Farmers' willingness to stabilize the land contract relationship facing the upcoming expiry of land contracts

On the verge of the expiry of land contracts, it is theoretically and practically important to explore the willingness and motivations of farmers to stabilize the land contract relationship, with regards to protecting their land contract rights, addressing potential contradictions during the land contract extension, and maintaining the stability of contracted land. Using China Land Economic Survey Data in 2020, this paper explores the impact of differences in areas per capita of household contracted land on farmers' willingness to stabilize land contract relationship. The findings show that most farmers support the stability of land contract relationship;the smaller areas per capita of contracted land are occupied by households than the average in the village, the weaker of the farmers' willingness to stabilize the land contract relationship. The difference between the areas per capita of contracted land ownership of a household and the average in the village has a greater impact on the willingness to stabilize land contract relationship for middle-and low-income farmers, while the development of land transfer market does not increased the willingness. Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the land plays a more important role of employment security, which reduces farmers' willingness to stabilize the land contract relationship. Furthermore, the promotion of socialized agricultural service has also mitigated the willingness of farmers o stabilize the land contract relationship.

Ethical moments and institutional expertise in UK Government COVID-19 pandemic policy responses: where, when and how is ethical advice sought?

Background:The emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic has required a rapid acceleration of policy decision making, and raised a wide range of ethical issues worldwide, ranging from vaccine prioritisation, welfare and public health ‘trade-offs', inequalities in policy impacts, and the legitimacy of scientific expertise.Aims and objectives:This paper explores the legacy of the pandemic for future science-advice-policy relationships by investigating how the UK government's engagement with ethical advice is organised institutionally. We provide an analysis of some key ethical moments in the UK Government response to the pandemic, and institutions and national frameworks which exist to provide ethical advice on policy strategies.Methods:We draw on literature review, documentary analysis of scientific advisory group reports, and a stakeholder workshop with government ethics advisors and researchers in England.Findings:We identify how particular types of ethical advice and expertise are sought to support decision making. Contrary to a prominent assumption in the extensive literature on ‘governing by expertise', ethical decisions in times of crisis are highly contingent.Discussion and conclusions:The paper raises an important set of questions for how best to equip policymakers to navigate decisions about values in situations characterised by knowledge deficits, complexity and uncertainty. We conclude that a clearer pathway is needed between advisory institutions and decision makers to ensure ethically-informed debate.

Policy Advisory Systems in Times of Crisis: A Case Study of Slovak Advisory Committees during Covid-19

This paper aims to fill a gap in the understanding of policy advisory systems (PAS) during the Covid‐19 crisis. As governments rely on PAS in uncertain times of crisis, the state of PAS directly impacts the quality of policymaking. This paper studies the changes within Slovak Advisory committees (AC) at the executive level concerning the changes of government during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Slovakia had relatively good results in the first wave of the pandemic but did not utilize any ofthat experience in the second wave, where deadly infection and death rates were higher. The case of Slovak ACs demonstrates a shift towards a more politicized PAS – the new committees, established by the prime minister, were meeting at the expense of already functioning committees at the beginning of the crisis, and their expertise was more political in character. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of NISPAcee Journal of Public Administration & Policy is the property of Sciendo 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 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 . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Scientific rationale of Indian AYUSH Ministry advisory for COVID-19 prevention, prophylaxis, and immunomodulation

The current outbreak of COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has affected > 210 countries. Various steps are taken by different countries to tackle the current war-like health situation. In India, the Ministry of AYUSH released a self-care advisory for immunomodulation measures during the COVID-19 and this review article discusses the detailed scientific rationale associated with this advisory. Authors have spotted and presented in-depth insight of advisory in terms of immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, co-morbidity associated actions, and their probable mechanism of action. Immunomodulatory actions of advised herbs with no significant adverse drug reaction/toxicity strongly support the extension of advisory for COVID-19 prevention, prophylaxis, mitigations, and rehabilitation capacities. This advisory also emphasized Dhyana (meditation) and Yogasanas as a holistic approach in enhancing immunity, mental health, and quality of life. The present review may open-up new meadows for research and can provide better conceptual leads for future researches in immunomodulation, antiviral-development, psychoneuroimmunology, especially for COVID-19.Copyright © 2021, Institute of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University.

Should population density be used to rank social vulnerability in disaster preparedness planning?

