Combining Survey Data Research Articles

Sexual Behavior and Sexual Decision-Making Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observations from a Rapid Ethnographic Assessment in Marion County, Indiana, October-November 2021.

From 2020 to 2021, Marion County, Indiana, USA, saw an increase in early syphilis diagnoses, primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This rapid ethnographic assessment combines survey data from GBMSM with data from key informant interviews with multiple groups of stakeholders, including GBMSM, to describe how COVID-19 impacted sexual behaviors, sexual decision-making, and access to sexually transmitted disease (STD) services among GBMSM in Marion County, Indiana. A total of 62 virtual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 72 key respondents including health department staff, medical providers, community-based organization staff, and GBMSM were conducted from October 14 to November 22, 2021. Modifications to partner-seeking and sexual behaviors attributable to the pandemic were associated with the way in which individuals reacted to the pandemic in general. Some GBMSM adopted mitigation strategies to avoid COVID-19 when meeting sex partners, such as creating a "sex pod." Effects on mental health included increased loneliness, heightened anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness regarding the perceived inevitability of acquiring COVID-19. For some, the latter prompted decreased engagement in preventive measures when engaging in sexual activity. The pandemic decreased access to STD services and significantly curtailed public health outreach efforts, which may have limited access to needed STD treatment and care. Efforts focusing on ongoing public health concerns during extreme health events like COVID-19 may want to consider the many ways these events affect ancillary behaviors, such sexual decision-making and sexual behaviors. The role of mental health is key; messaging and guidance may benefit from a trauma-informed approach.

Understanding groundwater use and vulnerability of rural communities in the Mekong Delta: The case of Tra Vinh province, Vietnam

Groundwater has been increasingly used for water supply to sustain local livelihood and socio-economic development in the Vietnam Mekong Delta (VMD). Yet, intensive groundwater use raises concerns on sustainability as available fresh groundwater is finite with little or limited natural recharge in the area on one hand and, on the other hand, groundwater levels have been decreasing, with induced land subsistence, increased flooding and inundation, and exacerbated salinity intrusion. This study aimed to develop understanding of groundwater use and vulnerability of rural communities in the VMD. It was motivated by both the significance and little knowledge of decentralized groundwater use of small capacity by rural communities that is not monitored and managed. In this study, we designed and conducted a structured survey in selected rural communities to collect information related to water supply and groundwater use for domestic purposes and agriculture. Combining survey data and information from different sources, our analysis found that: 1) groundwater plays a varying role in domestic water use, with a heterogeneous pattern consistent with the spatial distribution of groundwater salinity; 2) local dependence on groundwater increases spatially from inland towards coastal areas; 3) poor households in coastal areas are of high vulnerability to groundwater limitations imposed by salinity or resource depletion for domestic use; 4) groundwater use in agriculture appears to be complementary to available fresh surface water, non-essential while exhibiting a spatial pattern corresponding to groundwater salinity or availability; and 5) there is indication of groundwater depletion associated with groundwater use in agriculture. The study revealed locally developed water use behavior adapting to local water conditions and wealth level, with fresh groundwater being of strategic importance, particularly to domestic water use and poor households in coastal areas. The findings fill the knowledge gap in the literature while providing relevant information for welfare improving management decision making on groundwater in the VMD.

The impact of network coverage on adoption of Fintech and financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa

Digital finance plays a major role in improving access to, usage and quality of financial services in developing countries. The use of these platforms has been associated with a positive impact on economic growth and people’s welfare. They allow for convenient, secure, and efficient transaction and are the crucial element of e-commerce. In this paper, we analyse the effect of mobile network coverage on adoption of financial technologies and financial inclusion using a survey data of 12,735 individuals from nine sub-Saharan African countries conducted in 2017. By combining survey data with information on the proximity of mobile network towers, we estimate a two-stage model. In the first stage, consumers decide to adopt a technology device, and in the second stage, they decide whether to use digital financial services or not. Results show a significant and positive relationship between network coverage and adoption of digital financial services. Considering that the whole population lives within 2 km radius from the LTE tower, financial inclusion would increase by 6% in Mozambique and 3% in Ghana, Rwanda and Senegal. In Tanzania, where mobile money is the common financial service, investment in GSM and UMTS would have a larger impact on financial inclusion than LTE. These results show that digital financial technologies such as mobile money, mobile banking and e-wallet, that do not necessarily require consumers to be connected to the Internet have a greater impact on financial inclusion in East African countries, where financial service innovations are mobile led. However, in countries where digital financial innovations are bank led, LTE coverage have a greater impact than GSM and UMTS coverage. The findings of this study can help policy-makers to understand the issues related to the expansion of digital financial services and effective strategies to deliver these services to the poor.

