designed to function as a coherent network (124 MPAs spanning 16% of state waters and 1300 km of coastline) and identify traits associated with higher human engagement. We assemble and compare diverse indicators of human engagement that capture recreational, educational and scientific activities across California's MPAs. We find that human engagement is correlated with nearby population density and that site “charisma” can expand human engagement beyond what would be predicted based on population density alone. Charismatic MPAs tend to be located near tourist destinations, have long sandy beaches and be adjacent to state parks and associated amenities. In contrast, underutilized MPAs were often more remote and lacked both sandy beaches and parking lot access. Synthesis and applications: These results suggest that achieving MPA goals associated with human engagement can be promoted by developing land‐based amenities that increase access to coastal MPAs or by locating new MPAs near existing amenities during the design phase. Alternatively, human engagement can be limited by locating MPAs in areas far from population centres, coastal amenities or sandy beaches. Furthermore, managers may want to prioritize monitoring, enforcement, education and outreach programmes in MPAs with traits that predict high human engagement. Understanding the extent to which human en

The past decade of California’s education policy landscape has been shaped by two significant events and the interaction between them. First, the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), signed into law in 2013, shifted the way that the state distributes money to local school districts and implemented mandatory stakeholder engagement in allocating the funds. Second, the COVID-19 pandemic was a shock to the public school system, and though there is ample research underscoring how difficult it is to change institutions, this crisis may have created the necessary conditions for enacting consequential change. The LCFF created the potential to restructure relationships between multiple stakeholders—district leadership, school site-level administrators, families, and communities—and we can examine how groups navigated a landscape of nascent education finance reform and implemented a new process of state-mandated stakeholder engagement. The COVID-19 crisis represented a much deeper and more destabilizing shock to the relationships between families and schools. During the initial onset of emergency stay-at-home orders, the global pandemic blurred the division between home and school—living rooms became classrooms with many parents and caregivers acting as de facto teaching assistants and school coordinators. These two events offer the opportunity to study ways that the relationships between families and educators may have changed and to evaluate the extent to which these changes have allowed families to influence local education policy discussions and share in decision-making.This dissertation project consists of three substantive chapters and uses qualitative methods to examine how, if at all, a process of state-mandated stakeholder engagement in district-wide decision-making builds power for families to influence local education policy. Additionally, I illustrate how engaging in this process impacts both the micro-level experience of the individual and the organizational lev

BackgroundYouth in the child welfare system (child welfare-involved [CWI] youth) have high documented rates of mental health symptoms and experience significant disparities in mental health care services access and engagement. Adolescence is a developmental stage that confers increased likelihood of experiencing mental health symptoms and the emergence of disorders that can persist into adulthood. Despite a high documented need for evidence-based mental health services for CWI youth, coordination between child welfare and mental health service systems to increase access to care remains inadequate, and engagement in mental health services is low. Navigator models developed in the health care field to address challenges of service access, fragmentation, and continuity that affect the quality of care provide a promising approach to increase linkage to, and engagement in, mental health services for CWI youth. However, at present, there is no empirically supported mental health navigator model to address the unique and complex mental health needs of CWI youth and their families.ObjectiveUsing a randomized controlled trial, this study aims to develop and test a foster care family navigator (FCFN) model to improve mental health service outcomes for CWI adolescents (aged 12-17 years).MethodsThe navigator model leverages an in-person navigator and use of adjunctive digital health technology to engage with, and improve, care coordination, tracking, and monitoring of mental health service needs for CWI youth and families. In total, 80 caregiver-youth dyads will be randomized to receive either the FCFN intervention or standard of care (clinical case management services): 40 (50%) to FCFN and 40 (50%) to control. Qualitative exit interviews will inform the feasibility and acceptability of the services received during the 6-month period. The primary trial outcomes are mental health treatment initiation and engagement. Other pre- and postservice outcomes, such as proportion screen

