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Abstract Background Larval source management (LSM) effectively reduces mosquito populations at their breeding sites, addressing issues like insecticide resistance that limit the effectiveness of primary interventions such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Although traditionally used in urban and dry areas, recent research suggests it might also be effective in rural settings in eastern and southern Africa, where Anopheles funestus thrives in permanent water bodies that sustain year-round transmission. Targeting these habitats could enhance LSM, but it requires understanding local community practices, as mosquito breeding sites often overlap with community water resources. This study examined how communities use aquatic habitats and how these practices may impact LSM strategies, with a focus on habitats used by An. funestus. Methods This study was conducted in three villages in the Ulanga and Malinyi districts of southeastern Tanzania using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through cross-sectional surveillance, and qualitative data through unstructured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Data analysis integrated both quantitative and qualitative findings to develop a comprehensive understanding of community perspectives. Results A survey of 931 aquatic habitats found mosquito larvae in 73% of them, with late instar An. funestus present in 23%. River streams made up 41% of the habitats, while ground pools accounted for 4%. Most habitats (90%) were used by communities, including 95% of those with An. funestus larvae, for activities such as domestic chores, agriculture, livestock rearing, brickmaking, and fishing. Focus group discussions revealed a willingness to adopt LSM, with a preference for larviciding and habitat modification over habitat removal, as the water sources were vital for daily use. Community concerns centered on the safety of larvicides for humans and animals, the environmental impact, and the need for better awareness of how LSM affects health and livelihoods. Conclusion This study highlights community perspectives on LSM, focusing on the dual function of aquatic habitats as mosquito breeding sites and essential community water sources. This dual role presents both challenges and opportunities, suggesting that LSM strategies must balance public health needs with socio-economic realities. There was a clear preference for larviciding and habitat modification over removal, with a strong emphasis on health and environmental safety. The study emphasizes the importance of educating communities on the safety and effectiveness of LSM, and tailoring LSM strategies to fit the needs and preferences of local communities.

This study investigated infant and young child‐feeding (IYCF) practices among mothers of well‐nourished children in northern Ghana. This was a qualitative study where in‐depth individual interviews were conducted with participants. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and QSR Nvivo software version 11 was used to organize the data before thematic analysis. It was observed that mothers of well‐nourished children were likely to adhere to breastfeeding guidelines and also practice appropriate complementary feeding. Furthermore, these mothers mostly had some form of support from their husbands and mother‐in‐laws in feeding their infants. While adoption and adherence to appropriate IYCF practices contribute to improved nutrition outcomes in children, social support systems are needed to sustain the practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to discuss Legal Pluralism from a transformative perspective as a product of community practices exercised by social collectivities that seek to address fundamental needs. In this perspective, the problem is to verify if the institutionalized pluralism in the Andean region (the constitutions of Ecuador and Bolivia) is qualified as a transforming legal pluralism, autonomous from state and with an authentic community profile. Even though this premise can be admitted, the essential question is: to what extent are its strength, validity and efficiency satisfactory inside the political-legal institutions? The result is the duality recognition of the legal pluralism that not only traditionally coexists with the State but is characterized as “subaltern” and limited by impositions of a monist culture that renews itself by keeping colonial remnants. For the discussion, a theoretical-reflective methodological approach with a critical and socio-legal content was employed, along with a specific bibliography.

