Inhabitants Of Communities Research Articles

Are Households Willing to Finance the Cost of Individual Water Supply? Case Study in Central Tunisia

In developing countries, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by the United Nations and the expectations expressed by modern local populations call for universal water access through individual connections (IC), to be achieved by 2030. An ambitious target such as this presents the challenge of how best to achieve the goal of funding high-quality but expensive water supply systems, to serve populations with low incomes. This raises the question of the assessment of the relevant households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water service in rural areas, in particular in the context of developing countries. This paper examines this issue using a case study in Tunisia. As with other developing countries, Tunisia faces difficult challenges: the increasing demand for water and the inherent cost that is involved must be met whilst climate change is likely to increase the pressure on already stressed resources. The approach applied in this paper is to assess the households’ WTP using a contingent valuation (CV) method in a dedicated field household survey in Central Tunisia. The particular governorate in which the survey was conducted was facing at the time of this study high social expectations, in particular, coming under increasing demand from inhabitants of rural communities to be individually connected to water supplies in the same way as their urban counterparts who were served by SONEDE, the national utility company. The results of the survey reveal that non-SONEDE-piped households were not willing to pay the amount required in order to have an individual connection (the average bid was USD 443 whereas the expected contribution is above USD 800). It was found that a household’s WTP for an individual connection had a direct relationship with its trust in the current water management model, alternative modes of supply, and its socio-economic characteristics. However, if already connected, households would be willing to pay more than their current water expenses, although the amount they were willing to pay was still lower than the sustainable water cost enabling long-term maintenance of the system. SONEDE-piped households stated a clear WTP the amount required to keep water services for the future (average bid of USD 14 to add to their current quarterly water bill of USD 14). Based on these results, this paper concludes by highlighting several policy implications.

The prospects of community-based natural resource management in Ghana: A case study of Zukpiri community resource management area

The Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) model was adopted in Ghana in the 1990s to help conserve and increase the forest area of Ghana. Since its adoption, little is known about the prospects of the model in the scientific literature. To fill this gap, this study examined the management strategies, benefits and challenges of the Zukpiri CREMA in the Upper West Region. Mixed methods research involving a survey of 190 households, seven (7) focus group discussions and key informant interviews were employed to collect data in seven (7) CREMA communities. The study found that local communities employed several strategies including the formation of community resource management committees, enactment of bye-laws and fines regarding the management and extraction of the CREMA resources. The CREMA has positively impacted the livelihoods of the inhabitants through the harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and support from Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations. Nonetheless, the CREMA is not without challenges. These include land tenure and the CREMA resource use conflicts. This study, therefore, argued that besides creating an enabling ecologically balanced environment, inhabitants of the CREMA communities are reaping the benefits of the CREMA in many ways. Hence, the Forestry Commission of Ghana should focus on aligning relevant livelihood strategies in line with the CREMA approach to further deepen local communities’ commitment to the conservation drive.

Quantification of deep sound scattering layers using a moored upward-looking broadband split-beam echosounder

Distinct deep sound scattering layers are prevalent throughout the ocean mesopelagic zones (200–1000 m depths). These deep sound scattering layers are often characterized by daily vertical migration, in which many of the inhabitants of the ocean mesopelagic communities migrate to shallow waters during the night to feed, and descend during the day to avoid predators. And yet little is known about the impact of mesoscale physical oceanography, such as warm core rings or Gulf stream meanders, on the patterns of daily vertical migration or on the small-scale spatial distribution, or patchiness, of the deep sound scattering layers. To address these questions, an upward-looking broadband split-beam echosounder (36 kHz–44 kHz) has been moored at 580 m depth in the slope waters south of the New England shelf break in a location in which warm core rings are a prevalent feature. Data from a 3-day test deployment are analyzed in terms of target density, spectral characterization, patchiness and timing of the migrations. The calibrated broadband spectra of individual targets are used to determine the number of swimbladdered fish in the deep sound scattering layers. Meanwhile, two other methods, including echo-counting and echo-statistics, are also applied to give target density estimation.

