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Ensuring equitable access to health services is crucial for public welfare and social equity, and is a key objective of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, existing datasets often define hospital accessibility using travel time to hospitals in geographic dimension only, without considering the supply (hospital capacity) and demand (population distribution) dynamics. To overcome this limitation, we developed and validated a national-scale 1 km map of both hospital travel time and hospital accessibility in China. We used the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (Ga2SFCA) model to calculate hospital accessibility, incorporating hospital capacity and service population. Various file types and statistical indicators are provided, making the dataset highly accessible for non-specialists. The dataset fills the gap in publicly available nationwide hospital accessibility data for China and can serve as a critical tool in optimizing resource allocation and developing targeted strategies to improve healthcare equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goaf instability poses significant hazards, affecting mine safety and public welfare. This study aims to evaluate the risk of goaf instability to enhance safety measures in mining operations. Thirteen key indicators were identified to construct a comprehensive evaluation index system. By integrating game theory, we combined subjective and objective weights to develop a constant weight model, which was subsequently improved by considering data distribution characteristics to develop a local variable weight model. The variable weight intervals were determined through cumulative frequency analysis of normalized factor indices, and the Monte Carlo method was employed to define weight adjustment parameters. Using the cloud model, we assessed the instability risk of goafs. Our results indicate that the variable weight model provides higher evaluation accuracy compared to the constant weight model, offering clearer and more distinguishable membership degrees for the evaluation outcomes, suggesting its potential for more precise risk assessments in mining operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports a meta-analysis of 58 peer-reviewed studies investigating on dorsoventral hyperflexion of the neck in horses, a practice under substantial public and scientific scrutiny for the past two decades. The following databases were last searched on 28.05.2023: CAB, Google Scholar, Web of Science, NAL/Agricola, PubMed and ScienceDirect. After evaluating the conclusions of each study, we performed statistical analyses to establish a consensus on welfare and performance (performance marks, kinematics and musculoskeletal) outcomes in horses performing with a hyperflexed head and neck posture (HNP). The analysis revealed that a significant majority of the articles (75% of n = 36; Z = 3.00; P>|Z|=0.0027) expressed concerns about the welfare of horses working in this posture. Parameters such as dressage training level, prior experience, duration, and method of achieving the hyperflexed posture did not influence welfare concern conclusions significantly (P > 0.1). Therefore, it appears that the practice impairs welfare regardless of how it is imposed. A concurrent assessment of the weight of evidence for performance benefits showed inconclusive results: approximately one-quarter of the studies showed benefits and one-quarter detrimental effects, while the largest proportion (44%) showed no significant effect on performance. On balance, it appears that the costs associated with hyperflexed HNPs exceed potential benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menstruators facing period poverty often struggle with menstrual hygiene and waste management, which can result in harmful short- and long-term health outcomes such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and vulvar contact dermatitis. Research indicates that 42% of menstruators in the United States have difficulty affording period products. Traditional methods of distributing period products through social services may unintentionally undermine menstruators' agency, leading to disempowerment and inefficient resource allocation. Period product pantries are a novel approach aimed at addressing period poverty, inequity, and inadequate menstrual health education in the United States. Objectives: This paper aims to examine the development, organization, and implementation of two distinct period product pantry networks in Ohio and New York. It seeks to compare the advantages and challenges of grassroots versus nonprofit-led models and to provide practical insights for future pantry operators. Design: The study examines two models of period product pantries: a grassroots effort led by three local residents in Ohio and an initiative spearheaded by a nonprofit organization in New York. The design includes a comparative analysis of both models' organization, funding methods, and operational structures. Methods: The authors gathered data on the construction, operation, and usage of two pantry networks, focusing on factors such as accessibility, community engagement, and sustainability. The study employed a combination of qualitative methods, including interviews with organizers, and a review of organizational documents to analyze the effectiveness and scalability of each model. Results: Both pantry networks increased accessibility to period products in low socioeconomic neighborhoods, which are disproportionately affected by period poverty. The grassroots model, while resource-limited, fostered strong community ties and local engagement. The nonprofit-led model benefited from dedicated staff and a more stable funding structure but faced bureaucratic challenges. Despite their differences, both models demonstrated the potential to empower menstruators by preserving their dignity and autonomy. Conclusions: Period product pantries represent an innovative and equitable approach to addressing period poverty and inequity. The analysis of the two models offers valuable insights for organizations and individuals interested in establishing similar initiatives. While each model has its unique benefits and challenges, both are effective in empowering menstruators and providing accessible menstrual hygiene products to those in need. Registration: Not applicable. Plain language summary: Fighting for menstrual equity through period product pantries Period product pantries are a new way to help people who can't afford period products and don't have enough education about menstrual health in the U.S. Many people who experience period poverty, or trouble getting products like pads and tampons, also face barriers to staying clean and managing period waste. This can cause health issues like infections. About 42% of people who get periods in the U.S. say they've had trouble paying for these products. Period product pantries are different from older methods of getting free products, like through social services, because they let people get what they need without feeling embarrassed or losing their sense of control. This paper looks at two types of period pantries: one started by three local people in Ohio and another run by a nonprofit group in New York. Both help people in neighborhoods where it's hard to afford period products. The paper talks about how these pantries were set up, how they are funded, and what worked well or didn't. The goal is to show how these pantries can be a good, fair way to help people while giving advice to others who might want to start their own pantries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The analysis of health expenditure and its structure takes on a critical significance in national health policy research, and the public welfare of national health undertakings can be manifested by the government's investment in health. In this study, the aim was to analyze total health care costs, the structure of health financing, and the government's investment in health, so as to provide a reference for China's health policy adjustment. Methods: Description and cluster analysis were conducted using R language to analyze total health care costs and the structure of health financing of 31 regions in China between 1990 and 2020 to gain insights into the temporal and spatial changes total health care costs and the structure of health financing in China. The government's investment in health was analyzed using description and abundance heatmap to know the temporal and spatial changes of the government's health investment. Results: The total health expenditure per capita reached 5112.3 yuan in 2020, and the total health expenditure accounted for 7.10% of GDP. The government health expenditure took up a significantly lower share of the total health expenditure in 1993–2006 (17.09% [16.30,17.88]), whereas it has been nearly 30% (29.56% [28.73,30.3]) over the past few years. As to 31 regions in China, the government health expenditure per total health expenditure reached 67.94% in Tibet, whereas a level of 27.866% (25.629–30.103) were maintained in other regions. Beijing and Shanghai have achieved over 50.00% of social health expenditure per total health expenditure in recent five years, it was significantly higher than other regions. The per capita government expenditure as a fraction of GDP of Tibet (6.842%) was the highest region in 2011–2019, while Jiangsu (only 0.937%) was the lowest region. Conclusions: Sustainable increases in total health expenditure as a percent of GDP take on a critical significance to adequate health financing. Equity in health financing has been insufficient in China, and spatial and temporal differences of China's health financing structure are significant. The region' governments should adjust policy based on typical regions to weaken the differences. Highlights: • Policy-oriented health systems is clear and firm in China's new healthcare reform. • Health financing structure tends to be consistent with international standards. • Equity in health financing has been insufficient, and spatial and temporal differences of China's health financing structure are significant. • The region' governments should adjust policy to weaken the differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes data from A-share listed companies between 2011 and 2020 to empirically investigate the impact and mechanism of public welfare donations on the internal income gap of enterprises. The research findings indicate that public welfare donations significantly increase the per capita salary of management, while their impact on the per capita salary of ordinary employees is not significant, thus leading to an expansion of the internal income gap within enterprises. The results from mechanism testing reveal that the income tax benefits resulting from charitable donations and the rise in corporate operating income have contributed to an increase in excess rent shared by enterprises and employees. Due to a stronger bargaining power, management shares more excess rents, thereby widening the income gap within the enterprise. Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that public welfare donations have a greater impact on the internal income gap of non-state-owned enterprises; however, limiting executive compensation and enhancing employees' bargaining power can mitigate this widening effect caused by public welfare donations on enterprise's internal income gap. The research value of this study is threefold. Firstly, there is a scarcity of studies on the impact of public welfare donations on the income gap within enterprises, and this study contributes to enriching the research in this area. Secondly, this paper examines the effect of tax incentives for public welfare donations on the internal income gap of enterprises, thereby deepening the research on the impact of tax reduction and fee reduction, as well as expanding our understanding of corporate income tax preferential policies. Thirdly, it offers insights into improving enterprise compensation systems and enhancing corporate governance. Senior executives can potentially allocate more excess rent through their strong bargaining power. If their compensation remains unrestricted, it may lead to a widening internal income gap and negatively affect company operational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a theoretical framework for analysing corporate responsibility through the lens of critical state theory, focusing on the dynamic interplay between state and business. Traditionally, corporate responsibility is seen as voluntary corporate actions for public welfare. However, it is increasingly viewed as integral to business strategy and subject to regulatory oversight. Utilizing Jessop's strategic-relational approach, this study underscores the state's role in structuring corporate behaviour, revealing how shifts in political elite networks influence corporate responsibility practices. A historical analysis of early modern China highlights these dynamics within specific national contexts characterized by developmentalism and authoritarianism, demonstrating the profound impact of state-business symbiosis on corporate responsibility. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of corporate responsibility in diverse political and economic settings, demonstrating how state power, corporate influence, and social welfare are mutually reinforcing and shaped by broader socio-political dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-resident fathers are rarely researched from a critical perspective. Becoming a non-resident father often results in major dislocation, presenting challenges and hindrances to a meaningful relationship with children. Dislocation is increased by the involvement of the family court, legal issues, false abuse allegations, and ex-partners. Changing family configurations may marginalize non-resident fathers, with their own perspectives, voices, and lack of power remaining largely unmapped. This paper identifies what hinders non-resident fathers' relationships with their children from a critical and Australian perspective. In-depth interviews using open-ended questions with 19 non-resident fathers were used to collect data, followed by a five-step critical thematic analysis to focus on the locus of power. Non-resident fathers' perceptions included a lack of agency and decision-making power; the mother, legal obstacles, and agencies hindered their desired relationships with children. Hindrances were magnified by descriptions of false allegations and IPV from the ex-partner and/or her agents, resulting in a sense of marginalization, silencing, and disempowerment. Australian non-resident fathers in this study identified that desired relationships with their children were hindered by the roles of legal and welfare services, policing, and their ex-partners. The highlighting of these issues points to ways that non-resident fathers with similar experiences of a lack of agency and decision-making power might be better supported by more streamlined and balanced legal processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Value chain interventions have become widespread throughout the international development sector over the last 20 years, and there is a need to evaluate their effectiveness in improving women's welfare across multiple dimensions. Agricultural value chains are influenced by socio‐cultural norms and gender dynamics that have an impact on the distribution of resources, benefits, and access to opportunities. While women play a critical role in agriculture, they are generally confined to the least‐valued parts of the value chain with the lowest economic returns, depending on the local, social and institutional contexts. Objectives: The review assesses the effectiveness of approaches, strategies and interventions focused on women's engagement in agricultural value chains that lead to women's economic empowerment in low‐ and middle‐income countries. It explores the contextual barriers and facilitators that determine women's participation in value chains and ultimately impact their effectiveness. Search Methods: We searched completed and on‐going studies from Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection (Social Sciences Citation Index [SSCI], Science Citation Index Expanded [SCI‐EXPANDED], Conference Proceedings Citation Index – Science [CPCI‐S], Conference Proceedings Citation Index – Social Science & Humanities [CPCI‐SSH], and Emerging Sources Citation Index [ESCI]), International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, EconLit, Business Source Premier, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane, Database of Systematic Reviews, CAB Abstracts and Sociological Abstracts. We also searched relevant websites such as Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR); the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); AgriProFocus; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF); Donor Committee for Enterprise Development; the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO); the International Labour Organisation (ILO); the Netherlands Development Organisation; USAID; the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; the International Food Policy Research Institute; World Agroforestry; the International Livestock Research Institute; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the British Library for Development Studies (BLDS); AGRIS; the IMMANA grant database; the 3ie impact evaluation database; Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA); The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J‐PAL); the World Bank IEG evaluations; the USAID Development Data Library; Experience Clearinghouse; the proceedings of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Health Academy conference; the proceedings of the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE) Conference; the proceedings of the North East Universities Development Consortium (NEUDC) Conference; and the World Bank Economic Review. The database search was conducted in March 2022, and the website search was completed in August 2022. Selection Criteria: The review includes value chain interventions evaluating the economic empowerment outcomes. The review includes effectiveness studies (experimental and non‐experimental studies with a comparison group) and process evaluations. Data Collection and Analysis: Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data, critically appraised the studies, and synthesised findings. Results: We found that value chain interventions are successful in improving the economic conditions of their intended beneficiaries. The interventions were found to improve women's economic outcomes such as income, assets holdings, productivity, and savings, but these effects were small in size and limited by low confidence in methodological quality. The meta‐analysis suggests that this occurs more via the acquisition of skills and improved inputs, rather than through improvement in access to profitable markets. The qualitative evidence on interventions points to the persistence of cultural barriers and other constraints. Those interventions implemented in Sub‐Saharan Africa and South Asia are consistently more successful for all outcomes considered, although there are few studies conducted in other areas of the world. Conclusions: The review concludes that value chain interventions empower women, but perhaps to a lesser extent than expected. Economic empowerment does not immediately translate into empowerment within families and communities. Interventions should either moderate their expectations of empowerment goals, or they should be implemented in a way that ensures higher rates of participation among women and the acquisition of greater decision‐making power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of people fleeing persecution and regional conflicts is rising. Western countries have applied increasingly stringent measures to discourage those seeking asylum from entering their country, amongst them, to confine