Life satisfaction along the urban-rural continuum: a global assessment

ABSTRACT This paper assesses differences in life satisfaction along the urban-rural continuum in 111 countries across the globe. It combines survey data with a consistent definition of settlements to maximize international comparability. Once controlled for observed individual characteristics, differences in life satisfaction between people living in cities and in rural areas change with development levels. We found a positive difference at low development levels, which disappears or reverts for high-income countries. Among the factors associated with such differences are city-rural gaps in reported health problems, in physical infrastructure (built-up area), in expectations for future economic conditions, as well as in perceived housing affordability. We also show that life satisfaction varies by city size. Globally, large cities between one and five million inhabitants drive the observed city-premium, with stark heterogeneity across income levels. More specifically, residents in large metropolises over five million inhabitants report the highest and lowest life satisfaction in low- and high- income countries, respectively.

What would it look like? Visualizing a future US Corn Belt landscape with more table food production

Abstract Most farmland in the US Corn Belt is used to grow row crops at large scales (e.g., corn, soybean) that are highly processed before entering the human food stream rather than specialty crops grown in smaller areas and meant for direct human consumption (table food). Bolstering local table food production close to urban populations in this region through peri-urban agriculture (PUA) could enhance sustainability and resilience. Understanding factors influencing PUA producers' preferences and willingness to produce table food would enable supportive planning and policy efforts. This study combined land use visualization and survey data to examine the potential for increased local table food production for the US Corn Belt. We developed a spatial visualization of current agricultural land use and a future scenario with increased table food production designed to meet 50% of dietary requirements for a metropolitan population in 2050. A survey was administered to row crop (1360) and specialty crop (55) producers near Des Moines, Iowa, US to understand current and intended agricultural land use and factors influencing production. Responses from 316 row crop and 25 specialty crop producers were eligible for this analysis. A future scenario with increased table food production would require less than 3% of available agricultural land and some additional producers (approximately 130, primarily for grain production). Survey responses indicated PUA producers planned small increases in table food production in the next three to five years. Producer plans, including land rental for table food production, could provide approximately 25% of residents' fruit, vegetables, and grains, an increase from the baseline of 2%. Row crop producers ranked food safety regulations, and specialty producers ranked labor concerns as strong influences on their decision-making. Both groups indicated that crop insurance and processing facilities were also important. Increasing table food production by clustering mid-scale operations to increase economies of scale and strengthening supply chains and production infrastructure could provide new profitable opportunities for farmers and more resilient food systems for growing urban regions in the US Corn Belt. Continuing to address producer factors and landscape-scale environmental impacts will be critical in considering food system sustainability challenges holistically.

Estimation of demand effects of new flexible tariff products in electronic fare management systems for public transport by combining survey and passive observation data

The paper provides an overview of the research project "FlexiTarife". The main objectives were the development of new flexible tariff products for electronic fare management systems (EFM systems) and the determination of their demand effects. The three new tariff products led to an increase in demand, which could not be found in the regarding survey data alone. Only the combination of survey and sales data from the EFM systems made it possible to determine this effect. Therefore, the recommendation can be derived to combine survey data with booking data or similar passive data to enrich the outcome substantially.