The CDC Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was developed to help public health officials and policymakers to identify geospatial variations in social vulnerability for each community to better respond to hazardous events, including disease outbreaks. However, the SVI does not include information on population density, which is a significant omission when considering the usefulness of the index in allocating scarce resources such as medical supplies and personnel, bedding, food, and water to locations they are most needed. Using county-level data from the initial U.S. COVID-19 outbreak, we provide empirical evidence that the existing SVI underestimates (overestimates) county-level infection rates in densely (sparsely) populated counties if population density is not accounted for. Population density remains significant even after allowing for spatial spillover effects. Going forward, the inclusion of population density to construct SVI can improve its usefulness in aiding policymakers in allocating scarce resources for future disasters, especially those with spatial dependence. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.

Effective Messaging Strategies for Colorectal Cancer Screening: The Development of the 2022 NCCRT Messaging Guidebook for Black and African American People

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States (US) and disproportionately impacts Black individuals. The US Preventive Services Taskforce began recommending CRC screening for individuals aged 45-49 in 2021, however effective strategies to increase screening participation in Black individuals in this age group are unknown. Thus, the National Colorectal RoundTable (NCCRT) used a mixed methods approach to identify barriers and facilitators to CRC screening in Black individuals, with specific focus on those age 45-49. Results informed the development of the 2022 NCCRT Messaging Guidebook for Black & African American People. Method(s): We conducted a mixed-methods study in a large, nationally representative sample of unscreened Black individuals. We first conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with Black individuals over age 45, recruited from the Schlesinger Group qualitative research platform. Findings informed content for a subsequent survey to understand barriers and facilitators, administered broadly via the Prodege online research platform. Messages to encourage screening participation were developed based on learnings from prior ACS and NCCRT work. Message were tested using MaxDiff analytic methods and reviewed by a multidisciplinary advisory committee for inclusion in the Guidebook. Result(s): There were 10 qualitative interview and 490 survey participants. The average age of participants was 52.7 (s.d.56.1) for interviews and 55.3 (s.d.57.3) for surveys. 40.0% were female and 38.2% lived in the Southeast US (Table). The most frequently reported barrier to screening was procrastination (40.0% in age 45-49;42.8% in age 50-65;34.2% in age .55). Procrastination was often attributed to financial concerns (20.8% in age 45-49) and COVID-19 (27.0% in age 50-54;21.8% in age .55) (Figure). Of those age 45-49, the majority preferred to receive screening information from a health care provider (57.5%), however only 31.7% reported that a provider had initiated a screening conversation. Several messages rated as highly effective in encouraging screening were included in the NCCRT Guidebook. Conclusion(s): We identified several age-specific barriers to CRC screening and developed unique messaging to motivate screening among unscreened Black individuals age 45 and over. Messages that tested positively are publicly available as a resource for organizations and institutions that aim to increase screening rates.

"It all goes back to trust": a qualitative exploration of extension professionals' perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines in rural Florida

While urban communities experienced high levels of infection at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rural communities experienced an increase of confirmed cases during the fall months of 2020. Rural Americans were also among the most hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of [State] extension professionals related to the COVID-19 vaccines in rural communities. Qualitative methods were utilized to gather data from extension professionals in rural area of [State], where vaccine uptake was below average. Results revealed frustration with the vaccine process, vaccine norms, and skepticism and mistrust to all be contributing factors to vaccine hesitancy in rural communities. Extension professionals discussed not feeling comfortable discussing topics related to public health with their clientele, citing the topic being outside their expertise. Practical recommendations from this study included utilizing a grassroots approach rather than relying on mass media, providing messages related to the COVID-19 vaccine that focus on education, rather than promotion, and testing new messages before they are disseminated.

Outpatient Child Life: Integrating play, coping strategies, and diagnosis education into a Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center

