Field Visits Research Articles

Recycling potential of medical plastic waste

Medical plastic waste threatens the environment and human health if not properly handled and disposed of. This study used field visits, multi-criteria decision analysis, material testing, and data analysis to assess the feasibility of recycling medical plastic waste. The study identified medical plastic products (syringes, intravenous bags, and infusion sets) with high recyclability potential and proposed targeted recommendations for improving waste management practices. Medical plastic waste generation rates in kg/bed/day were 0.486 and 0.428. 55 kg/day and 5 kg/day of recyclable medical plastic waste are generated at KATH and KNUST hospitals, respectively. The contextual relevance of this research extends beyond the Ghanaian healthcare system, with implications for waste management practices in low and middle-income countries by contributing to the advancement of sustainable waste management practices.

Assessment of rural livelihoods, health and wellbeing in Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa and Narok County, Kenya: A water-energy-food nexus perspective

The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus has become an integral component duly suited to enable sustainable development and an important tool to achieve and sustain various socioeconomic and environmental outcomes, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. The WEF nexus has become increasingly important in recent years as it can holistically address humankind's current triple challenges, including resource depletion, environmental degradation, and population growth. Socioeconomic factors such as increased population, economic development, and climate change patterns frequently induce unprecedented pressure on WEF resources. From the various climate change model simulations, the climate is likely to increase in the future, exacerbating the demand of the population to access the WEF resources and services. For effective resource planning and decision-making, the availability of WEF resources must be assessed under ongoing climate change. In this regard, this study assessed rural livelihoods, health, and wellbeing indicators within the WEF nexus framework in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), South Africa, and Narok County, Kenya. The premise was to determine the drivers of livelihood changes by applying the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making to understand the causal linkages between the WEF nexus resources and the sustainable livelihood indicators. Data collected from the literature review, questionnaire/group discussions, and field visit engagements were used to formulate and develop a matrix of indicators to assess livelihoods, health, and wellbeing. A correlation analysis based on the AHP was used to determine the linkages between WEF resources and sustainable livelihood indicators. The multivariate analysis used the correlation matrix to capture the pairwise degrees of relationship between WEF resources and sustainable livelihood indicators in the two study areas. The results show that the resources for sustainable livelihoods in VDM are more sustainable than those in Narok County. The Consistency Ratio values for Narok County and VDM were 0.046 and 0.067, respectively. The resulting composite index (0.143) classified both study sites under the lowly sustainable category. The results are important for informing policy formulation that guides timely interventions to balance socio-ecological systems.

Control of Field Infectious Bronchitis Virus Genotype GI-23 (Variant 2) Using Combined Heterologous Vaccine Genotype Strains GI-13 (1/96) and GI-1 (H120)

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a disease with significant economic impacts both on the costs of control strategies and on productive losses. Various vaccination protocols are applied, depending on homologous or heterologous protection against IB and finding the optimal balance between costs and benefits as a choice by a responsible veterinarian. The current case study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of a heterologous vaccine combination against field IBV GI-23 (Variant 2) infection when vaccination quality was properly monitored. Two groups, each consisting of six flocks, were examined before and after improving the quality of IB vaccine application in the hatchery. These groups were vaccinated with H-120 and 1/96 vaccine strains for heterologous protection. The study involved field visits, necropsies, serology via ELISA, and oropharyngeal sampling for RT-PCR follow-up activities. Moreover, performance parameters including average body weight, feed conversion ratio, and 7 days plus total mortality were analyzed at the end of the production cycle at 40-45 days of age. Results indicated that the group with enhanced vaccination quality in the hatchery exhibited a significant decrease in IBV titers and an absence of IBV GI-23 field infection. Additionally, there was an improvement in performance data in terms of average body weight, FCR and total mortality. Hatchery vaccination proved to be more controllable and practical compared to traditional on-farm vaccination, ensuring better control of the vaccination process and massive coverage of the farm population. Keywords: Heterologous protection, Infectious bronchitis, Vaccine strain 1/96, Variant 2

Using formative interventions to study emerging technologies in construction practices: the case of the Ground Penetrating Radar