Assessing equity in park accessibility using a travel behavior-based G2SFCA method in Nanjing, China

Spatial equity of parks is a major concern in environmental justice studies. While many measurements have been used to evaluate access to parks, few studies have considered the impact of travel behavior on park accessibility. This study aims to establish a travel behavior-based Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (TB-G2SFCA) method to assess spatial equity of parks in the Nanjing region, and Local Moran's I index is applied to identify spatial agglomeration patterns in assessing equity. The results demonstrate that (1) the traditional single-mode model maybe cannot provide accurate approach to evaluating park accessibility while the TB-G2SFCA method can provide a more realistic park accessibility evaluation; (2) the inhabitants of most communities distributed south of the Yangtze River can obtain better park services than the northern areas; (3) the spatial disparities of equity in park accessibility are severe in three suburban districts, relatively minor in four central districts, and insignificant in two central districts. These findings may assist urban planners and policy makers to frame more reasonable policy and planning to improve spatial equity to parks in urban areas.

Analysis of Social Pathology in the Opinion of Community Inhabitants to Increase Threat Resilience in Communities at the Local Level

Purpose: This article aims to present issues related to the influence of social pathologies, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, violence and aggression in the family, social alienation, and crime, on shaping resilience to threats in local communities. Design/Methodology/Approach: The main research problem was presented in the form of the following question: How important is identifying and addressing social pathologies in shaping community resilience at the local level? A diagnostic poll method was used to solve the presented research problem, carried out using a survey technique, using survey questionnaire tool. The Statistica v.13.1 software package was used to develop the survey results. Findings: It may be argued that wide-scale activities undertaken in local communities, such as: launching preventive actions, information campaigns, and cooperation with various institutions that deal with analyzed social pathologies, have a positive influence on shaping resilience to threats in the studied local communities. Practical Implications: The empirical data obtained allowed us to establish a direct relationship between the occurrence of social pathologies and their impact on the formation of resilience to threats in local communities. Originality/Value: The article presents the author's approach to cognition of social pathologies and an indication of their influence on the sense of shaping resilience to threats in local communities.

Probabilistic multi-pathway human health risk assessment due to heavy metal(loid)s in a traditional gold mining area in Ecuador

Mining operations are important causes of environmental pollution in developing countries where mining waste management is not adequate. Consequently, heavy metal(loid)s are easily released into the environment, being a potential risk to human health. This study carries out a Bayesian probabilistic human health risk assessment, related to multi-pathway exposure to heavy metal(loid)s in a gold mining area in Southern Ecuador. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in tap water, surface water, and soil samples, were analyzed to assess the potential adverse human health effects based on the Hazard Index (HI) and Total cancer risk (TCR). Adults and children residents were surveyed to adjust their exposure parameters to the site-specific conditions. Exposure to heavy metal(loid)s resulted in unacceptable risk levels for human health in the two age groups, both carcinogenic (TCR > 1 × 10−5) and non-carcinogenic (HI > 1) through ingestion of tap water and incidental ingestion of surface water. Sensitivity analysis showed that As concentration in waters and exposure frequency were the main contributors to risk outcome. Exposure to soil via accidental ingestion and dermal contact was below the safety limit, not posing a risk to human health. These findings can provide a baseline for the environmental management of the mining area and indicate the need for further research on As pollution in water and its implications on the health of the inhabitants of mining communities.

Availability and Feasibility of Renewable Resources for Electricity Generation in the Arctic: The Cases of Longyearbyen, Maniitsoq, and Kotzebue

Currently, the dominant energy source for electricity generation in the Arctic is diesel, which is well proven for Arctic conditions. However, diesel is expensive in the Arctic, often due to long and complicated fuel transportation routes, and so inhabitants of Arctic communities can face high electricity costs. This paper investigates whether renewable energy resources can be harvested in a feasible and cost-competitive manner. The paper highlights which renewable energy resources are generally available in the Arctic and analyzes how renewable resources, such as hydropower, wind, and photovoltaics, can be used. Furthermore, we present three specific case studies to provide in-depth insight. A simulation with different energy generation scenarios using different renewable energy sources and penetration levels was performed for each case. The results indicate that renewables can be a cost-competitive option and that the optimal mix of renewables varies for different communities. Stakeholders and experts from the case study communities were also interviewed and their responses indicated a general acceptance of renewables.

Optimización del Servicio de transporte público

ABSTRACT The research presented had the general objective of optimizing the public transport service for the El Cardon urbanization, Colina municipality of the Falcon state. The research is of a non-experimental, field, descriptive design and feasible project modality. It was evidenced that the majority of the community's inhabitants use the public transport system as a means of mobilization. The results obtained showed that the travel time of public transport units is between 30 and 60 minutes, which users use more frequently from 6:00 to 7:00 am; the greatest difficulty to access a unit of public transport is from 6:00 to 7:00 am; The units that provide service are in regular condition and users requested to increase the number of public transport units and consider it necessary to design a new route for the route.