asylum seekers in detention facilities. Clinicians have expressed concerns over the mental health impact of detention on asylum seekers, a population already burdened with trauma, advocating against such practices. Objectives: The main objective of this review is to assess evidence about the effects of detention on the mental and physical health and social functioning of asylum seekers. Search methods: Relevant literature was identified through electronic searches of bibliographic databases, internet search engines, hand searching of core journals and citation tracking of included studies and relevant reviews. Searches were performed up to November 2023. Selection criteria: Studies comparing detained asylum‐seekers with non‐detained asylum seekers were included. Qualitative approaches were excluded. Data collection and analysis: Of 22,226 potential studies, 14 met the inclusion criteria. These studies, from 4 countries, involving a total of 13 asylum‐seeker populations. Six studies were used in the data synthesis, all of which reported only mental health outcomes. Eight studies had a critical risk of bias. Meta‐analyses, inverse variance weighted using random effects statistical models, were conducted on post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Main results: A total of 27,797 asylum seekers were analysed. Four studies provided data while the detained asylum seekers were still detained, and two studies after release. All outcomes are reported such that a positive effect size favours better outcomes for the non‐detained asylum seekers. The weighted average SMD while detained is 0.45 [95% CI 0.19, 0.71] for PTSD and after release 0.91 [95% CI 0.24, 1.57]; for anxiety 0.42 [95% CI 0.18, 0.66] and for depression 0.68 [95% CI 0.10, 1.26] both while detained. Based on single‐study data, the SMD was 0.60 [95% CI 0.02, 1.17] for depression and 0.76 [95% CI 0.17, 1.34] for anxiety, both after release. Three studies (one study each) reported outcomes related to psychological distress, self‐harm and social well being. Psychological distress favoured the detained but was not significant; whereas both effect sizes on self‐harm and social wellbeing indicated highly negative impacts of detention; in particular, the impact on self‐harm was extremely high. The OR of self‐harm was reported separately for asylum seekers detained in three types of detention: Manus Island, Nauru and onshore detention. The ORs were in the range 12.18 to 74.44; all were significant. Authors' conclusions: Despite similar post‐migration adversities amongst comparison groups, findings suggest an independent adverse impact of detention on asylum seekers' mental health, with the magnitude of the effect sizes lying in an important clinical range. These effects persisted beyond release into the community. While based on limited evidence, this review supports concerns regarding the detrimental impact of detention on the mental health of already traumatised asylum seekers. Further research is warranted to comprehensively explore these effects. Detention of asylum seekers, already grappling with significant trauma, appears to exacerbate mental health challenges. Policymakers and practitioners should consider these findings in shaping immigration and asylum policies, with a focus on minimising harm to vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Specific aspects and territorial characteristics of migration have been extensively studied, while the primary living conditions of foreigners have been less compared in-depth. Using data from the Labor Force Surveys and EU-Silc for the year 2019, relating to six key aspects of daily life, in this study, foreign-born people living in the five main European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and the European Union were compared for the frequency of costs (e.g., for welfare services) and benefits (e.g., for employment) for the host society. Subsequently, the comparison of them, made by juxtaposing natives and non-natives, allowed for a definition of the level of primary integration (distance of immigrants from natives on the same aspects). The results show that the degree of congruence between the frequency of costs and that of benefits in the immigrant population is strongly influenced by the economic situation, favorable for Germany and the United Kingdom in 2019, with a lower recurrence of hardship cases among immigrants, but high wealth did not automatically reduce their differences. Instead, a small gap between immigrants and natives may also be due to the progressive impoverishment of the latter (Italian case). Therefore, especially in periods of economic stagnation, the different impact of it and of welfare measures on the immigrant population compared to natives requires the analysis of their actual living conditions, as the traditionally used economic aggregates (especially GDP) do not reveal the disparities in the distribution of resources between the various social and ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The measurement of women's economic welfare and exploring its underlying factors have been undervalued in the context of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This study addressed this gap by focusing on assessing women's subjective economic welfare and its socioeconomic and cultural determinants in the education and health sectors within Mardan, Northern Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach: The study used stratified random sampling techniques for the selection of sample respondents and collected data through a well-structured questionnaire. To measure women's economic welfare, the study utilizes Lorenz curves, the Gini index, the Sen Social Welfare function and an individual's gross monthly income. Furthermore, the ordinary least squares method was utilized to analyze the determinants of economic welfare. Findings: The findings show greater income inequality and a lower welfare level for women in the education sector compared to the health sector. Likewise, the study identifies several key determinants, such as age, educational qualification, job experience, respect for working women, outside and work-place problems and the suffering of family members of working women for their economic well-being. Originality/value: This study makes valuable contributions to the literature by focusing on the cultural perspective of Pakhtun women in Mardan and providing a context-specific understanding of subjective economic welfare. Additionally, the authors collected first-hand data, which gave an original outlook on working women's current economic welfare level. Furthermore, this study undertakes a comparative analysis of working women's welfare in the health and education sectors. This comparison offers a more accurate portrayal of the challenges and opportunities specific to these occupations. Peer review: The peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2023-0246 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While bats are tremendously important to global ecosystems, they have been and continue to be threatened by loss of habitat, food, or roosts, pollution, bat diseases, hunting and killing. Some bat species have also been implicated in the transmission of infectious disease agents to humans. While One Health efforts have been ramped up recently to educate and protect human and bat health, such initiatives have been limited by lack of adequate data on the pathways to ensure their support. For instance, data on the role of bats in supporting different components of human welfare assets would be utilized as a stepping stone to champion conservation campaigns. Unfortunately, these data are limited and efforts to synthesize existing literature have majorly focused on few components human welfare leaving other important aspects. Methods: Here, we analyze benefits associated with bats in the context of welfare economics considering all the asset components. We surveyed scientific and gray literature platforms utilizing particular keywords. We then classified these values using integrated approaches to understand different values across human welfare assets of "health," "material and immaterial assets," "security or safety" and "social or cultural or spiritual relations". Results: We found 235 papers from different countries indicating that bats play fundamental roles in supporting human welfare. These benefits were more prevalent in Asia and Africa. In terms of the use of bats to support welfare assets, bats were majorly utilized to derive material and immaterial benefits (n = 115), e.g., food and income. This was followed by their use in addressing health challenges (n = 99), e.g., treatment of ailments. There was a similarity in the benefits across different regions and countries. Conclusion: These results indicate potential opportunities for strengthening bat conservation programs. We recommend more primary studies to enhance understanding of these benefits as well as their effectiveness in deriving the perceived outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind reversals resulting in southerly flow along the California coast are not well understood in terms of how aerosol and cloud characteristics change. This gap is addressed using airborne field measurements enhanced with data from spaceborne remote sensing (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), surface stations (Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments), and models (Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System and Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System), with a focus on submicron and supermicron aerosol, as well as cloud microphysical variables: cloud droplet number concentration (Nd), cloud optical thickness (COT), and cloud droplet effective radius (re). Southerly flow coincided with higher values of submicron aerosol concentration (Na) and mass concentrations of species representative of fine-aerosol pollution (NO 3- and nss-SO 42-) as well as shipping and continental emissions (V, oxalate, NH 4+ , Ni, OC, and EC). Supermicron