The potential impact of emerging technologies is challenging for construction management researchers to study, as these technologies have yet to become embedded in current organisational practices. Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) offers a method called formative interventions that may assist in this challenge. However, existing formative intervention methods are not adequately tailored to the study of emerging technologies, necessitating a more immersive engagement of the researcher-interventionist. This article proposes a renewed participatory take on the role of the researcher-interventionist and outlines the actions that researchers can undertake to investigate the future impacts of emerging technology. Specifically, we describe the interventionist role through a study of utility detection activities in which we intervened with emerging Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology at twelve construction sites. We analysed our role through an inductive coding approach using interviews and field visit data. Our findings reveal five interventionist action types for intervention studies with emerging technology. These include shaping conditions, exposing tensions, supporting problem resolution, operating tools, and facilitating reflection. The action types prompted subjects to reevaluate elements of the activity system and helped describe three potential future activity systems that integrated GPR as a new tool. These findings demonstrate that a participatory take on formative interventions provides a potent means to unveil possible activity systems incorporating emerging technologies. We contribute five formal intervention action types to the literature that equip interventionist researchers with methodological tools to use CHAT in a practice-based study of emerging technologies on construction sites.

Assessing the IUCN global standard for nature-based solutions in riverine flood risk mitigation

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published their Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in an effort to further a common understanding and successful application of NbS. Our objective is to analyse the applicability of and considerations and advancements in using the IUCN Standard, as very few studies have examined and reflected on its actual application. As method, we applied the IUCN Standard to three case studies of river restoration projects with a focus on flood risk mitigation: (1) Eddleston Water Project, (2) “Room for the River” Deventer Project, and (3) Missouri River Levee Setback Project. Rather than evaluating the case studies itself, we evaluated the outcome to find the strong and weak points of the IUCN Standard. The gathered data (publicly accessible documents, conducted interviews with experts and stakeholders) was analysed and showed the role of the number of documents and interviews available. This determined the outcome of the IUCN assessment. The consultation of project experts has appeared to be an essential step in the data collection, while stakeholder interviews and field visits were less important, but did increase the degree of substantiation and the ease of data collection, respectively. Although restricted by a limited evaluation of flood risk mitigation studies, using the IUCN Standard for an ex-post assessment can provide credibility to project processes (e.g. stakeholder engagement and adaptive management), reveal project strengths and weaknesses, and provide opportunities for the comparison of projects. Hence, the IUCN Standard aptly evaluates process-based aspects of Nature-based Solutions for riverine flood risk mitigation.

Socio-agronomic characterization of agricultural farmers that survive in the community of San Diego, Texcoco

Objective: to characterize farmers who still grow food in the San Diego community through knowledge of their agricultural production systems. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: field visits and tours were carried out to the farmers' plots to obtain information that would allow the design of a questionnaire for the agronomic and social classification of farmers in San Diego. The questionnaire was applied to 26 of them; who narrated some historical facts about their survival in food production. Results: most of the farmers interviewed are on average 55 years old, have a level of education equal to or higher than middle school, have three economic dependents, use the yoke for tilling their soils and hybrid seed. Likewise, they apply organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers to their plots for the growth of crops, for the control of pests and diseases they use agrochemicals; and the control of weeds is done manually, supplying water for the crops through gravity irrigation. Study limitations/ Implications: this research was conducted during the CovID-19 pandemic. For this reason, only 26 farmers could be located. Most of them were at home. Findings/ Conclusions: in the community of San Diego, two types of farmers can be identified, those who carry out practices related to conventional agriculture, and others who maintain traditional practices, but combine them with conventional agriculture.

Navigating urbanization implications: effects of land expropriation on farmers’ livelihoods in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

This paper investigates the effect of land expropriation on the livelihoods of farmers expropriated from the peripheries of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A mixed methods approach, including household surveys, key informant interviews, field visits, and document reviews, was employed. A sample of 349 expropriated farmer household heads from four purposively selected sub-cities was drawn using systematic random sampling. The findings reveal significant adverse effects of land expropriation on the livelihoods of expropriated farmers, such as income losses, unemployment, and reduced agricultural production, primarily due to a lack of transparency and consultation during the expropriation process, inadequate compensation, and insufficient resettlement support provided by the city administration. Consequently, the living conditions of most farmers deteriorated in the post-expropriation. To address these effects, the study recommends enhancing procedural clarity, ensuring meaningful participation and consultation with affected farmers, and providing comprehensive resettlement support, including access to housing, employment opportunities, credit, and social services, to help affected farmers transition to new livelihoods.

