Search

The article explores the fundamental principles of law and the principle of social security for ensuring a decent standard of living for individuals, viewed through the lens of implementing foundational ideas that form the basis of the legal system. These ideas are reflected in the guiding requirements for shaping the foundations and legal values that ensure an individual's right to social security at a level that guarantees dignified living conditions. The emphasis is placed on the fact that everyone's right to social security, as a natural human right, is a category of subjective rights and, at the same time, aligns with the fundamental principles of law. The interconnection between the fundamental principles of law and the principle of social security ensuring a decent standard of living for individuals is reflected in a legal relationship, according to which: 1) the fundamental principles of law embody socially and genetically formed values, which, interacting with each other, form the basis for the general regulation of social relations, acquiring sectoral interpretation within social security legal relations; 2) the principle of social security ensuring a decent standard of living is a fundamental principle of the corresponding branch of law. It stems from the fundamental principles and serves as the foundation for the entire field of social security law, with its social-value orientations regarding the value of human dignity and its materialized standards for meeting social needs and achieving social well-being for indivi duals. The interaction between the principle of social security ensuring decent living conditions and the fundamental principles of law is reflected in the following: 1) the principle of humanism is based on the recognition of human dignity as an inherent natural and social value, emphasizing the fundamental nature of the right to social protection as an objectively social right; 2) the principle of the rule of law is characterized by the recognition that the right to social security is a defining factor and criterion for the state's activities aimed at guaranteeing and protecting human rights and freedoms. The realization of this right should take into account a reasonable balance between the interests of the individual and the state as guarantor; 3) the principle of freedom envisions the social self-realization of individuals, including the fulfilment of obligations in the field of social security, ensuring inclusivity and barrierfree access to the right to shape one's own social well-being; 4) the principle of equality prohibits any discriminatory restrictions that may affect the content and scope of an individual's right to social security; 5) the principle of justice/social justice is oriented towards the solidarity-based distribution of public funds allocated for social purposes, with the exclusive application of objective criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Methods Results Conclusions The practice of anthropometry in schools at the beginning of the 20th century originated in Europe and Latin America in conjunction with the emergence of hygienism and epidemiological auxology. The aim of this work is to deepen the knowledge of these practices in Spain and Argentina and to compare the available growth data in order to identify possible differences between the populations.The anthropometric data of 1693 boys and girls aged 7–15 years (877 Spanish; 816 Argentinean) from the period between 1903 and 1913 were analyzed. The data were taken from the Reports and Memoirs of the School Colonies of the National Pedagogical Museum (Spain) and the Archives of Pedagogy and Related Sciences of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences of the National University of La Plata (UNLP) (Argentina).The most pronounced differences in weight and height were observed between the ages of 11 and 12. The weight growth of Spanish schoolchildren was 22% (boys) and 24% (girls) lower than that of their Argentine counterparts, while linear growth was about 7% lower for both sexes. In addition, the Spanish had a lower body mass index up to the age of 12 years.Argentine boys and girls of La Plata were taller and heavier than their Spanish counterparts of Madrid during the same period (between 1903 and 1913). These results can be attributed to the higher standard of living that characterized the Argentine population at that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The COVID‐19 pandemic impacted the lives of students around the world, forcing them to study remotely through online learning. This article uses 60 in‐depth interviews with students from four Romanian universities (Iasi, Galati, Brasov and Cluj‐Napoca) who had recently completed 3‐year degrees to analyse the impact of remote learning on the lives of Romanian graduates, taking into account inequalities in their living standards. This research contributes to the literature on higher education by analysing the unequal experiences of these graduates and how they have been affected in educational, emotional and professional terms, both during and after the pandemic. The findings show that despite the scarcity and absence of face‐to‐face learning, the students used resilience to overcome this period and graduate, albeit with clear differences: those in rural areas are still suffering severe consequences, while those in urban areas are enjoying the “privilege” conferred on them by their status. The conclusions highlight inequalities and reflect on the (dis)advantages of online learning in students' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Very little is known about the subjective well-being (SWB) of adults with a congenital corpus callosum disorder (CCD), the extent to which they feel satisfied with their lives, and what might be helpful in improving their SWB and quality of life. This study measured SWB among Australian adults with a CCD and compared the results with normative data for the wider Australian adult population. Methods: Online surveys were completed independently by 53 Australian adults with a CCD. Data included demographic profiles and answers to questions about satisfaction with life, employing the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) and one open ended question. Domains measured included life as a whole, standard of living, health, achieving in life, personal relationships, safety, community connectedness and future security. The PWI results were statistically analysed and means compared with Australian normative data. The qualitative data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis. Results: Australian adults with a CCD responded with ratings significantly below what might be expected of the adult Australian population in all domains except for standard of living and safety. Quantitative analysis results were supported by qualitative thematic analysis, expressing particular challenges and barriers to feeling satisfaction with life as a whole, personal relationships, achieving in life, health and future security. Conclusion: Evidence from the PWI and accompanying qualitative responses indicate that SWB of Australian adults with CCD is significantly reduced compared with the general population. Further research is needed to examine the lived experience and explore solutions for support of this community. Plain English Summary: Very little is known about the quality of life and personal well-being of Australian adults who have a corpus callosum disorder (CCD), a rare brain condition with complex impacts ranging from mild to severe. People with a CCD are born missing part or all of their corpus callosum, the connecting body between the two halves of the brain. This study asked adults with a CCD to rate their own personal wellbeing in an online questionnaire and the results were compared with those of the general Australian population. Participants were also asked to describe how a CCD affected their lives in their own words. We found that adults with a CCD have significantly lower personal wellbeing than the general Australian population. The most concerning issues were with relationships, life achievements, mental health and not having a secure future. The results tell us that we need to explore personal wellbeing in more depth using research methods in which adults with a CCD can tell us more about the impacts of a CCD on their lives. We need to ask how they think the quality of their lives could be improved and what supports would help to achieve that. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive deficits are the core component in persons with schizophrenia which impacts their socio-occupational functioning. Also, cognitive deficits cause significant impairment with the person's quality of life [3]. Hence, targeting such a pivotal aspect in persons with schizophrenia through suitable interventions is very important. Developed countries have designed various cognitive remediation programs using computers involving high-end software which cannot be generalized to low-resource settings, like India, due to various factors including sociocultural factors, educational standards, and living standards of the patient population. Compensatory cognitive training (CCT) was developed to be "brief, practical, low-tech" and found to be effective in the west [9]. As there are no structured cognitive intervention modules in India, we have adapted the English CCT manual to be used for an urban population in Chennai, India. CCT was found to be feasible in face-to-face group sessions in our setting [12] and is found to be feasible and acceptable as virtual one–one intervention (unpublished data). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of V-CCT in enhancing cognition and socio-occupational functioning. Methods: The proposed study will be a multicenter assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial at two clinical sites in Chennai, India. The preparatory phase of the study would include translation of the manual to the local language, recruitment and training of research assistants, and pilot testing using the translated manual. The second phase will be the main randomized controlled trial (RCT), during which a total of 160 persons diagnosed with schizophrenia will be recruited from both sites. After obtaining informed consent, baseline assessments will be conducted on cognition, functioning, self-esteem, and quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the virtual CCT group or the control group using a computer-generated randomization table. End-line assessments will be conducted 6 weeks after the baseline by research assistants who are blinded to the randomization post-intervention. Discussion: If V-CCT is found to be effective, it will be available for use in Tamil for persons with schizophrenia, and it will have an effect on their functioning, quality of life, and self-esteem. Trial registration: The study is registered under Clinical trial registry-India (CTRI), and the registration number is CTRI/2024/04/065267. Registered on April 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study shows that the solution of the existing and expected and future shortage of health professionals is essential to protect the health of the population globally. In this regard, the international migration of health professionals and the shortage of skilled health workforce, as well as the growing disparity between population needs, health care supply and demand, is a topical problem for health systems.The mobility and shortage of highly qualified specialists are characteristic of the top of the pyramid. There is a significant shortage in the medium and low levels of the pyramid of healthcare professionals and some non-medical majors. In both cases, there are internal and external imbalances, most often caused by increased migration to economic centers in the country or countries with a high standard of living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Māori, New Zealand's Indigenous people, are projected to make up over 20% of the New Zealand workforce in 20 years. Employment plays a big role in determining one's well-being. Drawing on data from 2,378 Māori who completed the survey-based Māori Identity and Financial Attitudes Study in 2017, this article examines differences in subjective well-being between workers in three categories: paid employees, employers (who employ staff) and sole traders (with no employees). Several measures are used to capture well-being across multiple domains. Sole traders were significantly more satisfied with their standard of living and health and higher in self-efficacy compared to paid employees. Māori employers were significantly more satisfied with their standard of living, future security and personal relationships, and reported greater self-esteem and financial satisfaction than sole traders and paid employees. Although only one cultural context is examined, this article demonstrates the potential benefit of understanding the implications of self-employment for Indigenous peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social sustainability is the generation of significant behaviors through balanced levels of education, learning and awareness so that the population has a good standard of living, achieves self-improvement and supports society. This can be achieved with various strategies, one of which is learning through games, which has gained popularity in recent years due to positive results. This is effectively achieved through serious gaming, which is growing steadily, mostly in education and healthcare. This type of strategy has been typically used in young populations with a transparent interaction with technological processes that facilitate its application. However, one cannot neglect other populations such as the elderly, who may experience a technology gap and may not perceive this type of initiative in the best light. The purpose of this article is to identify the different motivations that can encourage older adults to use serious games to encourage learning processes through technology. For this purpose, different previous research on gaming experiences with older adults has been identified, from which it was possible to categorize a series of factors that motivate this population. Subsequently, we represented these factors by means of a model of motivation for the elderly and, to be able to use it, we have defined a set of heuristics based on this model. Finally, we used the heuristics by means of a questionnaire to evaluate the design of serious gaming for older adults, obtaining positive results for the use of these elements to guide the design and construction of serious games for learning in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite a reduction in poverty the global population in 2015, the incidence of poverty remains very high in Sub-Saharan African countries. Most of the countries in the region are agrarian, with most of their population residing in rural areas, and a majority of the poor in the region are found in Nigeria. This study examined the nexus between participation in nonfarm enterprises (NFEs) and poverty among rural farm households in Nigeria and across the six geopolitical zones. Design/methodology/approach: The Nigerian Living Standard Survey (NLSS) conducted in 2018–2019 by the National Bureau of Statistics was used. We made use of 13,440 farm households with useful information for the purpose of this study. The sample comprises 6,885 households that participated in NFEs and 6,555 nonparticipating households. The data were analyzed with Foster, Greer, and Thorbecke (FGT) (1984) metrics, probit, and fractional probit models at p = 0.05. Findings: The incidence of poverty was lower among the participating households than in the nonparticipating households. Participation in NFEs had a mitigating effect on poverty. We also established that zonal differentials in poverty rates exist among households in all the analyses. Participation in NFEs was influenced by individual, household, and institutional factors and was also able to explain the depth of poverty among the respondents. Practical implications: It is suggested that poverty alleviation policies should be targeted at improving access to nonfarm economic activities by rural farm households residing in vulnerable geopolitical zones. Originality/value: This study is the first attempt to profile household poverty based on the type of NFEs they are involved in. The study also provides an insight into the effect of the state of residence on zonal poverty models, which is expedient if the country must achieve Sustainable Development Goal 1 on the eradication of poverty everywhere. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2023-0493 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examines the public's perception of cash transfers for children in societies where children's welfare is often viewed as a private affair. Design/methodology/approach: Based on 12 semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted in urban Jakarta, Indonesia, we explore mothers' perspectives on cash transfer programmes for children within low-income families during fieldwork in October 2023 and January 2024. In addition to the semi-structured interview, a FGD involving parents and other related stakeholders was conducted to increase data accuracy. Findings: Our findings reveal that cash transfers function as a "caregiving allowance" in Jakarta, allowing mothers to prioritize familial obligations while maintaining a reasonable standard of living. Contrary to the "de-familisation" focus observed in advanced welfare countries, these cash transfers for children reinforce traditional family labour division (familisation). Interestingly, despite reinforcing the familisation function, the initiative receives significant support. These results clearly highlight the influence of familisation-oriented welfare production, demonstrating a focus on enhancing family resilience in the design of child-related policies in Indonesia. Overall, these results make clear the visibility of traditional division of labour influences on welfare production, revealing a focus on the familialisation effect in the design of child-related policies in Indonesia. These findings reinforce the suitability of the term "familistic welfare regime" as an appropriate descriptor for Jakarta in particular and Indonesia in general. Originality/value: This study enriches our understanding of the evolution of child-related assistance in the Global South through a defamilisation lens, shedding light on the complex interplay between gender inequalities and social policy formulation in these regions. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the ongoing discourse on welfare regime studies in Indonesia, suggesting that mainstream narratives of productivist transition are only partially validated. The insights garnered from this research open avenues for future studies across diverse contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry and livestock meat are important parts of the human diet. As living standards have improved, food taste has become a major influence on consumer quality assessment and meat purchasing choices. There is increasing research interest in meat taste and meat taste‐active compounds, which include free amino acids, flavor nucleotides, taste‐active peptides, organic acids, soluble sugars, and inorganic ions. Taste component research is also an important part of sensory science. A deeper understanding of the meat taste perception mechanism and interactions among different taste compounds will promote the development of meat science and sensory evaluation. This article reviews the main taste compounds in meat, factors influencing their concentrations, and the identification and measurement of taste‐active compounds, as well as summarizing the mechanisms of taste sensing and perception. Finally, the future of scientific taste component evaluation is discussed. This review provides a theoretical basis for research on meat taste and an important reference for the development of the meat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Longevity is increasing worldwide due to improvements in healthcare and living standards. Aging is often associated with disability and multiple health concerns. To address these challenges, effective interventions are essential. This study investigated potential age-related declines in gait, balance, and strength. We also sought to assess any relationships between these three parameters and explore potential differences between women and men. Methods: Healthy individuals over 50 years of age were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Upper extremity (grip) strength and lower extremity (knee) strength of the dominant side were measured. Static balance was performed on the force plate in different situations each for 30 seconds: bilateral stance with eyes open, bilateral stance with eyes closed, as well as dominant leg and non-dominant leg unilateral stance with eyes open. Gait was measured during level walking using an optical motion capture system. Additionally, the dynamic stability margin (DSM) was calculated for the level walking trials. Results: The study results indicated that gait parameters were not significantly affected by age (p≥0.12), while knee and grip strength, along with several balance parameters, showed a significant decline with age. All individuals were able to maintain their bipedal balance, but their center of pressure movement increased significantly by age (p≤0.028). Z-scores were calculated to compare significant age parameters. Unipedal stance time was found to be the most affected by age compared to other contributing factors (p≤0.001). The duration of unipedal balance showed the most significant change per decade (non-dominant: -0.62 SDs; dominant: -0.53 SDs), while strength measures exhibited the lowest amount of change per decade (grip strength: -0.34 SDs; knee strength: -0.26 SDs). Sex differences were observed exclusively in strength parameters, with no discernible impact on the decline in balance parameters. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the duration of unipedal stance can serve as a reliable and gender-independent measure of neuromuscular aging for both elderly male and female subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apprenticeship enrollment in Ghana is declining according to recent rounds of the Ghana Living Standards Survey, despite its importance as an avenue for human capital development among young people. This trend is alarming, especially during an era of economic crises and constraints in technical and vocational education. The paper utilizes qualitative approaches involving interviews with key stakeholders such as master craftspeople and apprentices, apprenticeship experts, and secondary data to explore the reasons behind the decline in apprenticeships. The findings reveal that young people’s desire for quick financial gains and lack of interest in apprenticeships, along with structural factors, contribute to the decline. The paper concludes by offering a nuanced critique of the human capital theory’s application to the declining apprenticeship trends in Ghana, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive framework that incorporates social, cultural and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic growth is a primary objective for countries worldwide since it has a pivotal impact on enhancing living standards, alleviating poverty, and promoting general societal well-being. Hence, this study examines the connection between life expectancy, environmental pollution, and economic growth in Somalia by using time-series data from 1990 to 2020. The study employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound test and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) method. The empirical results of the bound test indicate that life expectancy is statistically significant and positively affects economic growth in the long run. However, it does not significantly affect economic growth in the short run. Furthermore, environmental pollution does not significantly impact economic growth in the long run but enhances it in the short run. The study indicates that life expectancy improves economic growth. Based on the empirical evidence, the study provides several policy implications, including public health initiatives, health-related infrastructure, and sustainable environmental practices, which are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high sodium content in meat products poses health risks to consumers and does not align with modern green and healthy living standards. Current strategies for directly reducing the sodium content in meat products are limited by their negative impact on the sensory or quality attributes of the products. In recent years, there has been great interest in applying ultrasound technology to reduce sodium content. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of current mainstream strategies for reducing the sodium content in meat products, as well as the potential mechanisms by which ultrasound-assisted marination improves the quality of low-salt meat products. The main findings indicate that ultrasound, through its cavitation and mechanical effects, facilitates the transition of proteins from stable insoluble aggregates to stable soluble complexes, exposing more hydrophilic groups and, thus, enhancing protein solubility. At the same time, ultrasound promotes a greater number of proteins to participate in the formation of interfacial layers, thereby increasing emulsifying activity. Furthermore, ultrasound treatment promotes the interaction between proteins and water, leading to partial unfolding of protein chains, which allows polar residues to more readily capture water in the gel, thereby improving the water-holding capacity of the gel. These effects will contribute to the formation of high-quality low-salt meat products. However, variations in the frequency, intensity, and duration of ultrasound treatment can lead to differing effects on the quality improvement of low-salt meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community perception is essential for influencing the physical, social, and environmental growth of a region and is key to achieving a high Quality of Life (QOL). Tourism serves as a common means of introducing outsiders to the area where the community lives. Embracing tourism in remote locations like small towns or rural areas can be difficult, and the success of tourism hinges on community attitudes towards it. The community's engagement and approval of tourism are dependent on the benefits such as how tourism improves their QOL in both the short. Therefore, this study aims to explore the local community's perceptions on how tourism influences various aspects of QOL. A survey of 160 households in Palangan Village was conducted to collect primary data, using a conceptual model with 16 indices to evaluate QOL. The findings indicate that the local community generally has a positive perception of the effects of tourism, especially on key QOL components. Civic and generative well-being are considered more significant than other aspects of QOL. Analysis of the data reveals differences in perception across the 16 QOL indices. The highest average ratings were for institutional participation (3.476), quality of employment (3.456), and individual capability (3.203), while the lowest ratings were for standard of living (1.883), social solidarity (2.289), and environmental resource quality (2.725). For instance, the institutional participation index received an average response rating of 3.476. Additionally, the dispersion coefficient index highlighted notable variations in perception, particularly for satisfaction with living conditions (0.488) and standard of living (0.488). Conversely, employment quality (0.360), institutional cooperation (0.385), and freedom of choice had the lowest dispersion coefficients (0.386). Other indices showed moderate levels of dispersion and distribution of perception. In conclusion, these results underscore the significance of community perception in tourism development and its affect on QOL. They also underscore the importance of strategic planning and balanced development to ensure that all aspects of QOL benefit from the expanding tourism sector, leading to a more sustainable and harmonious community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correction notice addresses errors in the original publication regarding multidimensional poverty in Indian households, with changes made to indicators and definitions. The corrections aim to provide accurate data on poverty measures among Indian households based on the National Family Health Survey 2019-2021. The table in the document provides data on poverty measures in various states and Union Territories in India, showing variations in poverty levels across different regions. The information is presented in a factual and analytical manner, highlighting the diverse socio-economic landscape of the country. [Extracted from the article]

