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Background: Residing in a disadvantaged neighborhood has been linked to increased mortality. However, the impact of residential segregation and social vulnerability on cause-specific mortality is understudied. Additionally, the circulating metabolic correlates of neighborhood sociodemographic environment remain unexplored. Therefore, we examined multiple neighborhood sociodemographic metrics, i.e., neighborhood deprivation index (NDI), residential segregation index (RSI), and social vulnerability index (SVI), with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer-specific mortality and circulating metabolites in the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS). Methods: The SCCS is a prospective cohort of primarily low-income adults aged 40–79, enrolled from the southeastern United States during 2002–2009. This analysis included self-reported Black/African American or non-Hispanic White participants and excluded those who died or were lost to follow-up ≤ 1 year. Untargeted metabolite profiling was performed using baseline plasma samples in a subset of SCCS participants. Results: Among 79,631 participants, 23,356 deaths (7214 from CVD and 5394 from cancer) were documented over a median 15-year follow-up. Higher NDI, RSI, and SVI were associated with increased all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality, independent of standard clinical and sociodemographic risk factors and consistent between racial groups (standardized HRs among all participants were 1.07 to 1.20 in age/sex/race-adjusted model and 1.04 to 1.08 after comprehensive adjustment; all P < 0.05/3 except for cancer mortality after comprehensive adjustment). The standard risk factors explained < 40% of the variations in NDI/RSI/SVI and mediated < 70% of their associations with mortality. Among 1110 circulating metabolites measured in 1688 participants, 134 and 27 metabolites were associated with NDI and RSI (all FDR < 0.05) and mediated 61.7% and 21.2% of the NDI/RSI-mortality association, respectively. Adding those metabolites to standard risk factors increased the mediation proportion from 38.4 to 87.9% and 25.8 to 42.6% for the NDI/RSI-mortality association, respectively. Conclusions: Among low-income Black/African American adults and non-Hispanic White adults living in the southeastern United States, a disadvantaged neighborhood sociodemographic environment was associated with increased all-cause and CVD and cancer-specific mortality beyond standard risk factors. Circulating metabolites may unveil biological pathways underlying the health effect of neighborhood sociodemographic environment. More public health efforts should be devoted to reducing neighborhood environment-related health disparities, especially for low-income individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human rights NGOs contribute to the formation of norms and policies around penality, and inform social understandings of what constitutes acceptable punishment. This article turns to the symbolic group-making work of human rights workers as agents who work with prisoners, and who also construct the image of the prisoner for the rest of society. I zoom in on the case of prison NGO work in Russia, a non-democratic country, and answer two questions: first, how do prison NGOs construct the image of the prisoner, and articulate their relationship with their social base and their networks of civic engagement? Second, what organizational behaviors do these articulations encourage? Drawing on 18 semi-structured interviews and observation at prison NGOs based in Moscow, the study shows that Russian NGO workers often view themselves and act as members of a middle class social movement in Russia. While NGOs tend to focus on the most economically disadvantaged and socially isolated groups in their work, the prisoners they depict when addressing the public and the press tend to represent more educated groups with higher levels of symbolic capital (political prisoners, those convicted of economic crimes, and former state employees), reflecting a desire to put prison on the middle class agenda. At the same time, prison NGO employees employ a class lens in their work with prisoners, and determine how to help prisoners based on their assessment of how the socio-economic background of the prisoner intersects with ethnicity, religion, ability/disability, region where they are serving their sentence, and region where they are from. In other words, prison NGO workers view prisoners through the resources they can accumulate using the simultaneous, intersecting dimensions of their status and their relation to other groups both in prison and outside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether variation in Medicaid reimbursement fees influenced the impacts of the Medicaid expansions is not well understood. Objective: We examine whether changes in health care access associated with Medicaid expansion are different in states with comparatively high Medicaid reimbursement rates compared against expanding in states with lower Medicaid reimbursement rates. Design: Using a difference-in-difference-in-difference (DDD or triple-difference) regression approach, we compare relative differences in Medicaid expansion effects between lower and higher reimbursement states. Participants: 512,744 low-income adults aged 20–64 in the 2011–2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Main Measures: Health insurance coverage status, unmet medical needs due to cost, regular source for health care, and a regular/scheduled checkup within the past year. Key Results: Medicaid expansion has significant and positive impacts on health coverage and access in both high- and low-fee states. In states with fee levels above the median Medicare-to-Medicaid ratios, expanding Medicaid eligibility reduced uninsurance rate by 15.2 percentage point (ppt, p < 0.01), shrank the cost-associated unmet medical need by 10.3 ppt (p < 0.01), improved access to usual source of care by 1.9 ppt (p < 0.1), and increased regular checkup by 14.4 ppt (p < 0.01), while such effects in low-fee states were 11.7 ppt (p < 0.01), 8.3 ppt (p < 0.01), 3.1 ppt (p < 0.1), and 12.3 ppt (p < 0.01), respectively. Our results suggest that Medicaid expansion effect on unmet medical need due to cost in higher-reimbursing states was 2.98 ppt (p < 0.05) larger than in lower-reimbursing states. Evidence suggests modest increases in health care access were more strongly associated with expansions in higher-fee states. Conclusions: Medicaid's fee structure should be considered as a factor influencing large-scale coverage expansions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The upswing: How America came together and how we can do it again" is a book by Robert Putnam that examines trends in economic, political, social, and cultural aspects of American life over the past 125 years. Putnam argues that the United States experienced a period of progress and social cohesion during the Progressive movement, but has since declined in terms of inequality, political polarization, social dislocation, and cultural narcissism. The book explores the shift from a collective "we" orientation to a more individualistic mindset and offers insights into the role of religion, political polarization, and social justice movements in shaping American society. Putnam suggests that by learning from history and working collectively, America can regain a sense of unity and social progress. [Extracted from the article]