Diversity of Vegetables Marketed During the Pongal Festival in the Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu

Fruit and vegetables provide nutrition and food security, income-generating opportunities, ecosystem services, and contribute to cultural identities. Protecting these species, and by extension, demands urgent action. The present study is to understand the diversity of vegetables sold in the markets of Tirunelveli District Tamil Nadu. Field visits were made to the local markets in and around Tirunelveli covering nearly 30 km2. A major survey was done at Tirunelveli Town Wholesale Market Complex, Palayamkottai Market complex, and various farmer markets (Ulaver Santhai). A total of 62 species belonging to 41 genera and 19 families were identified in the study. Out of 62 species, 61 belong to angiosperms and 01 to fungi. Cucurbitaceae is the dominant family with 11 species. Brassica largest genera share 10 species. Totally 20 species of geophytic vegetables were recorded in the study area. Out of them majority (45% of the species) were monocots, and family Brassicaceae, is dominant with 5 species. The present study concluded with an appeal for sufficient, sustained funding to ensure a global rescue plan for vegetable diversity can shift the research and development agenda to focus on nutrition and well-being.

Self-Help Groups and its Future Directions: Evidence from West Bengal

The delivery of credit through Self-Help Groups (SHG) to rural women has had remarkable outcomes, both economically and socially. We articulate findings from our field visit in two rural blocks in West Bengal on the motivation and benefits of being an SHG member and provide suggestions for strengthening the existing programme. While our analyses suggest that the SHG programme has successfully mobilised women from poor economic backgrounds to form groups, it seems a few SHG members were not satisfied with the benefits they expected from the group. At a time when significant emphasis is given to economic inclusion of the disadvantaged sections of society bereft of resources and benefits of formal banking systems, the implementation of suggestions stated by the SHG members can help to promote and strengthen the existing SHG programme in the state of West Bengal, India.

Coping With Intimate Partner Violence: The Effect Of Women’s Resources On Their Response To Violence In Turkey

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between the personal and social resources of women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) and their responses to two specific types of violence, namely; physical and sexual violence. The study utilizes survey data from the "2014 Domestic Violence against Women in Turkey Survey", a follow-up to the 2008 nationwide survey on violence against women, which includes a wide range of socio-demographic background questions as well as questions on IPV and various types of violence against women and girls. This quantitative research represents one of the rare studies focusing on women's individual and institutional responses to IPV and it is also based on findings from the most recent field study on Domestic Violence against Women in Turkey. The sample design of the research is a multi-staged stratified cluster sampling and 11,247 households completed the survey from 12 statistical regions, urban and rural areas of Turkey. During the field visits, 13,310 women were identified as eligible for interviews, and 8,960 women were approached for face-to-face interviews. The response rate for the women interviews was recorded at 83.3 percent. Multinomial logit models were employed to elucidate the relationship between the responses of women who had been subjected to violence and their individual resources. The findings of the study reveal that individual resources such as age, higher education, urban residence, and being in regular employment with social security significantly increase the likelihood that women will engage in at least one institutional or non-institutional response to IPV.

Morphological Evolution of an Intertidal Mudflat in Relation to Mangrove Growth: Implications for Future Erosion Control.