Background: A small Midwest cystic fibrosis (CF) center gained child life support in fall of 2016, but availability was limited due to sharing full-time equivalents (FTEs) between 31 outpatient subspecialty clinics. Child life involvementwas often restricted to immediate stressors (e.g., throat swabs, blood draws, first pulmonary function tests) in a reactive approach, but in the summer of 2020, the child life team added FTEs, increasing the ability for a primary child life specialist (CLS) to be more integrated into the clinic workflow. Partnering with the nurse care coordinators, a comprehensive, proactive approach to the integration of child life was formed, focusing on full scope of practice. Method(s): CFregistered nurse care coordinators collaborated with the CLSto discuss the goal of integration while understanding knownpatient stressors and optimal developmental and coping goals for patients younger than 19 and their siblings. We also determined ways to reduce disruption to clinic workflowwhile leveraging scheduling and increasing awareness of scope of practice of the interdisciplinary team, patients, and families. The CLS also obtained feedback from the family advisory committee engrained in clinic along with hosting a booth at the center's annual CF familyevent that targets caregivers of children with CF. Throughout each of these formative actions,(Figure Presented) Figure 1. : Child life integration protocol the primary focus was on collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, employing the full scope of practice of the CLS, mitigating logistical barriers, and optimizing patient experience and satisfaction. Result(s): The current plan (Figure 1) is based on identified time points where developmentally appropriate interventions and resources are implemented in a stepwise fashion, building upon itself. Interventions are individualized for each patient or family member based on coping and learning needs or developmental differences and are completed by the CLS based on professional judgment and after assessment and rapport is built. The scope of practice includes preparation for procedures or changes in the plan of care, procedural support, creation of coping plans for in-clinic and at-home care routines or events, educational activities and resources (e.g., making slime to learn about mucus, word searches about medications), therapeutic activities to support emotional processing of chronic illness, providing information on typical growth and development to caregivers, and facilitating developmentally appropriate transition-readiness goals through CF R.I.S.E. materials. During the COVID global pandemic, changes to outpatient clinic, including addition of virtual appointments, allowed the CLS to expand practice further. In these video appointments, teen patients appear to be more engaging and talkative, allowing the CLS to better assess coping, adherence, and transition readiness in a relaxed Table 1. Two-way table depicting concordance between substance use and mental health screening results at same encounter. General Anxiety Disorder (GAD7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) results were aggregated such that a positive screening result on either was compared with neither being positive.(Table Presented) environment more suited to their developmental needs. Based on the success of having video appointments with adolescent patients without caregivers present, the CLS and the registered nurse care coordinators agreed to include these moving forward. Conclusion(s): The integration of the CLS at full scope of practice benefits not only patients and families, but also the interdisciplinary team and clinic as a whole. By taking a proactive and preventative approach, coping and psychosocial concerns can be navigated throughout the developmental stages with greater stability and emotional safety for patients and their familiesCopyright © 2022, European Cystic Fibrosis Society. All rights reserved

Special Issue: Making it count: applying science to support universal broadband. (Special Issue: Making it count: applying science to support universal broadband.)

This special issue presents six papers resulting from a two-conference series about closing the digital divide, especially for rural areas. The issue explores how to apply the best information and processes to guide effective investments of limited resources to expand broadband access in the USA. The papers specifically deal with: the need for better data to inform broadband policy decisions and targeted funding;the contribution of integrating research and extension in improving community participation in broadband projects;policy approaches for rural broadband provision;the influence of COVID-19 on telecommuting;and federal funding challenges for rural broadband.

A Vaccine Clinic for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Purpose of Study: Individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) encounter the healthcare system more frequently than their neurotypical peers, but most systems have not adapted a patient-centered approach to train staff and design spaces that are optimized for individuals with NDD. Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS), Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians, and a board-certified behavioral analyst at the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (CEDD) at the UC Davis MIND Institute partnered with nursing teams from the UC Davis COVID Vaccine Program to develop a dedicated Vaccine Clinic that addresses common barriers to vaccination for individuals with NDD. The program included training for vaccine program staff, and COVID vaccination and vaccine education for individuals with NDD in a safe, inclusive setting. Methods Used: MIND Institute staff obtained input from CEDD Community Advisory Committee and community partners to develop clinic protocols and dissemination strategies. Vaccine program staff received training about NDD and a website and video describing the clinic were created. After patients scheduled an appointment, they were contacted by CCLS who completed a structured intake interview that addressed each patient's likes and dislikes, sensory sensitivities, preferred method of communication, and history of previous experiences with medical procedures. Prior to the vaccine appointment, Child Life staff shared a social story with the families that provided a visual description of each step of their visit to the MIND Vaccine Clinic. Team huddles were completed the morning of vaccine clinic. Summary of Results: 321 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were scheduled to be administered to individuals with NDD ages 5 to 67 years (225 M, 91 F, gender nonconforming 5). 8 appointments were either canceled or the individual did not attend. We were able to safely administer 310 (99.3%) doses. Conclusion(s): Strategies were developed to address common barriers to vaccination, some of which are more common in individuals with NDD, including sensory dysregulation, history of medical trauma, and concerns about how a novel vaccine might impact a patient's specific medical condition. A structured intake, staff training, daily huddles and a quiet dedicated space, longer appointments and dedicated parking were key elements of clinic success.

