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This paper presents new data derived from pollen, starch and radiocarbon samples that were collected from six Aboriginal earth (oven) mounds and middens on the Calperum and Pike floodplains, Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), South Australia (SA). Analyses of these samples were undertaken in order to enhance our understanding about the Holocene lifeways of Aboriginal people living in this region. The results from these analyses, combined with published data about the mounds' contents, relevant ethno-historical information and climate data, allow us to infer that Aboriginal people adopted, in this region, an innovative food production system about 3800 years ago. Further, we argue that the timing of the change suggests this was in response to adverse El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) related weather patterns and consequently fluctuations in both terrestrial and aquatic food resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is a developing country that has growing responses in the demand of livestock products by increases with population dynamically. In Punjab, Cholistan is an arid and hottest place which considered as notable supply line for mutton and livestock products. The main source of income of nomad pastoralists of Cholistan desert is the livestock rearing including sheep, goats, cattle and camels. Basically, desert of Cholistan is divided into two parts includes greater and lesser Cholistan. Majority of families with their animals are residing in "Toba", it is a source of fresh water made by during natural rainy season is self-made ponds. This study pertains to livestock management practices and marketing pattern in greater and lesser regions of Cholistan desert. For this purpose, field survey was conducted for data collection from representative families residing in the 24 randomly selected "Tobas". A total of 384 households were interviewed through the semistructured questionnaire. Population of cattle and donkey were significantly higher observed in greater Cholistan as compared to lesser Cholistan at household and Toba levels. Camel population was significantly higher reported in lesser Cholistan than the greater Cholistan. Numbers of sold animal were higher (622) in lesser Cholistan compared with greater Cholistan (790). Peak milk production, total milk production and total milk sold liters/day of cattle was significantly higher in greater Cholistan as compared to lesser Cholistan. Simialry, peak and total milk production (liters per animal/day) of camel was more in lesser cholistan as compared to greater Cholistan. Higher percentage of female involvement in livestock was observed more in greater Cholistan as compared to lesser Cholistan. It is concluded that the livestock is the main source of income in region of Cholistan. The scarcity of feed availability and conventional livestock trade methods are the main obstacles to the development livestock production and subsequent improvement in the livelihoods of the farmers. This study will helps in the planning for efficient and sustainable improvements in livestock economy of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transboundary freshwater fish are critical for both biodiversity and community well‐being but face alarming overexploitation in shared rivers. Such rivers greatly aid the livelihood and nutrition of local people on both sides of shared borders. However, a lack of understanding of resource dynamics and utilization patterns hinders sustainable management of resources. We investigated spatiotemporal fish assemblages along the River Atrai, a transboundary river between India and Bangladesh. The socioeconomic status of fishers was quantified from personal interviews and group discussions to estimate the exploitation trajectory of piscine resources. Fish assemblages varied significantly among locations and seasons. Species diversity was highest downstream and lowest upstream. Spatiotemporal fishery exploitation aligned with fish diversity among sites and seasons, with fishers preferring to fish in downstream areas during the post‐monsoon season. Fishers were economically weak, with limited sources of income. Therefore, adequate integrated management plans should be implemented to ensure resource resilience in a transboundary pocket, sustainably supporting the livelihood of concomitant fishers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The paper aims at identifying the underlying factors that differentiate the local people's demographic and socio-economic characteristics, which influence their sense of place (SoP) toward different types of cultural heritage sites in different urban regions. Design/methodology/approach: The paper draws on the sequential explanatory design, using quantitative and qualitative methods, respectively, to investigate the research themes in-depth. A total of 201, 207 and 228 questionnaires were collected on religious, non-religious/memorial and historic commercial buildings, respectively, at two different quarters in Historic Cairo, followed by 20 semi-structured interviews with a representative sample of local people in each quarter. Findings: The authors found an apparent similarity in the significant characteristics that influence the local people's SoP levels toward the different historic buildings at the same quarter and a notable variation between both quarters. Also, many factors determine the local people's influential characteristics on their SoP toward the different cultural heritage sites (e.g. the sites' distance from the person's residence/workplace, economic value, people's awareness about its history, type of activities and targeted gender, feeling of stability and regions' characteristics) Practical implications: Identifying these underlying factors and priority local groups can assist policymakers in ensuring a sustainable management/conservation of the different cultural heritage sites. Originality/value: The paper demonstrates the causality of a significant correlation between local people's characteristics and their SoP levels toward the different types of historic buildings, apart from their religious symbolism or historical value, using the sequential explanatory design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian textile industry, a significant contributor to economic growth, is interconnected with trade, gender and environment. However, it generates significant waste, particularly for women, who bear a disproportionate burden of environmental degradation, given their positioning within the textile manufacturing chain. Trade policies that promote sustainable practices and gender equality can mitigate environmental risks and provide economic opportunities for women. Initiatives like fair trade and eco-labels can ensure women's labour is valued and environmental standards are upheld. Policies that promote women's access to resources, such as land and credit, can contribute to more sustainable and equitable economic development outcomes. India is promoting sustainable trade practices to minimize environmental impacts, including stringent environmental regulations, eco-friendly products and circular technologies. This thematic review of literature study analyzes existing studies on the Indian textile sector, focusing on female workforce, employment types and the relationship among gender, trade and environment. The main finding is the ambiguous linkage among trade and the