Economic Constraints Research Articles

Factors of unmet dental care needs due to the time, economic, and physical constraints among older people

Objectives: We aim to identify factors associated with unmet dental care needs in older adults and explore the impact of time, economic and physical constraints on each. Methods: The analysis was based on the 2023 Community Health Survey. Statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression for 65,952 people aged 65 years and older. Results: First, we looked whether subjects experienced unmet dental care needs and found that 8.4% did. Second, according to the type of unmet dental care needs, 54.1% of the time, economic, and physical constraints were economic constraints. Analyzing each of the time, economic, and physical constraints, we found that time constraints were associated with younger age. For economic constraints, lower education level and health security type of recipients in medical aid program were more likely to experience unmet dental care needs. In terms of physical constraints, those living in rural areas were more than three times more likely to experience unmet dental care needs than those living in urban areas. Conclusions: The results showed that time constraints were related to age, economic constraints were related to household income level, and physical constraints were related to residential area.

Breaking barriers: The impact of girls’ education on poverty eradication in northern Nigeria – A Focus on Sokoto State

This research explores the critical role of girls' education in alleviating poverty in Sokoto State, Nigeria. It highlights the significant gender disparities in educational access, driven by cultural norms that prioritize boys' education, which impede both individual potential and broader economic growth. The research underscores that educated women contribute to workforce participation and family income, thereby fostering community development and reducing poverty. Despite some progress, challenges such as socio-cultural attitudes, inadequate infrastructure, and economic constraints persist, necessitating a multi-faceted approach involving policy reforms and community engagement. The study employs a mixed-methods methodology, revealing that while enrolment rates have improved, gender inequities remain pronounced. It advocates for targeted interventions and community involvement to shift perceptions and enhance girls' educational opportunities, ultimately aiming for sustainable development goals in Northern Nigeria.

Sustainability Assessment of Agricultural Waste Biogas Production System in China Based on Emergy and Carbon Evaluation Methods

Biogas production is widely recognized as an effective solution for addressing agricultural waste treatment in rural areas. However, its development is often hindered by economic and environmental constraints. This study combined emergy evaluation and carbon footprint analysis methods to establish a new environmental radius assessment model for evaluating the ecological performance and optimization direction of an agricultural waste biogas production system, using a biogas production company in China as a case study. Compared with the straw return model and straw power generation model, the results of emergy indicators and carbon accounting showed that the biogas production model had a lower environmental load and higher economic output and level of emergy sustainability. Additionally, the biogas production system was found to reduce 0.47 kg of carbon emissions per 1 kg of agricultural waste utilized. The application of the biogas production model in rural areas had high ecological sustainability and carbon emission reduction benefits. Environmental radius assessment results confirmed that the reasonable changes in resource collection distance could further enhance the ecological sustainability, carbon mitigation ability, and economic benefits of the biogas production system. The environmental radius assessment method offers a new approach to the location planning of agricultural waste biogas utilization companies in rural areas.

The Phenomenon of School Dropouts in the Pujut, Mandalika SEZ: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis from the Perspective of Education Actors and Society

The development of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Pujut district, while driving economic growth, has raised concerns about declining school interest and high dropout rates among local students. This qualitative study, employing interpretive phenomenological methods, explores the experiences and perceptions of education actors, including the vice principal for student affairs, counseling guidance teachers, Mongge madrasah teachers, and the Head of Sukadana Village, to understand the underlying factors. Findings reveal economic constraints as a primary cause of dropout, with many students from low-income families unable to afford education. Early marriage, particularly among female students, is another significant factor influenced by economic, social, and cultural pressures. Additionally, broken homes, unsupportive social environments, the negative influence of social media, and a lack of motivation contribute to the problem. Schools have responded with counseling, parental engagement, and restrictions on mobile phone use. However, deeper issues like early marriage and broken homes necessitate broader interventions involving government policies and socio-cultural change. This research illuminates the complexity of school dropout in the Mandalika SEZ and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach engaging all stakeholders to ensure educational access and success for all students.