Na did not change; however, heightened levels of acidic species in southerly flow coincided with reduced Cl - : Na + , suggestive of Cl - depletion in salt particles. Clouds responded correspondingly in southerly flow, with more acidic cloud water and higher levels of similar species as in the aerosol phase (e.g., NO 3- , nss-SO 42- , NH 4+ , V), along with elevated values of Nd and COT and reduced re during campaigns with similar cloud liquid water paths. Case study flights help to visualize offshore pollution gradients and highlight the sensitivity of the results to the presence of widespread smoke coverage including how associated plumes have enhanced supermicron Na. These results have implications for aerosol–cloud interactions during wind reversals and have relevance for weather, public welfare, and aviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between multidimensional factors, such as environment, health status, behavior, social support, and the well-being of middle-aged and older adults. Methods: This study utilized data from 2 waves of the nationally representative Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging Survey Report (TLSA) conducted in 2015 and 2019. The TLSA assesses socioeconomic status, physical and health status, the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5 index), and social support. Data regarding the degree of digital development were obtained from the 2020 Township Digital Development Report. We applied a generalized estimating equation (GEE) to analyze the influencing factors. Results: This study included 4796 participants. Residing in areas with a higher degree of digital development, having a higher socioeconomic status, and experiencing better physical and mental health were significantly associated with well-being. Furthermore, emotional and attentive support mediated the association between physical and mental status and well-being. Conclusion: People's awareness of searching for and receiving social support and medical resources is important for enhancing their well-being. It is also crucial to pay attention to the living environment and maintain one's health status to promote well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Based on CSS 2019 data, this article analyzes the impact of Basic Medical Insurance for Urban and Rural Residents (BMIUR) on perceived social equity of residents. Method: Using the CSS data of 2019, this article analyzes the influence of BMIUR on the perception of social equity of residents, on the basis of 2SLS model and mediating effect model. Results: We find that BMIUR has a significantly positive impact on the perception of social equity. That is to say, BMIUR can improve residents' evaluation of social equity and further promote the level of social equity, which makes residents more happiness. The conclusion remains valid after using robustness test and propensity score matching to conduct counterfactual reasoning. The discussion of mechanism indicates that the influence of BMIUR is mediated by enhancing social capital, improving satisfaction of income distribution and reducing self-paid medical expenses. This study also finds that the influence of BMIUR is more obvious in the low-income, low-skilled and mid-west groups. Conclusion: The reform of the medical security system should be regarded as a foothold for improving people's well-being and promoting social equity; Expanding people's social capital through multiple channels and improving income distribution mechanisms; Strengthen vocational skills training, especially to provide more public services and social security for low-income groups, low-skilled groups, and groups in the western region of China, in order to improve the welfare and policy effectiveness of China's social security reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of stress during pregnancy can have lasting effects on maternal and offspring health, which disproportionately impacts families facing financial strain, systemic racism, and other forms of social oppression. Developing ways to monitor daily life stress during pregnancy is important for reducing stress-related health disparities. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of using mobile health (mHealth) technology (i.e., wearable biosensors, smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment) to measure prenatal stress in daily life. Fifty pregnant women (67% receiving public assistance; 70% Black, 6% Multiracial, 24% White) completed 10 days of ambulatory assessment, in which they answered smartphone-based surveys six times a day and wore a chest-band device (movisens EcgMove4) to monitor their heart rate, heart rate variability, and activity level. Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated using behavioral meta-data and participant feedback. Findings supported the feasibility and acceptability of mHealth methods: Participants answered approximately 75% of the surveys per day and wore the device for approximately 10 hours per day. Perceived burden was low. Notably, participants with higher reported stressors and financial strain reported lower burden associated with the protocol than participants with fewer life stressors, highlighting the feasibility of mHealth technology for monitoring prenatal stress among pregnant populations living with higher levels of contextual stressors. Findings support the use of mHealth technology to measure prenatal stress in real-world, daily life settings, which shows promise for informing scalable, technology-assisted interventions that may help to reduce health disparities by enabling more accessible and comprehensive care during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant athletes cannot receive proper care if they choose to conceal their pregnancy. Unfortunately, many factors may lead an athlete to conceal. Whereas the extant qualitative literature suggests scholarship and sponsorship are prominent factors in the decision to disclose, this research is limited to elite athletes. To quantitatively examine predictors of pregnancy disclosure beyond scholarship and sponsorship in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III college athletes. Cross-sectional study. Midwestern United States. Athletes on Division III women's sports teams (N = 127). Confidence in the athletic trainer (AT), perceived training and performance changes, athletic identity, and athletic identity during pregnancy. Two separate multiple regression analyses were conducted with the 4 predictors and 2 outcomes: likelihood to disclose and time to disclosure. Confidence in the AT and athletic identity during pregnancy were significant predictors in both models, whereas the variable of perceived training and performance changes was only significant in the likelihood to disclose model. Athletic identity was not a significant predictor in either model. Results suggest Division III athletes believe they would be more likely to disclose their pregnancy and may disclose sooner if they feel that their AT can properly manage their physical, emotional, and social wellness during the pregnancy. Additionally, disclosure is promoted if they believe they will still be viewed as athletes by themselves and the people around them. These findings emphasize the importance of the role of the AT, with implications that formal education of ATs should include the holistic support of the pregnant athlete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Social prescribing offers a formal pathway of connecting patients in the health system with sources of support within the community to help improve their health and well‐being. Since its launch in March 2022, the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing has acted as a collective impact network to identify, connect and build upon established social prescribing initiatives using a co‐design methodology. The institute received input from a participant advisory council, co‐design partners and several communities of interest groups. This study aimed to describe the perceptions of the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing's role in advancing social prescribing using a co‐design approach and the barriers and facilitators to implementing social prescribing in Canada. Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive study design, document analysis, participant observation and semi‐structured individual interviews (n = 7) with members of the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing co‐design group and the institute's leadership. We also analysed documents, field notes and transcripts using codebook thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were developed representing the facilitators of implementing the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing to support social prescribing: Creating relational mechanisms (i.e., partnerships and connections), Bringing awareness to social prescribing and contributing to the evidence (i.e., values and beliefs), Addressing systemic conditions (i.e., having a common language for social prescribing and organizing the community health sector) and Enabling funding and policy to drive social prescribing initiatives (i.e., shifting evidence into policy and securing sustainable funding). Conclusion: Participants' reflections on the co‐design process demonstrated that the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing development provided networking opportunities and shared resources relevant to social prescribing. Co‐design efforts also fostered relational and informational support, which laid the necessary groundwork in Canada to overcome the complex interplay between the macro‐ and micro‐level settings in which social prescribing is practiced. Patient or Public Contribution: The interviews and observations involved participants with lived experience of delivering, receiving or advocating for social prescribing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Housing is a long‐lived asset whose value is sensitive to variations in expectations of long‐run growth rates and