The status of research on malnutrition among children under 5 years in Southern Africa: a systematic review

Malnutrition rates remain alarming with stunting declining too slowly while wasting still impacts the lives of many young children. Globally, 5.6 million children die before their fifth birthday annually, with 80% of these deaths occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. A total of 29 most relevant articles were included, which followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses for protocols (PRISMA-P). The literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Research Gate. A large proportion of the literature focused on determining factors associated with malnutrition. Similarities were found amongst various articles with findings highlighting household food insecurity as a major threat that leads to inadequate feeding practices and consequently resulting in undernutrition. This review assessed the state of knowledge on malnutrition in Southern Africa. The authors identified knowledge gaps that should be considered for future research. We did not come across any evaluation studies assessing food security interventions in response to malnutrition. Moreover, sanitation in relation to malnutrition is not broadly researched. We recommend future studies to apply a cross-sectional analytic design with mixed methods, combining survey data, geographical data, household and key informant interviews. There is a need to map the prevalence of malnutrition in children under five years and providing more knowledge on vulnerability and contexts that influence malnutrition including socio-economic, environmental and infrastructural conditions. We further recommend the use of GIS databases to generate information on spatio-temporal patterns of malnutrition.

PERCEPTIONS OF TEACHERS ON GOVERNMENT SCHOOL PRIVATIZATION IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

The educational privatization is the global phenomenon with far-reaching implications, and its impact on teachers in government schools within the context of Punjab, Pakistan, is a subject of dominant importance. Research investigates the effects of privatization upon teachers' job security, salaries, and job satisfaction. Study includes a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data from 430 teachers with in-depth interviews of 25 teachers. The results reveal that educational privatization in Punjab presents uncertainties about teachers' job security and contractual terms, reduces their autonomy and creates financial stress. Thus, on the positive side, teachers experience improvements in resources and teaching environments. However, impact of privatization on the teachers' job satisfaction is complex, with a blend of positive & negative emotions. The study underlines the need for balanced approach in the privatization policies, recognizing the teachers' multifaceted experiences. The policymakers must ensure that teachers' well-being and economic stability are not compromised. Findings donate to understanding of the impact of privatization on teachers in a specific context and call for further research to explore long-term effects and the perspectives of other stakeholders.

Navigating the Delivery of Transit-Oriented Development: A Case Study of Private Developers in Riyadh

Transit-oriented development has gained global attention as a sustainable urban planning approach. However, its implementation in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East, remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the challenges and opportunities facing private developers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the context of delivering TOD projects. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines survey data and interviews, the research explores four key dimensions: regulatory, structural, collective vision, and economic factors. The findings reveal a complex local environment characterized by both encouraging prospects and formidable challenges. Institutional coordination, procedural clarity, and timely approval emerge as critical challenges in the regulatory dimension. Land-related issues, including land amalgamation and fragmented ownership, are identified as significant structural obstacles. While there is general enthusiasm for TOD among private developers, the lack of effective public–private collaboration and a unified vision hampers progress. Economically, high initial investments and regulatory uncertainties are the main challenges, although there is cautious optimism for future profitability. Despite these challenges, the study unveiled policy implications for implementation and offered information for context-specific adaptive planning. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on TOD in developing countries and lays the groundwork for future multistakeholder studies.

Gambling as Work: A Study of German Poker Players

The study addresses the question whether professional gamblers can be considered an occupational group from a sociological perspective. It combines survey data on poker players from the German state North Rhine-Westphalia with sociological theory in order to explain the oxymoron of professional gambling. The descriptive analysis of the survey data is supplemented by ego-centric network data of the poker players to analyze whether hobby and professional players maintain different forms of social relationships. Even when semiprofessionals and professional players are grouped together for the purpose of comparative analysis, they fulfill the criteria of occupational groups according to Salaman’s major work on the topic. The study points to the fact that more research on occupational groups outside of the common fields is needed and bridges the gap between the literature on serious leisure and sociological research on professions and professionalization.

Online searches to evaluate misinformation can increase its perceived veracity.