In the current research, we examined the association between perceived economic grievances and both intentions to engage and actual engagement in antilockdown protests during the COVID-19 pandemic in high-income countries. We also investigated whether this direct association would be (a) mediated by social identification with the economically disadvantaged and (b) moderated by fatalistic beliefs about the pandemic. In Study 1, multilevel modelling based on online search data from the US (N = 505) indicated that weekly fluctuations in searches related to economic grievances predicted the occurrence of antilockdown protests over time. In Studies 2 (Germany; N = 404) and 3 (Italy; N = 1,857), we showed that the link between perceived economic grievances and intentions to engage in antilockdown collective action was significantly mediated by social identification with people who suffered economically from the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 3 replicated the findings of Study 2 and extended it by showing the role of high (vs. low) fatalistic beliefs about the pandemic in moderating the association between perceived economic grievances and antilockdown collective action intentions. We discuss the consequences of unaddressed economic grievances for democratic functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land reforms have been implemented in many parts of the world because of both justice and the attractive developmental policy objectives of improving poor people's welfare – as the prime beneficiaries. Land reform also facilitates rural economic growth. In some parts of the world, like China and India, there is evidence that land reform has been effective in poverty reduction and in enabling economic growth. However, in other parts of the world, like South Africa, the impact of land reform has been very minimal mainly due to poor policy implementation, which entails inadequate support structures. Using an integrative literature review approach and key policy documents on South Africa's land reform, this article dissects this policy–practice gap in South Africa's land redistribution policy and proposes that land redistribution be implemented by a private independent entity to reduce state bureaucracy and inefficiencies and, in turn, improve execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social risks are common among cancer survivors who have the fewest financial resources; however, little is known about how prevalence differs by age at diagnosis, despite younger survivors' relatively low incomes and wealth. Methods: The authors used data from 3703 participants in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort of Black cancer survivors. Participants self‐reported several forms of social risks, including food insecurity, housing instability, utility shut‐offs, not getting care because of cost or lack of transportation, and feeling unsafe in their home neighborhood. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of social risks by age at diagnosis, controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and cancer‐related factors. Results: Overall, 35% of participants reported at least one social risk, and 17% reported two or more risks. Social risk prevalence was highest among young adults aged 20–39 years (47%) followed by those aged 40–54 years (43%), 55–64 years (38%), and 65 years and older (24%; p for trend <.001). Compared with survivors who were aged 65 years and older at diagnosis, adjusted prevalence ratios for any social risk were 1.75 (95% CI, 1.42–2.16) for survivors aged 20–39 years, 1.76 (95% CI, 1.52–2.03) for survivors aged 40–54 years, and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.23–1.60) for survivors aged 55‐64 years at diagnosis. Similar associations were observed for individual social risks and experiencing two or more risks. Conclusions: In this population of Black cancer survivors, social risks were inversely associated with age at diagnosis. Diagnosis in young adulthood and middle age should be considered a risk factor for social risks and should be prioritized in work to reduce the financial effects of cancer on financially vulnerable cancer survivors. This report evaluates associations between age at diagnosis and the prevalence of social risks, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and forgoing care because of lack of transportation in a population‐based cohort of Black cancer survivors. Age at diagnosis was inversely associated with social risks, and young adult survivors reported the highest prevalence of any social risks, multiple social risks, and several individual social risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although peer support is documented as a predictor of adolescents' prosocial behavior, the influencing mechanism of peer support on prosocial behavior among adolescents from low-income families has not been fully researched. The current research conducted two studies to examine the influencing mechanism of peer support on prosocial behavior among adolescents from low-income families. Study 1 (N = 579) investigated the influencing mechanism of peer support on prosocial behavior with a longitudinal dataset. Study 2 (N = 228) investigated the effect of peer support priming on money donation with an experimental approach. The results of Study 1 and Study 2 consistently demonstrated that communal social goals mediated the association between peer support and prosocial behavior among adolescents from low-income families, and cumulative family risk moderated this indirect link. The positive effect of peer support on prosocial behavior through communal social goals might be weakened if adolescents experience more risk factors in the family context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document contains abstracts of papers presented at an academic conference. The papers cover a wide range of topics related to economics, history, and social development. Each paper presents empirical evidence and analysis to shed light on specific phenomena or historical events. The research is conducted using different methodologies and data sources, providing valuable insights into these complex subjects. The summaries provide a brief overview of each paper's main findings and contribute to the understanding of various social and economic phenomena. [Extracted from the article]