Copyright of Revista Crítica de Ciências Sociais is the property of Centro de Estudos Sociais and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: Biomarker testing detects actionable driver mutations to inform first-line treatment in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) and metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This study evaluated biomarker testing in a nationwide database (NAT) versus the OneOncology (OneOnc) community network. Patients & methods: Patients with aNSCLC or mCRC with ≥1 biomarker test in a de-identified electronic health record–derived database were evaluated. OneOnc oncologists were surveyed. Results: Biomarker testing rates were high and comparable between OneOnc and NAT; next-generation sequencing (NGS) rates were higher at OneOnc. Patients with NGS versus other biomarker testing were more likely to receive targeted treatment. Operational challenges and insufficient tissue were barriers to NGS testing. Conclusion: Community cancer centers delivered personalized healthcare through biomarker testing. Cancer therapies often work better in certain subgroups of patients. Tumors may have characteristics that can predict which therapies may be more likely to work. These cancer biomarkers may be identified by special testing, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). If a biomarker is detected, the patient can potentially be treated with medicine that targets that biomarker. This study looked at biomarker testing of lung and colon cancers in two community cancer practices (OneOncology [OneOnc] and nationwide database [NAT]). The biomarker testing rates were high (≥81%) and similar between OneOnc and NAT. NGS testing rates were higher at OneOnc than at NAT (58 vs 49% for non-small-cell lung cancer, 55 vs 42% for metastatic colorectal cancer [mCRC]), suggesting the success of OneOnc's networkwide educational, pathway and operational programs. NGS testing was lower in community practices due to operational challenges and insufficient tissue collection. Patients who had NGS versus other biomarker testing were more likely to receive treatment specifically for that biomarker. However, some patients started treatment before their biomarker results were reported, usually because of their disease and a long wait time for biomarker test results. Community cancer centers can treat patients with targeted medicine based on biomarker testing results. There are opportunities to increase the number of patients getting NGS testing, shorten turnaround times and reduce the number of patients who start treatment before getting their biomarker test results. Community cancer centers deliver biomarker testing to inform 1L targeted treatment for the actionable oncogene mutations detected in aNSCLC and mCRC. Higher NGS testing rates at OneOnc versus Flatiron Health reflect the success of OneOnc's educational and operational initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 43 million cases and 5.2 lakhs death have occurred due to COVID-19 in India. Approximately 1 lakh people (cumulative) have been infected by COVID-19 in Faridabad district alone as of 4 April 2022. To understand the effects of COVID-19 on community practices this study was conducted. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Intensive Field Practice Area of Comprehensive Rural health Services Project (CRHSP), Ballabgarh, Haryana. Five hundred participants (≥18 years) were selected by using simple random sampling from Health Management Information System (HMIS) maintained at Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi. Participants were informed regarding study and consent was taken. A semi-structured interview schedule was administered. Results: Study participants included 500 adults (52.2% Male). Mean age (S.D.) of participants were 39.1 (14.9) years. Almost all participants started practicing hand sanitisation (496, 99.2%), avoiding crowd (488, 97.6%), and covering face with cloth/handkerchief (459, 91.8%). More than 80% (428, 85.6%) started using mask, and following cough etiquettes (405, 81.0%). More than three-fourth (389, 77.8%) participants were very unsatisfied with lockdown. Majority faced financial difficulties (322, 64.4%), followed by difficulty in their entertainment/recreational activity (158, 31.6%), difficulty in acquiring ration/food items (87, 17.4%) and mental stress (46, 9.2%) during lockdown. Conclusions: Rural community of Ballabgarh showed positive practices with respect to prevention of COVID-19. Financial distress and job loss due to lockdown were widely reported from the rural community. Majority of the community was displeased with lockdown as intervention for COVID-19.

