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As the unequal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there is a need to robustly support vulnerable communities and bolster ‘community resilience.’ A community resilience approach means to work in partnership with communities and strengthen their capacities to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, including its social and economic fallout. However, this is not resilience which returns the status quo. This moment demands transformative change in which inequalities are tackled and socioeconomic conditions are improved. While a community resilience approach is relatively new to epidemic preparedness and response, it frames epidemic shocks more holistically and from the perspective of a whole system. While epidemic response often focuses on mitigating vulnerabilities, there is an opportunity to use a resilience framework to build existing capacities to manage health, social, psychosocial, and economic impacts of an epidemic. This makes a resilience approach more localised, adaptable, and sustainable in the long-term, which are key tenets of an epidemic response informed by social science. This brief presents considerations for how health and humanitarian practitioners can support communities to respond to and recover from COVID-19 using a community resilience approach. This brief was developed for SSHAP by IDS (led by Megan Schmidt-Sane with Tabitha Hrynick) with Anthrologica (Eva Niederberger).

أظهرت جائحة فيروس كورونا المستجد عدم المساواة وأوجه الضعف المترسخَين منذ فترة طويلة في المجتمع، حيث أن الفئات المجتمعية الأكثر حرمانًا وتهميشًا تتكبّد أثقل الأعباء الصحية والاجتماعية والاقتصادية1. لذا، والى جانب توثيق أوجه الضعف، هناك حاجة للتخفيف عن هذه الفئات المهمشة ودعم قدرتها على الصمود. يمكن أن تعزز " المرونة المجتمعية " قدرة المجتمع على التكيف مع الضغوط الناتجة عن الصدمات المختلفة. يبحث هذا الموجز كيفية تطبيق مفاهيم المرونة المجتمعية على الأوبئة ويستعرض المصادر الرمادية (المنشورات غير الرسمية) والأكاديمية حول المقاربات المختلفة للصمود المجتمعي. ويشمل ذلك 1) المصطلحات، 2) الدروس المستفادة من الممارسة، 3) سياق المرونة المجتمعية، 4) نهج النظم، 5) القدرات البشرية والاجتماعية الأساسية. يتم التطرق أيضًا إلى العدالة الاجتماعية وعدم المساواة والإنصاف والعدالة كمواضيع تحتاج إلى مزيد من التطوير للوصول إلى الصمود، باعتبارها ترتبط مباشرة بالتأهب للأوبئة والاستجابة لها. تم إعداد هذا الموجز لـصالح منصة العلوم الاجتماعية في العمل الإنساني \ معهد دراسات التنمية (تحت اشراف كل من ميغان شميدت-ساين وتابيثا هرينيك) بالتعاون مع أنثرولوجيكا (إيفا نايدربيرغر). هذا الموجز يقع ضمن مسؤولية منصة العلوم الاجتماعية في العمل الإنساني

The heterogeneous epidemiological picture for COVID-19 in Africa continues to generate debate. Modelling projections raise speculation about the phases and trends of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks across the continent and how these differ from outbreaks elsewhere.[1–4][1] Continental efforts drew praise in

Research examining the sexual identities, behaviors, and experiences of bisexual men outside of Western contexts (including in India) is limited. Individuals who self-identify as bisexual due to their orientation toward partners of more than one gender face distinct psychosocial challenges relative to exclusively heterosexual, gay/lesbian, or other individuals. We conducted four focus group discussions (n = 22) and in-depth interviews (n = 50) with self-identified bisexual men (age 18 years and older) who were recruited from the metropolitan area of Mumbai, India, between June and August 2013. We triangulated and analyzed focus group and interview data using standard qualitative research techniques. Findings from our study suggest that multiple factors influence the sexual experiences of self-identified bisexual men in Mumbai, including contexts of sexual interactions, sexual positioning, and the gender of sexual partners. Participants described cultural meaning systems and psychosocial dynamics that regulate bisexual identity development, disclosure, and sexual decision making with male, female, and other partners. Secrecy, discretion, and sexual pleasure also influenced sexual behaviors and relationships. Although Western sexual identity categories are not necessarily equivalent in the Indian context, it is interesting and important to note that a number of individuals in India continue to use the identity label of "bisexual." Before developing interventions to meet unique sexual health needs of bisexual men, it is crucial to understand how these men perceive themselves, reconcile the ordinary aspects of their lives with their sexuality, and structure their relationships with partners.