interest rates. When a large fraction of households has leverage, housing price fluctuations cause large‐scale redistribution and consumption volatility. We find that a practical way to insure the young and the poor from the housing market fluctuations is through a well‐functioning rental market. In practice, homeownership subsidies keep the rental market small and the housing cycle affects aggregate consumption. Removing homeownership subsidies hurts old homeowners, while leverage limits hurt young homeowners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mediterranea - Ricerche Storiche is the property of Mediterranea-Ricerche Storiche and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The buffer zones between urban protected areas (UPAs) and their cities play a significant role in managing and protecting UPAs. However, they are also the frontier of conflicts due to complex functionality and a large number of stakeholders. Besides ensuring the buffer zone's function of protecting the UPA, it is also vital to understand how it can fulfill the diverse needs of multiple interest groups residing in or utilizing this area. To address the significant social science research gap in UPA buffer zone management, we establish a conceptual framework and explore how the public's overall satisfaction with the buffer depends on five essential buffer zone qualities, namely environmental quality, connectivity, infrastructure, cultural, and visual quality. We focus on China's Urban Scenic and Historic Areas (USHA), a major type of UPA with high cultural, social, and esthetic values. Using the buffer of Shugang-Slender West Lake Scenic and Historic Area in Yangzhou City as the case study, we conducted intercept and online surveys (n = 499), investigating the perceptions of three user groups—residents, businesses, and tourists. The results indicate high overall satisfaction for all three groups. Environmental, visual, and cultural qualities were rated higher than connectivity and infrastructure quality. Residents generally showed the highest satisfaction and tourists the lowest. For all three groups, environmental quality, connectivity, and infrastructure quality significantly influenced overall satisfaction, while cultural and visual quality did not. This suggests that the public expects the buffer zone to serve as high-quality multi-functional open spaces that enhance the quality of life while providing recreation, service, and transportation functions. Besides direct planning and management advice to China's UPAs and other countries with similar contexts, our study offers a transferable framework for incorporating social perceptions and highlights their significance in informing the functional planning of UPA buffer zones for public welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented on the potential positive impact of management theory on public policy and policy practice. The authors discuss the hidden assumptions in management theory, and offer guidance on influencing policy through research. They encourage authors to become actively involved in the public sector, and stress the importance of making their assumptions explicit in order to create targeted and productive interventions.

The article is devoted to the study of the content and peculiarities of implementation of the principles and criteria for limiting human freedoms. The author concludes that the principle of freedom should be studied through the following aspects: axiological, theoretical and practical. The first one involves maximum absolutisation of the principle of freedom for its further deployment in social relations. The theoretical dimension involves the study of the specifics of the content, types, features, and nature of freedom as a legal principle, which allows for a better understanding of it and its more harmonious implementation in legal relations. The practical dimension involves studying the problems of implementing the principle of freedom, the degree of its presence in various branches of law, and the specifics of its restrictions. The article notes that the principle of proportionality means that restriction of freedom can only be a means, not an aim, freedom is always the highest value for law and its restrictions as the ultimate goal are inadmissible, but only as a regulatory means to ensure rights and freedoms, national security, healthcare, public order, etc. The principle of public welfare as a criterion for restricting freedom is more complicated, since there are two doctrines: classical liberalism, which puts freedom above all else and limits state intervention, and social liberalism, which insists on the welfare of all and therefore more active state intervention in the economic life of society. The author concludes that restrictions on freedom must be in the general public interest in the economic, social and political spheres. The author notes that limitation of the principle of freedom is a reduction of its scope, but not a restriction of its content. By restricting freedom, its content remains unchanged, otherwise it will lose its legal value. The article provides the author’s definition of restriction of the principle of freedom as a lawful interference by the State with the capabilities of a person, which is expressed in setting limits for a possible model of behaviour in a certain territory, individually or for certain groups of persons. The author emphasises that one of the key problems with the implementation of measures restricting human freedom is excessiveness. An important public interest allows for the restriction of freedom to achieve it, but other interests and values may suffer. The principles of minimum possible restriction and priority social value should apply here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now more than ever, complex socio-ecological challenges require timely and integrated responses from scientists and policymakers. Air quality is one such challenge. Under the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency establishes ambient air quality standards to protect public welfare from known or anticipated adverse effects of air pollutants. As our understanding of the environment and awareness of social values grow, there is a need to improve characterization of "adversity to the public welfare." Scientific assessment can link ecological effects to public welfare using modern scientific approaches that incorporate ecological complexity and multiple value systems held by the public. We propose ideas for the future of scientific assessments meant to inform air quality and other environmental decision-making, including concrete ways we can focus on vulnerable species and ecosystems, incorporate a multiplicity of values, climate and multiple stressors, and partner to diversify the knowledge upon which protective policies are based. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical residency constitutes a highly demanding and taxing phase in the professional journey of physicians. Factors such as low income, excessive workloads, and uncertainty regarding their career trajectory can contribute to diminished job satisfaction among residents. Neglecting this issue can have enduring negative effects on the quality and quantity of healthcare services provided. This research aims to explore the challenges encountered during medical residency and propose viable solutions. Methods: In this qualitative study conducted in 2023, interviews were employed to identify challenges, facilitators, barriers, and potential solutions associated with transitioning from residency to a job. In the qualitative section, a purposive selection process led to the inclusion of 26 interviewees, and for the Delphi method, 17 experts were purposefully chosen at three hierarchical levels: macro (Ministry of Health), intermediate (university), and executive (hospital). Qualitative data underwent analysis using a conceptual framework, while Delphi data were subjected to quantitative analysis. Results: The qualitative analysis revealed five general themes with 13 main categories and 70 sub-categories as challenges, two general themes as facilitators, and barriers to the transition from residency to a job. Additionally, eight main categories with 52 interventions were identified as solutions to overcome these barriers. In the Delphi stage, the number of proposed solutions was streamlined to 44 interventions. The most significant challenges identified in this study included high workload during residency, low income, career-related uncertainties, issues related to welfare services, and challenges in education and communication. Conclusion: The decline in residents' willingness, coupled with the substantial work and financial pressures they face, poses a serious threat to the healthcare system, necessitating significant reforms. Transitioning from residency to a full-fledged job emerges as a potential avenue to address a substantial portion of the expressed needs. Implementing these reforms demands resolute determination and collaboration with sectors beyond the healthcare system, integrated into a comprehensive national healthcare plan that considers the country's capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dogs can discriminate stressed from non-stressed human odour samples, but the effect on their cognition is unstudied. Using a cognitive bias task, we tested how human odours affect dogs' likelihood of approaching a food bowl placed at three ambiguous locations ("near-positive", "middle" and "near-negative") between trained "positive" (rewarded) and "negative" (unrewarded) locations. Using odour samples collected from three unfamiliar volunteers during stressful and relaxing activities, we tested eighteen dogs under three conditions: no odour, stress odour and relaxed odour, with the order of test odours counterbalanced across dogs. When exposed to stress odour during session three, dogs were significantly less likely to approach a bowl placed at one of the three ambiguous locations (near-negative) compared to no odour, indicating