Considerable scholarly attention has been paid to understanding belief in online misinformation1,2, with a particular focus on social networks. However, the dominant role of search engines in the information environment remains underexplored, even though the use of online search to evaluate the veracity of information is a central component of media literacy interventions3-5. Although conventional wisdom suggests that searching online when evaluating misinformation would reduce belief in it, there is little empirical evidence to evaluate this claim. Here, across five experiments, we present consistent evidence that online search to evaluate the truthfulness of false news articles actually increases the probability of believing them. To shed light on this relationship, we combine survey data with digital trace data collected using a custom browser extension. We find that the search effect is concentrated among individuals for whom search engines return lower-quality information. Our results indicate that those who search online to evaluate misinformation risk falling into data voids, or informational spaces in which there is corroborating evidence from low-quality sources. We also find consistent evidence that searching online to evaluate news increases belief in true news from low-quality sources, but inconsistent evidence that it increases belief in true news from mainstream sources. Our findings highlight the need for media literacy programmes to ground their recommendations in empirically tested strategies and for search engines to invest in solutions to the challenges identified here.

Reconstructing Income Inequality in Italy: New Evidence and Tax System Implications from Distributional National Accounts

Abstract This work reconstructs novel series on income distribution in Italy combining survey data, tax data, and National Accounts both at the national and regional levels, and it analyzes the overall progressivity of the tax system. Our new Distributional National Accounts allow to correct for remarkable misreporting of capital income in surveys, to provide more accurate estimates of consumption, and to better account for the role of informal economy. Our fresh estimates show higher income concentration at the top 1% and 0.1% with respect to previous studies in order of 1.5 percentage points. Moreover, the share of national income of the richest top 10%, top 1%, and top 0.1% has been steadily increasing after the 2008 crisis. Our results shed further light on the multifaceted nature of inequality in Italy: youngest individuals, women, and inhabitants of Southern regions have been increasingly exposed to growing levels of inequality. Finally, the Italian tax system is only slightly progressive up to the 95th percentile of the income distribution, and regressive for the top 5%. Moreover, it is regressive throughout the whole distribution when individuals are ranked with respect to their net wealth.

Conditions for Nynorsk language use – the role of capacity, opportunity, and desire in the maintenance of Nynorsk among Norwegian adolescents

Abstract This study investigates conditions for language use among Norwegian adolescents using the minoritized Norwegian written language Nynorsk. By combining survey data and focus group interviews, and deploying the framework of ‘capacity’, ‘opportunity’, and ‘desire’ as an analytical lens, the study explores some of the factors and forces that influence the adolescents’ choice to maintain the use of this non-hegemonic Norwegian written language. The paper thus seeks to add to the body of research investigating language maintenance of minoritized languages. The findings illuminate the discrepancy between regulations and practices in the Norwegian language community. Still, even if the collective structures are not optimal, many of the adolescents display a willingness to keep using Nynorsk – a willingness which is partly rendered possible by the existence of these same collective structures. The study thus demonstrates the dialectic relationship between these structures and individual language choices. Moreover, the data show that under given circumstances, some of the same factors and forces that usually further language shift, may also promote language maintenance.

Investigation of the permafrost zone by geophysical techniques and determination of primary categorisations of permafrost conditions in rocks

The investigation of the permafrost zone situated in the Yamal Peninsula pertains to gasand hydrate-saturated intervals. The avoidance of gas discharge frequently met during well drilling is of utmost importance. The allocation of permafrost rocks governs the quest for novel approaches to analyze the geocryological situation of the locale, together with ascertaining the principal regularities of the zone structure, ascertained via geological and geophysical investigations, analysis of well drilling data, and seismic assessments.The investigation of the permafrost zone plays a crucial role in well drilling to prevent various types of complications. Moreover, the interpretation of geophysical survey data in combination with drilling and seismic data allows us to construct a model of the zone's lateral spread.Carrying out geophysical methods helps to prevent, to some extent, and also prevent possible emergency situations. A fairly large fund of geophysical material has been reviewed, and a complex of studies in the permafrost zone of the Yamal Peninsula in many fields has been analyzed.Following these studies, this article presents the primary geophysical survey material interpretation techniques with highlighted criteria for identifying different permafrost conditions in rocks.