Background: More than 43 million cases and 5.2 lakhs death have occurred due to COVID-19 in India. Approximately 1 lakh people (cumulative) have been infected by COVID-19 in Faridabad district alone as of 4 April 2022. To understand the effects of COVID-19 on community practices this study was conducted. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Intensive Field Practice Area of Comprehensive Rural health Services Project (CRHSP), Ballabgarh, Haryana. Five hundred participants (≥18 years) were selected by using simple random sampling from Health Management Information System (HMIS) maintained at Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi. Participants were informed regarding study and consent was taken. A semi-structured interview schedule was administered. Results: Study participants included 500 adults (52.2% Male). Mean age (S.D.) of participants were 39.1 (14.9) years. Almost all participants started practicing hand sanitisation (496, 99.2%), avoiding crowd (488, 97.6%), and covering face with cloth/handkerchief (459, 91.8%). More than 80% (428, 85.6%) started using mask, and following cough etiquettes (405, 81.0%). More than three-fourth (389, 77.8%) participants were very unsatisfied with lockdown. Majority faced financial difficulties (322, 64.4%), followed by difficulty in their entertainment/recreational activity (158, 31.6%), difficulty in acquiring ration/food items (87, 17.4%) and mental stress (46, 9.2%) during lockdown. Conclusions: Rural community of Ballabgarh showed positive practices with respect to prevention of COVID-19. Financial distress and job loss due to lockdown were widely reported from the rural community. Majority of the community was displeased with lockdown as intervention for COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveReal-world data characterizing differences between African American (AA) and White women with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) are limited. Using 9 years of data collected from community practices throughout the United States, we assessed racial differences in the proportion of patients with mTNBC, and their characteristics, treatment, and overall survival (OS).MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed de-identified data from 2,116 patients with mTNBC in the Flatiron Health database (January 2011 to March 2020). Characteristics and treatment patterns between AA and White patients with mTNBC were compared using descriptive statistics. OS was examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model.ResultsAmong patients with metastatic breast cancer, more AA patients (23%) had mTNBC than White patients (12%). This difference was particularly pronounced in patients who lived in the Northeast, were aged 45–65, had commercial insurance, and had initial diagnosis at stage II. AA patients were younger and more likely to have Medicaid. Clinical characteristics and first-line treatments were similar between AA and White patients. Unadjusted median OS (months) was shorter in AA (10.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.1, 11.7) vs. White patients (11.9; 95% CI: 10.9, 12.8) but not significantly different. After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratio for OS was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.25) for AA vs. White patients.ConclusionsThe proportion of patients with mTNBC was higher in AA than White mBC patients treated in community practices. Race did not show an association with OS. Both AA and White patients with mTNBC received similar treatments. OS was similarly poor in both groups, particularly in patients who had not received any documented anti-cancer treatment. Effective treatment remains a substantial unmet need for all patients with mTNBC.

Ethiopia is a country which is endowed with an enormous assemblage of ecotourism resources. This makes it a suitable country for the development of community based ecotourism endeavors, to enhance conservation practices, and improve indigenous livelihood. This study aimed to assess the current community based ecotourism practices in Menz Guassa Community Conservation Area. A cross-sectional study design combining both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to describe the existing community based practices. A total of 223 study participants completed a questionnaire, and the data received were analyzed by using SPSS Version 20. Findings revealed that relatively, Menz Guassa offers higher natural tourism activities (i.e. trekking, bird and wildlife watching, climbing) with 4.35 mean, compared to cultural activities. Indigenous community leaders were capable of operating and managing community based ecotourism businesses effectively, and inspiring individuals from the local population to participate in the tourism business. The income generating from community based ecotourism practices contributes to natural resource conservation, cultural preservation, and livelihood improvement. The current community organization specifically established for the management and operation of community based tourism was effective. Community based ecotourism practices to this destination were respectful of the rights, cultural and spiritual practices of the indigenous community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Language and literacy practices in teacher education are decisive in the education of future language teachers. In this article, I share my beliefs as a teacher educator about language and literacy practices constructed with teachers in Bogota. Thus, my intention is to weave my professional narrative through the connections I can make from theory and praxis to explain teachers´ understandings of language and literacy through their life and literacy experiences and the way they organize their practice as language teachers. My research trajectory of thirty years documenting the local literacy practices within the research area of literacy studies and local pedagogies for social transformation has significantly informed my practice. University-school partnerships and international collaborations for research and teaching in Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Manchester, in the USA, and Dundee, in the UK, have nurtured me personally and professionally. My understanding of literacy as a social practice evolved to critical literacies and I developed knowledge in community pedagogies and city semiotic landscapes through reflections and collaborations via working with teachers. Community-based pedagogies (CBPs) invite teachers to see their life and work in relation to places they live and teach as meaningful content for linguistic, social, cultural, ecological, and economic resources to inspire students´ inquiries and teachers´ transformative practices. The city semiotic landscapes are powerful literacies for language learning; therefore, they currently adhere to the research group´s agenda (2019-2021). I describe my understandings, contributions, and suggestions as concerns in the field of teacher education in Colombia. My conclusions raise awareness about the need to address these topics in teacher education programs in Colombia.