As genomic technologies rapidly develop, polygenic scores (PGS) are entering into a growing conversation on how to improve precision in public health and prevent chronic disease. While the integration of PGS into public health and clinical services raises potential benefits, it also introduces potential harms. In particular, there is a high level of uncertainty about how to incorporate PGS into clinical settings in a manner that is equitable, just, and aligned with the long-term goals of many healthcare systems to support person-centered and value-based care. This paper argues that any conversation about whether and how to design and implement PGS clinical services requires dynamic engagement with local communities, patients, and families. These parties often face the consequences, both positive and negative, of such uncertainties and should therefore drive clinical translation. As a collaborative effort between hospital stakeholders, community partners, and researchers, this paper describes a community-empowered co-design process for addressing uncertainty and making programmatic decisions about the implementation of PGS into clinical services. We provide a framework for others interested in designing clinical programs that are responsive to, and inclusive and respectful of, local communities.

Our qualitative study is a deep exploration into the underexamined notion of engagement with respect to undergraduate students who took up the role of co-researchers within an afterschool program designed to engage young students about environmental issues and sustainability practices. This research program is based on a community-based literacies framework that addresses all members (program leaders, graduate students, undergraduate students, and young students) as co-learners. This study explores the largely unknown experiences of undergraduate students in informal learning contexts, which broadly center youth experiences. We took a critically framed approach (i.e., mindful of institutionalized inequities–known as a kind of silencing—for traditionally marginalized populations) in our analysis of interview responses from 11 undergraduate students involved in an afterschool environmental program for young students living in a Latinx neighborhood in central California. Our analysis involved a two-phase process that began with a general thematic exploration of transcribed interviews followed by in-depth, microlevel transcription of salient instances regarding community engagement. Responses suggest that the community-based context enabled a deep engagement founded on shared cultural practices, life experiences, and engaging in disciplinary projects (e.g., building and planting an edible garden). This study is a contribution to the long-needed insights into the importance of community engagement and leadership experiences during undergraduate learning, particularly for traditionally marginalized students. Findings may be informative to educators and researchers striving to transform college experiences for diverse student populations.

Background: Emerging and reemerging zoonotic diseases have become a global concern due to their frequent occurrence. Large delays between onset of emerging zoonotic disease outbreaks and their reporting and control are indicative of weak animal and human health systems. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to tackle the time delay by suggesting a One Health Early Warning and Response System (OH-EWRS) aiming at improving the surveillance and notification of zoonotic diseases by strengthening ‘bottom-up’ approaches and systems for early detection, especially in hot spot areas where they emerge. Methods: In this conceptual paper, we searched online database including PubMed, Google and Google Scholar to explore the scientific landscape for zoonotic diseases and One Health Early Warning and Response Systems published in English up to December, 2020. In addition, the authors made use of their own expertise and critically reviewed the retrieved papers that were found to be of relevance as the three authors are experts in their own fields, coming from different backgrounds, but are all working to improve the prevention and control of zoonotic disease outbreak. Results: The OH-EWRS advocates for collaboration between relevant stakeholders including nongovernmental organisations, country offices of international and intergovernmental technical organisations, governmental bodies, research institutes, the private sector and local communities with the aim of an integrated One Health prevention and control system. The OH-EWRS considers various priorities and objectives of the different stakeholders, taking into account possible conflict of interests and considering the need for trust, transparency and mutual benefits. Conclusions: Although the operationalisation, governance and institutionalisation of the OH-EWRS should be the responsibility of government bodies, inputs from and feedback to relevant stakeholders through a bottom-up and top-down approach are essential eleme

Background: Emerging and reemerging zoonotic diseases have become a global concern due to their frequent occurrence. Large delays between onset of emerging zoonotic disease outbreaks and their reporting and control are indicative of weak animal and human health systems. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to tackle the time delay by suggesting a One Health Early Warning and Response System (OH-EWRS) aiming at improving the surveillance and notification of zoonotic diseases by strengthening ‘bottom-up’ approaches and systems for early detection, especially in hot spot areas where they emerge. Methods: In this conceptual paper, we searched online database including PubMed, Google and Google Scholar to explore the scientific landscape for zoonotic diseases and One Health Early Warning and Response Systems published in English up to December, 2020. In addition, the authors made use of their own expertise and critically reviewed the retrieved papers that were found to be of relevance as the three authors are experts in their own fields, coming from different backgrounds, but are all working to improve the prevention and control of zoonotic disease outbreak. Results: The OH-EWRS advocates for collaboration between relevant stakeholders including nongovernmental organisations, country offices of international and intergovernmental technical organisations, governmental bodies, research institutes, the private sector and local communities with the aim of an integrated One Health prevention and control system. The OH-EWRS considers various priorities and objectives of the different stakeholders, taking into account possible conflict of interests and considering the need for trust, transparency and mutual benefits. Conclusions: Although the operationalisation, governance and institutionalisation of the OH-EWRS should be the responsibility of government bodies, inputs from and feedback to relevant stakeholders through a bottom-up and top-down approach are essential eleme