possible risk-reduction behaviours in response to the smell of human stress. Dogs' learning of trained positive and negative locations improved with repeated testing and was significant between sessions two and three only when exposed to stress odour during session three, suggesting odour influenced learning. This is the first study to show that without visual or auditory cues, olfactory cues of human stress may affect dogs' cognition and learning, which, if true, could have important consequences for dog welfare and working performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide rates among older adults in Korea are one of the highest in the world. Although prior research found that poverty is associated with suicide mortality among older adults in Korea, it is unknown whether being a recipient of social assistance may reduce suicide risk among older adults living in poverty. We examined the impact of the public assistance program on suicide-related behaviour (SRB). Data from a nationwide cohort in the Korean National Health Insurance Database, including demographic and medical treatment information, linked to the vital statistics for 2010–19 was used. The entire Korean population born before 1951 was included (n = 7,889,086). Flexible parametric survival model was performed to assess whether the risk of SRB hospitalisation and death differed across a) different levels of socioeconomic status, and b) social assistance status among the poor, using gender-stratified models. Older age, chronic disease, poverty, and being out of the labour market were associated with higher SRB hospitalisation and death for both genders. Among those living in poverty, social assistance recipients had lower rates for SRB death and hospitalisation, compared to the low-income non-recipients. Men who were non-recipients had 0.21 higher hazards ratio (95%CI 0.20 to 0.22) for SRB deaths compared to recipients, and the difference was 0.11 (95%CI 0.10 to 0.11) in women, with similar patterns for SRB hospitalizations. Poverty was associated with higher SRB death and hospitalisation among older adults in Korea. Social assistance targeting the older population may help reduce SRB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community sanitation is a fundamental human right and need. Every year, as per the World Bank, total cost of providing sanitation services is estimated at around 114 billion USD per year. In India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA), a public welfare scheme (PWS), is aimed at addressing community sanitation problems. Despite the successful implementation of SBA, local communities still practise open defaecation. To deduce the behavioural patterns governing communal toilet use, interviews were conducted with the local communities in the Kho Nagorian area of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. This qualitative survey examined attitudes towards the construction of a toilet, awareness towards the SBA scheme, and the willingness to use excreta-based pit humus. The study then discusses the factors that increase the local community's willingness to use these toilets. Results show that open defaecation is still prevalent in society. One way to foster the adoption of toilets is that the construction materials should mainly consist of local materials. As a recourse, places of worship could be used to influence people's perception of hygiene. In addition, community toilets should be cleaned often as well. PWS should not be made accessible at no cost to prevent a sense of entitlement among the people. A small sum should be charged to increase social responsibility towards the PWS. Another way to curb open defaecation is to tap into the sense of entitlement by making effective use of social campaign programs. Further, cross-table analysis revealed that the locals were inclined to use a toilet if they have invested in it. Advertisements were found to be ineffective, and proposals were made to make them effective. These findings aid in understanding public perceptions and can guide the development of public policies. The findings also assist in making tax distribution decisions that reflect public concerns, attitudes, and values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating demand for animal products has led to widespread antibiotics usage in broiler diets to maintain health and productivity. However, concerns regarding the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, potential negative impacts on animal welfare and public health, and consumer preferences for natural alternatives have driven the search for safer and more sustainable approaches. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) and turmeric powder (TP) as antibiotic growth promoter alternatives in broiler chickens, focusing on their impact on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. In a 3x3 factorial experiment, 360 Cobb-500 broilers were allocated to nine treatment groups receiving varying dietary levels of MOLP (0%, 1%, 2%) and TP (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%). Additionally, a separate experiment with 80 birds evaluated the effects of flavomycin supplementation (0.1%) compared to a control group. The results demonstrated that MOLP supplementation significantly increased key performance parameters, including feed intake, body weight gain, final body weight, and production efficiency factor, particularly at the 2% inclusion level. TP supplementation did not significantly influence overall growth performance. Flavomycin, as a positive control, significantly improved final body weights compared to the control group. Interestingly, significant interactions were observed between MOLP and TP, influencing specific aspects of carcass composition and meat quality. Combined supplementation significantly affected liver yield and meat flavour, suggesting potential synergistic effects. However, no significant impacts were observed on other carcass composition parameters, physical meat measurements (colour, drip loss, cooking loss), or sensory attributes (appearance, juiciness, tenderness). Notably, supplementation with 2% MOLP increased dressed weight and breast yield while simultaneously reducing meat redness. Additionally, 0.5% TP supplementation significantly increased gizzard yield, indicating potential benefits for digestive function. Flavomycin supplementation did not significantly influence any carcass composition, physical, or sensory parameters. These findings offer promising evidence that MOLP and TP can be incorporated into broiler diets at levels up to 2% and 0.5%, respectively, as viable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. MOLP and TP demonstrated the potential to enhance broiler performance, influence specific carcass and meat quality attributes without compromising overall quality, and promote specific physiological processes like gizzard development. Further research is encouraged to explore the long-term effects of these additives, optimize their inclusion levels for specific benefits, and investigate their potential impact on broiler health and disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vietnam's healthcare system offers limited services and facilities for older adults. This study explored the perceptions of health and social care workers regarding geriatric care issues, their impact on older adults and the potential of collaboration for enhancing older adults' health and well-being. Methods This qualitative case study employed 27 focus group discussions and two in-depth interviews with 174 participants in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Results According to the participants, the major challenges that hindered geriatric care consisted of caregiver and care recipient issues, which were identified to constrain care accessibility, resulting in decreased physical, mental and social health. Across different settings and professions, collaboration was considered a routine and natural aspect of daily work. It was perceived that establishing and strengthening collaboration could facilitate improvement in health and social welfare services through the prioritization of needs and enhancement of caregiver skills and training. Conclusions Collaboration was viewed as ad hoc but indispensable for addressing the identified geriatric care issues that could improve the general health and well-being of older adults. The findings indicate a need for better collaboration in Vietnam, achieved through defined guidelines, training and improved interprofessional education and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cats, as widely embraced companions in diverse environments, face significant health threats due to infection by ectoparasites. The present study investigates the prevalence of ectoparasite infestations in domestic cats (Felis catus) in Giza Governorate, Egypt. Spanning from December 2022 to November 2023, the study included 400 samples of diverse feline populations. Fleas and ear mites were detected in 20.75% and 11.25% of the examined cats, respectively. While ticks and myiasis were observed in 0.5% for each. Clinical manifestations and morphological structures of the detected parasites were documented. Moreover, the research integrates molecular characterization, utilizing the COI gene for Sarcophaga species identification. The study also analyzed risk factors, adjusting for age, sex, and season, revealing variations in infestation rates. Cats under one year old exhibited the highest infestation rate (48.35%). Seasonal variation showed the highest prevalence in autumn, followed by summer and winter, with a decline in spring. This survey study provides valuable insights into ectoparasite infestations in domestic cats to serve as a pivotal step toward promoting cat welfare and safeguarding public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the concept of community engagement, aligned with President Jokowi's mission to promote social enterprises, as a means to support the development of a re‐generative circular green economy in