Copyright of HOW: A Colombian Journal for Teachers of English is the property of Asociacion Colombiana de Profesores de Ingles and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Community engagement is increasingly defended as an ethical requirement for biomedical research. Some forms of community engagement involve asking the consent of community leaders prior to seeking informed consent from community members. Although community consent does not replace individual consent, it could problematically restrict the autonomy of community members by precluding them from research when community leaders withhold their permission. Community consent is therefore at odds with one of the central principles of bioethics: respecting autonomy. This raises the question as to how community consent can be justified or even required. This paper aims to provide an answer to this question by arguing, based on the work of Taylor and Kymlicka, that community practices are important for the identity and autonomy of community members. When these practices are incompatible with a solitary focus on individual informed consent, they need to be protected by making these decision‐making practices (including asking permission to community authorities) part of the consent process. Since these decision‐making practices are important for the autonomy of community members, community consent with the goal of protecting these practices is not necessarily in conflict with autonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of poor solid waste management practices in many developing countries have been identified in the literature. This study focuses on understanding the public perception and attitudes of people towards local waste management practices. Five Local Government Areas in Ogun State, Nigeria, were selected based on population, landmass, spatial location, and distribution. The study used a survey that looked into the socio-demographics, household characteristics, and standard solid waste disposal practices at the household and municipal levels. Factors such as frequency of waste collection, presence of environmental task force/protection agency, and level of effectiveness of such task force/agency were all investigated. The study verified the impact of people's attitudes towards waste management, as well as the effects of monitoring and control on the management of waste. The results showed that significant factors such as age, income, and education levels affect the perceptions, practices, and attitudes of the people towards solid waste management. An average of 36.6% of the people in the selected local governments dispose of their solid wastes at open dumps, with the majority of the residents (54.4%) still with the opinion that sanitation services are too costly and should be the prerogative of the local and state governments to carry out. These outcomes resonate that more efforts by the government and relevant stakeholders should be put into proper enforcement of environmental laws, as well as creating awareness on proper solid waste management practices in schools and public places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of Green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has rarely been argued. To the best of the author's knowledge, no attempt has been made to investigate the influence of GSCM practices on SDGs, particularly in the mining sector of a developing country like Jordan. As a result, the primary goal of this research is to examine the influence of five main GSCM practices on SDGs related to the environment and community aspects. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from Jordanian mining firms, and 362 responses were analyzed. The study model was tested using a partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results demonstrate that all GSCM practices except green purchasing and investment recovery have a positive impact on community practices, and all practices except green purchasing have a positive impact on environmental practices. This study adds to a growing body of literature questioning the role of GSCM to the SDGs. Furthermore, policymakers in the mining sector will have a better understanding of the most influential GSCM practices that will assist them in attaining the SDGs. • The study focused on five categories of GSCM practices on two types of SDGs including community and environment practices. • All GSCM practices except GP and IR have a positive impact on community practices in the mining industry of Jordan. • All GSCM practices except GP have a positive impact on environmental practices in the mining industry of Jordan. • Eco-design had the largest effect on SDGs related to the environment and community aspects followed by IEM, CC, IR, and GP.. • Firms must enhance GP and IR practices in order to have a greater GSCM impact on environment and community-related SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of poor solid waste management practices in many developing countries have been identified in the literature. This study focuses on understanding the public perception and attitudes of people towards local waste management practices. Five Local Government Areas in Ogun State, Nigeria, were selected based on population, landmass, spatial location, and distribution. The study used a survey that looked into the socio-demographics, household characteristics, and standard solid waste disposal practices at the household and municipal levels. Factors such as frequency of waste collection, presence of environmental task force/protection agency, and level of effectiveness of such task force/agency were all investigated. The study verified the impact of people’s attitudes towards waste management, as well as the effects of monitoring and control on the management of waste. The results showed that significant factors such as age, income, and education levels affect the perceptions, practices, and attitudes of the people towards solid waste management. An average of 36.6% of the people in the selected local governments dispose of their solid wastes at open dumps, with the majority of the residents (54.4%) still with the opinion that sanitation services are too costly and should be the prerogative of the local and state governments to carry out. These outcomes resonate that more efforts by the government and relevant stakeholders should be put into proper enforcement of environmental laws, as well as creating awareness on proper solid waste management practices in schools and public places.