This obituary is a tribute to Roger H. Stuewer, a respected physicist and historian of science. Born in Shawano, Wisconsin, to German immigrant grandparents, Stuewer had a challenging upbringing marked by his father's strict discipline and his mother's health issues. Despite these difficulties, Stuewer excelled academically and pursued a career in physics and history of science. He made significant contributions to the field, including his work on the history of nuclear physics and his efforts to bridge the gap between historians and physicists. Stuewer was also known for his dedication to teaching and his love of travel and culture. He passed away in 2022, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the scientific community. [Extracted from the article]

This review examines high-quality research evidence that synthesises the effects of extreme heat on human health in tropical Africa. Web of Science (WoS) was used to identify research articles on the effects extreme heat, humidity, Wet-bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), apparent temperature, wind, Heat Index, Humidex, Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), heatwave, high temperature and hot climate on human health, human comfort, heat stress, heat rashes, and heat-related morbidity and mortality. A total of 5, 735 articles were initially identified, which were reduced to 100 based on a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review discovered that temperatures up to 60°C have been recorded in the region and that extreme heat has many adverse effects on human health, such as worsening mental health in low-income adults, increasing the likelihood of miscarriage, and adverse effects on well-being and safety, psychological behaviour, efficiency, and social comfort of outdoor workers who spend long hours performing manual labour. Extreme heat raises the risk of death from heat-related disease, necessitating preventative measures such as adaptation methods to mitigate the adverse effects on vulnerable populations during hot weather. This study highlights the social inequalities in heat exposure and adverse health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the type and timing of ultra‐processed foods (UPF) consumption and its association with dietary intake (DI) and physical activity (PA) in women with obesity living in poverty. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was employed. Obesity was defined by at least two criteria (body mass index, waist circumference or % fat mass). Poverty was defined as the three lowest classes of the Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion. PA was measured with triaxial accelerometers and DI was assessed with three 24‐h dietary recalls. Foods were categorised according to the NOVA classification, with UPF classified into five subgroups, as well as the timing of consumption into six meals. Results: In total, 56 adult women were included. Overall energy intake was 1653.21 (503.22) kcal/day. UPF intake was 21.62% (11.94%) kcal/day, being higher at breakfast (4.91% kcal/day), afternoon snack (5.39% kcal/day) and dinner (5.01% kcal/day). Only UPF subgroup 4 (sandwich biscuits, sweets, or treats) showed a positive association with energy intake (β = 54.40 [27.6, 81.10] kcal/day) and a negative association with protein intake (β = −0.31% [−0.48%, −0.14%] kcal/day). UPF consumption in morning (β = −0.41% [−0.79%, −0.02%] kcal/day) and afternoon (β = −0.18% [−0.33%, −0.04%] kcal/day) snacks was associated with lower protein intake. Furthermore, lunchtime UPF consumption was positively associated with walking time (β = 0.16% [0.02%; 0.30%]) and steps/hour (β = 8.72 [1.50; 15.94] steps/h). Conclusions: Women with obesity living in poverty consume more UPF during breakfast, afternoon snack and dinner. Physical activity is positively associated with UPF consumption at lunch. UPF, such as sandwich biscuits, sweets or treats, contribute to increasing energy intake and reducing protein intake. Key points: The distribution of ultra‐processed foods (UPF) consumption throughout the day was evaluated.UPF were more consumed during main meals compared to snacks.Only sandwich biscuits, sweets and treats were associated with increased energy intake and reduced protein intake.Physical activity measured by triaxial accelerometers was associated with UPF consumption at lunch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The best method for selecting embryos ploidy is preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). However, it takes more labour, money, and experience. As such, more approachable, non- invasive techniques were still needed. Analyses driven by artificial intelligence have been presented recently to automate and objectify picture assessments. Methods: In present retrospective study, a total of 3448 biopsied blastocysts from 979 Time-lapse (TL)-PGT cycles were retrospectively analyzed. The "intelligent data analysis (iDA) Score" as a deep learning algorithm was used in TL incubators and assigned each blastocyst with a score between 1.0 and 9.9. Results: Significant differences were observed in iDAScore among blastocysts with different ploidy. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher scores were significantly correlated with euploidy (p < 0.001). The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of iDAScore alone for predicting euploidy embryo is 0.612, but rose to 0.688 by adding clinical and embryonic characteristics. Conclusions: This study provided additional information to strengthen the clinical applicability of iDAScore. This may provide a non-invasive and inexpensive alternative for patients who have no available blastocyst for biopsy or who are economically disadvantaged. However, the accuracy of embryo ploidy is still dependent on the results of next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of residential mobility on electoral participation among the poor by matching data from Moving to Opportunity, a US-based multicity housing-mobility experiment, with nationwide individual voter data. Nearly all participants in the experiment were Black and Hispanic families who originally lived in high-poverty public housing developments. Notably, the study finds that receiving a housing voucher to move to a low-poverty neighborhood decreased adult participants' voter participation for nearly two decades--a negative impact equal to or outpacing that of the most effective get-out-the-vote campaigns in absolute magnitude. This finding has important implications for understanding residential mobility as a long-run depressant of voter turnout among extremely low-income adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-income populations are disadvantaged in a car-dependent society despite car ownership and could be using walking and cycling to reduce their travel costs. This study explores how low-income households with and without cars living in various geographies disproportionately use walking and cycling to save money in comparison to higher-income households. Data from the 2017 National Household Travel Survey is used to investigate the variation in walking and cycling behavior among three groups of households: (1) carless low-income households, (2) low-income households with cars, and (3) higher-income households. Generalized ordered logistic regression models are estimated to examine how the probability of using active travel to save money varies by household type, location (urban, suburban, rural) and other socioeconomic attributes. We find that low-income households are more likely to walk or cycle to save money on transportation compared to higher-income households. Carless low-income households present a higher probability to use active travel to decrease travel costs in comparison to car-owning low-income households. Our results also indicate that on average, urban residents are more likely to travel actively to reduce expenses compared to suburban and rural residents. The lowest spatial variation is found for carless low-income households, demonstrating their higher disadvantage compared to those with cars. Low-income people of color are more likely to use active travel to save money while being a female, older, or having children are attributes associated with a lower probability to use active travel to reduce travel expenses in low-income households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the connection between queer advocacy and the labor movement in the United States. It highlights the efforts of queer Starbucks baristas who organized to address low wages and workplace discrimination. The article argues that unions can be more effective than civil rights laws or corporations in delivering LGBTQ+ protections and benefits. It also discusses the historical ties between queer workers and the labor movement, as well as the role of unions in combating anti-LGBTQ+ agendas. Additionally, the article examines how conflicts over anti-discrimination laws in certain towns were influenced by socioeconomic factors and conservative politicians. It concludes by emphasizing the need for a queer working-class politics that addresses the shared interests of LGBTQ+ and all other workers. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the potential impact of the increased investment in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Canada. With a multi-billion-dollar investment committed to making high-quality care accessible, affordable, flexible, and inclusive for all Canadians, this initiative is set to reshape the landscape of child care in Canada. Although increased access to ECEC is important, it is not sufficient on its own. Quality must be the cornerstone, with particular attention given to the needs of low-income families. Strategic incentives for providers and financial support for educators are practical steps that can significantly elevate the effectiveness and reach of ECEC services. The goal is not just more ECEC but better ECEC for all. The article draws on a range of research studies and policy documents to explore the potential benefits and challenges of this ambitious project and to offer recommendations for how stakeholders can work together to ensure its success. Note from the editors: The first volume of Canadian Public Policy/Analyse de politiques was published in 1975, making this the 50th volume. To commemorate, we have organized a series of lectures which are published in this special issue. Professor Dhuey gave this lecture at the meetings of the Canadian Economics Association in Winnipeg in June 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a collection of abstracts from various articles in the Journal of Planning Literature. The articles cover a range of topics including planning history, hydromorphological information in historical maps, mapping in conservative media's climate change denial, computational cartographic recognition, more-than-state ontologies of territory, life-course trajectories in local spatial contexts, co-creation in adaptive spatial planning, dissonant memory landscapes in infrastructure development, postdigital territoriality, complexity and responsibility in planning, planning education, and more. Each abstract provides a brief overview of the article's content and key findings. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Senate Bill 525 (SB 525), which aims to increase the minimum wage for healthcare workers in California to $25 per hour. The bill is intended to address staffing shortages in the healthcare industry and improve patient care by providing a living wage and combating burnout. However, the article points out that the bill does not account for the financial burden it may place on healthcare facilities, which could lead to layoffs or service cuts. It also lacks provisions to protect employees against adverse action and does not address funding concerns for Medi-Cal providers. The article suggests that the bill should include protection provisions, adequate funding for providers, and address increased healthcare costs. The text discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential workers, particularly healthcare workers, and the measures taken by the federal government to provide relief. It highlights that the focus of these measures was primarily on funding concerns for healthcare providers rather than relief for employees. The text also mentions the efforts made by California, including the passage of SB 184 and AB 112, to address staffing shortages and hospital closures. It further discusses the trend of increasing the minimum wage for healthcare workers in various California cities and the implementation of similar pay increases by private healthcare facilities. The text concludes by examining the similarities and differences between SB 525 and other laws and ordinances, as well as the potential impact of the bill on healthcare costs. [Extracted from the article]