socio-economic condition of female employees in the Indian textile sector, given its environmental underpinnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems are profound and far-reaching, influencing not only the physiological responses of individual trees but also the ecological services and overall health of forests worldwide. This review synthesises current knowledge on climate change's physiological and ecological implications for forest health, underscoring forests' critical role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity maintenance, water cycle regulation, soil conservation, disaster risk reduction, and climate regulation. Forests, covering about 31% of the Earth's land area, are vital carbon sinks and pivotal in sustaining biodiversity, with over three-quarters of terrestrial biodiversity residing within them. Climate change, characterised by rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, poses significant threats to these ecosystems. These include altered forest structure and function, degradation of soil quality, changes in phenology, increased pest attacks, and heightened susceptibility to wildfires, all of which compromise the forests' ability to deliver essential ecological services. The physiological responses of forests to changing climatic conditions—such as variations in photosynthesis rates, respiration, and water use efficiency—play a key role in determining their health and capacity to support biodiversity and ecosystem services. Changes in abiotic factors like temperature, moisture, O2 and CO2 levels directly affect these physiological processes, subsequently influencing forest productivity and resilience. The review highlights the importance of understanding these dynamic interactions to develop effective forest conservation and climate change mitigation strategies. Moreover, the review delves into the multifaceted impacts of climate change on various ecosystem services provided by forests, including biodiversity support, water cycle regulation, soil conservation, and climate regulation through carbon sequestration. As climate change continues to alter these vital ecosystems, understanding their physiological responses and the consequent effect on ecological services becomes imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of AI in various sectors most especially robotic lawyers in the legal system by some developed countries, has made tasks seamlessly achievable. Uganda has also had its fair share and benefits from the use of AI in various sectors, including the legal sector as it concerns virtual proceedings and virtual meetings. Although, the trending concept of robotic lawyers seems to enhance legal practice, however, the Uganda legal and socio-economic nomenclature, seem to pose restrictions. Concerning this, the study examines the legal and socio-economic issues concerning robotic lawyers practicing in Uganda. The study adopts a doctrinal method, data obtained from primary and secondary sources of material were analyse through a descriptive and analytical approach. The study found that the incorporating of robotic lawyers in Uganda, will provides several prospects. However, there are legal and socio-economic challenges, such as non-legal recognition, and challenges of maintaining and updating robotic lawyers, and it may result in a high level of unemployment. The study concludes and recommends that the concept of robotic lawyers is a welcome development. However, could incorporate robotic lawyers as a means of consultation for legal advice, storage of information, drafting of legal documents, and predicting and analysing legal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aims to examine the impact of the digital economy on sustainable development during international financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current war between Russia and Ukraine. To do this, we collected an annual dataset from 1990 to 2022 for twenty-eight developed and twenty-five developing countries, to identify links between environmental, socio-economic, and proxy indicators of the digital economy. We estimate these links using the Within and GLS methods and use the Hausman (1978) test for individual effects to determine the nature of these links. Our results show that the digital economy has made a positive and significant contribution to sustainable development. For developing countries, mobile technologies have positive and significant effects on sustainable development, whereas, in developed countries, these effects are less elastic. The Internet has a positive and significant effect on the Human Development Index. While trade openness plays a driving role in environmental performance, it has a negative impact on equitable and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study examines the impact of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) rail project on Thailand's logistics and supply chain operations using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Pearson's correlation analysis reveals a negative correlation of −0.3354 for economic factors and a positive correlation of 0.3179 for logistic performance, indicating a moderate to strong negative correlation with the EEC line's progress. Survey results show that 62.30% of respondents live in urban areas of Chonburi or Rayong. Transportation preferences indicate that 72.13% use a single mode, mainly private cars, with public transport rarely used (1.64% daily) and typical travel times of 30 minutes to an hour for 60.66%. Awareness of the HSR project is low, with over 57% unfamiliar, but 54.10% strongly agree on its importance for regional economic growth. Feasibility studies show 54.10% find it highly feasible to use HSR, expecting benefits in job creation, tourism, and business opportunities. Environmental and social concerns suggest affordable pricing, targeted job creation, and support for vulnerable groups to ensure social equity. Recommendations include improving transport integration, fostering economic and social equity, and prioritising environmental sustainability to support Thailand's long-term development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the socio-economic conditions of entrepreneurs that influence the growth of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the South Andaman District. In this study, a scheduled questionnaire-based survey research design was used, and a sample of 344 small business owners was collected for analysis. The data were processed using SPSS, and chi-squared test was applied for statistical analysis. The study's findings revealed that factors such as entrepreneurs' business experience, income levels, the number of working employees and ownership of house property significantly impact the growth of enterprises in the island region. However, factors like business location and sector of enterprises were found to be statistically insignificant in determining MSEs' growth in the island region. The study suggests that policymakers and local administrations should enhance support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in island regions by implementing policies such as island capital investment subsidies and island transport subsidies for MSEs. As a result, small businesses play a pivotal role by contributing to local employment, production and investment opportunities in the island region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates whether the choice of a financial cooperative is influenced by sustainable