Citizens ‘participation in the fight against criminal offences: political and legal aspects

The aim of the research is to reveal political and legal aspects at international level in the field of citizens' participation in the fight against crime. Attention is paid to the most common forms of public participation: patrolling; provide information on criminals or criminal acts committed; participation in anti-corruption measures; assistance in the resocialization of offenders; aiding victims of crime; strengthening the security of one's own property; participation in information on anti-criminal measures. Methodologically it is a documentary research. In conclusion, the benefits of public participation in crime prevention, based on international crime prevention, can be divided into two groups: basic and additional. The main advantages are reduction of crime and delinquency; improve security in relevant areas of cities; reducing citizens' fear of crime; strengthening the service function of the police forces in relation to the inhabitants of territorial communities; improve police partnerships with the public.

The prevalence and causes of visual impairment in Dariyah, a rural community in Saudi Arabia

Background: Visual impairment is disproportionately distributed between rural and urban dwellers. Rural dwellers have limited access to the eye care services that are available in urban cities. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in Dariyah, a rural community in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Setting: This research comprised a population-based assessment of the vision and visual status of the inhabitants of Dariyah community. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted amongst the inhabitants of the community of Dariyah. A comprehensive eye examination consisting of visual acuity, ocular health examination, objective and subjective refraction was performed. The examinations were conducted by registered ophthalmologists and optometrists from the Qassim University. Vision impairments were categorised according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Section 9D90, ‘Vision impairment including blindness’ (2018). Results: In all, 68 (24.5%) participants had vision impairment (using the better-seeing eye), with refractive errors being the main cause of vision impairment. Other causes of vision impairment included cataract (20, 7.2%), trichiasis (5, 1.8%) and glaucoma (2, 0.7%). Refractive errors were present in 193 (69.7%), with astigmatism being the commonest refractive error. About 60% of those with refractive errors presented without spectacles for correction, and 20% reported that they had never had an eye examination. Refractive errors could not be determined in 19 (6.9%) of the subjects because of conditions such as matured cataract and other ocular abnormalities. Conclusion: Uncorrected refractive error was found to be the leading cause of vision impairment in this rural community in Saudi Arabia.

Calidad de miel por “abejas nativas” (Meliponini) en la Región San Martín, Perú

Beekeeping has become an economic alternative for the inhabitants of rural communities in the San Martin region of Peru. This article aimed to evaluate the quality profile of honey samples from two native stingless bees produced in San Martin. In this study, the 2A x 2B factorial experiment was applied, considering two rural districts (Yantalo and San Roque de Cumbaza) and two species of native stingless bees (Melipona eburnea and Tetragonisca angustula). The analysis of reducing sugars was carried out using the HPLC method and the soluble solids were determined by means of a table refractometer, while the sensory analysis was carried out considering the following attributes: color, humidity, intensity of aroma, aroma and aftertaste flavor. Regarding the sensory evaluation, honey samples from both species were accepted, although differences were identified. In San Roque de Cumbaza, M. eburnea honey was described as sweeter and in Yantalo, T. angustula honey was described as sweet and sour. In addition, in relation to the quality of the honey samples, the results show that the parameters established by current legislation for Apis mellifera are not adequate for some variables analyzed, being necessary to standardize the guidelines for honey from native stingless bees in our country. country.

Evaluation of the dustiness of fugitive dust sources using gravitational drop tests

Handling of dry granular materials in quarries and mining processes are an important source of atmospheric dust characterized as fugitive sources. Fugitive dust sources may affect the health of operators in the facility or the inhabitants of nearby communities. During handling, the air-particle interaction eases the suspension of large amounts of dust. Some of the dust particles settle near the source while others are carried away by the air. The settled dust may be re-suspended into the air by windblown mechanisms or by traffic activity, increasing the impact on the surroundings. For middle and small-sized quarries in developing countries the direct field measurement of the environmental impact of fugitive sources is not affordable. This work proposes the utilization of a gravitational dustiness test to mimic fugitive dust sources that take place during handling of particulate materials and to evaluate the dustiness of the source. Two different gravitational dustiness tests devices were built and used to evaluate the dustiness of a granular material handling. The tests are simple, require low investment and can be used to study the influence of variables and remedy actions. The utilization of the tests allowed to estimate the amount of dust generated and to know the particle size distribution of the emitted dust. In addition, the tests allowed the exploration of the influence of the relative humidity and temperature of the surrounding air on the dust emission. Results suggest that dust emission is affected by the properties of the surrounding air due to the dependence of adhesion and inter-particle forces on the air humidity and temperature.