Federally Qualified Health Centers may increase access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment for at-risk populations. A pooled cross section of ZIP Code Tabulation Areas from cites in the U.S. South with high HIV diagnoses were used to examine Federally Qualified Health Center density and indicators of HIV epidemic control. The explanatory variable was Federally Qualified Health Center density—number of Federally Qualified Health Centers in a ZIP Code Tabulation Areas' Primary Care Service Area per low-income population—high versus medium/low (2019). Outcomes were 5-year (2015–2019 or 2014–2018) (1) number of new HIV diagnoses, (2) percentage late diagnosis, (3) percentage linked to care, and (4) percentage virally suppressed, which was assessed over 1 year (2018 or 2019). Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationship, including ZIP Code Tabulation Area–level sociodemographic and city-level HIV funding variables, with state-fixed effects, and data analysis was completed in 2022–2023. Sensitivity analyses included (1) examining ZIP Code Tabulation Areas with fewer non–Federally Qualified Health Center primary care providers, (2) controlling for county-level primary care provider density, (3) excluding the highest HIV prevalence ZIP Code Tabulation Areas, and (4) excluding Florida ZIP Code Tabulation Areas. High-density ZIP Code Tabulation Areas had a lower percentage of late diagnosis and virally suppressed, a higher percentage linked to care, and no differences in new HIV diagnoses (p <0.05). In adjusted analysis, high density was associated with a greater number of new diagnoses (number or percentage=5.65; 95% CI=2.81, 8.49), lower percentage of late diagnosis (−3.71%; 95% CI= −5.99, −1.42), higher percentage linked to care (2.13%; 95% CI=0.20, 4.06), and higher percentage virally suppressed (1.87%; 95% CI=0.53, 2.74) than medium/low density. Results suggest that access to Federally Qualified Health Centers may benefit community-level HIV epidemic indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have examined whether neighborhood deprivation is associated with severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in already socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Little is known about to what extent neighborhood deprivation accounts for Black–White disparities in SMM. This study investigated these questions among a statewide Medicaid-insured population, a low-income population with heightened risk of SMM. Data were from Michigan statewide linked birth records and Medicaid claims between 01/01/2016 and 12/31/2019, and were analyzed between 2022 and 2023. Neighborhood deprivation was measured with the Area Deprivation Index at census block group and categorized as low, medium, or high deprivation. Multilevel logistic models were used to examine the association between neighborhood deprivation and SMM. Fairlie nonlinear decomposition was conducted to quantify the contribution of neighborhood deprivation to SMM racial disparity. People in the most deprived neighborhoods had higher odds of SMM than those in the least deprived neighborhoods (aOR [95% CI]: 1.27 [1.15, 1.40]). Such association was observed in Black (aOR [95% CI]: 1.34 [1.07, 1.67]) and White (aOR [95% CI]: 1.26 [1.12, 1.42]) racial subgroups. Decomposition showed that of 57.5 (cases per 10,000) explained disparity in SMM, neighborhood deprivation accounted for 23.1 (cases per 10,000; 95% CI: 16.3, 30.0) or two-fifths (40.2%) of the Black–White disparity. Analysis on SMM excluding blood transfusion showed consistent but weaker results. Neighborhood deprivation may be used as an effective tool to identify at-risk individuals within a low-income population. Community-engaged interventions aiming at improving neighborhood conditions may be helpful to reduce both SMM prevalence and racial inequity in SMM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary healthcare plays a pivotal role in enhancing health conditions. In Singapore, such services are predominantly manifested through the implementation of the Community Health Assistance Scheme (CHAS). CHAS is an initiative aimed at providing fundamental preventive and therapeutic services, especially for those seniors and low‐income adults with chronic diseases. In spite of considerable efforts in policy and research in this domain, there is a dearth of studies focusing on the spatial optimization of these primary healthcare services. In this study, an innovative multi‐objective medical service facility siting model has been developed based on coarse‐grained parallel genetic algorithm to address the intricate challenges associated with the optimization of locations for CHAS clinics. The proposed optimization model aims to simultaneously maximize accessibility, minimize inequity, and minimize the number of clinics. The successful application of this model in the siting of CHAS clinics in Singapore demonstrates its effectiveness in enhancing residents' access to healthcare services. Apart from its novel academic contributions to the field of spatial optimization of primary healthcare facilities in general, we have also discussed the inherent limitations and identified certain aspects as the future directions of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Waiting Town: Life in Transit and Mumbai's Other World-Class Histories" by Lisa Björkman is an ethnographic monograph that examines the settlement of Pratiksha Nagar, or Waiting Town, on the outskirts of Mumbai. The book challenges dominant narratives of urban development and infrastructure by highlighting the complexities and contradictions within the city. It explores the role of various actors in shaping the lives of the project-affected people in Pratiksha Nagar and raises questions about accountability and ethical responsibility. The book offers valuable insights into the effects of large-scale infrastructure projects on the urban poor and emphasizes the importance of trust and relationships in determining eligibility for assistance. While some critics argue that the book lacks acknowledgement of other perspectives, it is praised for its interdisciplinary nature and potential to inform urban planning practices. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Previous research has shown that the use of dental care services has a significant socioeconomic gradient. Lower income groups tend to use dental care services less, and they often have poorer dental health than higher income groups. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how an increase in income affects the use of dental care services among a low-income population. Methods: The study examines the causal effect of increasing cash transfers on the use of dental care services by utilizing unique register-based data from a randomized field experiment conducted in Finland in 2017–2018. The Finnish basic income experiment introduced an exogenous increase in the income of persons who previously received basic unemployment benefits. Register-based data on the study population's use of public and private dental care services were collected both for the treatment group (N = 2,000) and the control group (N = 173,222) of the experiment over a five-year period 2015–2019: two years before, two years during, and one year after the experiment. The experiment's average treatment effect on the use of dental care services was estimated with OLS regressions. Results: The Finnish basic income experiment had no detectable effect on the overall use of dental care services. However, it decreased the probability of visiting public dental care (-2.7% points, -4.7%, p =.017) and increased the average amount of out-of-pocket spending on private care (12.1 euros, 29.8%, p =.032). The results suggest that, even in a country with a universal public dental care coverage, changes in cash transfers do affect the dental care patterns of low-income populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines Thomas Jefferson's perspective on poverty in early America. Jefferson believed that poverty was a problem that needed to be addressed and that capable individuals had a responsibility to assist the needy. However, his definition of poverty was limited to white male laborers, excluding women, children, slaves, and Native Americans. Jefferson supported localized poor relief systems and viewed beggars as immoral and outside the organized charity system. He recognized the challenges faced by farmers and planters who struggled to make ends meet. Despite his optimism about the American poor-relief system, poverty remained a persistent issue in the country. [Extracted from the article]

This article examines the concept of infrastructure in urban areas, specifically focusing on Windhoek, Namibia. It emphasizes the importance of informal and shared infrastructures in meeting the basic needs of residents when formal systems are lacking. These "vital infrastructures" not only support daily life but also shape social relationships, governance, and political agency. The article highlights the involvement of various actors, such as family networks, religious communities, NGOs, and political parties, and argues for a broader understanding of infrastructure beyond state-controlled systems. It discusses how people in Windhoek navigate their urban environment, utilizing both traditional and new methods to seek personal advancement and mutual support. The government has responded to residents' needs by implementing informal settlement upgrading policies, extending services, and making legislative changes. The interactions between residents and the government have resulted in a practical regime for everyday governance that combines formal and informal elements. The article concludes by asserting that vital infrastructures, encompassing social relationships, political relations, materials, and technologies, have a significant impact on cities, urban lives, and governance. [Extracted from the article]

The present study investigated the impact of social-emotional skills on the mental well-being of Chinese underprivileged-background students (N = 1,811) based on the 2019 Survey on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES 2019) data, separately using the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and the quantile regression (QR) methods. The OLS regression model indicated that the mental well-being of Chinese underprivilegedbackground students is significantly and positively affected by self-control, optimism, stress resilience, trust, curiosity, energy, and sociability, but significantly and negatively influenced by tolerance. Whereas, persistence, responsibility, emotional control, cooperation, empathy, creativity, and assertiveness had no significant impact on the students’ mental well-being. Further, the QR model revealed that the impact of social-emotional skills on the mental well-being of Chinese underprivileged-background students can be significant when the mental well-being is at a relatively moderate level, whereas being insignificantly related to the lowest and the highest level of the mental well-being. The results were discussed generally based on the characters of underprivileged-background students in Chinese educational context. Overall, the findings may provide several practical implications for policy application in social-emotional education and the improvement of mental well-being for Chinese underprivileged-background students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representations of Christianity in contemporary Chinese cinema are very limited, making the scholarship of this subject underexplored. Filmmaker Gan Xiao'er has made three feature-length independent films focusing on Christianity in China. These films, The Only Sons (2003), Raised from Dust (2007), and Waiting for God (2012), are used for case studies, with close analyses of their narratives and formal elements. They are also examined in the social and cultural contexts of postsocialist China. This article argues that Gan's religious features are significant in the context of postsocialist Chinese cinema. They not only depict the religious experience of Chinese Christians, which has been under-represented cinematically, but also provide a religious critique rarely seen in Chinese films. On the one hand, these films critically engage with the experience of underprivileged people during the Reform period, when economic development and materialism became dominant, while the socialist political system remained. Gan's religious features provide an alternative perspective that cares for people's spiritual needs. On the other hand, Gan's later films interrogate the local religious institution in China, questioning the arbitrary separation of the 'holy' and the 'unholy', proposing a more inclusive approach to the religious concept of love. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The poverty rate among the Palestinian-Arab minority in Israel is two to three times higher than in the Jewish majority. While Arab schools in Israel have been studied from an unequal national and cultural rights perspective, they have rarely been studied from an unequal economic and social rights perspective, which highlights the role of education in social mobility. Objective: Our study aims to add the perspective of social class to previous research. In this qualitative-phenomenological exploratory case study of an elementary school serving working-class Arab Israelis, we sought to identify and describe what, according to members of the school community, may promote or impede students' learning experiences. Methods: We conducted 45 interviews with school staff, parents, and regional administrators and 26 observations of classes and school surroundings. These were analysed using a phenomenological method. Results: Findings indicated that the school environment was complex, with different groups having unique needs and interests which sometimes clashed. Despite an impoverished, diverse, and challenging student population and a stressful working environment, many improvements were mentioned over time in students' achievements and attendance and relationships between staff members and parents, among others. A policy of student-centred teaching was emphasised at the school, including many extra-curricular enrichment activities. However, many teachers reported burnout and a sense that their needs were not appropriately met. Conclusions: An enriching child-centred school environment, parent involvement, and collaboration among staff may not be enough to contribute to significant changes in students' learning environment without addressing poverty on a governmental level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the motivations and barriers behind the decision of economically disadvantaged Moldovans to refrain from migrating for better economic prospects. Drawing on 30 qualitative interviews with voluntary stayers, it uncovers a range of individual‐level characteristics that impede migration aspirations. These findings highlight the heightened sensitivity of lower‐wage stayers to their perceived social status abroad, their limited adaptability to new cultures and environments and their lower willpower to endure the challenges of long‐term gains. Moreover, this paper sheds light on their contentment with modest material gains and their aversion to migration risks. At the structural level, it emphasizes how social inequalities act as barriers for specific social groups, particularly the economically disadvantaged. These empirical insights challenge prevailing assumptions about the dominance of economic costs and network abroad in migration decision‐making, offering a fresh perspective on the social factors and costs shaping stayers' choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From June to August 2022, the financial barrier to public transport use almost completely disappeared in Germany due to the 9-Euro-Ticket. It enabled anyone with access to public transport infrastructure across Germany to use public transport for 9 euros per person per month. As this completely changed the conditions for public transport use, especially for low-income households with children, the following research questions arise: (1) what effect does the 9-Euro-Ticket have on the travel practices and social participation of low-income households with children? (2) how and by what were the travel practices shaped by the 9-Euro-Ticket? and (3) what happened to the interviewees' travel practices after the measure expired? To answer these questions, twelve qualitative interviews were conducted with low-income households with children in the Hanover region. This study found that the 9-Euro-Ticket removed the financial constraint of public transport use, changed the travel practices of most interviewees and had a wide range of positive meanings. The respondents associate the 9-Euro-Ticket with freedom, joy at being able to offer their children something, along with financial and psychological relief. Additionally, the 9-Euro-Ticket enabled the interviewees to engage in leisure activities, to visit relatives, contributed to integration, had an empowering effect, especially for women and children, and thus represents a measure to increase social participation. After the three months of the 9-Euro-Ticket, financing public transport use challenges low-income households again and financial constraints prevent them from reaching certain places and engaging in out-of-home activities. • Investigates the effect of a nearly fare-free public transport ticket. • In-depth analysis of the 9-Euro-Ticket using qualitative empirical research. • Low-income people's mobility and social participation benefits from affordable PT. • This study reveals six main findings of interest for policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews four books that explore the history and experiences of Black, Latino, and Asian suburbanization in the United States. The books highlight the struggles and agency of these communities in gaining access to middle-class suburbia, as well as the challenges they face in maintaining stability and navigating the suburban ideal. The authors also discuss the complexities of suburban integration, emphasizing that it is not solely about Black-White integration but also involves integration within racial and ethnic groups. Overall, these books provide a nuanced understanding of suburban diversity and exclusionary suburbanization in the United States. [Extracted from the article]