savings decisions through deposits or shares. The moderating influence of digital financial services (DFS) and an individual's reason for joining a financial cooperative are also investigated. Data are gathered from a cross‐sectional sample of 334 respondents drawn from 86 savings and credit cooperative societies (Saccos) in Kenya. The final sample comprises of 46 deposit‐taking (220 respondents) and 40 non–deposit‐taking (114 respondents) Saccos. Two‐sample tests, correlation and logistic regression analyses are performed to establish the factors influencing Sacco choice. Consistent with the mutual incentives and lifecycle theories, the findings reveal that an individual's choice of a financial cooperative is influenced by individual, as well as socio‐economic and environmental factors. The study finds that the desire to mobilize sustainable deposits is a more important consideration compared to building shares when choosing a Sacco. We further find that DFS are important in choosing a Sacco owing to the increased engagement and transparency associated with them. Other factors influencing Sacco choice include marital status, income levels and household location. The results help inform the focus by Sacco managers, regulators and policy makers in terms of the growth incentives to consider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood obesity is a complex condition resulting from an inter play of genetic predisposition, environmental factors and socio-economic status. The prevalence has been increasing all over the world, probably due to economic transition and rapid urbanization as well as globalisation. This relationship should be well established for Improved Health Planning in Gombe State and Nigeria. Objectives: To establish the prevalence of Childhood Obesity and it`s relationship with the Socio-Economic Status of Parents and guardians. Methodology:Anthropometric measurements of children and adolescents in both public and private schools from primary to secondary levels were taken and their BMI calculated. The socioeconomic statuses of their parents, as well as the lifestyle of the children were assessed. Results: Overweight and obesity were more prevalent in children whose parents belonged to the middle and upper socio-economic class; these children had televisions and computers in their rooms and were driven to school Conclusion: The picture is completely the reverse of what is obtainable in the developed and industrialised nations where overweight and obesity are more prevalent in children of the lower socio-economic class. Authors` contribution: The first author is the lead researcher and is a staff of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe while the second author, a staff of University of Maiduguri is the first supervisor who gave guidelines and made corrections. The second and the third authors are members of staff of the University of Melbourne in Australia; the third author provided a template on which the questionaire was based while the fourth author who is also the second supervisor, is a tutor of the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology; she facilitated the acceptance of the proposal and the sponsorship for the research. The research was carried out in Gombe, the capital of Gombe State in North Eastern Nigeria

Background: Socio- economic factors are known to affect health quality, disease occurrence as well as health-seeking behaviors in several ways. Objectives: To determine the influence of socio-economic factors on awareness of cancer, health- seeking behaviors among parents of children with cancer in a developing country and occurrence of cancer using Burkitt lymphoma as index malignancy. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that involved children with cancer seen over a 2-year period in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Information was obtained by interview through administration of a questionnaire and retrieval of clinical data from patients’ case notes. Results: The caregivers of 91 children (46 boys, 45 girls) were interviewed including 86 biological parents. Majority (84.6%) of the children belonged to the low socio -economic classes 3-5; 45 of 86 parents (52.3%), more likely in parents from higher socio- economic classes, were aware of cancer but only 7 (8.1%) knew it could occur in children. There was no association between Burkitt lymphoma and socio-economic class. Twenty-eight (30.8%) parents of the 91 children visited alternate sources of health care, most commonly traditional healers, followed by religious centers. There was no association between visits to such centers and the parents’ socio-economic status or with presentation with metastatic disease. Conclusions: Awareness of childhood cancer is low among this cohort of parents; their socio- economic status seems to impact on this level of awareness but not on their health-seeking behaviors for their affected children. Focused health education is needed to increase childhood cancer awareness and appropriate health- seeking behavior among the population studied.

This study discusses about the saka sugarcane, like history, sugarcane plantations, and the impact of history of sugar cane industry to people in Nagari Bukik Batabuah District. The research for this thesis employs historical research methods with a socio-economic perspective. The research encompasses four stages: heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Sugarcane plantations have been an enduring tradition passed down through generations. The processing of sugarcane into sugar saka has become a daily routine for the people of Nagari Bukik Batabuah. Since 1975, traditional methods involving buffalo power for sugarcane grinding were still in use. However, in 2010, technological advancements led to increased production, impacting farmers' incomes and subsequently bringing about socio-economic changes within Nagari Bukik Batabuah.

Many ecosystem-based management (EBM) and related applications require integrating geospatial information about socio-economic conditions of human populated areas within a study area. However, integrating socio-economic data in such a way that it can be related to ecological data is challenging due to issues associated with spatial representation between socio-economic and ecological data frameworks. In Canada, this problem is particularly acute given its large geographic size, diversity of environments and highly irregular population distribution. Although several indices have been developed for Canada related to well-being and vulnerability, their suitability for EBM-related applications is limited. This article presents a GIS-based methodology for mapping regional and community vitality index (RVI/CVI) for Canada using standard Census data integrated with the CanEcumene 3.0 Geospatial Database (GDB). The method uses percentile ranks of five sub-indicators of vitality covering population growth, age structure, education, employment and economic wealth. Results reveal a number of notable patterns and trends in socio-economic conditions across the country and across different types of communities and regions. Most notable are decreasing CVI values from economic core regions to rural and remote communities; decreasing scores from high population centres to lower populated areas and lower scores for Indigenous communities when compared with non-Indigenous communities. A series of maps show variation in RVI/CVI values for specific locations with changes over time.