Passengers’ experience in underground non-transfer metro stations: The impact of spatial characteristics

Underground spaces have emerged as a promising solution for enhancing the overall quality of life in cities by allowing for better land use, reducing noise, and improving air quality. However, the subterranean placement of non-infrastructure facilities gives rise to numerous apprehensions, predominantly concerning the experience of their users. The underground environment may evoke fears and anxieties, disrupt cognitive and physiological responses, and affect personal safety. This paper examines the extent to which the specific spatial characteristics of underground non-transfer metro stations influence the passenger experience measured by the subjective indicators of comfort and safety. The research combines survey data collected from 1400 users with spatial data obtained from space syntax analyses and field investigations of 28 underground metro stations in Warsaw, Poland. Based on the results of multiple regression analysis, a set of spatial features that affect user comfort and safety was identified. The results show that passengers’ experience is shaped by several architectural characteristics of metro ‘stations, as well as their accessibility and position in the city and neighbourhood. Among the most influential architectural features is the configuration of the concourse level followed by the geometry of the platform hall and the use of art elements. Based on the findings presented in the study, potential design strategies that could improve the user experience are proposed and discussed. The recommended approaches offer valuable insights for designers aiming to improve the existing metro stations and facilitate more effective designs for new underground facilities.

The Role of Competition Law in Encouraging Innovation and Competitiveness of Companies in West Java

This study explores the complex relationships that exist between innovation, competitiveness, and competition legislation in West Java, Indonesian businesses. West Java's varied industrial landscape makes it a perfect place to study how competition legislation influences creativity and competitiveness. Using a mixed-method approach, the study combines survey data that is quantitatively collected with qualitative information obtained through interviews. The results show that a sizable majority of West Javan businesses have a favorable opinion of competition legislation and see it as a tool for ensuring openness and fair competition. Notably, a significant fraction of these businesses also devote a notable amount of their resources to research and development (R&D) and actively participate in innovation activities. According to the survey's findings, firms may be encouraged to invest in innovation by competition laws that are properly implemented, which is consistent with neoclassical economic theory. In spite of the favorable attitudes and investments in innovation, there are differences amongst West Javan enterprises in competitiveness metrics like market share and profitability. This highlights the intricate connection—which varies depending on the sector and industry—between company competitiveness and competition legislation. Qualitative insights gleaned from interviews shed light on the dynamics and obstacles unique to the industry, highlighting the necessity of customized strategies for competition law enforcement. The paper also outlines obstacles, including a lack of knowledge about competition law among enterprises, resource limitations that regulatory bodies must deal with, and worries about intellectual property protection in very competitive markets. These results highlight the need of raising awareness and developing capacity among regulatory agencies as well as businesses. The research has consequences for policymaking as well, pointing to the need for programs to raise business understanding, provide funding to regulatory bodies, and create safeguards for intellectual property rights. The study adds to our knowledge of how competition legislation affects corporate behavior and offers insightful information that can guide regulatory strategies in developing nations like West Java.

Parenting-related positive childhood experiences, adverse childhood experiences, and mental health—Four sub-Saharan African countries

BackgroundAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor mental health outcomes and risk-taking behaviors. Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may mitigate these negative impacts. ObjectiveThis study 1) assessed the associations between ACEs and negative health outcomes and risk-taking behaviors among young adults, and 2) evaluated whether — and which — PCEs moderate the association between ACEs and these outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. MethodsThis multi-country analysis combined cross-sectional representative survey data from young adults, ages 18–24 years, from the 2019 Kenya, 2018 Lesotho, 2019 Mozambique, and 2019 Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys. The association between experiencing any ACEs and each health outcome was assessed using Wald's chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed the association between each PCE and each outcome of interest. ResultsFemales who experienced any ACEs had higher odds of experiencing moderate to severe mental distress (aOR = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.9, 3.9). Males who experienced any ACEs had higher odds of experiencing suicidal/self-harm behaviors (aOR = 6.7, 95%CI: 2.8, 16.0) and substance use (aOR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.4, 4.2). In females, strong mother-child relationship was protective against moderate to severe mental distress (aOR = 0.7, 95%CI: 0.6, 0.9), suicidal/self-harm behaviors (aOR = 0.6, 95%CI: 0.4, 0.9), and substance use (aOR = 0.6, 95%CI: 0.4, 0.9). For males, a strong mother-child relationship was protective against suicidal/self-harm behaviors (aOR = 0.5, 95%CI: 0.2, 0.9), and a strong father-child relationship was protective against suicidal/self-harm behaviors (aOR = 0.4, 95%CI: 0.2, 0.7) and substance use (aOR = 0.6, 95%CI: 0.4, 0.8). ConclusionsStrong parenting programs may likely play an important role in improving the psychosocial health of young adults.