This study investigated infant and young child-feeding (IYCF) practices among mothers of well-nourished children in northern Ghana. This was a qualitative study where in-depth individual interviews were conducted with participants. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and QSR Nvivo software version 11 was used to organize the data before thematic analysis. It was observed that mothers of well-nourished children were likely to adhere to breastfeeding guidelines and also practice appropriate complementary feeding. Furthermore, these mothers mostly had some form of support from their husbands and mother-in-laws in feeding their infants. While adoption and adherence to appropriate IYCF practices contribute to improved nutrition outcomes in children, social support systems are needed to sustain the practice., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Abstract Background A recent small study described how “satellite” clinics (off-site and strategically situated) associated with six academic ophthalmology departments provided expansion opportunities, and also created unique challenges. Objectives The aim of this study was to gather a wider viewpoint by surveying chairpersons about their opinions of satellite practices, and how these relate to their departmental mission. Research Design Online survey. Subjects Chairperson members of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. Results More than 60% of respondents had satellite practices affiliated with their departments. Most departments had two to five satellite practices; 33% had satellites that were located further than 50 miles away from the main hospital. On average, satellites accounted for 25 to 30% of total patient visits for the department. Departments whose satellites accounted for 50% or more of total patient visits to the department were those with the largest clinical volumes (>100,000 annual patient visits). Comprehensive ophthalmology was the most common service offered at satellites. All Chairs believed satellite practices had at least maintained, if not improved, their departments' reputation. Seventy percent were concerned about perceived competition with referring community doctors. Research endeavors and trainee education were not considered to be priorities of satellite practices. Conclusion Overall, chairpersons in the United States believed that satellite practices had strengthened their departments. The geographical expansion of departments, particularly with comprehensive ophthalmology (inclusive of optometric services), has implications for relations with the referral base in the surrounding communities. Thoughtful management of these practices, with attention paid to both meeting financial goals as well as fulfilling the academic mission, is necessary to ensure that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.

Little comparative research examines which community-based preschool intervention placements produce the best outcomes for which children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism-specific placements can provide intensive evidence-based care; however, inclusion settings provide interaction with typically developing peers, the importance of which is increasingly recognized. This study examined the association between early intervention placement in three settings (autism-only, mixed disability, or inclusive) and cognitive outcomes upon entry into elementary school in an urban school district for 98 preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorders. Initial child and demographic characteristics were similar among the three placements. Controlling for initial cognitive scores and other covariates, cognitive outcomes for children in inclusive placements were better than those of children in mixed disability settings. A consistent pattern emerged that suggested the particular importance of inclusive placements for children with initially greater social impairments, greater adaptive behavior impairments, and at least a baseline level of language skills. Opportunities to interact with typically developing peers may be particularly beneficial for certain subgroups of young children with autism spectrum disorders. The results provide preliminary insight into important child characteristics to consider when parents and providers make preschool early intervention placement decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Charity, as a social construct, is considered in various interpretative contexts, in a subjectively manner, social progress. The meta-narration about charity as Christian duty, by passing through the secular interpretive and atomizer context of postmodernity, becomes a narrative about social responsibility and equity in ethical dimension, and is translated into restorative community practices in social action plan. We will pursue the constructive interpretive contexts that generated the idea of social policies and social work practice as a contemporary deconstruction of charity. The thesis of the article is that the process of deconstruction of charity, as a religious value which regulates in a Christian manner the reference to the other, is the foundation of restorative social policies and professionalized social work as a social action. We will analyze the deconstruction of Christian idea of charity from two perspectives, namely the secularization of charitable practices and constructive foundation of a particular meta-story of our times which we call secular society and/or knowledge society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are becoming increasingly common in Nepal resulting in a huge loss of life and damage to settlements, agriculture lands and infrastructures in various parts of the country. Most recent research