There is limited information regarding the influence of mangrove growth on the morphological evolution of intertidal mudflats. In this study, Tan Phu Dong district, Tien Giang Province, Vietnam, was selected for investigating how mangrove growth influenced the morphological evolution of an intertidal mudflat. The authors analyzed a series of satellite images (from 1995 and 2022), calculated the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and documented field visits and observations in pursuit of the objective of the study. The findings revealed that fine-grained sediment accumulated as unconsolidated substratum (US) in the first step of the morphological evolution of the intertidal mudflat, with sediment accumulation of 910 ha in 1995. The US provided favorable conditions for mangroves to grow, while mangrove growth helped compact the US into a compact substratum (CS) in addition to promoting continuous sediment accumulation, increased the vegetation cover of the island, and elevated the substrate density of the remaining areas. As a result, the US and CS decreased steadily between 1995 and 2020, from 910 ha in 1995 to 401 ha in 2020 and from 433 ha in 2005 to 111 ha in 2020, respectively. Meanwhile, the low-vegetation area (LVA), medium-vegetation area (MVA), and high vegetation area (HVA) gradually increased between 1995 and 2015, from 0 ha in 1995 to 104 ha in 2015, from 0 ha in 1995 to 96 ha in 2015, and from 0 ha in 1995 to 114 ha in 2015, respectively. However, the LVA decreased slightly between 2015 and 2020 due to significant sand accumulation, which significantly killed the mangrove trees. In contrast, the MVA and HVA steadily increased between 2015 and 2020, from 96 ha in 2015 to 116 ha in 2020 and from 114 ha in 2015 to 221 ha in 2020, respectively. In 2022, there was a steady increase in HVA (298 ha in 2022), although the date of the 2022 satellite retrieval was 28 January 2022. This study recommends that the technical design of the existing coastal protection works should be revised or adapted to take account of sediment accumulation as the first step in the morphological evolution of the examined intertidal mudflat, rather than mangrove growth.

Learning experiences from ECEC professionals during an international field visit: The Berlin, The Hague, and Schiedam Study

Learning experiences from ECEC professionals during an international field visit: The Berlin, The Hague, and Schiedam Study

Null Curriculum in Institute of Education: Perspectives of the Graduate Student

The present study adopts a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both questionnaire surveys and focus group interviews to explore the perspectives of graduate students within Chinese Taiwan's Institute of Education regarding the null curriculum. This research aims to identify significant but overlooked elements within the curriculum. The results underscore the students recognition of essential yet absent components, highlighting the necessity for experiential and action-oriented courses such as educational practice and field visits, foundational educational methodologies, examination of challenges within the educational sphere, skill-oriented approaches, and anticipation of forthcoming educational trends. As a result, the implications of this study contribute to thought-provoking discussions within the field.

Why modification of the ECLAC methodology for Bangladesh is important? Observation from housing, commerce and transport sector in cyclone Mora in Teknaf Upazila, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

An immediate and precise Damage and Loss Assessment (DaLA) is necessary after the occurrence of any disaster to bounce back to its previous stage perceiving the recovery needs. Since the ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean) methodology has been identified as the most consistent and comprehensive one worldwide for DaLA, this research aims to apply and modify the ECLAC for the housing, commerce, and transportation sectors in the context of Bangladesh as it needs to incorporate both its formal and informal economies in DaLA. An immediate field visit was performed in Teknaf Upazila after the occurrence of cyclone Mora in 2017 following 12 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and 135 individual surveys for the above mentioned sectors. This study considers alternative sources for baseline data because of its unavailability and a constant Likert scale throughout the assessment. While applying the ECLAC, several adjustments have been obtained depending on the local characteristics that create differences in the estimation of modified DaLA from the conventional ECLAC. In the case of the housing sector, all three damage, loss, and additional cost estimations are modified. On the other hand, the damage and especially the loss have been revised for the commerce sector. Also the loss and additional cost estimation for the transportation sector have been separated and modifications have been adopted. This study may help to estimate avoiding the over and under-estimation of damage and loss and can be applied in future disasters in Bangladesh and other developing countries. The researchers can develop a complete ECLAC methodology examining the other sectors and the government can take initiatives to apply the revised ECLAC methodology for a proper reconstruction and recovery planning.