Intersectional inequality through economic difficulties and lifestyle on body mass index in Sweden

Abstract Background A high body mass index (BMI) is listed among the top five risk factors for the Swedish population. Socially disadvantaged groups, including women, low-educated, and immigrants, are even at higher risk of a high BMI who may also face economic constraints, physical inactivity, and poor-quality diets. However, complex intersectional transmission of inequalities to BMI remains unexplored. Therefore, we aimed to examine intersectional inequalities in BMI mediated by economic strain and lifestyle in the Swedish population. Methods By using the Health on Equal Terms cross-sectional surveys in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2021 in the Swedish population (n = 44,177 inhabitants aged 24 and over), we performed an intersectional mediation analysis to estimate how inequalities across intersectional strata, by gender (women or men), education (primary, secondary or university), and migration status (Swedish native or migrant), may be sequentially transmitted through economic strain (yes or not in the last 12 months) and unhealthy lifestyle (physical inactivity or inadequate fruit/vegetables consumption) to BMI (continuous). Results Compared with high-educated native men, socially disadvantaged strata experienced more economic strain, which in turn led to poorer health-related lifestyles and ultimately to a higher BMI. Some strata such as high-educated women, despite having a lower BMI, still experienced more pronounced transmissions of inequality on BMI through economic difficulties. Conclusions Not only inequalities in BMI, but also the material and behavioral pathways underpinning the inequalities, act by intersectional patterns. Public health interventions should ensure adequate economic resources to access healthy food and physical activity across all social strata groups. Key messages • Intersectional inequalities in BMI were driven by economic strain and lifestyle. • Economic strain and poorer lifestyles were not only more prevalent in lower stratus but also more detrimental.

Tracing the EoL Tyre Management Chain in Togo with Focus on Implementing a Tyre Recycling Plant

As part of the “Waste2Energy: hybrid energy from waste as a sustainable solution for West-Africa” project, a tyre recycling plant is being constructed in Davié, north of Lomé, Togo. Understanding the tyre management chain is crucial for establishing the plant’s supply chain. This study aimed to highlight the gaps in and the importance of tyre recycling in Togo while assessing the potential of EoL tyres for the implementation of a tyre recycling plant. Togo’s vehicle fleet, predominantly concentrated in Lomé, is rapidly increasing at a rate of 6% per year, reaching an estimated 285,000 vehicles. Due to economic constraints and limited new tyre availability, most vehicle users opt for used tyres, which have a limited lifespan due to poor road conditions. An investigation of EoL tyre quantities and management chains in Togo was carried out. To evaluate the used and end-of-life tyre management chains, both direct observation and interviews with approximately 200 used-tyre dealers were conducted. The study revealed that, on average, drivers replace tyres every 7.4 months, generating between 30,525 t/a and 78,000 t/a of used tyres, 75% of which are replaced due to severe damage or wear. While the used tyre business is well organized, end-of-life tyre treatment is nearly non-existent, often involving dumping, open burning for metal recovery, or use in meat processing, causing environmental and health risks. To address these challenges, an 8 t/hr capacity tyre recycling plant is planned, based on estimated tyre availability and development opportunities for sustainable recycling in Togo.

Investigating the declining apprenticeship trends in Ghana: a human capital perspective

ABSTRACT 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.

Sociopsychological factors of drug abuse among young females in Bangladesh and gender-specific vulnerabilities: Aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 5.

Drug consumption among young women in Bangladesh is increasing day by day. The research aims to analyze the factors influencing young females to take drugs in Bangladesh. This exploratory study was carried out using a qualitative research method. Primary data were collected via in-depth interviews. Seventeen addicted young women from Bangladesh were chosen for this study by a snowball sampling technique. The data from the interviews were thoroughly examined. Intimate relationships with family and friends have the greatest impact on women's drug use. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 and SDG target 3.5, the study underscores the critical need for gender-sensitive approaches to address the unique vulnerabilities faced by young women. The findings revealed several factors that significantly impacted drug consumption among young women in Bangladesh, including the influence of social groups and peers, family-related issues, inadequate awareness and education on drugs, the ready availability of drugs, and psychological factors such as stress and curiosity. Additionally, women who use drugs often face severe social stigma and gender-based violence, which deters them from seeking help and exacerbates their addiction. Limited access to health services due to economic and societal constraints further hinders their ability to receive proper care and support. Implementing strategies that address these gender-specific factors will not only help mitigate drug abuse but also contribute to improved public health outcomes and advance sustainable development.