THE IMPACT OF THE INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION NETWORK ON THE VALUES SYSTEM IN EGYPTIAN SOCIETY

For the fact of what the modern communities are witnessing of advancement in the use of electronic communication, a new generation has appeared that is no more dealing with traditional media as it deals with current electronic media. This generation is called the network or the internet generation. The social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook and search engine such as Google and Yahoo and others have been daily and frequently used to search for any information anywhere and anytime. Hence, the research problem and objective are crystallized in identifying the limits and nature of the impact of the internet on the value system in Egyptian society in attempt to evaluate this impact and define the future exposition of the new role of communication tools and search engines in the coming period. The researcher uses the descriptive method on a sample consists of (100) items, divided equally between residents of Shubra El-Khaima district as a slum community and Misr El-Gadida inhabitants (Heliopolis) as an urban community. A questionnaire form is used as research tool. the study comes to several results including that the social and cultural value system are affected positively by the internet as a means for occurring marriage in Egypt and Arabian communities. They are also affected negatively through the spread out of multiple wives phenomenon in addition to the internet crimes and failure of marriage through the network sites, and the increase of isolation for the elders. The study comes to several recommendations including the necessity to unify the civil society's efforts, the educational formal and informal institutions to meet risks targeting the value system in Egypt.

Territorial indetermination and right to the city for indigenous inhabitants of the commune of San José de cocotog

The present research focuses on the right to the city as a basic human right that should be accessed by all the inhabitants of the indigenous community of San José de Cocotog, located in the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador. The commune is divided, territorially and symbolically, by the regional administrations Calderón and Eugenio Espejo, as well as the parish councils of Zámbiza and Llano Chico. On this basis, the influence generated by territorial indeterminacy in access to the right to the city is interpreted.
 The study uses qualitative methodology, as that perspective that facilitates dialogue with the participants and, allow their expression to problematize and broaden the debate on the situation of their commune regarding this right and the current State of Rights. In this framework, interviews are conducted with community and parish leaders, in addition, a discussion group is held with inhabitants of each of the five neighborhoods of the commune.
 The results ascribe fundamental importance to the territory, as it is in this place where the subjects relate and develop, both personally and collectively, however, they are traversed by violations and inequalities due to the effect of territorial division. The absence of recognition of territorial limits has generated social segregation, limitations and lack of public spaces, delegitimization of the communal organization, as well as a wide sensation of institutional helplessness with regard to access to public works that favor a dignified life of its inhabitants.

CUANTIFICACIÓN DE ALCALOIDES DE Ladenbergia oblongifolia (HUMB. EX MUTIS) L. ANDERSSON “ÁRBOL DE LA QUINA”

The megadiversity of Peru, has many species framed in the genus Cinchona, Ladenbergia and Remijia, and that the inhabitants of the Andean-Amazonian Communities know them indistinctly as quina or cascarillas and which They attribute medicinal properties to them against malaria, broncho-respiratory diseases and especially Covid-19. However, the indiscriminate exploitation and the little interest of the investigation has contributed to the extinction and confusion in the identification of the species in different genera;In view of this, the research objective was to quantify the alkaloids of Ladenbergia oblongifolia tree;in order to promote the revaluation of this species as a promising ethnobotanical resource that seeks to correlate its active principles or secondary metabolites with the consequent pharmacological actions attributed to it. For this, bark and leaves of L. oblongifolia were used, from Chiclin, Chicama, Ascope, La Libertad, Peru;the taxonomic determination was carried out in the Herbarium Truxillense (HUT);while the extraction and quantification of alkaloids in the Laboratory of Instrumental Methods, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering of the National University of Trujillo. It is concluded that the leaves of L. oblongifolia contain 0.1039 mmol alkaloids/g dry matter, and these metabolites can be extracted directly from the leaves, without the need to cut or destroy the trees, so it is urgent to implement mechanisms of use of the leaves instead of the bark, thus avoiding their extinction.

