Factors affecting sustainability of agricultural machinery assistance program

One of the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts to support agricultural development is by providing equipment and machinery assistance. There are many multi-dimensional problems, both technical, socio-cultural, economic, and environmental. This study aimed to analyze the sustainability status of the agricultural equipment and machinery assistance program. This research was conducted in 2020 with the object of the two-wheeled tractor and four-wheeled tractor assistance program in 2018-2019. Research location covers six districts, the selection of site determined by the provinces considered the most successful and the least successful in realizing activities. The sustainability status of the activity program was analyzed using Multidimensional Scale Analysis. The collected data and information through structured questionnaires from 47 institutional respondents and literature studies, both printed and electronic. The results showed that agricultural equipment and machinery assistance program (TR2 and TR4) was less sustainable. The comparison of the MDS value and Monte Carlo’s analysis was 49.93, with an R2 value of 89%. The S-Stress statistical test is still relatively high, namely 0.30 (above 0.25), which means improvements and refinement needs from the implementation aspect. Improvements from various elements are divides into two groups. First, leverage factors that encourage the sustainability and success of the implementation of activities, and the second is the improvement of the performance of TR2 and TR4 beneficiary groups. Policy recommendations for implementing future program activities are a strict selection of potential beneficiaries and improvements in the management aspects of beneficiaries at the farmer level by providing guidance.

How partnerships shaped the Dane CARES Farm-to-Food Bank program

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Wisconsin’s food systems institutions into rapid innovation as they responded to rising community food insecurity. With support from the Dane County Executive’s office, federal relief funding eased previously onerous barriers to allow Dane County’s largest food bank to implement a unique local purchasing program: Dane CARES. The program sought to support Dane County producers experiencing reductions in market opportunities, while feeding the rising number of Dane County families experiencing food hardship. Drawing on existing food and agriculture partner­ships, Extension Dane County staff connected partners to assist with project expedition and docu­mented partners’ efforts through a series of semistructured interviews. The program achieved its two primary goals of replacing lost markets for local farmers and facilitating increased food distribution to communities in need. To elevate this multisector collaboration and inspire more great work like Dane CARES, we outline the evidence of program value to farmers’ livelihoods, demonstrate the growth of partner networks to support institutional purchasing of local food, and offer recommendations to improve future program iterations.

Japanese Language Students' Perceptions on Online Nihongo Partner Program

The pandemic that hit in early 2020 has caused face-to-face Nihongo Partner Program to be postponed. As a result, Japanese language lecturers in a public university have come out with an online program to be utilized by students who are learning Japanese and also Japanese students who will be participating in the practical training in teaching Japanese. A study using a quantitative approach was conducted once the program ended. 465 students who participated in the program responded to the survey. The survey questions which consisted of two parts were answered by the respondents. Part A questions related to the background of the respondents while part B has five components which includes (i) respondent reaction during the program, (ii) respondent reaction before the program,(iii) respondent reaction during the program, (iv) respondent reaction after the program, (v) comments and suggestions for improvement. In components i-iv, respondents have to choose five likert scales, while component (v) requires respondents to provide comments and suggestions in written form. The questions of the survey are to answer (1) respondents’ perceptions of this program, (2) strengths and weaknesses of this program, (3) improvements that can be made for the future program. The results of the study found that most of the students agreed that the online NP Program (1) is positive and can be utilized for learning Japanese, (2) improves speaking skills with the correct pronunciation and intonation, increases confidence to speak in Japanese either with Japanese people or classmates, providing an opportunity for respondents to use Japanese language. However, (3) some respondents expressed a fear of making mistakes with the presence of native speakers. From the survey a total of 19 suggestions and improvements were given by the respondents.

A Meta-analysis of University STEM Summer Bridge Program Effectiveness

A meta-analysis of university STEM summer bridge programs found that participation had a medium-sized effect on first-year overall GPA ( d = 0.34) and university retention (Odds Ratio OR] = 1.747). Although the analysis reflects the limited available data, it provides much-needed research on programs’ objective effectiveness and guides future program development.