Regional integration and export performance of Pakistan: Empirical evidence from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The study examines export impact of Pakistan's integration into Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on its export's performance. We apply Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) on augmented gravity model to estimate trade data from the period before and after permanent membership with Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2017. The study aims to explore changes in exports volume and analyze the key mechanism through which Shanghai Cooperation Organization promotes exports. The study assesses that after integration which key exports sector such as agriculture or manufacturing sectors are affected more significantly. The initial findings suggest that SCO integration positively affect and provide access to Central Asian markets, leading to modest but noticeable promotion in exports promotion. In heterogeneity analysis we find that exports of Pakistan are more significant with low and middle-income level countries compared to higher-income level countries. Additionally, exports in the manufacturing sector benefited more than in the agriculture sector. The significant and positive findings of mechanism analysis indicate that the belt and road (B&R) initiative and bilateral trade agreements are the key factors to enhanced exports. The overall impact remains moderated by structural changes in Pakistan economy, such as poor infrastructure, deficiency in energy sector and limited trade relations with its neighbors India and Iran. The study concludes that although the SCO integration has positively promoted exports of Pakistan however, it requires to address domestic economic constraints and capitalize more effectively the benefits of SCO membership through regional cooperation mechanism. For more potential benefits in the region SCO needs to expand B&R connectivity, encourage more trade agreements, and adopt favorable environment to attract high income countries in the organization. The study provides the base for future research in depth analysis of long-term impact of SCO integration on Pakistan exports.

Exploring the impact of economic and environmental target constraints on and the green investment efficiency of firms: The moderating role of anti-corruption

As the main body of economic activity and technological innovation, enterprises’ investment motivation and efficiency in environmental protection directly affect the process of national green development. Based on data from A-share listed firms from 2012 to 2021, this study investigates the impact of economic and environmental targets set by local governments on the green investment efficiency of firms and the moderating role of anti-corruption. Our findings suggest that economic growth target constraints inhibit the green investment efficiency of firms and that environmental target constraints facilitate the green investment efficiency of firms. Anti-corruption weakens the negative relationship between economic growth target constraints and the green investment efficiency of firms, and strengthens positive relationship between environmental target constraints and the green investment efficiency of firms. In the heterogeneity tests, we find that these relationships are influenced by the region and intensity of the target constraints. The results are consistent with a series of robustness checks. This study is helpful for understanding how government policies and the political environment affect the green investment behavior of enterprises.

Construction and evaluation of a combined diagnostic model for chronic periprosthetic joint infection based on serological tests

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (CPJI) is crucial for ensuring effective treatment and improving patient outcomes. However, many auxiliary diagnostic tests are challenging to implement on a large scale due to economic and technical constraints, making CPJI diagnosis difficult. This study aims to design and validate a combined diagnostic model based on commonly used serological tests to evaluate its diagnostic value for CPJI and develop a diagnostic nomogram.MethodsA retrospective study from January 2019 to February 2024 involving 170 patients undergoing knee and hip arthroplasty revision for CPJI and aseptic loosening (AL) was conducted across two medical centers. These patients were divided into the training set and validation set. Patients were categorized into CPJI and AL groups based on infection status. Serological tests conducted upon admission were collected, and single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent diagnostic factors for early infection. These factors were integrated to construct a nomogram model. The model's performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC), Hosmer–Lemeshow test, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curve, with external validation conducted on the validation set.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and Platelet count/mean platelet volume ratio (PVR) were independent diagnostic factors for CPJI (p < 0.05). The AUCs for diagnosing CPJI using these individual factors were 0.806, 0.616, and 0.700 (p < 0.05), respectively, while their combined detection achieved an AUC of 0.861 (p < 0.05). The DCA clinical impact curve shows the combined model has good clinical utility when the threshold probability of infection presence is between 0.16 and 0.95. Similar results were obtained in the external validation cohort, with the combined detection having an AUC of 0.893.ConclusionThe combined diagnostic model of CRP, PCT, and PVR significantly improves the The combined diagnostic model of CRP, PCT, and PVR significantly improves the diagnostic performance for CPJI compared to individual serum biomarkers. It exhibits good sensitivity, specificity, and clinical applicability, providing valuable references for CPJI diagnosis.