Amidst the transition from agriculture to tourism, ethnic villages are facing issues of "misalignment" and "disequilibrium" between economic growth and cultural heritage conservation. Previous research has often isolated the effects of cultural heritage conservation or socio-economic development, neglecting their reciprocal influences within the coupling coordination. This study addresses this gap by assessing 43 villages in Leishan County, quantifying the preservation status of the cultural landscape (PSCL) and socio-economic level (SEL) using a comprehensive evaluation model and revealing the coupling coordination relationship between PSCL and SEL in each village with the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model. Spatial autocorrelation and the geographical detector model reveal the spatial agglomeration characteristics and influential factors of the CCD. The results highlight three findings. (1) The majority of villages (93%) are in a moderate imbalance stage or a serious imbalance stage, underscoring an urgent need for targeted policies. (2) Spatial autocorrelation analysis exposes significant clustering, with the northwest corner exhibiting the most pronounced high-value aggregation, which contrasts with the southern region's low-value clustering. A 'low–high' clustering pattern is observed in the northern region, while the southwestern corner presents a 'high–low' distribution. (3) Key determinants affecting the CCD include the tourism revenue, tourist volume, resident participation in tourism, village hollowing level, and number of historical buildings. The interactions between driving factors show non-linear and two-factor enhancement effects. This study concludes with policy recommendations advocating for context-specific strategies to enhance the CCD, emphasizing the importance of aligning cultural preservation with economic progress in ethnic villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined slum residents' daily activities for survival, their implications on the environment, and the health of the inhabitants. The narrative design based on the qualitative methodology was deployed among 23 participants for an in-depth qualitative interview. The findings show various socioeconomic activities, such as processed and unprocessed food stuff; unskilled and unskilled labor, undertaken by the slum residents to fend for themselves. Such activities tend to negatively impact the environment in which people live as well as the health of the residents. The findings should be carefully applied to other slum communities with similar characteristics across all contexts. The outcome of the study provides city administrators with practical evidence of environmental pollutants occasioned by slums’ socioeconomic activities and their health implications in a developing country context. The novelty of this research lies in its application of two theoretical frameworks to examine the same slum phenomenon, emphasising the impact on the ecology and health of residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, we are going to propose a novel model to maximize the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) crude oil profit considering various influential variables. It is well known that the unbalanced distribution of oil in some countries along with market power causes the dependence of the economy on oil revenues. Hence, the sensitivity of countries with oil-dependent economies to the oil price and oil supply shocks is high. OPEC members control more than half of the world's known oil reserves. Therefore, awareness of the optimum oil supply of each member country according to proper influential variables is crucial. In this regard, this study uses linear integer optimization and also panel data models to investigate the behavior of the OPEC concerning selected socio-economic variables. Reported results point out that the oil price cannot be the only factor affecting the OPEC oil supply, but also the political, social, and cultural variables should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, this study sought to evaluate the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a Conditional Cash Transfer programme, on enhancing maternal health awareness, utilisation patterns, and perceived health benefits among expectant and nursing mothers. Method: To acquire further in-depth understanding, a mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative interviews with 200 beneficiaries and a quantitative survey. Sociodemographic factors, knowledge of PMMVY, benefit use, and satisfaction levels were all included in the study. Result: There is a substantial information gap about PMMVY (62% ignorant). Although 59% of respondents were satisfied with the plan, the causes of their discontent were also investigated. For many (53%), the monetary benefits had a favourable impact on health outcomes; the money was spent on medications and food. Conclusion: To close the knowledge gap, the study emphasises the necessity of focused awareness efforts and enhanced communication. Modifying interventions to target needs and fortify family support can improve PMMVY's capacity to improve maternal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study used repeated cross-sectional data from three national surveys in Vietnam to determine tobacco smoking prevalence from 2010 to 2020 and disparities among demographic and socioeconomic groups. Methods: Tobacco smoking temporal trends were estimated for individuals aged 15 and over and stratified by demographic and socioeconomic status (SES). Prevalence estimates used survey weights and 95% confidence intervals. Logistic regression models adjusted for survey sample characteristics across time were used to examine trends. Results: Tobacco smoking prevalence dropped from 23.8% in 2010 to 22.5% in 2015 and 20.8% in 2020. The adjusted OR for 2015 compared to 2010 was 0.87, and for 2020 compared to 2010 was 0.69. Smoking decreased less for employed individuals than unemployed individuals in 2020 compared to 2010. Smoking was higher in the lower SES group in all 3 years. Higher-SES households have seen a decade-long drop in tobacco use. Conclusion: This prevalence remained constant in lower SES households. This highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges faced by lower-SES smokers and emphasizes the importance of further research to inform effective policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the socio-economic aspects of crab fisheries in Maginti Island, West Muna Regency. Data collection was carried out from March 2021 to December 2023. The data collected were the socio-economic aspects of crab fisheries, including the level of community education, the number of fishermen, income from crab fishing, crab production 2017 - 2023, crab prices during 2017-2023, and the crab trade supply chain. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with stakeholders, including 62-74 fishermen, three local collectors, and two district-level collectors. Interviews were directly conducted with an open-ended question system based on data needs. Data analysis was carried out with a descriptive-quantitative approach. The study results showed that in the social aspect, crab fishermen's education is dominated by elementary school (S.D.) graduates, namely 61.29% in 2017 and 60.81% in 2023. In the economic aspect, most fishermen have a net income ranging from 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 IDR/month, which was affected by fluctuations in BSC prices. Crab prices from fishermen to collectors tend to fluctuate throughout 2017-2023. The average price of crabs per kg was 32,083.33 IDR in 2017, 36,166.67 IDR in 2018, 30,750 IDR in 2019, 23,750 IDR in 2020, 64,666.67 IDR in 2021, 31,083.33 IDR in 2022, and 44,791.67 IDR in 2023. Price fluctuations occurred since BSC fisheries in Maginti Island are part of the global fisheries supply chain that reaches the international market to America, China, and others. Fluctuations in the global BSC prices not only affected the prices locally but could increase fishermen's income by up to 11.25% which is >2,000,000 IDR/month from 2017-2023. The increase in income indicates that BSC fisheries in Maginti Island have supported the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), specifically SDGs-1, namely no poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watersheds are areas that hydrologically have the capacity to drain water, conservation areas, drain water gradually, maintain water quality and reduce mass discharges, and can also be utilized for socio-economic purposes. Improper management and over-utilization of natural resources in the watershed can lead to damage and criticality of the surrounding area. As is the case with the Poleang watershed, due to population growth and activities to fulfill economic needs, it is able to change the function of forests in the Poleang watershed area to other uses that can reduce the quality of the Poleang watershed, therefore monitoring and evaluating watershed management performance is needed. Watershed monitoring and evaluation is carried out to assess watershed support capacity based on the watershed monitoring and evaluation method according to PERMENHUT RI No. P.61/MENHUT-II/2014. In this study, the performance of the Poleang watershed was analyzed by assessing the performance of the watershed based on its socio-economic carrying capacity. Based on the results of the analysis of socio-economic carrying capacity parameters, it was found that social criteria in the form of population pressure on agricultural areas were in the high category, from economic criteria it was found that the population welfare index was in moderate condition, and institutions through the existence and enforcement of laws in the good category. Based on the assessment of the condition of these three criteria, the socio-economic carrying capacity of the Poleang watershed is in the good category with a value of 83.75. which means that the socio-economic conditions of the community are classified as good with the current condition of the Poleang watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring cultural diversity and socio-economic factors offers a holistic approach to fostering sustainable safety practices within the construction industry. This study investigates the relationship between cultural and socio-economic factors and their influence on safety practices within the construction industry, focusing specifically on Saudi Arabian construction. Employing a comparative research design, data were gathered through a questionnaire distributed among various stakeholders, including construction workers, safety officers, project managers, supervisors, and other professionals involved in construction projects. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to analyze the relationships between cultural, socio-economic, and safety practices. The findings showed significant associations of cultural and socio-economic factors with safety practices and attitudes. Specifically, positive workplace norms and values, effective communication styles, higher income levels, and better education and literacy levels were found to positively influence adherence to safety guidelines and the effectiveness of training programs. Conversely, job insecurity exhibited a negative impact on safety-related outcomes and training effectiveness. This study demonstrates the importance of fostering a positive safety culture within organizations, emphasizing leadership commitment, effective communication, and employee engagement. It also highlights the significance of addressing socio-economic factors, such as job security, income levels, and education, to promote a safer work environment and enhance safety practices. Practical implications derived from the research findings offer actionable insights for organizations to develop targeted interventions aimed at improving sustainable safety practices and training effectiveness within the construction industry in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition deficiency is commonly observed in lactating mothers and is a rising trend in India due to improper dietary patterns, physiological factors, socio-economic and demographic factors. The aim was to study the nutritional status and its related factors among lactating mothers in the urban areas of Delhi region, India. A structured, pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used to capture the socio-demographic information, including economical and medical conditions, of 150 lactating women in Delhi, India. Pearson correlation coefficient and association of various factors were determined. 72.5 per cent of women were in the age bracket of 20–25 years and in low-income group (70 per cent). The prevalence of underweight was 21.33 per cent, and the mean and SD of body mass index (BMI) of mothers were 19.17 ± 2.1 and 20.70 ± 2.3 for sedentary and moderate workers, respectively. There were significant correlations found between BMI, energy, carbohydrates, fat and protein intake (p <.05). Multivariate regression model was used to associate the nutrition of participants' income group, education, type of work, age of mothers and frequency of meals. Based on the results, intervention programmes for dietary correction and the effect of nutrition on the body have to be emphasised to lactating mothers for better health and nutritional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) is an important ecological barrier in the Yangtze River Basin, China. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the spatio-temporal variation and the driving factors of production-living-ecological spaces for sustainable and high-quality development in the TGRA. This study investigated the dynamic variation of production-living-ecological spaces in the TGRA by employing land use data in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2018, and detected the influencing factors by using the Geographic detector (GeoDetector). Results implied that the structure and dynamic trajectories of production-living-ecological spaces in the TGRA varied in both horizontal and vertical directions, and the study area was dominated by ecological space. A spatial orientation towards the northeast was detected in the evolution of production-living-ecological spaces during 2000–2018. In terms of quantity, the transition from ecological space (grassland and woodland) to agriculture land accounted for the largest proportion from 2000 to 2018. However, the reverse transition from agriculture land to ecological space has increased since 2000 with the efforts of “Grain for Green”. In terms of temporal scale, there was a fluctuating trend in production space with the continuous expansion of living space, while ecological space showed an inverted U-shaped trend during 2000–2018. The dynamic pattern of production-living-ecological spaces in the TGRA was influenced by both physical and socio-economic variables as basic determinants and dominant driving factors, respectively. Finally, the harmonization and protection of production-living-ecological spaces still require policy-makers’ efforts. This work may have potential in advancing our understanding about land use conflicts, and provide a reference for rational layout of spatial functions and the realization of sustainable development in the TGRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture is the world's fastest‐growing food‐producing sector, making it a significant contributor to food and nutrition security for the globally growing human population. Nevertheless, its long‐term growth is limited by the effects of climate change. Aquaculture in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), which is dominated by small‐scale fish farming, is increasingly threatened by climate change, which