Indigenous values and perspectives for strengthening food security and sovereignty: learning from a community-based case study of Misko-ziibiing (Bloodvein River First Nation), Manitoba, Canada

In recent years, changing environmental, developmental activity, government policies and laws, lifestyle changes and affordability dynamics have continued to threaten the self determination and food sovereignty of Indigenous peoples in the community. Their perspectives, teachings, and voices are rarely present in any scholarly work. Despite food security being a significant challenge among many First Nations communities on Turtle Island, there needs to be more empirical, community-based research that underscores the role of traditional food systems and associated values and teachings in Manitoban communities through an Indigenous lens. This research addresses that gap by building upon Indigenous perspectives and knowledges on the status and future directions of food security and sovereignty in Misko-ziibiing (Bloodvein River First Nation). Guided by Indigenous research protocol and using a qualitative research approach, ten in-depth interviews with Bloodvein River First Nation (BVR) and Winnipeg Elders were conducted. Data was also sourced through discussions with local council members, participant observation, and field visits during 2017. The fundamental values and traditional teachings associated with food sovereignty within the community are aligned with the spirit of sharing, including sharing ethics and protocols, social learning within the community, and intergenerational transmission. Enhanced intergenerational transmission of traditional teachings, education and language revitalization, and local leadership involvement can strengthen these social and cultural values to enhance Indigenous food security and sovereignty in Misko-ziibiing. This research identifies the knowledge and views of Elders, hunters, trappers and fishers, contributing to the current studies associated with traditional food systems and teachings. Strengthening social and cultural traditions and values is vital in working toward Indigenous food governance, sovereignty, and revitalization of their Indigenous food systems.

Women’s Participation in Local Governments of Nepal: Assessing Local Elections of 2017 and 2022

The Federal Republic of Nepal was established after the second people's movement in 2006. The movement was for more political rights after the 1990 political change in the country. As a result, through the incorporation of inclusive principles into Nepal's constitution, women's representation has been mandated across all sectors of the state, including at the local level. This paper aims to examine the legal provisions and practices concerning gender-balanced seat allocation in key municipal positions, such as chief and deputy chief, chairperson and vice-chairperson, in which at least one occupant must be female. It seeks to understand the reasons behind the political parties nominating women candidates for these positions and whether they are considered reservations for women. Using primary field visits and secondary sources, descriptive analytical and content analysis methods were used to make conclusions about the representation of deputy chief and deputy chairperson in the local elections of 2017 and 2022. The study shows that inclusion is emphasised in Nepal's constitution and other legislation, which require women to be represented in all fields. In the 2017 and 2022 local elections, women held 92% and 74% of the deputy positions, respectively. However, neither politically nor constitutionally, the office of deputy chief is solely reserved for women. The analysis sheds light on the motivations behind political parties nominating women candidates for these positions and explores whether they are perceived as reservations for women.

Identification of potential landfill site suitability for urban solid waste disposal of Balurghat Municipality of Dakshin Dinajpur District using GIS and multi-criteria decision-making approach

The production of urban solid waste is one of the most dangerous environmental health risks on the planet. By selecting suitable landfill sites, it is possible to resolve the issue of health risks and environmental pollution driven by the unscientific disposal of solid waste. The current research is centered on determining suitable landfill locations for solid waste disposal within the Balurghat municipality through the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach. Ten factors were taken into consideration according to their weightage including elevation (0.022), Lithology (0.027), Slope (0.032), Land use and land cover LULC (0.040), Depth of water (0.057), Population density (0.075), Distance from sensitive places (0.107), Distance from road (0.154), Distance from river (0.205) and Land value (0.282). After conducting thorough field visits, an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) under the MCDM approach using GIS reveals acceptable sites that were noted and referenced. Final results are validated through a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve using randomly selected 80 potential landfill-suitable site location points with higher accuracy, and a total of 93% of the area under the curve (AUC) has been found worthy to validate the spatial result. The present investigation revealed that only 0.65% of land is very highly suitable, 31.06% of land is highly suitable, 52.54% of land is moderately suitable and 14.74% of land is not suitable for landfilling in Balurghat Municipal area and surroundings respectively. The highly suitable site belongs to the Mamna, Katna, Kuaran, Amtali, Noksha, Bannapara, and Malancha villages of the study area which is a very negligible area. So, the planners should adopt alternative strategies like source minimization, composting, sanitary landfills and awareness programmes for sustainable solid waste management. Hence, the Balurghat Municipality administration, urban planners, and administrative authorities stand to gain valuable insights from the findings of this study as they endeavour to enhance the management of urban solid waste in the area.