Rationale Child maltreatment remains a serious but potentially preventable public health concern in the United States. Although research has examined factors associated with child maltreatment at the neighborhood level, few studies have explicitly focused on the role of the neighborhood built environment in maltreatment. Objective We begin to address these gaps by investigating caregivers' own perceptions of mechanisms by which neighborhood built environments may affect child maltreatment. Method Utilizing a grounded theory approach, we examined open-ended interview data from 400 adult residents residing in 20 different Cleveland, Ohio neighborhoods (census tracts) and caring for at least one child under 18 years of age. Results Our analysis revealed three primary pathways through which caregivers linked the neighborhood built environment to potential child maltreatment: housing density, physical neighborhood space as shaping family relations, and the internalization of the surrounding neighborhood-built environment. Conclusions Our findings suggest that aspects of the neighborhood built environment, such as the presence of abandoned houses or the lack of recreational centers, can be stressors themselves and may also critically alter families' thresholds for navigating other everyday pressures. Conversely, aspects of the neighborhood built environment, such as housing density, may work to mitigate the risk of maltreatment, either by promoting social support or by increasing the likelihood that maltreatment is reported to authorities. Additional research, both qualitative and quantitative, is integral to building and testing models of these separate but related pathways by which the neighborhood built environment may link to child maltreatment.

Purpose This article considers the following 3 realities facing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) providers today: (a) Users are not homogeneous with respect to culture and language,...

Background Balloon guide catheters (BGCs) are designed to induce flow arrest during mechanical thrombectomy procedures for acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion and have been associated with improved clinical and angiographic outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the relative technical and clinical outcomes associated with BGC versus non-BGC approaches. Methods A systematic review of clinical literature using the PubMed database was undertaken to identify multiarm studies published between 2010 and 2021 reporting the use of BGC versus non-BGC approaches for stroke treatment. Data collected included complete recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction, TICI), first-pass effect TICI 3, puncture-to recanalization time, number of endovascular attempts, distal embolization, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0–2, and 90-day mortality. Subgroup analyses assessed the impact of treatment device (stent-retrievers, contact aspiration, combination therapy, and not specified/other). A random effects model was fit for each outcome measure. Results Fifteen studies were included. Compared with non-BGC approaches, patients treated with BGCs had greater odds of TICI 3 (odds ratio [OR] 1.57; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.08–2.29) and first-pass effect TICI 3 (OR 3.63; 95% CI 2.34–5.62), reduced puncture-to-revascularization time (mean difference –7.8; 95% CI –13.3 to –2.2), fewer endovascular attempts (mean difference –0.47; 95% CI –0.68 to –0.26), reduced odds of distal emboli (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.17–0.71) and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51–0.86), greater odds of 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0–2 (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.27–1.79), and reduced odds of mortality (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.57–0.82). Conclusions BGCs yield superior technical and clinical outcomes while reducing patient complications.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid treatment is an effective and common therapeutic strategy for various inflammatory lung pathologies and may be an effective treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of current literature was to investigate the clinical outcomes associated with corticosteroid treatment of COVID-19. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, medRxiv, Web of Science, and Scopus databases through March 10, 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of corticosteroid therapies for COVID-19 treatment. Outcomes of interest were mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, serious adverse events (SAEs), and superinfection. RESULTS: A total of 7737 patients from 8 RCTs were included in the quantitative meta-analysis, of which 2795 (36.1%) patients received corticosteroids plus standard of care (SOC) while 4942 (63.9%) patients received placebo and/or SOC alone. The odds of mortality were significantly lower in patients that received corticosteroids as compared to SOC (odds ratio [OR] = 0.85 [95% CI: 0.76; 0.95], P = .003). Corticosteroid treatment reduced the odds of a need for mechanical ventilation as compared to SOC (OR = 0.76 [95% CI: 0.59; 0.97], P = .030). There was no significant difference between the corticosteroid and SOC groups with regards to SAEs and superinfections. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid treatment can reduce the odds for mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in severe COVID-19 patients.

Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging major public health concern in the United States. Shared decision-making (SDM) has gained attention as an important area of inquiry in chronic kidney disease research. Few studies focus on shared decision-making or preferences of older African Americans during the advanced stages of CKD before the initiation of dialysis. The objective of this study was to understand decision-making preferences and shared decision-making among older African Americans with advanced chronic kidney disease who have yet to start dialysis. Methods: Data were collected from an outpatient clinic sample of older African Americans ≥ 55 years old (N = 10) diagnosed with advanced CKD. Participants were administered a survey with open-ended questions related to shared decision-making, CKD healthcare and general healthcare preferences (both open-ended and closed-ended questions), and participant characteristics. A thematic analysis framework was applied to identify themes and patterns in the data. Results: Several themes emerged in regard to shared decision-making and patient preferences including: complexity of CKD management, uncertainty of prognosis, barriers and facilitators to CKD self-management and SDM, diagnosis and dialysis information, elements of SDM, and the structural and social context of SDM related to racial inequities. Discussion: Participants identified a nuanced understanding of the concerns related to managing CKD. The complex and ever-changing nature of CKD was emphasized as participants discussed how they perceived their care needs. This study provides implications for social work practice, healthcare policy and interprofessional collaboration in the care of older African Americans.