has a substantial influence on its productivity and scalability. In this context, the present research looks at the socio‐economic consequences of climate change on small‐scale fish producers in SSA, as well as potential adaptation techniques to the effects of climate change. A clear understanding of these socio‐economic repercussions of climate change is critical for developing effective strategies to reduce future impacts and safeguard aquaculture‐based livelihoods. Furthermore, understanding the socio‐economic consequences of climate change on communities dependent on aquaculture is important for advising policymakers and decision‐makers on formulating and implementing policies that sustain aquaculture production amidst the climate change crisis. This article suggests various adaptation strategies to increase resilience to climate change, including diversification of livelihoods and species, use and incorporation of local and indigenous knowledge, shifting to aquaculture species less vulnerable to changing climatic conditions, capacity building through aquaculture insurance schemes, continued fish supply from capture fisheries, and consolidation of equity and human rights concerns. These adaptive methods, when combined, have the potential to enhance outcomes for populations who are more susceptible owing to their unstable socio‐economic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pragmatics, study of how context influences interpretation of meaning, "on record" and "off record" strategies play crucial roles in communication. These strategies are part of the politeness theory developed by Penelope Brown and Levinson. This study uses Brown & Levinson's Politeness Theory to study politeness tactics used in familial interactions in Sialkot, Pakistan. Thus, surveying 40 families from urban and rural areas, the research uses a mixed-methods approach to examine the effects of gender, socioeconomic status & cultural norms. The results show complex communication dynamics where politeness techniques are shaped by societal and gendered factors. Rural families take a diversified approach, whereas urban families tend to communicate on-record. The study revealed that effective communication involves a balance between on record and off record strategies, depending on context, the relationship amid speaker and listener, and potential facethreatening nature of communication. The study provides significant and leading outcomes about pragmatics and further highlights the significance of realizing cultural subtleties in familial interaction & proposes directions for future studies that will use multimodal analytic approaches & examine regional variances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community empowerment programs aim to empower farmers by providing them access to the resources, training, technology, and support needed to increase agricultural productivity, increase income, and achieve agricultural desires. However, the success of such programs highly depends on the active participation of farmers. Factors influencing farmer participation in the NCEP program were analyzed using a binary logistic regression approach using STATA (Statistics and Data). Several factors are thought to influence farmer participation in the NCEP program, namely age, education level, income level, community meetings, participation in cooperatives, and participation in savings and loans. The results of the analysis show that what is influential at the 1% error level are the variables education, community meetings, and participation in savings and loans. Meanwhile, the influence at the 5% error level is the cooperative variable. Further efforts are needed regarding outreach to farmers who have not participated in the program and the government is expected to create a special strategy to attract farmers' interest in joining and participating in the Community Empowerment National Program (NCEP), so that farmer welfare and productivity can be achieved. In addition, it is suggested that cooperatives and savings and loans actively provide easy access to information and capital as well as increase their activities to support farmers in implementing the NCEP program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports analysis of data from a household survey concerning water conservation behaviour in Kuwait. Econometric models were used for nine conservation measures, The models were estimated for nationals and expatriates. The results revealed that households made efforts to conserve water by changing habits/practices. The results failed to support the theory of planned behaviour as water conservation campaign had no effect on households' water conservation. Awareness about environment and water conservation did not result in pro-conservation behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallholder farmers in South Africa are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, posing significant threats to their livelihoods and food security. This systematic literature review investigates the several impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers across the country. The literature review used a systematic approach to search for relevant research across three academic databases such as Google scholar, Consensus, and Zendy. Based on the inclusion criteria for the literature review, 261 articles were initially screened, and 35 articles were included in the systematic review. This process helped to identify the most relevant and high-quality studies on the topic. The data extracted from the 35 articles were analyzed and synthesized to identify the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. This helped to identify commonalities and differences across the literature, and to draw conclusions about the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The study identified and examined the specific challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including the loss of livestock, reduced crop yields and heightened economic hardship. Additionally, the review explores the coping strategies employed by farmers to mitigate these challenges and adapt to the evolving climatic conditions. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms aimed at enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices amidst the challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, the study provides valuable recommendations for policymakers, agriculturalists, and other stakeholders to address the identified issues and support smallholder farmers in adapting to climate change.

Purpose: This research aims to evaluate the socio-economic sustainability of 12 coastal tourism destinations in North Jakarta, recognized since 2011, by assessing their levels of social and economic sustainability. Method: The study uses a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach, employing scoring analysis techniques. Data were collected through observations and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key informants from the 12 coastal tourism destinations in North Jakarta. Result: The scoring-based evaluation ranked the 12 destinations based on their socio-economic sustainability performance. Four areas—Kelapa Gading, Sunda Kelapa, Tanjung Priok, and Ancol—were categorized as highly sustainable, while Bahtera Jaya Yacht Club was identified as the least socio-economically sustainable. Overall, the 12 coastal tourism destinations in North Jakarta were classified as fairly sustainable from a socio-economic perspective. Practical Implications for Economic Growth and Development: This study identifies key areas for enhancing socio-economic sustainability in 12 coastal tourism destinations, which can inform policy and investment decisions to boost local economies and stimulate growth in surrounding sectors such as creative industries, trade, and services, by promoting local products and increasing income for local businesses.