Water Cool(ing) Island (WCI) literature has paid little attention to smaller waterscapes in developed areas that are most vulnerable to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. To fill this gap, this study investigated participants' changes in body temperature and stress level associated with the visual, auditory, and thermal properties of small waterscapes. The results of this study demonstrated that smaller waterscapes can provide effective cooling for predominantly hardscaped urban settings prone to the effects of UHI. This approach offers low-income residents without air-conditioning outdoor alternatives to indoor cooling centres in a post-pandemic era with more frequent and severe heat waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer screening rates remain suboptimal, particularly among low‐income populations. Our objective was to evaluate the long‐term effects of Medicaid expansion on colorectal cancer screening. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross‐sectional study analyzed data from 354,384 individuals aged 50–64 with an income below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL), who participated in the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System from 2010 to 2018. A difference‐in‐difference analysis was employed to estimate the effect of Medicaid expansion on colorectal cancer screening. Subgroup analyses were conducted for individuals with income up to 138% of the FPL and those with income between 139% and 400% of the FPL. The effect of Medicaid expansion on colorectal cancer screening was examined during the early, mid, and late expansion periods. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the likelihood of receiving colorectal cancer screening for low‐income adults aged 50–64. Results: Medicaid expansion was associated with a significant 1.7 percentage point increase in colorectal cancer screening rates among adults aged 50–64 with income below 400% of the FPL (p < 0.05). A significant 2.9 percentage point increase in colorectal cancer screening was observed for those with income up to 138% the FPL (p < 0.05), while a 1.5 percentage point increase occurred for individuals with income between 139% and 400% of the FPL. The impact of Medicaid expansion on colorectal cancer screening varied based on income levels and displayed a time lag for newly eligible beneficiaries. Conclusions: Medicaid expansion was found to be associated with increased colorectal cancer screening rates among low‐income individuals aged 50–64. The observed variations in impact based on income levels and the time lag for newly eligible beneficiaries receiving colorectal cancer screening highlight the need for further research and precision public health strategies to maximize the benefits of Medicaid expansion on colorectal cancer screening rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides concise summaries of research papers and exhibits related to pediatric radiology. The research papers focus on topics such as the use of machine learning in automating calculations for neuroblastoma patients, the detection of tibial lesions using machine learning, the reduction of radiation dose in pediatric coronary CT angiography, and the automatic detection of pediatric lymphoma on PET/MRI images. The exhibits cover topics such as the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric brain tumors, the diagnosis of pediatric adrenal masses, the management of pediatric chest wall masses, and the evaluation of pediatric musculoskeletal infections. These summaries and exhibits offer valuable insights for library patrons conducting research in the field of pediatric radiology. Additionally, the document includes a list of papers and posters presented at a conference, providing a comprehensive overview of current research in the field. [Extracted from the article]

Parachute science, which occurs when scientists or NGOs from developed countries conduct research in developing countries without fully investing in local partnerships or recognizing local expertise, is a significant issue in conservation research. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in Latin America, where power imbalances and colonial legacies contribute to the marginalization of local researchers. The lack of nuance in the current literature on parachute science limits the potential for research to reflect the interests and goals of the region. To combat this, it is crucial to foster equitable collaboration, leverage ties with Indigenous communities, and prioritize studies led by and requested by local Indigenous groups. By doing so, conservation work in Latin America can become more effective and equitable. [Extracted from the article]

Extant studies have deployed variable-centered methods to examine predictors of children's nutritional status, and few focus on the double burden of malnutrition among young Chinese children. This paper adopts a person-centered approach and leverages data from large samples of Chinese families (the China Health and Nutrition Survey, CHNS 2004–2015, and China Family Panel Studies, CFPS 2010–2018) to examine trends in the prevalence of stunting, overweight, and stuntingoverweight in early childhood. We developed a hierarchical structure of socioeconomic indicators, including region (Eastern-Central-Western), urbanicity (urban-rural), and family socioeconomic status gradient (four quartiles). We assessed relative risks for malnutrition for 24 subgroups of children from varying socioeconomic strata. Results indicate that the prevalence of stunting decreased consistently while the prevalence of being overweight increased first, followed by a decreasing trend. Moreover, a small group of stuntedoverweight children (4.7%) was identified. Data from the CHNS indicated that children from affluent families in the Central region were prone to being overweight. Data from the CFPS indicate that underprivileged groups (children from poor rural families living in Western China) were at higher risk for both undernutrition and overnutrition than their more advantaged peers. The findings suggest that children in poor, rural areas in Western China should be targeted for malnutrition alleviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The book "Urban Design Governance: Soft Powers and the European Experience" by Carmona, Gabrieli, and Bento explores the concept of urban governance and its importance in improving urban design quality. The authors analyze the institutional and economic dimensions of urban governance and provide in-depth case studies in the European context. They highlight the significance of financial dimensions in urban design governance and distinguish between regulatory and informal planning instruments. The book also emphasizes the role of soft power in enhancing governance structures and promoting urban design outcomes. However, it does not address the capacity of urban design governance for wealthy and disadvantaged groups, leaving room for further research in this area. Overall, the book provides valuable insights into the role of governance in creating inclusive and habitable urban environments. [Extracted from the article]