In a growing number of cities around the world, urban forestry is receiving investment for its social and ecological benefits. As the planet warms, advancing urban forest equity by planting trees in marginalized neighborhoods is acknowledged as a climate health equity strategy to counter heat exposure, which disproportionately burdens under-resourced communities. However, significant barriers exist to growing robust urban forests, and tradeoffs of tree planting are often not considered. In drier climates, complex logistics of watering during a multi-year establishment period pose a challenge because street trees are typically unirrigated and funding for maintenance is generally insufficient, creating an expectation that community members will provide stewardship. This dissertation presents three mixed-methods studies. The first is an empirical investigation of the thermal benefits of trees on residential spaces, contributing insights about time-of-day indoor heat exposure by residents who have limited access to air conditioning. Varied theory-guided community methods are then tested to explore the potential of resident engagement in tree stewardship to advance urban forest equity and reduce heat risk. A second study explores behavior change strategies around resident volunteerism in tree stewardship, testing environmental health and public health interventions and correlating outcomes to the degree of engagement with a community organization. A third study presents an alternative approach which equips frontline community members by providing compensation, training, and a support network as they engage neighbor-to-neighbor around tree stewardship and heat mitigation. These studies serve to elucidate the suite of expectations that the co-production of the urban forest creates, parsing out how reasonable and realistic the assumptions made by these programs are or are not, and evaluating their effectiveness. The potential of tree planting to contribute to green gentrifi

Introduction: This mixed methods study describes processes to actively engage underserved, immigrant, and refugee communities in COVID-19 vaccine efforts to co-create culturally relevant resources and dissemination.Methods: A survey on health care characteristics and COVID-19 attitudes was deployed between March-November 2021 followed by listening sessions conducted in December 2021. All participants were recruited through the project's Community Advisory Board. The survey, completed by 77 adults, was available in English, Spanish, Burmese, Kizigua, and Karen. Listening sessions were led by trained, multilingual, and multicultural interviewers.Results: Doctors/healthcare providers were rated as the most trusted messengers of COVID-19 information, however, trusted sources varied across communities. Data from three listening sessions (with a total of 14 participants) expanded survey findings with a focus on trusted sources of COVID-19 communication.Conclusions: This study confirmed the importance of healthcare professionals as trusted messengers for COVID-19 information among underserved communities. Qualitative data highlighted the importance of schools, ethnically-based community organizations, and friends/family with health and English literacy skills for immigrant and refugee communities. Findings suggest opportunities for collaboration with specific trusted sources for future public health dissemination efforts.Trial registration: not applicable.

Gender diverse youth are incredibly resilient but face significant stigma and marginalization. In this article, we argue that in the face of these challenges, researchers must work collaboratively with gender diverse youth and caregivers to identify and address the most important issues affecting them. We use our Navigating Gender Together Project as an example of using community advisory boards in community-engaged research. Although community engagement requires more resources, it overwhelmingly enriches research and increases its relevance for the community. Relevant, evidence-based research is critical in supporting gender diverse youth and their families.