Bimbingan Teknis Optimalisasi Penggunaan Residu Maggot sebagai Bahan Baku dalam Pengolahan Pupuk Organik

Organic waste is one of the main environmental problems in many countries, including Indonesia, where its presence can cause ecosystem imbalance. Utilizing insects in the agricultural production cycle is a potential alternative for producing valuable protein feed and sustainable organic fertilizer. This community service program aims to provide technical guidance on using maggot residue as a raw material for processing organic fertilizer. The implementation of this community service program consists of several stages, including preparation, planning, execution, and evaluation. The execution stage involves multiple activities, such as field visits, material presentations, and practical fieldwork. The outcome of this technical guidance includes increased literacy and understanding among maggot breeders and horticultural farmers regarding the use of maggot residue as a raw material in organic fertilizer processing. The decomposition of waste by BSF larvae yields better results due to its higher nutrient content. The residual waste decomposed by BSF larvae can be transformed into compost with high benefits and can be applied to cultivated plants or soil to improve soil properties.

Key Variables for Farming Business Sustainability in Urban Subak

Objective: Sustainability of farming is an effort to manage resources to meet economic, social, and aesthetic needs while maintaining cultural integrity and, most importantly, ecological processes that support life. The challenge currently faced by farming in urban Subak is farming on narrow land but with high productivity in meeting the needs of urban communities. This research aims to analyze the key variables for the sustainability of farming in urban Subak. Method: Data was collected through field visits, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGD). MICMAC analysis is used to analyze variables that influence the sustainability of farming in urban Subak. Results and Discussion: The research results show that twelve variables influence the sustainability of farming in urban Subak, which are covered in five dimensions: economic, ecological, social, institutional, and cultural. The variables that are key drivers are land area from the ecological dimension, product types and prices of inputs from the economic dimension, and agricultural ceremonies from the cultural dimension. Research Implications: The variables from these findings are likely to be a view of the future (foresight), that is, the choice of stakeholders in the sustainability of farming in Subak in urban areas in the future. Originality/Value: Previous studies on subak focused on the cultural aspects of subak in Bali in rural areas, while this study focuses on urban subak and not only sees it from the cultural point of view.

The Quaternary sequence of the Nahr el Kebir, NW Syria: An important repository for evidence of Palaeolithic occupation and landscape evolution in the eastern Mediterranean

The third largest river in Syria, the Nahr el Kebir has a well-preserved record of river-terrace deposits that have produced substantial Palaeolithic artefact assemblages both from within the terrace deposits and from the land surfaces above and around them. At the Mediterranean coastline, the fluvial gravels interdigitate with raised shoreline terrace deposits, providing an insight into the temporal and climatic relations of both of these important geomorphological and morphostratigraphical archives, as well as their relationship with each other. New research is reported here on the Pleistocene geology and geomorphology of the Nahr el Kebir and the associated Palaeolithic archaeology, the latter having been reinterpreted based on reassessment of museum collections arising from earlier detailed work. Field visits revealed an additional, hitherto unrecognized low-level river terrace, whereas one of the previously recognized Palaeolithic levels can be shown to coincide with slope deposits that armour hilltops rather than representing a genuine fluvial formation. The new understanding of these geomorphological and sedimentary archives supports ideas that this corner of the Mediterranean has experienced unusually rapid uplift during the recent Quaternary, as a result of which the local rivers, including the Kebir, have deepened their valleys rapidly. Consequently, only the recent part of the Quaternary is recorded in the Kebir system and the ages envisaged previously for the terrace deposits and the Palaeolithic artefact assemblages were considerable overestimates in many cases, a finding that has significance for their correlation with those from the wider region. Reassessment of the Palaeolithic archaeology suggests a settlement history initially dominated by groups using handaxes, alongside simple core working (0.5–0.3 Ma), followed by a major change with the appearance of Levallois core working alongside handaxes, marking the transition to the early Middle Palaeolithic.