As living standards improve, there is a growing demand for fresher, healthier and more sustainable food options, with a concomitant challenge to develop new biodegradable packaging. This investigation centres around the synthesis of quaternary phosphonium salt (triphenyl octylphosphonium bromide P8) and use it to modify vermiculite (VMT). The structure of P8 was determined using both NMR and FTIR. The structural investigation and performance analysis of P8‐modified vermiculite (P8@VMT) were carried out by particle size, XRD, FTIR and microstructure. In addition, P8@VMT/PBAT composite films were prepared by solution method using PBAT as matrix material and P8@VMT as filler. The properties of P8@VMT/PBAT composite films were compared to those of pure PBAT films using TGA, DSC, SEM, and antibacterial tests. Results showed that the melting and crystallization temperatures of P8@VMT/PBAT composite films were higher than those of pure PBAT films. However, increasing the content of P8@VMT led to a decrease in thermal stability as well as melting enthalpy, crystallization enthalpy, and crystallinity. On the other hand, loss modulus, storage modulus, and complex viscosity significantly increased with the addition of P8@VMT. Compared to pure PBAT film, P8@VMT/PBAT‐20% composites exhibited a 19.6% reduction in tensile strength and a 94.7% decrease in elongation at break due to the presence of quaternary phosphonium salt (P8) used as a modifier for VMT during melt blending method preparation. Highlights: Quaternary phosphonium salt P8 was successfully synthesized.PBAT/P8@VMT composite films with different P8@VMT were prepared.P8@VMT improves compatibility between VMT and PBAT.PBAT/P8@VMT composite films have antimicrobial effects.The PBAT/P8@VMT composite films are biodegradable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate sanitation has catastrophic consequences for public health, standard of living, and productivity, as well as gender equality and social inclusion. Urban sanitation programmes yield suboptimal outcomes regarding long-term impact, effectiveness, sustainability, and fairness. To ensure that all urban dwellers in Low- to Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) have access to sanitation facilities that are properly maintained and safe, it is crucial to bring about a fundamental change in the urban sanitation sector through the implementation of Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS). This research analyses the sanitation regulatory framework and stakeholders' perspectives in Bandung City, Indonesia. The goal is to determine the possible obstacles and advantages of implementing a comprehensive CWIS (Citywide Inclusive Sanitation) system in Indonesia. The CWIS idea has been recognised at the national level in Indonesia. While existing legislation and policies partially govern and deal with CWIS components, there is no official programme establishment yet and limited implementation at the local level. Some challenges that have been identified include conflicting priorities in serving marginalised populations, a lack of political commitment and capacity to provide comprehensive services for all types of domestic wastewater (including grey water) and throughout the entire sanitation service chain (from containment to treatment and/or reuse and recovery), inadequate knowledge management and data transparency, a lack of incentives and penalties for local governments to meet sanitation standards, and limited motivation for meaningful and institutionalised private sector involvement. This study also delineates four crucial domains for efficiently fostering the deployment of CWIS in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aims to analyze and learn from the unanticipated economic shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine the ramifications of the pandemic on household well-being in Ethiopia, uncovering the layers of socio-economic impact through a rigorous microsimulation exercise. Drawing on robust data from the 2018/19 Living Standards Measurement Study – Integrated Surveys on Agriculture, we assess the significant disruptions caused by the pandemic. Our findings reveal a 2 to 4 percentage point increase in the poverty rate within the first three months, driven largely by shifts in direct incomes and food prices. The analysis highlights differential impacts across rural and urban areas, as well as between male- and female-headed households. Moreover, the study underscores the vital role of social protection programs in mitigating the effects of such shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractCooking with relatively clean fuel has numerous benefits, including reducing pollution and improving health and socioeconomic outcomes. Hence, some developing countries have implemented policies to promote LPG use. However, risks of accidents and explosions may prevent risk-averse households from adopting LPG. This study examines the causal effect of risk aversion on the adoption and expenditure of LPG using the seventh round of the Ghana Living Standards Measurement Survey and a double hurdle approach. We find that risk-averse households are four per cent less likely to adopt LPG and, if adopted, spend significantly less on LPG. The result holds even after endogeneity has been addressed with diverse econometric strategies. However, the effect disappears in households where the primary decision-makers have no formal education, while it is systematically stronger when they are educated. The results imply measures that reduce the actual and perceived dangers of LPG usage could effectively increase adoption rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of access to reliable and affordable electricity in Mbo'o community and the reliance on kerosene lamps for lighting has impacted various aspects of daily life in the area such as education, health, safety and economic productivity. Yields rural exodus and poverty. The aim of this research is to address the challenge of inadequate lighting in the Mbo'o community by developing a sustainable and affordable solution using the AEM10941 solar lamp and thus improving the quality of life for community members and reducing environmental impacts. The methodology involved utilizing the AEM10941 and connecting it with an ATMEGA328pu, switch and LED to construct the lamp. This included configuring the AEM10941, designing the printed circuit board for the lighting and control circuits, and then crafting the lamp casing. The lamp was designed to operate in two modes including indoor and outdoor/security modes. Performance evaluation tests revealed that the AEM10941 effectively charges the battery to full capacity within three hours. Additionally, in indoor mode, a single charge can sustain up to 10 h of lighting, demonstrating the lamp's efficiency and reliability in providing prolonged illumination. At full brightness, the lamp produced an illuminance of 1436 lx. the AEM10941 based solar lamps performance characteristics including illumination intensity, runtime and charging time are in accordance with the standards values and even above. This sustainable way of lighting is the convenient solution to improve the general living standard of the Mbo'o community. The key contribution of this work is the development of a sustainable, affordable and versatile solar lamp tailored to the specific needs of the Mbo'o community. This work provides an innovative solution to address the community's reliance on kerosene lamps, thereby potentially reducing emissions while improving safety and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livelihood diversification (LD) is crucial for rural households due to increasing climate variability and declining farm incomes in the global south. Literature has extensively documented the benefits of LD in emerging economies. However, there is still a gap in the econometric evidence of LD on the food security of rural households in Ghana. This study addresses this gap by examining the factors that influence LD using the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7) data collected from 133 rural households in Northern Ghana. Results from the censored Tobit regression model, multiple linear regression, and Simpson Diversification Index (SDI) indicated that diversification averaged 0.313 and ranged from 0.000 to 0.709 (zero to 70.9%). Total food expenditures (TFE) measured as a proxy of food security declined at low levels of diversification. Beyond the diversification level of 0.480, total food expenditure increased steadily. The findings revealed that only 24.6% of the households had diversification scores higher than the turning point of 0.480. The Tobit model also showed that remittance income, technical education, household size, marital status, access to extension services, and