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on a British Columbia Children's Hospital Youth Advisory Committee

Purpose of Study: Between September 2020 and November 2021, a survey was developed in partnership with children, youth, and community members experiencing vulnerabilities in a Vancouver Inner City Neighbourhood (ICN) to explore challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the survey, participants were asked questions about their financial status, housing security, food accessibility, and other social determinants of health. Other equity-seeking groups in Vancouver, including youth experiencing developmental and/or other medical diversity, wished to adapt the ICN COVID-19 survey to explore the impact of the pandemic in their community. These youth are active members of the province's pediatric tertiary care teaching hospital's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), and in sharing their lived experience as patients, they strive to improve the quality of healthcare for children and youth throughout British Columbia. The objectives of this study were to: 1) adapt the COVID-19 survey to capture the views and needs of youth experiencing developmental and/or other medical diversity;and 2) identify how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted this group's social determinants of health. Methods Used: Ethics board approval was obtained for this observational, cross-sectional study (H20-00987). The research team and YAC co-constructed an adapted COVID-19 survey via Zoom dialogues. YAC members completed the survey online via Qualtrics from May 2022-August 2022. Demographic information and survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Summary of Results: In total, 12 participants completed the survey, including 11 youth and 1 staff member. The median age of the youth participants was 23 years (n=11, min=14, max=29). During the COVID-19 pandemic, 82% (9/11) of youth reported changes in their ability to attend work or school, 36% (4/11) reported concern around reliable and affordable access to medications/medical treatment, and 46% (5/11) reported difficulty in caring for themselves. 46% (5/11) of youth also reported difficulty in caring for older adults or people in their families with disabilities. Many youth (6/11;55%) reported they had less than five people to turn to for support in times of stress, and 46% (5/11) of youth reported the pandemic changed their ability to connect with these people. Furthermore, 82% (9/11) of youth reported experiencing some level of distress related to the pandemic. 73% (8/11) of youth reported heightened anxiety, 82% (9/11) reported worsened mood, 55% (6/11) reported difficulty sleeping, and 64% (7/11) reported difficulty exercising. Conclusion(s): Youth with developmental and/or other complex medical diversity experienced difficulties accessing work and education, reliable and affordable medical care, and social support due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic negatively impacted the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of these youth, indicating a need for future dialogue and advocacy to ensure the views and voices on rights of children and youth are honoured.

Videos and podcasts for delivering agricultural extension: achieving credibility, relevance, legitimacy and accessibility

PurposeTo explore the perceived credibility, relevance, legitimacy and accessibility of videos and podcasts in farm extension.MethodsA two-phase mixed methods approach consisting of a pre-COVID online survey of farmers (n = 221), farmer telephone interviews (n = 60) and in-person focus groups of farmers (n = 4) followed by an analysis of how viewers interact with Agricology videos and podcasts, a further online survey (n = 141) and online farmer focus groups (n = 4) during the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsIf they are to be perceived as effective extension methods, videos should be short, concise, practical, advert-free and visualise how to implement a practice. Podcasts can be longer, more detailed, and allow multitasking. Both should use farmer-friendly language, be easily accessible, high quality, non-biased, and be created by someone whom farmers respect.Practical implicationsHelps policy-makers and extensionists understand the potential of videos and podcasts and the trade-offs in using them with other forms of extension. The findings are also of use to global advisory services seeking to offer hybridised advice as a result of the ongoing COVID pandemic.Theoretical implicationsElucidates the trade-offs of using videos and podcasts when face-to-face extension is not possible and develops the CRELE framework.OriginalityDiscusses the role of podcasts in farm extension and re-evaluates the role of videos when face-to-face extension is impossible.