Ecology, Morphology, Distribution, and Use of Sesbania tchadica (Sesbania Sesban) from the Republic of Chad: A Review

This study on the leguminous plant Sesbania tchadica has made it possible to highlight its description, specification and identification in N'Djamena region S. tchadica (Sesbania Sesban Merr. (L)) is an annual tree that measures more than 4 meters in height. This species is abundant especially in Ndjamena. In most of the district of Ndjamena, S. tchadica was the most common type. S. tchadica shows a rapid early growth and grows well in various soils especially sandy siltstone and silty shale. The local inhabitants use the species in many ways: as a medicine, a livestock feed, for improving soil fertility, for fuelwood and to repel desert encroachment. In this study, various academic publishing websites like Science Direct, Springer Nature, some online international plant databases, and other national data herbaria from the republic of Chad were used to identify, describe and summarize the research literature on Sesbania Sesban. This paper also describes the morphological characteristics observed in Sesbania Sesban from the republic of Chad and its taxonomy to assist in future program evaluations.

Patient Satisfaction and Recommendations for Delivering a Group-Based Intensive Outpatient Program via Telemental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Although group-based intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a level of care commonly utilized by adults with serious mental illness (SMI), few studies have examined the acceptability of group-based IOPs that required rapid transition to a telemental health (TMH) format during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate patient satisfaction and future recommendations for a group-based IOP that was transitioned to a TMH format during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A 17-item patient satisfaction questionnaire was completed by patients at discharge and covered three areas: IOP TMH satisfaction, future recommendations, and video technology challenges. Descriptive and content analyses were conducted for the quantitative and open-ended questions respectively. RESULTS A total of 76 patients completed the program in 2020. A subset of patients (N = 40) responded to the survey at program discharge. Results indicated that patients were satisfied overall with the TMH program format. 50% of the patients preferred the program continue offering the TMH format and the rest preferred returning back to in person after the pandemic. Patients indicated the elements of the program that they found most valuable and provided recommendations for future program improvement. CONCLUSIONS Overall, adults with SMI reported high satisfaction with the group-based IOP delivered via TMH. Healthcare systems may want to consider offering both TMH and in-person formats regardless of the state of the pandemic. Patients’ feedback on future improvements should be considered to help ensure long-term success.

Initiatives to Support Older Women Who Experience Intimate Partner Violence

To contribute to our knowledge about initiatives to support older women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV), we conducted an internet search, online surveys, and telephone interviews with administrators of programs for women who have experienced IPV. We compiled information on initiatives providing individual in-person and telephone support, educational and/or therapeutic groups, and short- and long-term shelters and housing. The interviews provided insights about the history and rationale for these initiatives, strengths, positive outcomes, challenges, and future program development. Our study results can inform the creation of appropriate services to meet the needs of older women who experience IPV.

Developing a digital health strategy for people who use drugs: Lessons from COVID-19

COVID-19 has significantly exacerbated negative health and social outcomes for people who use drugs (PWUD) around the world. The closure of harm reduction services, ongoing barriers to employment and housing, and pre-existing physical and mental health conditions have increased harms for diverse communities of PWUD. Adapting current models of health and human service delivery to better meet the needs of PWUD is essential in minimizing not only COVID-19 but also drug-related morbidity and mortality. This article draws on research, practice, and advocacy experiences, and discusses the potential for digital health tools such as remote monitoring and telecare to improve the continuum of care for PWUD. We call for a digital health strategy for PWUD and provide recommendations for future program development and implementation.

Impact of Pain and Discomfort on the Lives of Cognitively Impaired Older Adults and Their Informal Caregivers

This qualitative study explored the impact of pain and discomfort on the lives of cognitively impaired older adults and their caregivers from the caregiver perspective. Forty-three individuals of age 19+, who identified themselves as primary caregiver to a chronically or seriously ill older adult (age 50+) with cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia, were recruited at various community settings. Individual, face-to-face interviews were conducted to ask participants how they thought their care-recipient’s pain and discomfort affected the care-recipient’s and the caregiver’s life respectively. Inductive, thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed several key themes: compromised mobility, limited social interaction or activities, and depressive symptoms in both care-recipients and caregivers; aggravated cognitive decline in care-recipients; and poorer physical health in caregivers. Participants wanted more information on the disease trajectory and available services, particularly home-based therapies and social activities for care-recipients, which provides future program/practice implications.