ownership of mobile phones were significant drivers of LD. The findings have demonstrated that LD improves food security in rural Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a cornerstone of marine conservation efforts, with the potential to protect biodiversity and provide socioeconomic benefits. We quantified the effect of MPAs on fishing outcomes, economic activities, and material living standards in 24 coastal villages of Tanzania over two decades. We accessed original data from a study conducted in 2003 that found no effect of MPAs 3–8 years after their creation. Eighteen years later, we replicated the survey and used a Before‐After Control‐Intervention design to quantify the effect of MPAs. We found that villages near MPAs experienced a 50% higher improvement in living standards compared to those further from MPAs. This benefit is not related to higher fishing outcomes but to a diversification of economic sectors. Our findings highlight a decoupling between fish catches and economic benefits, revealing that socio‐economic outcomes can be observed for MPAs whose ecosystems’ productivity has declined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the decline in HBV and HCV infections, there has been a corresponding reduction in both the morbidity and mortality of virus-associated HCC. Nevertheless, rising living standards, coupled with the increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, have led to a rapid surge in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (NAFLD-HCC) incidence. The mechanisms underlying the progression from NAFLD to NAFLDHCC are multifaceted and remain incompletely understood. Current research suggests that genetic predisposition, metabolic dysregulation, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation are key contributing factors. Given the complexity of these mechanisms and the frequent occurrence of metabolic comorbidities like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease in NAFLDHCC patients, there is a pressing need for tailored therapeutic strategies, along with novel prevention, monitoring, and treatment approaches that are personalized to the patient's pathophysiology. Due to the limited depth of research, incomplete understanding of pathogenesis, and insufficient clinical data on NAFLD-HCC treatment, current therapeutic approaches largely rely on tumor staging. In this review, we synthesize current research on the pathogenesis, surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of NAFLD-HCC, and offer perspectives for future studies, particularly regarding its underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in electric power load due to economic development and improved living standards. The growing need for smart power solutions, such as leveraging user electricity data to forecast power peaks and utilizing power data statistics to enhance end-user services, has been on the rise. However, the misuse and unauthorized access of data have prompted stringent regulations to safeguard data integrity. This paper presents a novel decentralized collaborative machine learning framework aimed at predicting peak power loads while protecting the privacy of users' power data. In this scheme, multiple users engage in collaborative machine learning training within a peer-to-peer network free from a centralized server, with the objective of predicting peak power loads without compromising users' local data privacy. The proposed approach leverages blockchain technology and advanced cryptographic techniques, including multi-key homomorphic encryption and consistent hashing. Key contributions of this framework include the development of a secure dual-aggregate node aggregation algorithm and the establishment of a verifiable process within a decentralized architecture. Experimental validation has been conducted to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme, demonstrating its potential to address the challenges associated with predicting peak power loads securely and preserving user data privacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botswana has had fair and stable elections since its independence in 1966. It has a relatively high standard of living, a relatively well-functioning welfare state, and relatively low levels of government corruption. Voter participation is among the highest in the world, topping 80 percent in the past elections. Access to education and healthcare is free to all citizens. How can we best explain Botswana's exceptionalism in the political, economic, and social realms, and what policy lessons does the case of Botswana contain? This article shows that it is Botswana's millennial tradition of direct village democracy, kgotla, that best explains its exceptional performance. I visited Botswana in May of 2023 to evaluate the importance of participatory democracy in Botswana and assess its explanatory power. When comparing local participation to other, potentially relevant causal factors, I find that local political participation provides the most robust explanation for good governance in Botswana. In Botswana, citizens are able to hold their elected officials accountable, learn how politics works by acquiring the necessary technical knowledge (techne) through participating in regular, monthly public assemblies, and, as a result, make better-informed political decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hearing disorders, especially deafness, are highly debilitating diseases that negatively affect the quality of life. Despite the high incidence, the underlying pathophysiology of these disorders remains elusive, and current treatment options are often inadequate. Recent scientific evidence demonstrates the importance of the key role of pericytes as vascular mural cells specialized in maintaining the integrity and functioning of microvasculature. Understanding their activity in inner ear disorders can provide useful knowledge about the pathophysiology of these conditions and ensure the development of new diagnostic strategies. The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide a detailed description of the involvement of these cells in disorders affecting the inner ear by analyzing the mechanisms that cause them. In addition, based on current knowledge, focus is also placed on future prospects and new targeted therapeutic strategies. Inner ear disorders, including sensorineural hearing loss, Meniere's disease, and vestibular neuritis, are prevalent conditions that significantly impact the quality of life. Despite their high incidence, the underlying pathophysiology of these disorders remains elusive, and current treatment options are often inadequate. Emerging evidence suggests that pericytes, a type of vascular mural cell specialized to maintain the integrity and function of the microvasculature, may play a crucial role in the development and progression of inner ear disorders. The pericytes are present in the microvasculature of both the cochlea and the vestibular system, where they regulate blood flow, maintain the blood–labyrinth barrier, facilitate angiogenesis, and provide trophic support to neurons. Understanding their role in inner ear disorders may provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of these conditions and lead to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, improving the standard of living. This comprehensive review aims to provide a detailed overview of the role of pericytes in inner ear disorders, highlighting the anatomy and physiology in the microvasculature, and analyzing the mechanisms that contribute to the development of the disorders. Furthermore, we explore the potential pericyte-targeted therapies, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic approaches, as well as gene therapy strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wealthy and orderly city of Geneva, Switzerland, accommodation centres built in haste between the 1950s and the 1980s to house seasonal guestworkers from southern Europe are still standing and still inhabited. Today's residents are precarious workers, undocumented or with temporary permits as well as asylum seekers. While the seasonal status disappeared in the early 2000s, the demand for low-skilled, flexible labour did not. Analysing the historical trajectories of specific buildings helps us to answer the question of who replaced the seasonal workers, not only in the labour and the housing markets, but also in the symbolic spectrum of legitimacy. This article introduces the notion of 'Subaltern Housing Policies' to account for the public action that leads to the production and subsequent use of forms of housing characterised by standards of comfort and security far below those of the rental and social housing stock, but considered 'good enough' for their occupants. We argue that 'subaltern' relates not only to housing conditions, but also to the policies themselves, and last but not least to the people who are subjected to them. This notion allows us to trace a link between the production of substandard forms of housing and the production of categories of people who are kept on the margins of full citizenship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global increase in energy consumption, driven by population growth and improved living standards, has led to a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, causing significant environmental concerns. This has prompted a shift toward sustainable energy sources, with biomass, especially lignocellulosic forest biomass, emerging as a key alternative due to its abundance and carbon-neutral potential. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) is an efficient method for converting forest biomass into valuable bioproducts and bioenergy with reduced energy use. This review introduces biomass types, focusing on forest biomass and its role in global energy production. It compares MAP to conventional pyrolysis, highlighting the benefits of rapid, uniform heating and improved product yields. Key operational conditions, such as temperature, microwave power, biomass size, and catalyst ratios, are discussed in relation to their impact on product quality and yield. Despite its advantages, MAP faces challenges, particularly in temperature control, which can affect bio-oil yield and quality. High temperatures may cause unwanted secondary reactions, while low temperatures can lead to incomplete decomposition. Research into biomass dielectric properties and process modeling is essential in order to optimize MAP and scale it up for industrial use. Addressing bio-oil quality issues through catalytic upgrading is also critical for broader adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several theories in economics and finance suggest that risk attitudes play a vital role in economic choices, including being an entrepreneur and the choice of finance for businesses. However, there are limited empirical tests of these theories in the African context, where majority of firms are small and medium-scale enterprises. Using the 7th round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7), this study estimates the effect of risk attitudes on the decision to own a household enterprise and the choice of finance by owners of household enterprises. The study finds no significant impact of risk aversion on household enterprise ownership. We find risk aversion to significantly influence the use of self-financing as start-up capital; however, after controlling for access to finance, this effect reduces. We also did not find a significant relationship between risk aversion and the use of loan financing as working capital. The findings from this study shed light on the risk management strategy of household enterprise owners and suggest that access to finance is an important determinant of sources of financing. Hence, to spur growth of these critical household enterprises, the essential role of access to finance should be addressed by policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations anticipates that by 2050, around two-thirds of the global population will reside in urban areas, necessitating a concerted effort to elevate the benchmarks guiding living standards in sustainable cities. The pursuit of sustainable urban development necessitates the identification of robust socio-ecological indicators to ensure the synchronous optimization of human well-being and environmental integrity. Therefore, the study explores the existing quality-of-life indicators grounded in ecosystem services within the urban parks of Lahore. For this, a field survey was conducted in the parks of Lahore, primarily focusing on identifying key measures to enhance living standards. The study was collected by identifying quality-of-life indicators from ecological, social, and economic perspectives and analyzed in MS Excel and ArcGIS version 10.8. The results illustrate that nearly all the examined parks contribute significantly to the quality-of-life key indicators by regulating the air quality and reducing noise and temperature. Jallo Park and Bagh-e-Jinnah have sufficient areas and are adequately maintained, which is a key indicator of the quality of life, but only Gulberg town aligns with global standards (9 to 50 m2) for per capita green space (25.523 m2). So, it is concluded that the urban parks of Lahore support sustainable living with their proper mountainous and sufficient green area. Therefore, a critical need for proactive green infrastructure initiatives is recommended, particularly addressing the shortfall in per capita green space. A strategic intervention in urban planning and green development is a key recommendation for policymakers for a sustainable future in Lahore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Pakistan, due to low per capita income and weak socio-economic policies the poverty has remained core problem in every era. Thus, as per sensitivity of the issue, the present study key objectives are to empirically address the dilemma of multidimensional poverty among agrarian and non-agrarian communities of Agro-environmental Regions of Pakistan. For assessment of comprehensive outcomes, one decade survey data (2010/11 to 2019/20) of Pakistan social and living standard measurement and globally acknowledged Alkire and Foster (Counting and multidimensional poverty measurement, 2007) indexing methodology has been adopted. Stepwise outcomes under dual cut-off K = 2 logically reveal that multidimensional poverty is purely an agrarian phenomenon at the national level and across all the nine agro-environmental regions of Pakistan. Further, at the national level in each study year, residents of the agrarian community with poverty estimates 46.40, 39.00, 34.90, and 31.90% are harshly victimized by precise menace compared to their non-agrarian counterparts with poverty measures 23.00, 20.60, 19.10, and 17.70%, respectively. Like national measure, similar trend has also been observed across each agro-environmental region where agrarian community is severely victimized of multiple attributes poverty menace compared to non-agrarian counterpart. Moreover, a comparative analysis of current valuations highlights that over time, especially in the short run, 2010/11 to 2012/13; 2012/13 to 2014/15, and 2014/15 to 2019/20, multiple aspect poverty at national level and across each zone in Pakistan presents fluctuating trend for both communities. However, in the long run, with the time gap of complete decade since to 2010–11 to 2019–20, multidimensional poverty reveals a declining trend at the national level as well as across each study zone in Pakistan. These valuations indicate a noteworthy improvement in all three attributes; education, health, and housing services specifically in longer span of time. Precise improvements are appreciable but still a strong policy like adoption of modern technology as per advance countries in all three aspect is essentially needed to achieve the UNDP agenda within the prescribed time limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine whether a positive income shock, measured by lottery wins, affects labor supply and the employment of individuals in Vietnam using Vietnam Living Standard Surveys 1993 and 1998. We do not find significant effects of lottery wins on the probability of working or on working hours. However, we find that lottery wins tend to be invested in productive assets and nonfarm household businesses. As a result, individuals from lottery-winning households tend to quit their wage-earning jobs and move to nonfarm self-employment. A 1% increase in lottery winnings results in a 0.22% increase in nonfarm income and a 0.056% increase in per capita income (excluding lottery winnings). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than half of Japan's land area experiences significant snowfall during winter, and the damage caused by various snow and ice disasters remains a dire issue, which also leads to decreased living standards. Simultaneously, the nature of snow and ice disasters has been transformed due to climate change and the increasing occurrence of extreme weather conditions. The National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) has been continuously conducting research to address these problems in relation to snow and ice disasters. This study presents the results of the project "Research on Combining Risk Monitoring and Forecasting Technologies for Mitigation of Increasingly Diverse Snow Disaster" conducted by the NIED over a seven-year period from April 2016 to March 2023. This project developed technology for conducting accurate observations of snowfall and snow cover conditions over wide areas as well as technology for areal prediction of snow and ice disasters through simulations. Based on collaboration with stakeholders, such as local governments, our study investigated how to optimize the use of our information products for snow and ice disaster mitigation. Through these insights, the NIED provides information for prompt and appropriate responses to snow and ice disasters, thus supporting safe and comfortable living in both snowy and non-snowy areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation are growing issues and significant challenges to sustainable development. They are visible obstacles to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The three ZEROS (zero net carbon emissions, zero poverty, and zero unemployment) within the SDGs have not yet been thoroughly explored and need to be empirically examined. This is the primary aim of this study, which focuses on 10 developing countries in Asia & the Pacific. The study utilized panel data from 1997 to 2021 and a stochastic impact by regression on population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) model and implemented the second‐generation panel unit root test, cross‐sectional augmented autoregressive distributed lags (CS‐ARDL), panel fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) approaches, and panel Granger‐causality test. The empirical results of the CS‐ARDL approach vindicate that poverty contributes to the environmental deterioration proxied by CO2 emissions, while the unemployment rate inhibits the environmental damage. The other regressors, namely national income by real gross domestic product per capita, energy use, and population are harming the environment, while technological innovation and digitalization reduce environmental degradation. These results are re‐corroborated by implementing the FMOLS estimator. The Granger causality results reveal a bidirectional causality between poverty and environmental degradation. Therefore, it is essential for management authorities to implement pragmatic public policies that focus on sustainable development strategies, such as investing in education and stimulating sustainable economic growth. This will help to reduce unemployment, improve living standards, decrease poverty, and ultimately achieve the Three Zeros Club initiative and sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Financial & Economic Law Review is the property of Angle Publishing Co., Ltd 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.)