Fair in the Palm of Your Hand: a digital platform for the direct sale of family farming products. (Special Issue: Saberes agroecologicos e sistemas alimentares na America Latina e Caribe.)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commercial relations have undergone many changes. The advancement of digital technologies that allow instantaneous and real-time communication regardless of geographical distance have changed several daily activities, among them, the way of buying and selling. In the case of agriculture, the direct sale of agricultural products to final consumers, through social networks, emerges as a new form of rural business. However, the encounter between interested parties occurs, most of the time, informally, and it is up to producers and consumers to "meet" in order to sell and buy. In this context, the Fair in the Palm of Your Hand project aims to act as an agent between these two ends so that the encounter is facilitated. To this end, a methodology for Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER) was developed with the aim of creating a digital platform (application and website) that would allow these transactions to be carried out more quickly and credibly. The research area includes locations in the state of Espirito Santo (Brazil) that already have producers and consumers capable of meeting this new market dynamic.

General fisheries commission for the Mediterranean. Report of the twelfth session of the scientific advisory committee on aquaculture, Casablanca, Morocco, 7-9 June 2022

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Aquaculture (CAQ) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) held its twelfth session in hybrid mode, in Casablanca, Morocco and online from 7-9 June 2022. The session was attended by delegates from 18 contracting parties, three cooperating non-contracting parties, one observer, as well as representatives of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, the GFCM Secretariat and invited experts. During the session, the Committee reviewed the work carried out during the 2019-2022 intersession, including within the framework of the GFCM 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (GFCM 2030 Strategy) and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and provided advice on priorities in the field of aquaculture management and research.

General fisheries commission for the Mediterranean. Report of the twenty-second session of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries, online, 22-25 June 2021

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (SAC) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) held its twenty-second session online, from 22 to 25 June 2021. The session was attended by delegates from 19 Mediterranean contracting parties, 11 observers, as well as representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Fisheries Division, the GFCM Secretariat and invited experts. The Committee reviewed the work carried out during the 2019-2021 intersession, including within the framework of the mid-term strategy (2017-2020) towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and provided advice on status of priority stocks and ecosystems and on potential management measures addressing key fisheries and vulnerable species in the Mediterranean. In line with the subregional approach, the Committee formulated advice focusing on: (i) small pelagic and priority demersal fisheries in the Adriatic Sea;(ii) common dolphinfish and blackspot seabream fisheries in the western Mediterranean;(iii) small pelagic and bottom trawl fisheries exploiting demersal stocks, particularly European hake, in the central Mediterranean;(iv) deep-water red shrimp fisheries in the eastern-central Mediterranean, including their interactions with vulnerable marine ecosystems;and (v) round sardinella in the eastern Mediterranean. The Committee also agreed on the technical soundness of three FRA proposals for the Bari Canyon, the Ebro Delta margin and the Palmahim Disturbance, to be submitted to the Commission. At the regional level, the Committee provided advice on the following: (i) fishing technology and bycatch, including minimal technical specifications for bottom-trawl nets and the need for targeted pilot projects to investigate possible mitigation measures;(ii) data call for the database on sensitive benthic habitats and species and other effective area-based conservation measures for the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems and essential fish habitats;and (iii) advances in the adaptation strategy for climate change. Furthermore, the Committee discussed additional work in support of the GFCM, namely the implementation of the Regional Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, dedicated research programmes as well as other activities to enhance fisheries management in the region. Finally, the Committee agreed upon its work plan for 2021-2023.

The Adoption of Robo-Advisory among Millennials in the 21st Century: Trust, Usability and Knowledge Perception

Robo-advisor has become the new personal wealth management and investment method. Nonetheless, certain predicaments are faced by robo-advisor companies as a tech-savvy young group of individuals seems to be less willing to adopt robo-advisory. This study investigates millennials' adoption of robo-advisory in terms of financial knowledge, trust and usability perception in the 21st century to enhance sustainability. This quantitative study focuses on individuals belonging to the millennial generation who were born between 1981 and 1996. The findings indicate that the millennials who possess financial knowledge, as well as perceived usability and trust have a significant positive effect on the willingness to embrace robo-advisory as a tool for wealth management. The higher the financial knowledge of an individual, the more likely they are willing to adopt a robo-advisor. Government may provide appropriate avenues to enhance financial knowledge, and credible and user-friendly platforms with resources to boost the millennials' usage of robo-advisors for their wealth management. With robust artificial intelligence, robo-advisory continues to support users, especially millennials, through three dimensions of sustainable development: environment, society, and economy.