BACKGROUND: Community input is crucial for identifying characteristics necessary for equitable, sustainable community-academic partnerships (CAPs). A November 2021 conference, honoring the late Dr. Loretta Jones and the Community-Partnered Participatory Research (CPPR) model, was held to gather input for designing a learning institute for community members as co-equal partners with academics in research, program, and policy initiatives. This created an opportunity to explore attendees perspectives on challenges and opportunities related to CAPs with special focus on promoting equity. METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Five break-out discussion group sessions were conducted in November 2021 co-facilitated by both an academic and a community leader. After consent, discussions were recorded and transcribed. An iterative procedure for collaborative-group-thematic-analysis was developed. The six-phase process included rigorous coding, discussion, comparison of data with data, and development and refinement of themes and subthemes. RESULTS: A total of 38 racial-ethnically diverse participants volunteered from the total conference audience of 62 community and academic partners from various sectors including community-based organizations, health care, social services, academia, or policy within Los Angeles County. Analysis led to development of three themes: Being cautious with the extractive tendency of academia and the need for anti-racism within CAPs; Leveraging community power to resist the top-down lens of academia; and bridging two worlds through an equitably structured table. DISCUSSION: Participants described optimism about the future uses of CPPR to enhance CAPs, and the need to address barriers to equitable partnerships owing to unequal social contexts and entrenched power dynamics. Implications include addressing racism, evaluating financial equity in partnerships to promote accountability, and mentoring community leaders to promote equity

Virtual Reality (VR) is promising in communicating people’s hardship experiences in simulated situations. This can help foster empathy among people. In this paper, we present a VR experience designed to showcase the hardship experiences of an international higher education community concerning their studies and lives in an unfamiliar neighborhood. We collected hardship stories and data from 40 members of the community through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire analysis led to understanding critical issues, such as social problems, language barriers, issues with bureaucracy, and racism. We then turned the issues into interactive stories in VR. We recruited 18 participants to experience the hardship stories through interactions with avatars in a VR version of the campus where the community is located. Our preliminary results from the questionnaires suggest that the participants’ knowledge and tendency to willingness to discuss the hardships improved due to participating in the experience. Further, our semi-structured interviews reflect positively on the VR experience’s memorability, the stories’ plausibility and participants’ increased situated empathy and awareness regarding the hardships of the local international community. This early exploration informs future studies focusing on situated empathy.

Urbanization and the growth of populations in cities have led to increased exposure and vulnerability to social and environmental changes, such as natural disasters like floods and climate change uncertainties creating complex social dynamics. Cities as tourist destinations are especially susceptible to such disruptions, as their infrastructure and overall aesthetic contribute significantly to their value, ensuring employment opportunities and public well-being. Consequently, discussions have arisen about the need for cities and communities to adopt resilience thinking in order to prepare for potential stresses and shocks. Although there are established frameworks for creating inclusive resilience strategies that encourage community engagement and participation, limited literature exists on how integrated urban resilience thinking is in transdisciplinary efforts for sustainable urban development. Therefore, this paper explores how participation is integrated in resilience building efforts in urban areas studying the case of Dresden, Germany. It starts with a description of the underlying concepts, followed by a classification of the investigation case laying out the legal and political framework focusing on the concepts of participation, and co-creation in the context of participatory urban resilience. The study further investigates how citizen participation is discussed and implemented in this field by analyzing nine expert interviews. The findings suggest that participatory approaches hold significant potential for improving multistakeholder cooperation, promoting social innovation, and building resilience capacities. However, several systemic challenges are uncovered which would require structural reforms to enable a resilient urban development for Dresden as a destination and its citizens.

This article describes a pilot test of a community engaged, culturally relevant, arts-based intervention. The purpose was to increase children’s personal protective buffering resources. Protective buffering resources help children cope with stressful stimuli, reduce activation of their systemic stress response, mitigate allostatic load, and promote optimal health. The “Learning a Healthy Rhythm” intervention included a stress management component and an ongoing Afro-Latino percussion program for 18 children ages 9–11. The stress management component included educational content about stress, self-assessment of stress symptoms, and stress management techniques. A mixed-method intervention evaluation design was used. Qualitative data, quantitative data, and biometrics including hair cortisol were collected. Six intervention parameters were evaluated: effectiveness, fidelity, feasibility, acceptability, necessity, and safety. Positive results were obtained for all parameters. Reduction in physiological and subjective measures of stress was evident. This stress management intervention was well-received and supported by participants.