BackgroundInsecticide-treated net (ITN) use is among the most recommended strategies to prevent malaria in pregnancy. We analysed the regional and socio-economic patterns of ITN use among pregnant women in Kenya using data from the 2003, 2008 and 2014 Kenyan Demographic and Health Surveys (KDHSs).MethodsInequality was assessed using four dimensions: economic status, education, place of residence and region. Both relative and absolute summary measures were applied. In addition, simple and complex summary measures, i.e. difference, population attributable fraction, population attributable risk and ratio were considered based on the number of subgroups in each variable.ResultsThere was overt inequality in the use of ITNs among pregnant women, with greater use among the better-off group in 2003 and 2014. Greater ITN use was also observed among pregnant women with a higher level of education. Pregnant women from urban settings tended to use ITNs (slept under a net the night before the survey) more than their rural counterparts in the 2003 KDHS. There were significant regional variations across the three surveys in all inequality summary measures, except ratio in the 2014 survey.ConclusionsSignificant inequality in ITN use among pregnant women was observed at a macro scale.

The study intended to address a knowledge gap by examining the group dynamics effectiveness of Self Help Groups in the Ethiopian context. A correlational design was applied and 372 Self Help Groups members were selected from 60 SHGs through simple random sampling. The main data analysis methods used were Pearson's product-moment correlation and multiple regression. The result indicated that the attitude (r=.667, p

Abstract Background The accessibility of pharmacies has been associated with overall health and wellbeing. Past studies have suggested that low income and racial minority communities are underserved by pharmacies. However, the literature is inconsistent in finding links between area-level income or racial and ethnic composition and access to pharmacies. Here we aim to assess area-level spatial access to pharmacies across New York State (NYS), hypothesizing that Census Tracts with higher poverty rates and higher percentages of Black and Hispanic residents would have lower spatial access. Methods The population weighted mean shortest road network distance (PWMSD) to a pharmacy in 2018 was calculated for each Census Tract in NYS. This statistic was calculated from the shortest road network distance to a pharmacy from the centroid of each Census block within a tract, with the mean across census blocks weighted by the population of the census block. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted to assess links between Tract-level socio demographic characteristics and Tract-level PWMSD to a pharmacy. Results Overall the mean PWMSD to a pharmacy across Census tracts in NYS was 2.07 Km (SD = 3.35, median 0.85 Km). Shorter PWMSD to a pharmacy were associated with higher Tract-level % poverty, % Black/African American (AA) residents, and % Hispanic/Latino residents and with lower Tract-level % of residents with a college degree. Compared to tracts in the lowest quartile of % Black/AA residents, tracts in the highest quartile had a 70.7% (95% CI 68.3–72.9%) shorter PWMSD to a pharmacy. Similarly, tracts in the highest quartile of % poverty had a 61.3% (95% CI 58.0-64.4%) shorter PWMSD to a pharmacy than tracts in the lowest quartile. Conclusion The analyses show that tracts in NYS with higher racial and ethnic minority populations and higher poverty rates have higher spatial access to pharmacies.

This study aimed to look at socio-economic aspects of grant cancellation in urban communities by analyzing the considerations of the Medan Religious Court judge. This research was a normative legal research by analyzing decision No: 887/Pdt.G/2009/PA. Mdn and decision No. 249/Pdt.G/2010/PA. Mdn uses the theory of maslahah. The results of this study showed that the judge, in giving the decision to cancel the grant, does not consider socio-economic aspects; the judge looks more at formal considerations only. The social aspect that occurred in the year of the acquisition of property was not taken into consideration by the judge; this was very detrimental for those who acquired property before 1974 and also for those who did not have sufficient access to information regarding formal requirements. On the other hand, the judge also did not consider how long the property was managed; some assets had been managed for years and had high economic value. Of course, this can be detrimental to those who have acquired the property for many years and have managed it. However, due to limited knowledge of formal requirements, the property can be manipulated into dispute. Even though socially, the property has been owned for many years and used by the community. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat aspek sosio-ekonomi pembatalan hibah di masyarakat perkotaan dengan menganalisis pertimbangan hakim Pengadilan Agama Medan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian hukum normatif dengan menganalisis putusan No: 887/Pdt.G/2009/PA.Mdn dan putusan No. 249/Pdt.G/2010/PA.Mdn menggunakan teori maslahah. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa hakim dalam memberikan putusan pembatalan hibah tidak mempertimbangkan aspek sosia-ekonomi; hakim lebih melihat pertimbangan formal saja. Aspek sosial yang terjadi pada tahun perolehan hibah tidak dipertimbangkan oleh hakim; Ini sangat merugikan bagi mereka yang memperoleh hibah sebelum tahun 1974 dan juga bagi mereka yang tidak memiliki akses yang cukup terhadap informasi mengenai persyaratan formal. Di sisi lain, hakim juga tidak mempertimbangkan berapa lama hibah itu dikelola. Beberapa aset telah dikelola selama bertahun-tahun dan memiliki nilai ekonomi tinggi. Tentu saja, ini dapat merugikan mereka yang telah memperoleh hibah selama bertahun-tahun dan telah mengelolanya. Namun, karena pengetahuan yang terbatas tentang persyaratan formal, hibah sering dimanipulasi menjadi sengketa. Padahal secara sosial, hibah tersebut telah dimiliki selama bertahun-tahun dan digunakan oleh masyarakat.

The metaverse, a digital realm blending virtual environments with reality, holds immense potential across sectors. In Nigeria, understanding its implications necessitates exploration from various angles. Firstly, the legal landscape demands scrutiny, with existing regulations evaluated for their applicability and efficacy. Secondly, socio-economic considerations assume paramount importance, given the metaverse's potential to reshape societal norms and economic activities. Concerning this, the employ a hybrid research methodology that focus on the potentials of metaverse's emergence, legal framework, and socio-economic effects within Nigeria. 308 questionnaire were distribute to respondents residing in Nigeria. The collected data underwent descriptive and analytical analysis. The findings underscore that permitting the operation of the metaverse in Nigeria holds promise for enhancing the nation's economy and facilitating digital interactions. However, the study also reveals potential pitfalls notably that the existing legal framework may prove insufficient in addressing the unique challenges posed by the metaverse. Moreover, the metaverse's transformative impact on the Nigerian economy may carry adverse consequences. Consequently, the study concludes by recommending the imperative need for a novel legal framework tailored to address the distinctive intricacies presented by the metaverse for its effective operation in Nigeria.