Tarumajaya, West Java. The primary focus is on enhancing farming, fishing, and forestry activities with villagers. The Covid‐19 pandemic presented significant challenges for the villagers, particularly in marketing their goods, resulting in financial hardships and an increased vulnerability to debt traps, particularly affecting women. Additionally, a major obstacle to achieving regenerative living is the limited access to land, with approximately 80% of the villagers either landless or owning small plots. Moreover, fishing restrictions imposed by the military to protect the Citarum River have further curtailed access to common grazing land for cattle. Preliminary analysis indicates that adopting intensive farming methods, such as rabbit breeding, mushroom cultivation, and fertiliser production, holds promise for reducing the community's carbon footprint. Overcoming these challenges and mapping pathways towards regenerative living are central objectives of this case study, providing insights and practical strategies to foster sustainable economic and environmental progress in Tarumajaya. Key components of the approach include finding markets for village products, extending access to common resources such as rivers, forests, and hillside terraces to villagers, and providing mentorship to women for supporting their small enterprises. The ongoing partnership with the village involves a community of practice consisting of universities and nongovernmental organisations, while private sector entities, including a gas company and tea and coffee plantations, are engaged in negotiations with the village head to secure additional land access. This study highlights the combination of challenges arising from the lack of access to common resources, limited market opportunities, and the influence of predatory financial institutions during the pandemic. By working closely with the villagers, the case study aims to identify opportunities and support the transition towards a green circular economy that moves away from business as usual and promotes regenerative living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Economía (Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán) is the property of Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Facultad de Economia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ensuring road transport safety is a critical imperative for regional development and public welfare. This abstract outline a comprehensive evaluation framework designed to assess the service level of regional road transport safety. The proposed methodology integrates diverse parameters, encompassing infrastructure, technology, policy, and human factors, to provide a holistic understanding of the safety landscape. Using real-time data integration and powerful analytics, the assessment system combines quantitative and qualitative indicators. Technology aspects of infrastructure evaluations centre on the effectiveness of automated transportation systems and their influence on accident reduction; architecture evaluations also cover the layout of roads, advertising, and maintenance requirements. Policy evaluation is examining current laws and the ways in which they are enforced while considering how they affect the behaviour of drivers and public safety. The proposed method uses DCNN method for intelligent road transport safety. Using DCNN algorithms to monitor and regulate traffic congestion in smart cities represents a significant leap in the use of deep learning in traffic management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of agrarian law in Indonesia, particularly land law, must adhere to the constitutional mandate of promoting the welfare of the populace. This subject is compelling because existing studies predominantly address the legal-formal dimensions of customary land law without adequately examining its practical implications for public welfare. This research investigates whether the development of Indonesian land law is in accordance with the Agrarian Law and explores how to formulate legal frameworks that mitigate land disputes and conflicts related to the utilisation of Ulayat Land for development purposes. The objective is to present alternative recommendations for resolving national agrarian law issues, often diverging from constitutional directives. Employing a normative research method, this study draws on both legal and non-legal materials through philosophical, legislative, historical, conceptual, comparative, and futuristic lenses. The findings reveal that the current development of national agrarian law does not fully align with the Agrarian Law's mandate to enhance the welfare of the Indonesian people. Therefore, this research offers alternative legislative methods aimed at producing agrarian legal instruments that more effectively promote the prosperity of the Indonesian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of South Architecture / Nanfang Jianzhu is the property of South Architecture Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Using rural household survey data from West Bengal, we find that voters respond positively to excludable government welfare benefits but not to local public good programs, while reporting having benefited from both. Consistent with these voting patterns, shocks to electoral competition induced by exogenous redistricting of villages resulted in upper‐tier governments manipulating allocations across local governments only for excludable benefit programs. Using a hierarchical budgeting model, we argue these results provide credible evidence of the presence of clientelism rather than programmatic politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic and the great flood of 2021 significantly impacted society. However, masjids have proven effective institutions in disaster management efforts, particularly in social welfare. This study examines the role of masjids in managing disasters in Malaysia, specifically during the 2021 great flood and the COVID-19 pandemic. The qualitative research involves in-depth interviews based on case studies, with the results analyzed thematically. A total of 14 masjids as informants were selected from across Malaysia, including nine of the best masjids in 2021 and five with disaster management experience. The findings reveal that masjids are crucial in disaster management, encompassing services, health, placement, incentives, and infrastructure. These contributions help effectively manage the community during disasters. The study highlights two key factors contributing to the success of masjids in disaster management: the core concern of maqasid shar'iah and the synergy of da'wah in strengthening the relationship between masjids and the community. The implications of this study contribute to both theory and practice, particularly in designing ideal masjid management, preserving community welfare, and maintaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High‐income countries offer social assistance (welfare) programs to help alleviate poverty for people with little or no income. These programs have become increasingly conditional and stringent in recent decades based on the premise that transitioning people from government support to paid work will improve their circumstances. However, many people end up with low‐paying and precarious jobs that may cause more poverty because they lose benefits such as housing subsidies and health and dental insurance, while incurring job‐related expenses. Conditional assistance programs are also expensive to administer and cause stigma. A guaranteed basic income (GBI) has been proposed as a more effective approach for alleviating poverty, and several experiments have been conducted in high‐income countries to investigate whether GBI leads to improved outcomes compared to existing social programs. Objectives: The aim of this review was to conduct a synthesis of quantitative evidence on GBI interventions in high‐income countries, to compare the effectiveness of various types of GBI versus "usual care" (including existing social assistance programs) in improving poverty‐related outcomes. Search Methods: Searches of 16 academic databases were conducted in May 2022, using both keywords and database‐specific controlled vocabulary, without limits or restrictions on language or date. Sources of gray literature (conference, governmental, and institutional websites) were searched in September 2022. We also searched reference lists of review articles, citations of included articles, and tables of contents of relevant journals in September 2022. Hand searching for recent publications was conducted until December 2022. Selection Criteria: We included all quantitative study designs except cross‐sectional (at one timepoint), with or without control groups. We included studies in high income countries with any population and with interventions meeting our criteria for GBI: unconditional, with regular payments in cash (not in‐kind) that were fixed or predictable in amount. Although two primary outcomes of interest were selected a priori (food insecurity, and poverty level assessed using official, national, or international measures), we did not screen studies on the basis of reported outcomes because it was not possible to define all potentially relevant poverty‐related outcomes in advance. Data Collection and Analysis: We followed the Campbell Collaboration conduct and reporting guidelines to ensure a rigorous methodology. The risk of bias was assessed across seven domains: confounding, selection, attrition, motivation, implementation, measurement, and analysis/reporting. We conducted meta‐analyses where results could be combined; otherwise, we presented the results in tables. We reported effect estimates as standard mean differences (SMDs) if the included studies reported them or provided sufficient data for us to calculate them. To compare the effects of different types of interventions, we developed a GBI typology based on the characteristics of experimental interventions as well as theoretical conceptualizations of