This article examines the social patterning of health, economic uncertainty, hegemonic masculinity, and vulnerability among men who live and work in a low-income sex work community in Kampala, Uganda. This problematises the notion that vulnerable communities are homogenous, in demographics, economic status, and risk. This article draws on ethnographic data collected in 2016, including semi-structured interviews and participant observation. This article uses a stratified risk framework to describe the central finding of this study, which is that men’s experience in Kataba is characterised by a struggle to fulfil the provider role that constitutes a core aspect of their socially ascribed gender role. In a context of economic scarcity, men’s lives are fraught with strain and this intersects with other forms of risk. Finally, by focusing on community vulnerability rather than individual risk, this work contributes to theories of gender and sex work, and informs HIV/AIDS praxis.

The group of like-minded megadiverse countries (LMMCs), which harbours a wealth of biological and cultural diversity, adopted a Carta in 2016 to accelerate progress towards achieving Aichi Biodiversity Target 11. This paper presents the progress made over the last two years and an analysis of the LMMCs’ national priority actions; approved Global Environment Facility, GEF-5 and GEF-6 protected area-related biodiversity projects; and relevant targets, goals, and actions from National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). Through their recent actions, these countries have contributed to progress in Target 11, especially with respect to marine protected area expansion, where they contributed one-sixth of the area added in national waters over the past two years. Results indicate that if implemented as planned, actions proposed by the LMMCs will increase terrestrial and marine protected area coverage by 1,106,148 km 2 and 192,214 km 2 respectively. Of these commitments, 227,230 km 2 in terrestrial and 144,475 km 2 in marine protected areas have the highest chance of being implemented. In total, 741 commitments were identified from the above sources, with implications on the qualitative elements of Target 11 (coverage of areas important for biodiversity, areas important for ecosystem services, ecological representation, connectivity, effective management, equitable management, and integration into the wider landscapes and seascapes). Of these 741 commitments, 25% showed a strong likelihood of being implemented. The country-level analysis of all commitments indicates that equitable management and integration will show the most progress, measured against identified gaps, if commitments are implemented as proposed. This progress on the qualitative elements of Target 11 in the LMMCs will also provide benefits and co-benefits for other Aichi Targets and for the requirements of other multi-lateral environmental agreements, as well as at the global level.

Economists, political scientists, and legal scholars have argued that independent judiciaries have an important role to play in promoting economic development and protecting property rights. We argue that judicial independence can also have a positive impact on the protection of human rights. To assess the human rights impact of a de facto independent judiciary, we also argue that scholars must account for the potential of endogeneity between judicial independence and protection of human rights. We examine whether greater de facto independence improves government respect for citizens’ physical integrity rights, using a comprehensive dataset of 193 countries from 1981 to 2010. Employing an instrumental variables approach to control for endogeneity, we find strong support for the argument that greater levels of de facto judicial independence improve government respect for physical integrity rights. These findings are robust to changes in measurement, estimation techniques, and model specification. Failing t...

With the unanimous endorsement of the responsibility to protect (R2P) heads of state and government recognized that sovereignty entails responsibilities of the state to its people as relates to the protection from genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing. Since the endorsement of R2P at the United Nations, progress has occurred at an unprecedented speed at the normative and operational levels with the past ten years also serving to identify challenges for the prevention of and response to atrocities. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has been the central forum for R2P’s normative development, and a growing actor within the UN system for its implementation. This chapter assesses the UNGA’s interaction with R2P, reflecting on how this body has contributed to the conceptual advancement and operationalization of the principle as well as discussing the challenges that have arisen within this forum.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles with different morphologies and variant levels of carbonate substitutions were synthesized using a wet precipitation method by adjusting the heating temperature and/or the initial ion concentration of the reaction system. Within the particles, crystalline domains with different lengths were aligned along each other and formed into nanoparticles with different sizes, shapes and topographies. Different from most reported studies, the nucleation, growth and morphology of the crystalline domains were found sensitive to heating temperature, but not significantly influenced by initial ion concentration within the studied range. The OH- and PO4(3-) ions within the HA particles were partially substituted by CO3(2-) ions. The substitution was dominated by the replacement of OH- instead of PO4(3-) in HA. The carbonate substitution was found to decrease with increasing heating temperature and/or initial ion concentration. Therefore, both the morphology and composition of the HA particles can be tailored by controlling the heating temperature and/or the initial ion concentration in the reaction system. Such synthesized HA nanoparticles can be used as biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.

In this article, we explore the extent to which theory-based research is informing our understanding of high-fidelity simulation use in nursing education. We reviewed the primary literature archived in the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Applied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Proquest Dissertation and Theses for empirical reports using the key terms high-fidelity simulation and nursing from the years 1989 to 2009. Of the articles that matched our inclusion criteria: 45% made no use of theory; 45% made minimal use; and 10% made adequate use. We argue that theory-based research could bring coherence and external validity to this domain.

Near-infrared fluorescent Kodak X-Sight 761 Nanospheres were readily absorbed by melanoma cancer cells growing in culture. When we implanted these cells in mice, they grew into palpable tumors that maintained the nanoparticle cell label. This facile labeling strategy permits longitudinal mapping of the tumor implant site during whole-animal fluorescence imaging, providing a convenient substitute for the use of genetic reporters for this application.