Every country in the world, except for African nations, faces significant challenges due to the increasing older population, with China being particularly affected. This issue is more pronounced in rural areas compared to urban centers. To better understand consumer attitudes and willingness to pay (WTP) for age-friendly retrofitting and to identify industry development shortcomings, this study designed a retrofitting scenario and organized a questionnaire survey to collect WTP and its influencing factors from respondents in the Wuhu area of Anhui Province, China. This study determined the retrofit cost to be CNY 12,224.4 and found that over 80% of respondents intended to pursue age-friendly retrofitting. The analysis results indicated that respondents' education level, perceived psychological benefits, and perceived social benefits were positively correlated with their WTP. Additionally, education level, monthly personal income, and choice of retirement area positively influenced retrofitting budgets, whereas age bracket, employment status, and perceived situational risk negatively influenced them. The study's findings will assist consumers in making informed retrofitting decisions and support the government in formulating appropriate policies to enhance the quality of rural residential environments and improve the living standards of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid urbanization trend underscores the need for effective management of city resources and services, making the concept of smart cities increasingly important. This study leverages the IMD Smart City Index (SCI) dataset to analyze and rank smart cities worldwide. Our research has a dual objective: first, we aim to apply a set of unsupervised learning models to cluster cities based on their smartness indices. Second, we aim to employ supervised learning models such as random forest, support vector machines (SVMs), and others to determine the importance of various features that contribute to a city's smartness. Our findings reveal that while smart living was the most critical factor, with an importance of 0.259014. Smart mobility and smart environment also played significant roles, with the importance of 0.170147 and 0.163159, respectively, in determining a city's smartness. While the clustering provides insights into the similarities and groupings among cities, the feature importance analysis elucidates the critical factors that drive these classifications. The integration of these two approaches aims to demonstrate that understanding the similarities between smart cities is of limited utility without a clear comprehension of the importance of the underlying features. This holistic approach provides a comprehensive understanding of what makes a city 'smart' and offers a robust framework for policymakers to enhance urban living standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Subjective wellbeing has been defined as an individual's personal appraisal of their quality of life. Subjective wellbeing is associated with positive health behaviours and improved coping abilities. This study aimed to investigate the subjective wellbeing of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), using the novel Personal Wellbeing Index, and make comparisons with the general population. Methods: Cross-sectional data was obtained from the Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study and the How Is Your Life Australian general population study in August-October 2020. Subjective wellbeing was measured as life satisfaction using the Personal Wellbeing Index. This instrument measures life satisfaction globally and in seven life domains, allowing the importance of domain-specific life satisfaction to be explored. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted. Results: One thousand six hundred eighty-three MS and 1,021 general population participants entered the study (mean age 52.4 and 58.6; female 79.9% and 52.4%, respectively). For people living with MS the most important life domains were standard of living and achieving in life. The domain of personal health was more influential for people living with MS (p < 0.01) than the general population. The life domains most susceptible to MS-related disability were personal health, achieving in life, and community connectedness (p < 0.01 for these domains). Conclusion: Personal health and achieving in life are key domains through which the subjective wellbeing of people living with MS is modified. This study recommends the development of interventions to support healthy perceptions of illness and continued employment as paramount in improving the subjective wellbeing of people living with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study examines how the state categorises and governs the urban poor in the Philippines, implementing different housing policies for citizens who can pay regular prices and the urban poor who cannot. Slum dwellers who cannot afford land are categorised as “underprivileged and homeless citizens” and receive state protection. Meanwhile, those considered able to afford land are classified as “professional squatters” and are subject to imprisonment and/or fines. Since the 2000s, the state protection has been via market-driven policies, which have proven insufficient as local governments and private developers relocate slum dwellers for high-end housing projects that force these dwellers to purchase relatively expensive socialised housing in suburbs with inadequate infrastructure or livelihood opportunities. This article reviews the inadequacy of state protection by examining the role of courts that might protect slum dwellers from the state’s market-driven policies. This analysis indicates that, based on the building materials of houses, the courts are likely to define slum dwellers as professional squatters. This is not necessarily an accurate reflection of their living standard, compared to income. Underprivileged and homeless citizens are easily relocated under market-driven policies, and if they resist in court, they are likely to be treated as professional squatters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nowadays, the contradiction between the rapid improvement of people's material living standard and the loss of spiritual pursuit or the increase of pressure is becoming more and more serious.With the impact of the new corona-virus pandemic, the employment situation of college students is more severe. This leads to the growth of psychological problems and alienation behavior of college students. In the promoting positive psychology and enhancing the happiness of the whole people, the relationship between interpersonal relationship and subjective well-being of college students is an interesting and valuable research topic. Methods: The structural model with AMOS21.0 was used to verify the mediating effect of psychological capital between interpersonal relationship distress and SWB from the survey data of 673 college students. Results: The interpersonal distress has a negatively correlated with psychological capital and SWB, while psychological capital has a positively correlated with SWB. Psychological capital has Partial mediating effect between interpersonal distress and SWB, and the indirect effect accounts for 57% of the total effect. Conclusion: This study indicates that schools should pay attention to education and intervention in psychological capital, except for strengthening knowledge and skill training of college students in how to communicate with others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the development of low-carbon buildings and carbon emission control in Jiangsu Province, China, utilizing a mathematical model. Through correlation analysis and principal component analysis, the carbon emissions of the entire life cycle of residential buildings are evaluated, and a Grey Prediction Model is established. The study shows that the annual carbon emission from air conditioners is 370.92 kg, given an annual electricity consumption of 1324.71 kW and a carbon emission of 0.28 kg per kWh. It identifies the key carbon emission indicators, including precipitation, temperature, energy consumption, building area, construction materials, water, natural gas, and waste. Principal component analysis ranks building area as the most significant