GBI. Eligible poverty‐related outcomes were classified into categories and sub‐categories, to facilitate the synthesis of the individual findings. Because most of the included studies analyzed experiments conducted by other researchers, it was necessary to divide our analysis according to the "experiment" stage (i.e. design, recruitment, intervention, data collection) and the "study" stage (data analysis and reporting of results). Main Results: Our searches yielded 24,476 records from databases and 80 from other sources. After screening by title and abstract, the full texts of 294 potentially eligible articles were retrieved and screened, resulting in 27 included studies on 10 experiments. Eight of the experiments were RCTs, one included both an RCT site and a "saturation" site, and one used a repeated cross‐sectional design. The duration ranged from one to 5 years. The control groups in all 10 experiments received "usual care" (i.e. no GBI intervention). The total number of participants was unknown because some of the studies did not report exact sample sizes. Of the studies that did, the smallest had 138 participants and the largest had 8019. The risk of bias assessments found "some concerns" for at least one domain in all 27 studies and "high risk" for at least one domain in 25 studies. The risk of bias was assessed as high in 21 studies due to attrition and in 22 studies due to analysis and reporting bias. To compare the interventions, we developed a classification framework of five GBI types, four of which were implemented in the experiments, and one that is used in new experiments now underway. The included studies reported 176 poverty‐related outcomes, including one pre‐defined primary outcome: food insecurity. The second primary outcome (poverty level assessed using official, national, or international measures) was not reported in any of the included studies. We classified the reported outcomes into seven categories: food insecurity (as a category), economic/material, physical health, psychological/mental health, social, educational, and individual choice/agency. Food insecurity was reported in two studies, both showing improvements (SMD = −0.57, 95% CI: −0.65 to −0.49, and SMD = −0.41, 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.26) which were not pooled because of different study designs. We conducted meta‐analyses on four secondary outcomes that were reported in more than one study: subjective financial well‐being, self‐rated overall physical health, self‐rated life satisfaction, and self‐rated mental distress. Improvements were reported, except for overall physical health or if the intervention was similar to existing social assistance. The results for the remaining 170 outcomes, each reported in only one study, were summarized in tables by category and subcategory. Adverse effects were reported in some studies, but only for specific subgroups of participants, and not consistently, so these results may have been due to chance. Authors' Conclusions: The results of the included studies were difficult to synthesize because of the heterogeneity in the reported outcomes. This was due in part to poverty being multidimensional, so outcomes covered various aspects of life (economic, social, psychological, educational, agency, mental and physical health). Evidence from future studies would be easier to assess if outcomes were measured using more common, validated instruments. Based on our analysis of the included studies, a supplemental type of GBI (provided along with existing programs) may be effective in alleviating poverty‐related outcomes. This approach may also be safer than a wholesale reform of existing social assistance approaches, which could have unintended consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the uncertainty and resentment that many persons with disabilities feel concerning their disability services in the welfare state of Finland. This paper elaborates on the theme through the lived citizenship of persons with disabilities using the key theory of disability tax as an analytical tool. The empirical data were collected through an online survey (n = 541) and six group interviews (n = 41) of persons with disabilities in 2023. The disability tax experiences are elaborated through four aspects: (1) rejected applications, (2) uncertain realisation, (3) laborious complaint mechanisms, and (4) the psycho–emotional effect. The findings of this study establish collective experiences of multi-layered disability tax throughout the disability services process. It concludes that disability services, which were originally planned to specifically ensure equal opportunities to participate in society for persons with disabilities, are increasingly becoming the very sources of burden as austerity has silently grown deeper over recent years and has become the clear policy of the current government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Ilmu Ekonomi Terapan is the property of Universitas Airlangga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper aims to show the basic idea of efficiency in economic analysis of law (EAL) and at the same time promote its efficacy by using the optics of its studies that use 'economic eyes' while providing justice as a legal goal. Starting with the points of utility from Bentham's thought which was then conceptualized as an economic concept of justice because in EAL, law and justice view society as an economic entity. Three models were raised, then the analysis of efficiency became an economic tool to be used to achieve the goal of maximizing welfare. The goal is to get answers to whether it is possible to valuate and monetize all aspects of efficiency in order to get benefits. Each model is constructed with different assumptions and scenarios but still under one framework, namely how efficiency works according to EAL in order to maximize the widest social utility. As a result, it becomes inefficient when faced with circumstances that are contrary to the basic principles of EAL so that it cannot be monetized. There are circumstances where valuations are difficult or even impossible to monetize at decent values, especially against certain costs and benefits. These results show that the difficulty in quantifying some aspects tends to replace one's subjective values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rapidly aging global population has increased the demand for caregivers. Many caregivers simultaneously engage in paid employment, and the dual role makes the needs of caregiver employees conceivably more remarkable. However, there is a gap in the literature about the specific needs of caregiver employees. Method: Caregiver employees (n = 1205) across Hong Kong caring for those ≥65 years were recruited for a cross-sectional face-to-face survey from December 2021 to January 2022, to evaluate mental well-being measured by the Short Warwick –Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted; significant variables (p < 0.05) were included in multiple linear regression, along with caregiver-friendly workplace policies' availability, to understand their association with their mental well-being. Findings: The mean score of the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale among caregiver employees in this study was 24.9, with 7.2% indicative of probable clinical depression and 10.0% possible mild depression. In addition, the current study showed that 30.2% of the caregiver employees felt distressed about the caregiving role. Among external factors, family support (measured by the Lubben Social Network Scale) and workplace culture (measured by the Marshall Supervision Subscale) positively correlated with mental well-being with regression coefficients of 0.252 (p < 0.001) and 0.482 (p < 0.001), respectively. In the fully adjusted model, a negative regression coefficient was observed for overall spillover (−0.050, p < 0.001) and Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale scores, while positive regression coefficients were observed for overall self-rate (0.041, p < 0.001), Lubben (0.124, p < 0.001), and corporate culture (0.365, p < 0.001). Better Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale scores were observed when caregiver-friendly workplace policies were clearly stated than when they were made on a case-by-case discretionary basis. Conclusions: Caregiver-friendly workplace policies may be critical to Hong Kong's sustainable future, both economically and socially, as they ensure a healthy and productive workforce to support an aging population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Employee assistance programs require resources and manpower of various natures across different types of public sector organization. Methods: This study began by outlining elements for comparing employee assistance programs’ evaluation criteria in four types of public sector organization on the basis of 22 service measures for such programs implemented by the Ministry of Labor in relation to three major aspects: work, life, and health. Elements of the evaluation criteria for public sector employee assistance programs were determined by surveying a panel of experts using the modified Delphi method. Last, the weight associated with the elements of evaluation criteria were calculated using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, and the criteria of four types of public sector organization were explored. Results: Data analysis indicated that the weight and priorities associated with elements of evaluation criteria for EAPs implemented by four types of public sector organization were not fully identical. Discussion: The results of this study suggest that, in terms of EAPs, the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration of the Executive Yuan should be pursuant to appropriate employee assistance programs provided by various public sector organizations according to the needs of their employees as well as the diverse objective conditions in which these organizations operate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]