On the effects of active labour market policies among individuals reporting to have severe mental health problems

AbstractOn the one hand, unemployment is known to have detrimental effects on individuals' mental health. On the other hand, poor mental health reduces re‐employment chances quite drastically, creating a vicious cycle. Active labour market policies (ALMPs) such as training programs or wage subsidies have been shown to ameliorate negative effects on mental health and improve labour market integration on average for the general unemployed population. In the context of individuals with severe mental health issues, however, it is unclear whether these interventions can be expected to deliver similar positive effects. In fact, one may argue that they have the potential to worsen employment prospects of individuals by adding additional stress to their pre‐existing mental health problems. Hence, this paper estimates the long‐term causal effects of ALMPs on the labour market integration of individuals with self‐reported severe mental health issues and compares estimates to individuals without such issues using unique combined survey and administrative data. Effects are estimated using the innovative double machine learning method and show that ALMPs do not only improve labour market integration of unemployed individuals with severe mental health issues, but they do so more effectively than for other unemployed individuals.

Professional Roles, Services, and Quality of Life for End-of-Life Doulas in the United States.

End-of-life doulas provide support to the chronically ill, dying, and their families. However, little is known about the roles and services of doulas practicing in the United States. The purpose of the current study is to gain understanding of the roles and experiences of death doulas in the United States. The current study used concurrent triangulation mixed methods design combining survey data with video and audio file submissions from end-of-life doulas. The survey included demographics information, a questionnaire about the roles, services, and training of doulas, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale. There were 74 (77.08%) complete responses from doulas practicing in the United States. Doulas shared about the types of services offered and professional roles they filled in work with the dying and their families. Many doulas offered hybrid or virtual services in addition to in-person care. Many worked at least partially on a volunteer basis. Professional Quality of Life Scales indicated a high level of compassion satisfaction, a low level of burnout, and a low level of secondary trauma. In the complex healthcare system of the United States, end-of-life doulas offer valuable interpersonal services like legacy and grief work as well as practical services like financial and logistical end-of-life planning.

Effects of weekend rehabilitation on vertebral compression fractures in the elderly.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the effect of rehabilitation and without weekend therapy on Activities of daily living (ADL) and readmission in vertebral fracture patients aged 60years and older. The present study used a hospital-based database created by JMDC Inc. The JMDC hospital-based database is an epidemiological database that has been storing medical claims and Diagnosis Procedure Combination survey data. This study included 40,743 admitted patients aged 60years or older who were admitted for rehabilitation purposes with a diagnosis of compression fracture of the thoracic and/or lumbar spine based on a previous diagnostic survey. We extracted the medical information from the database. Patients who received rehabilitation 7days a week were classified into two groups: the "weekend rehabilitation group" and "nonweekend rehabilitation group." To reduce confounding effects related to differences in patient background, we used propensity score with multiple logistic regression models. Analysis of the JMDC database was conducted with the approval of the Institutional Review Board (approval number: 1228-1). Because all data were anonymized, informed consent was not required. Propensity score matching resulted in 13,790 cases being included in the analysis. Barthel index (BI) at discharge, change in BI, and readmission were significantly different between the weekend rehabilitation and nonweekend rehabilitation groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested a reduced odds of readmission with weekend rehabilitation (odds ratio=0.907, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.843-0.975, p-value=0.008). Furthermore, greater changes in BI and BI at discharge were associated with the effect of weekend rehabilitation (unstandardized [B]=3.922, 95% CI=2.925-4.919), (unstandardized [B]=3.512, 9% CI=2.424-4.6), respectively. Weekend rehabilitation was considered as an important part of the treatment program to acquire ADL and to prevent readmission.