findings suggest that climate change has accelerated the intensity and frequency of flood hazards in most parts of the country. Communities are however, making use of options that increase their preparedness for these flood hazards. This paper intends to assess the indigenous knowledge on flood forecasting and flood adaptation strategies at the community level in two districts of Western Terai of Nepal. Two focus group discussion and a total number of 240 households were interviewed during field visit. The collected information was scaled from least preferred- 1 to most preferred-5 based on their preferences. The research findings indicate that there are some very effective local flood forecasting practices such as identifying the position of clouds; monitoring the extent of rainfall in upper catchments; analyzing the mobility of ants; analyzing the magnitude of thunderstorms and wind blows; analyzing the magnitude of hotness; and hearing strange sounds from river/torrents. Synthesis and analysis of these indicators help communities prepare for potential flood events, through (1) preparation of search and rescue related materials; (2) creation of small drainage structures in each plot of land and storage of the valuable material; and (3) the psychologically preparation for floods. This paper argues that these indigenous flood forecasting and adaptation strategies could be particularly useful for migrants, who are in flood prone areas but are not familiar with those practices, in other parts of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the discursive entanglements of migratory flows of 'bodies' and commerce, by way of the hegemonic logic of neo-liberalism, and site-specific Roma community practices of contestation in Germany to the Schengen Agreement. Roma subject encounters are also explored with respect to human rights policy and implementation within the context of the European Union; the Council of Europe; and NGOs as Amnesty International, and the European Roma Rights Centre. Further interrogation, investigates the macropolitical implications in connection to capital markets and state membership eligibility, with respect to the EU and IMF, in juxtaposition to Roma micro-political encounter and event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, evidence-based community policy approaches to preventing substance use and alcohol abuse, called environmental strategies, have gained in popularity. The environmental survey instrument (ESI) was developed to evaluate perceptions around drinking and related problems. Specifically, the authors were interested in assessing community perceptions about prevention practices. The 53-item self-report survey tool collects data on alcohol consumption patterns and risky behaviors such as drinking-while-intoxicated (DWI) rates. Data from the ESI collected through phone survey methods in 2008 were used for scale development analysis. The α for the total 53 subscale items on the ESI was .73. Overall, the results from the correlation matrix showed high levels of statistical significance with many items reporting p values less than .001. Additionally, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the conceptual linkage across items in the instrument subscales. The EFA showed a link between previously theorized intervening variables and statistically derived factors. The results of the ESI study were encouraging, and findings from it can help inform future research on measurement of environmental strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Since 'multicompetence' was proposed by Cook, there have been debates about the nature of distinction between monocompetence and multicompetence, the distinctiveness of languages in the mind and the homogeneity of language knowledge across speakers and contexts. The paper will address these issues from a linguistic perspective and make an attempt to define multicompetence. The paper claims that trends in linguistics have affected bi and multilingualism research either directly or indirectly. Consequently, in order for us to understand approaches to multicompetence we should review the latest changes in linguistics research. All debates about multicompetence boil down to three major issues: (1) The interplay of the linguistic level and conceptual level in multilingual development and language use, (2) nature of difference (qualitative or quantitative or both) between monocompetence and multicompetence and (3) methods of analysing differences between monocompetence and multicompetence. Addressing these issues I will argue that there is not only quantitative but also qualitative difference between monolinguals and multilinguals, which is reflected mainly in the nature and organisation of knowledge in the multilingual mind. I will also argue that it would be a mistake to overemphasise the role of usage in multilingual development. Language is both structure and usage. Both are equally important: structure develops as a result of usage and structure serves as one of the underlying factors of usage. 