A Review on Balancing Genomic Selection Efforts for Allogamous Plant Breeding

Genomic selection (GS) represents a paradigm shift in allogamous plant breeding, leveraging genome-wide marker data to predict the genetic potential of breeding candidates with unprecedented accuracy. This comprehensive review explores the evolution, principles, and applications of GS, highlighting its transformative impact on breeding efficiency and crop improvement. GS uses dense SNP markers to capture the genetic architecture of complex traits, surpassing traditional marker-assisted selection in predictive power. The integration of GS in breeding programs for crops like maize and perennial ryegrass has demonstrated significant gains in traits such as yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. Despite its advantages, GS faces challenges including high genotyping costs, the need for large training populations, and the complexity of genetic architectures. Economic constraints and ethical concerns about genetic diversity and data access also pose barriers. Emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, high-throughput phenotyping, and genome editing hold promise for enhancing GS's accuracy and efficiency. Future strategies should focus on optimizing resource allocation, integrating GS with conventional breeding methods, and fostering collaborative efforts for data sharing and capacity building. The long-term impact of GS is profound, potentially accelerating breeding cycles, enhancing genetic diversity, and developing climate-resilient crops. Collaborative initiatives and open-access genomic resources will be crucial in overcoming current limitations and ensuring that GS benefits global agriculture. As GS continues to evolve, it promises to drive sustainable agricultural practices and improve food security, meeting the challenges posed by climate change and a growing global population. This review underscores the critical role of GS in modern plant breeding and its potential to revolutionize crop improvement.

Efficacy of Clindamycin in Preventing Abortion and Vertical Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii (PRU Strain) Infection in Pregnant BALB/c Mice

Background: Toxoplasma gondii transmission can occur during pregnancy if the mother contracts the infection for the first time. Treatment strategies include the use of antimicrobial medications and providing supportive care. Spiramycin is commonly used to treat toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and to hinder the disease's transmission. However, its ability to treat the fetus is questionable due to its limited capacity to cross the placental barrier. Additionally, economic constraints and sanctions may impede access to this medication. Objectives: Consequently, in search of an effective treatment, for the first time in Iran, the effectiveness of clindamycin in preventing abortion and vertical transmission of the PRU strain of T. gondii infection in pregnant mice was evaluated. Methods: On the twelfth day of gestation, pregnant mice were exposed to T. gondii and subsequently received treatment with either clindamycin or spiramycin. This resulted in the establishment of four distinct groups: A normal control group, an infected group without treatment, an infected group treated with clindamycin, and another infected group treated with spiramycin. Following these interventions, a series of parasitological evaluations (including microscopic examination and real-time PCR), histopathological evaluations, and immunological assessments were conducted. Results: The findings showed a significant reduction in the number of cysts in the eye and brain (ranging from 77.32% to 90.72%) among the groups treated with clindamycin and spiramycin compared to the control group. Furthermore, treatment with clindamycin, like treatment with spiramycin, was able to suppress inflammatory changes, prevent cell death, and reduce vascular cuffs in the brain, as well as decrease bleeding, placental thrombosis, and the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the placenta. Clindamycin was also effective in diminishing retinal folds, tiny retinal bleeds, and cell vacuolation in eye tissues. Immunologically, treatment in both the spiramycin and clindamycin groups resulted in a decrease in the level of the cytokine TNF-α, indicating an increase in the cellular immune response. In addition, increased levels of IL-10 in the treated infected groups could contribute to the reduction of TNF-α production. Conclusions: Typically, spiramycin is the first choice for treating congenital toxoplasmosis, but clindamycin can be a useful substitute or additional treatment when resistance to primary medications occurs, when there is intolerance, or when access to the main drugs is restricted.

Internal Quality Control and the Role of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in Higher Education Institutions in Sierra Leone: Then, Now, and Later

The paper explores the evolution of Internal Quality Control (IQC) in Sierra Leone&amp;apos;s higher education institutions (HEIs) with a specific focus on the transformative role of Learning Management Systems (LMS). Beginning with the colonial era, the paper traces the historical context of IQC, emphasizing its informal nature. The post-independence expansion of HEIs introduced quality challenges compounded by economic constraints and political instability. The civil war further disrupted the education sector, and the reconstruction period saw the establishment of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), formalizing IQC processes. The introduction of LMS platforms, such as Moodle and Google Classroom, marked a pivotal shift in enhancing educational quality. LMS has significantly contributed to data-driven decision-making, standardized educational processes, and continuous feedback mechanisms. However, challenges remain, including infrastructural limitations and the urban-rural digital divide. The paper also projects the future of IQC, highlighting the potential integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and blockchain in LMS platforms. These advancements promise to revolutionize the educational experience, offering new possibilities for quality assurance and student engagement.