This study examines the impact of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) rail project on Thailand’s logistics and supply chain operations using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Pearson’s correlation analysis reveals a negative correlation of −0.3354 for economic factors and a positive correlation of 0.3179 for logistic performance, indicating a moderate to strong negative correlation with the EEC line’s progress. Survey results show that 62.30% of respondents live in urban areas of Chonburi or Rayong. Transportation preferences indicate that 72.13% use a single mode, mainly private cars, with public transport rarely used (1.64% daily) and typical travel times of 30 minutes to an hour for 60.66%. Awareness of the HSR project is low, with over 57% unfamiliar, but 54.10% strongly agree on its importance for regional economic growth. Feasibility studies show 54.10% find it highly feasible to use HSR, expecting benefits in job creation, tourism, and business opportunities. Environmental and social concerns suggest affordable pricing, targeted job creation, and support for vulnerable groups to ensure social equity. Recommendations include improving transport integration, fostering economic and social equity, and prioritising environmental sustainability to support Thailand’s long-term development goals.

The study aimed to analyze women’s roles in stabilizing their families to improve their conditions during the pandemic. Women have encountered setbacks as they take care of their families in the wake of the pandemic that has adversely affected people’s livelihoods. It employs qualitative research methods and a descriptive study design to ascertain the role women play in improving the welfare of their families during the pandemic. It employs online survey questions and virtual interviews to collect data from a sample size of 100 randomly selected women. The study reveals that women play essential roles in enhancing the hygiene and cleanliness of their homes and children throusgh sanitization and regular washing of hands. They also take leadership and headship of the family following the incapacitation of their spouses by the COVID-19 disease; provide for the family’s basic needs, and provide psycho-social support as caregivers to their affected and infected family members. There is also a need to assist women struggling to protect the interest of their family and their livelihoods during the pandemic to emancipate them from the hurdles that have for a long time hindered them from realizing improved living standards.

ABSTRACTTo restore the degraded watersheds, the government of Ethiopia has recently introduced and adopted participatory natural resources management (PNRM) in different regions of the country. This study aimed at investigating the effects of the various independent variables derived from demographic, socio-economic, biophysical, institutional, and cognitive factors on the perceptions and the attitudes of local people towards the PNRM introduced in the Jemma Watershed, North Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia. Semi-structured questionnaire comprised of closed- and open-ended questions was developed and administered to a total of n = 420 random households in five purposely selected Kebeles of the Jemma Watershed. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression techniques were used to analyze and interpret the household survey data. The descriptive results revealed that majority of the respondents (92.19%) agreed that they had the responsibility to protect and manage the natural resources in the Jemma Watershed. Consequently, about 83% of the respondents had already accepted the PNRM program introduced in the study watershed. The results of the multiple linear regression models revealed that several independent variables derived from demographic, socioeconomic, institutional, and cognitive factors had significant effects on the perceptions of the local people towards ‘the concept of PNRM’ (68% variance explained), ‘the presence of PNRM practice’ (61% variance explained), and ‘the problems with the existing PNRM system’ (72% variance explained). The study further uncovered that several independent variables derived from demographic, socioeconomic, institutional, and cognitive factors significantly affected the attitudes of the local people towards ‘managing the natural resources through participatory approach’ (63% variance explained), ‘having the responsibility to protect and manage the natural resources’ (75% variance explained), and ‘accepting the concept and the practice of the PNRM’ (65% variance explained). As there are still some respondents who are yet unsure to fully accept PNRM, creating public awareness on the PNRM and integrated watershed management program and practice is crucial to alleviate the problems of deforestation and land degradation, thereby enhancing the sustainable use of the natural resources in the Jemma Watershed.

Based on the driving force-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) model, 19 indicators were selected to construct a comparison between Zhuhai and Macao, two adjacent cities at the estuary of the Pearl River in China, which have different development models and water resource sustainable development strategies. Factors that may affect the sustainability of water resources were screened and placed according to the relationships of the five subsystems in the DPSIR model, establishing a sustainable evaluation model for water resources in the two cities. The results analyzed by Principal Component Analysis and Entropy methods showed that (1) Zhuhai City was greatly affected by the driving force, while Macao was greatly affected by the state system from 2012 to 2021. (2) From the trend changes, it can be seen that, in recent years, the water resources of the two cities have been moving towards sustainable development, and the management and protection of water resources have achieved remarkable results. From the evaluation results, it can be seen that implementing urban water-saving activities, strengthening the proportion of environmental water conservancy, public measures in public investment, upgrading sewage treatment machinery to improve sewage treatment rates, and other measures can effectively improve the current situation of water resources in both regions. In the future, the Zhuhai and Macao cities may continue to face a series of water resource pressures brought on by socio-economic developments. Therefore, an active adjustment of the development of the measurement of controlling wastewater discharge and saving water resources was proposed, adhering to the direction of sustainable development, and ensuring the benign development of socio-economic conditions and the ecological environment. This study can provide data to support regional water resource security and policy formulation with different political systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]