'Community practices' exist within and across languages so they cannot substitute what we understand by 'language'. In the first part of the paper I discuss the relationship between current trends in linguistics research and approaches to multicompetence. In the second part I have taken a stand on the major issues of the debate about multicompetence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the goals of the NIH Roadmap Initiative is to reengineer the national clinical research enterprise, with an emphasis on information technology solutions. Understanding end-users' workflow is critical to developing technology systems that are grounded in the context of the users' environment and are designed to fulfill their needs. Community practices are becoming the prevailing setting for conducting clinical research. Few studies have assessed clinical research workflow in such settings. We have conducted a series of investigations to model the workflow and have previously reported on some basic aspects of it, like the lack of information systems to support the workflow. In this paper we describe finer details of the workflow, using results of observational studies. These findings highlight the needs and inefficiencies that suggest the kind of information system that must be developed to enhance collaboration, communication and improve efficiency. This preliminary investigation also opens ground for more extensive studies to further elucidate the workflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sustainable public health and community collaboration and partnerships are essential for the effective elimination of vector breeding sites to prevent dengue fever. A prerequisite is that community members appreciate the importance of the infection, understand its transmission and preventive activities, and are able to translate such knowledge to action. In this paper, we draw on an ethnographic study of two villages in the eastern province of Kampong Cham, using data collected from qualitative research methods and entomological surveys to describe community knowledge of the vector, practices related to the reduction of breeding sources, and the effectiveness of temephos to control larvae. During the study period, temephos (distributed as Abate) was applied in water containers only in the rainy season, although these containers were also positive with larvae in the dry season. Discarded containers, ignored in terms of control activities, had twice the number of larvae as water storage containers. The continued reliance on Abate creates financial and technical problems, while its inappropriate distribution raises the possibility of larvicide resistance. Based on research findings, we argue that control strategies emphasizing the use of Abate should be reconsidered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We examine the extent to which theory has been used in empirical studies of families in later life, identify prevalent types of theoretical frameworks, and assess connections between theory and both focal topics and analytic methods in the family gerontology literature. The paper is based on content and methodological analysis of 838 empirical articles with a family-level focus published in 13 social science journals during the 1990s. Approximately one half of the articles included theory, with micro-interpretive (social psychological) theories being used most often to guide and inform research and practice. To advance the field and understand better the intricacies of family life among older adults, we suggest that investigators and practitioners explicitly incorporate theoretical frameworks into their endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Real-world data characterizing differences between African American (AA) and White women with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) are limited. Using 9 years of data collected from community practices throughout the United States, we assessed racial differences in the proportion of patients with mTNBC, and their characteristics, treatment, and overall survival (OS)., Methods: This retrospective study analyzed de-identified data from 2,116 patients with mTNBC in the Flatiron Health database (January 2011 to March 2020). Characteristics and treatment patterns between AA and White patients with mTNBC were compared using descriptive statistics. OS was examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model., Results: Among patients with metastatic breast cancer, more AA patients (23%) had mTNBC than White patients (12%). This difference was particularly pronounced in patients who lived in the Northeast, were aged 45-65, had commercial insurance, and had initial diagnosis at stage II. AA patients were younger and more likely to have Medicaid. Clinical characteristics and first-line treatments were similar between AA and White patients. Unadjusted median OS (months) was shorter in AA (10.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.1, 11.7) vs. White patients (11.9; 95% CI: 10.9, 12.8) but not significantly different. After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratio for OS was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.25) for AA vs. White patients., Conclusions: The proportion of patients with mTNBC was higher in AA than White mBC patients treated in community practices. Race did not show an association with OS. Both AA and White patients with mTNBC received similar treatments. OS was similarly poor in both groups, particularly in patients who had not received any documented anti-cancer treatment. Effective treatment remains a substantial unmet need for all patients with mTNBC., Competing Interests: RT, LC, YY, VS, and B-mD are employed by Genentech, Inc. and hold stock in F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd. The remaining author declares that aside from the medical editing support she received, the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Tan, Cassoli, Yan, Shen, Day and Mitchell.)

OurGrid is a web-based community whose members can use each others' spare computing power. When an OurGrid member is not using his own computer, it can be used by any other member. This paper describes how the community aspects of OurGrid have been crucial for its success. It argues that grid economies, which provide another method for sharing computing power, might also benefit from having a web-based community structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]