factor. Using the GM (1,1) model, the carbon emissions of Jiangsu Province in 2024 were predicted to be 1.5576 million tons by historical data. Emission reduction suggestions are proposed, such as constructing thicker walls, increasing green spaces, reducing construction waste, and promoting balanced economic development. Moreover, prioritizing insulation materials in building design can reduce winter energy consumption since energy consumption is higher in winter than in summer. This research supports China's goals of achieving a carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 while encouraging low-carbon technological innovation and improving people's living standards. This study also emphasizes the importance of locally tailored strategies for effective emissions reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to assess the urban-rural gap in mathematics achievement among secondary education students in Peru using the ECE 2018 evaluation and the Oaxaca-Blinder method. Employing a retrospective observational design, the study analyzed data from the ECE to understand this disparity. It revealed a significant gap favoring urban areas, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors and school contributions, with a difference of 63.28 points. Decomposition analysis showed that 82.58% of this gap is explained by differences in observable attributes (endowments), primarily socioeconomic variables and school inputs. These findings underscore the importance of public policies targeting improvements in both school resources and the living standards of impoverished populations to address educational disparities effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Global climate change (CC) significantly impacts sustainable food systems and the agricultural sector, primarily through increasing adverse weather events. This study aims to explore the adaptation strategies farmers use to address these challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices on food performance. Methods: We collected data from 720 crop farmers located in three provinces of Pakistan using a random sampling method. To address potential biases, this study employed the endogenous switching regression (ESR) model. This model effectively addresses endogeneity and selection bias by considering both observable and unobservable characteristics. Results: Study findings indicate that CSA practices substantially enhance net farm returns, reduce volatility, and mitigate downside risks. The analysis also highlights key features affecting the acceptance of CSA practices, including higher education, age, climate information, and availability of agricultural extension services. Discussion: These insights are essential for policymakers, offering a framework for informed decision-making to tackle CC's effects on food production, improve living standards, and enhance global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its founding, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has maintained its original aspiration of eliminating poverty, improving people's living standards, and steadily achieving the common prosperity of the whole Chinese people. The Party has consistently led the Chinese people in fighting against poverty throughout all the stages of China's revolution, construction, reform and development, eventually winning a comprehensive victory in this fight. In the Party's work, poverty alleviation has always been one of the main tasks, and has included efforts both to help the poor acquire knowledge and to build their aspirations for change. Specifically, rural areas have been the key area of activity, and the Party's fundamental approach to combating poverty has always centered on development, employing an all-encompassing campaign that involves state, social and market forces. It should also be noted that the elimination of absolute poverty is not the end of the fight. The CPC will continue struggling tirelessly to create a better life for the people and to realize common prosperity, thus opening up a new phase in the fight against poverty in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional cartography is a tool that makes it possible to map people's emotions concerning a given space. This review article explores the use of emotional cartography in analysing and planning public open spaces (POSs) in urban areas. As evolving social and spatial organisms, cities hinge on POSs to enrich the quality of life. The study foregrounds challenges in urban development, especially in developing regions, where uncontrolled growth impacts POS and living standards. The significance of POSs' roles as hubs for social interaction, environmental conservation, and leisure activities is emphasized. The article delves into how emotional cartography and concepts like Topophilia can effectively capture users' perceptions of these spaces, aiding in urban planning by understanding the socio-environmental value of POSs. A key component of this review is an in-depth bibliometric analysis, which maps the academic landscape surrounding emotional cartography. This analysis uncovers the methods used in emotional mapping, including crowdsourcing, biosensors, and social networks, and identifies a significant research gap in emotional maps for subjective population analysis, particularly in developing nations. The article advocates for emotional cartography as a crucial tool in participatory urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Human Development Index is a useful measure of a country's overall prosperity and standard of living (HDI). The Human Development Index (HDI) provides data on the social and economic progress of a nation by accounting for variables such as life expectancy, education attainment, and per capita income. This research delves into the intricate correlation of a nation's historical background, policy framework, and advancements on the Human Development Index. The remarkable journey of South Africa, from apartheid to inclusive growth, is an important example. The study uses an average yearly growth rate to examine how changes in political ideologies, ongoing development initiatives, and historical contexts of inequality have shaped South Africa's HDI trajectory. By examining crucial turning points and policy influences, the study aims to reveal the complex relationship of factors affecting human development results. Despite improvement, challenges like unemployment and poverty continue. The study stresses the relevance of understanding historical context and policy changes in shaping HDI outcomes. Ultimately, the study emphasises the need of maintaining a long-term commitment to effective and inclusive human development policies. Understanding the complex relationship of factors influencing South Africa's HDI will help policymakers make better informed decisions that will lead to a more prosperous and fair society for all South Africans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the idea that the misdeeds of ancestors will have negative consequences for their descendants, as encapsulated by biblical quotes about 'the sins of the fathers'. The prevalence of these ideas in religion and folklore, through the notion of family curses, is discussed, as is an analysis of what constitutes 'sin'. How the so-called sins of our forebears might reach across future generations is considered in two ways. The first is that detrimental characteristics, behaviours, and health conditions can be transmitted to descendants via genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and psychosocial mechanisms (and the interactions between these). The second is that descendants can feel guilt and shame as a result of the actions of their ancestors. Overcoming the effects of ancestral fault and disadvantage may occur through improvements in living standards, medical advances, more tolerant and inclusive cultural beliefs, as well as other environmental and social changes. These processes are also likely to be assisted by greater knowledge and understanding of one's own family history. Such knowledge, in historical context, has the potential to facilitate both personal psychotherapeutic change and decisions about appropriate reparations where these are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of remittances on the labor supply decisions of recipients remains a subject of contention. To contribute to the debate, we investigate how the educational attainment and household income of remittance recipients shape their decisions to work. Using data from the 2018–2019 living standard measurement survey for over 61,000 Nigerians and applying the instrumental variable probit and Tobit techniques, we find that remittances are associated with an occupational switch from agriculture to nonagricultural (paid jobs and nonfarm enterprises) works. Specifically, the results show that remittance recipients are more likely to exit or reduce the hours worked on the farm, regardless of educational attainment and household income status. On the other hand, remittances promote labor supply to paid jobs and nonfarm enterprises, especially among the less educated in Northern Nigeria. In terms of household income, the positive effect of remittances on nonfarm jobs only holds for individuals in the top income quartile, regardless of their region of residence. Our findings are robust to alternative estimation techniques and hold important cues for policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]