Making waves: Harnessing stormwater for resilient water supply - A blueprint for vulnerable continental coasts and oceanic islands

At the forefront of climate change and natural disasters, small islands like Puerto Rico confront immense challenges in sustaining an adaptive water supply. The challenges are further exacerbated when the islands’ constraints, such as geographic isolation, limited resources, aging infrastructure, constrained capacity, and environmental fragility, are compounded. As these issues increasingly impact low-lying continental coasts, home to approximately 40 % of the global population, similar water supply crises have already emerged or are anticipated in these regions. To surmount these widespread challenges, harnessing stormwater as a non-conventional water source presents a promising solution. A stormwater-enabled water supply system, collectively characterized by water source diversification, decentralization, and modularity, can enhance the resilience of water supply in these vulnerable regions, both in routine situations and during emergencies. This article identifies barriers to the implementation of stormwater-to-drinking water (STDW) practices in Puerto Rico and advocates for engineering solutions to utilize stormwater at both community and household scales in vulnerable continental coasts and small oceanic islands. The primary barriers in Puerto Rico include uncertainty in water quality, insufficient data on local stormwater availability and domestic water demand, economic constraints, and the lack of an adaptive power supply. To overcome these obstacles, we emphasize engineering strategies focused on modular system design, assessments of local stormwater capture and demand dynamics, advancements in treatment technologies, and the enhancement of energy resilience. By analyzing the Puerto Rican context, we propose a conceptual framework that outlines pathways to adaptive STDW strategies for other oceanic islands and larger, more complex continental coasts in the face of similar challenges. These pathways encompass enhancing system modularity, understanding the dynamics of local stormwater supply and water consumption, applying tailored treatment technologies, and strengthening the resilience of supporting infrastructures. The insights gained from Puerto Rico's experience can guide current and future efforts for resilient water supply solutions in increasingly vulnerable coastal, island, and other regions.

Crafting the Future of Community-Based Medical Rehabilitation: Exploring Optimal Models for Non-Inpatient Rehabilitation Services through a Narrative Review.

Community-based medical rehabilitation encompasses diverse programs that cater to patients outside of inpatient settings, such as home rehabilitation, day rehabilitation centers, and ambulatory clinics. While inpatient rehabilitation principles are widely standardized, outpatient programs display significant variability influenced by healthcare models, local environments, economic constraints, and available resources. This narrative review aims to explore and synthesize the various models of non-inpatient rehabilitation services, evaluating their effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and patient satisfaction. The review also seeks to identify optimal practices and strategies to enhance community-based rehabilitation, alleviate the burden on inpatient facilities, and improve patient outcomes through multidisciplinary and patient-centered approaches. Additionally, the study examines the critical role of a professional program coordinator and the importance of effective clinical communication in outpatient rehabilitation. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on studies that examined community-based rehabilitation models. The findings suggest that community-based rehabilitation programs are generally more cost-effective than inpatient programs, with their success being heavily dependent on the intensity and timing of interventions. Multidisciplinary approaches and high-intensity rehabilitation have shown promise in improving patient quality of life, though their effectiveness varies by condition. Despite limited research, the involvement of a Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) physician as a program coordinator appears vital for ensuring continuity of care. Moreover, effective clinical communication is essential, impacting all aspects of patient care and interprofessional collaboration, with continuous adaptation required to meet the evolving needs of diverse patient populations.

Comprehending unwanted hysterectomies in developing nations: An analysis of women’s decision-making processes, underlying causes, and subsequent consequences

Unwanted hysterectomies, prevalent in developing countries such as India and Nepal, and observed in certain developed nations, present a significant healthcare challenge. These procedures are often performed at alarmingly high rates without genuine medical necessity. This study examines the complex factors contributing to this issue, including societal beliefs about the dispensability of the uterus, economic constraints that make hysterectomy seem like a cost-effective solution, and inadequate access to primary healthcare services. Additionally, financial incentives for healthcare providers and a lack of awareness regarding alternative treatments exacerbate the problem. By analyzing these multifaceted issues, this paper aims to raise awareness about the overuse of hysterectomies, advocate for informed decision-making processes prioritizing women’s health, and contribute to ongoing discussions on reproductive healthcare practices in developing countries.

Changes in demographic components during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession in Sri Lanka

The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recession on the three demographic components, namely mortality, fertility and migration in Sri Lanka and possible implications. A secondary data analysis of mortality, fertility, migration, and marriage data from the Registrar General’s Department of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Health was conducted. Although excess mortality (COVID-19 deaths) in 2022 was substantially lower, it was elevated in 2021. In comparison to non-COVID-19 years, the number of deaths has increased substantially during the post-COVID-19 era – 146 thousand deaths in 2019 increased to 194 thousand in 2023 (30.1%). This marked increase could be attributed to the economic recession and related serious constraints faced by the health system in Sri Lanka. Further, a marked decrease in marriages (14.2%) was observed in 2020 due to COVID-19 which recovered to pre-COVID-19 level in 2021. However, instead of experiencing the “babyboom” phenomenon (as observed in some previous pandemics) in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the observed data for Sri Lanka indicates a significant downward trend in fertility. Unexpectedly, 319 thousand births were reported in 2019 in Sri Lanka dropping to 257 thousand by 2023, which is a decline of over 62 thousand births (19%). This situation is further complicated by the highest reported outbound migration ever reported in Sri Lanka in 2022, displaying a 250% year-to-year increase. The changes in these demographic components would impact the macroeconomics.