Critical care advisory support and telemedicine technologies for in-hospital medical care in children

The foundations of telemedicine consulting were laid in the 70s of the 20th century. However, development of this direction was significantly accelerated at the beginning of the 21st century. A significant accelerator was the pandemic of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The Russian Federation has federal and regional systems that often develop in isolation from each other. At the beginning of the new coronavirus infection pandemic in the Russian Federation, a vertically integrated model for counseling intensive care patients with COVID-19 and pneumonia was created. Various national and foreign studies confirmed high efficiency of telemedicine counseling for in-hospital patients. This is evidenced by less mortality rates and ICU-stay, as well as introduction of modern clinical practice in regional hospitals. Integration of critical care for children is carried out through critical care advisory support centers based on large regional and federal hospitals. The objective of regional centers is decision-making on the need for hospitalization of patients in level III hospitals, while the task of federal centers is management of patients in accordance with modern clinical practice. © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Impacts of advisory perception and cultural distance on travel intention: evidence from China

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of travel advisory perception and cultural distance on travel intention based on the push and pull theory, the stimulus–organism–response model and protection motivation theory.Design/methodology/approachThe paper conducts an empirical test with a questionnaire survey. The authors asked respondents to answer questions on a five-point Likert-type scale, which included threat severity, threat susceptibility, advisory perception, perceived cultural distance, travel motivation and travel intention.FindingsIn this paper, through a questionnaire of 424 respondents, the authors found that threat severity has a positive impact on advisory perception and perceived cultural distance, and that advisory perception indirectly affect travel intention through travel motivation.Originality/valuePrevious literature has discussed the influencing factors of travel intention but rarely does it consider the intrinsic relationship and interaction between advisory perception and cultural distance. The results of this study help fill some gaps in the research on advisory perception and perceived cultural distance, guide governments on how to better formulate travel advisories and provide a new perspective for tourism industry practitioners to improve their travel products after the COVID-19 pandemic especially.

Modeling a public-private grant initiative to address breast cancer care disparities at the community level

Background: Breast cancer disparities between Black and White women have persisted in the US, with breast cancer death rates 40% higher in Black women compared to White women (American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures for African American/Black People 2022-2024). Education and interventions at the community level can potentially reduce racial gaps, particularly in curbing late-stage diagnoses that disproportionately affect Black women with breast cancer. Together, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Pfizer Global Medical Grants (Pfizer) developed a collaborative model to support health systems in engaging communities to reduce breast cancer disparities between Black and White women. This collaboration aimed to identify novel interventions and provide foundational support for these communities to advance their work in bridging the gap in breast cancer disparities. Method(s): This collaborative grant program divided project responsibilities, in which Pfizer provided funding and ACS provided project oversight and technical support. An advisory committee provided input on the areas of most need, impact and project direction. Funding applicants were required to partner with local organizations to implement evidence-based initiatives for education and/or quality improvement within the respected community. The grant award selection committee comprised of experts in the field, including breast cancer survivors and individuals from racial/ethnic minority groups. In response to a Request for Proposals, over 100 applications were systematically reviewed based on the National Cancer Institute grant selection process. The committee selected 9 grantees with innovative proposals addressing breast cancer disparities for Black women along the cancer-care continuum. Bi-annual progress reports were used to measure progress, with a final report to mark projects' impact and reach. The COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous obstacles during the project period and the ability to convene with partners virtually through web-based sessions helped to foster opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing among leaders in cancer disparities research. Result(s): The projects occurred from January 2020 to June 2022, with no-cost extensions given to accommodate COVID-19 pandemic delays. During this period grantees successfully completed project goals in one of three areas: screening, identifying areas of need and education. Approximately 10,000 patients and 200 healthcare professions were impacted among three projects focused on increasing mammography efforts in Black women during the project period. Three projects incorporated surveys and focus groups to identify novel areas for intervention/need and interviewed over 350 patients and over 60 health care professionals. The remaining three grantee projects that focused on education successfully implemented advertisement campaigns and lecture series to target patients and healthcare professionals. The projects selected under this model independently completed their goals within the project period while also laying a foundation to continue work in reducing disparities along the cancer care continuum with their enhanced community partner relations. Additionally, the project period also provided opportunities for external collaborations and discussion among all grantees through 8 ACS-coordinated online sessions and 3 summits. Conclusion(s): Projects selected by the public-private grant initiative model can enhance community relationships and provide infrastructure to continue work along the cancer care continuum. We believe this collaborative competitive grant program can be used for future efforts to address breast cancer and other health disparities at the community level. Similar collaborative funding projects related to prostate and pan-tumor disparities have been launched and are currently ongoing.