Balancing nutrition and budgets: Socio-ecological impacts on nutritional environments of families with low incomes

BackgroundResearch on childhood nutritional environments, which are predictive of a variety of child and family health and wellbeing outcomes, has primarily focused on parenting behaviors and the home food environment. However, broader social and community factors play an important role in shaping nutritional environments during early childhood. Food security is a key example that is closely linked to nutrition-related health disparities, which can arise from constrained financial resources and material deprivations. Understanding parent and caregiver lived experiences related to social and community components of family nutritional environments in the context of economic constraints could help to support multi-level nutritional practices that are optimal for healthy child development. MethodSemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using a narrative approach with parents (n = 21) of pre-school aged children living near or below the poverty line. Participants were recruited from social and community service sites pertinent to maternal and child health in Philadelphia where health disparities are highly concentrated. Analysis was conducted using MAX QDA analytic software following a systematic approach for thematic analysis in narrative research. ResultsThree themes describe the feeding and eating environments in the home and community context: 1) Food Procurement and Meal Planning; 2) Family Togetherness; 3) Creativity, Variety, and Flexibility. Creative decision making and food procurement strategies responsive to child preferences were balanced by shopping to save and visiting multiple stores for the best foods and savings. Logistical (e.g., transportation, childcare) and emotional supports facilitated food shopping habits and routines, while lack of trusted childcare, reliable transportation, and social support barriers challenged feeding and eating decisions. ConclusionStrategies for improving cost and time-efficiencies could help support health-promoting nutritional environments of families with food insecurity. Building social and community capacity and facilitating connections to practical supports that include trustworthy childcare and peer support may be particularly important for this population.

Removal of Nitrogen, Phosphates, and Chemical Oxygen Demand from Community Wastewater by Using Treatment Wetlands Planted with Ornamental Plants in Different Mineral Filter Media

This study aimed to explore the impact of various ornamental plants (Heliconia psittacorum, Etlingera elatior, Spatyphilum walisii) grown in different filter media (porous river rock (PR) and tepezyl (TZ)) on the removal of pollutants in vertical-subsurface-microcosm treatment wetlands (TWs). This study also sought to assess the adaptability of these plant species to TW conditions. Twenty-four microcosm systems were utilized, with twelve containing PR and twelve containing TZ as the filter media. Each porous media type had three units planted with each species, and three were left unplanted. Rural community wastewater was treated in the TWs. The results showed no significant differences in the effects of the porous media on pollutant removal performance (p &gt; 0.05). However, it was noted that while both porous media were efficient, TZ, a residue of construction materials, is recommended for sites facing economic constraints. Additionally, the removal efficiency was found to be independent of the type of ornamental plant used (p &gt; 0.05); however, the measured parameters varied with plant spp. The adaptation of the plants varied depending on the species. H. psittacorum grew faster and produced a larger number of flowers compared to the other species (20–22 cm). S. wallisii typically produced 7–8 flowers. E. elatior did not produce flowers, and some plants showed signs of slight disease and pests, with the leaves turning yellow. In terms of plant biomass, the type of porous media used did not have a significant effect on the production of above (p = 0.111) or below-ground biomass (p = 0.092). The removal percentages for COD in the presence and absence of plants were in the ranges of 64–77% and 27–27.7%, respectively. For TN, the numbers were 52–65% and 30–31.8%, and for N-NO3, they were 54–60% and 12–18%. N-NH4 saw removal rates of 67–71% and 28–33%, while P-PO4 saw removal rates of 60–72% and 22–25%. The difference in removal percentages between microcosms with and without plants ranged from 30 to 50%, underscoring the importance of plants in the bio-removal processes (phytoremediation). These results reveal that incorporating ornamental plants in TWs with TZ for wastewater in rural areas holds great promise for enhancing the visual appeal of these systems and ultimately gaining public approval. Our findings also enable us to offer recommendations for selecting suitable plants and substrates, as well as designing combinations for TWs.