The Impact of a Sport Mega Event in the Right to Access Public Education: The Case of the Porto Alegre Communities Affected by the 2014 Brazil World Cup

This article addresses key issues of sport mega events’ social and educational legacies. The rhetoric of the “legacy” of mega events has been imprinted in every bid presented to different countries and cities to influence their decision whether to host or not this type of event. Visible and also intangible effects are often cited as part of the “legacy” packaged to convince host citizens to adhere to the events. In the past few decades, several studies have been questioning the “legacy” rhetoric, presenting data demonstrating that despite the positive outcomes implied in the concept, these events often cause major impacts in the lives of host countries through several dimensions that cannot be painted with a “positive” tone. This study aims to analyze the educational legacies left by the 2014 FIFA World Cup (WC) in Porto Alegre, capital city of the Brazilian Southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul. We gathered data using participant observation methodology, surveys, and interviews with inhabitants of communities affected by the WC works. Our data reveal that the lives of public schools, students, and families in the region affected by the event were severely disrupted by the WC works without neither the Local Organizing Committee nor the local authorities offering adequate compensation or plan to alleviate these communities’ damages. We conclude by arguing that the WC has provoked a negative educational impact over communities that were already socially disadvantaged and most in need of good functioning of their schools.

Persistent Colonic Schistosomiasis among Symptomatic Rural Inhabitants in the Egyptian Nile Delta.

Background and AimsHuman schistosomiasis is one of the most important and unfortunately neglected tropical diseases. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of colonic schistosomiasis among symptomatic rural inhabitants of the Middle Northern region of the Egyptian Nile delta.Patients and MethodsThis study recruited 193 inhabitants of the rural community in the Egyptian Nile Delta referred for colonoscopy because of variable symptoms. After giving written informed consent, they were exposed to thorough history, clinical examination, stool analysis, abdominal ultrasonography, and pan-colonoscopy with biopsies.ResultsTwenty-four cases out of the 193 patients had confirmed active schistosomiasis with a prevalence rate of 12.4%. Bleeding with stool was the predominant manifestation of active Schistosoma infection among the cases either alone or in combination with abdominal pain. On clinical examination, most patients (n=17; 70.8%) did not have organomegaly, and 25% had clinically palpable splenomegaly as far as 75% of them had sonographically detected hepatic periportal fibrosis. Also, 66.6% of patients have significant endoscopic lesions (polyps, ulcers, mass-like lesions), and 16.6% of them had colonic affection beyond the recto-sigmoid region.ConclusionColonic schistosomiasis is still prevalent among the Egyptian Nile Delta’s symptomatic rural inhabitants at a rate of 12.4%. Of them, 66.6% had significant endoscopic colorectal lesions. This persistent transmission of schistosomiasis in the Egyptian Nile Delta’s rural community sounds the alarm for continuing governmental efforts and plans to screen the high-risk groups. The prevalence rate reported in the current study is lower than the actual prevalence rate of schistosomiasis due to focusing only on a subgroup of individuals.

“El Triunfo” Photovoltaic Power P lant; Rural Development Study

The results of rural electrification in Cuba, from Photovoltaic Solar Energy, are presented as part of the technical-economic feasibility study of the use of medium-power Photovoltaic Plants in tropical climate conditions, based on the experiences obtained for more than 20 years of operation of the photovoltaic plant in the rural community "Santa María del Loreto" and its generalization in the photovoltaic plant in the rural community "El Triunfo". Both facilities located in the mountainous area of the Songo - La Maya Municipality, Santiago de Cuba Province.
 
 The photovoltaic plant benefits the inhabitants of the rural community "El Triunfo", guaranteeing a high-quality, uninterrupted and stable electrical service, as well as a considerable change in the profiles of use of free night time with an increase in the activities of Entertainment, information with high-quality access to the mass media such as television and radio, all of this has influenced local community development, with special emphasis on the humanization of the work of women and housewives.

Integrative taxonomy of the Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) populations in the NW Adriatic Sea, with a focus on a novel cryptic species in the P. delicatissima species complex

ABSTRACT Species of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia are common inhabitants of phytoplankton communities of the northern Adriatic Sea, reaching high abundances. During 2018–2019, a total of 138 cultured Pseudo-nitzschia strains were isolated from northwestern Adriatic Sea and were characterized by using both morphological (TEM) and molecular (LSU, ITS, ITS2 secondary structure) approaches. Observation of frustule ultrastructure and phylogenetic analysis resolved a total of six taxa, i.e. P. fraudulenta, P. pungens, P. calliantha, P. mannii, P. delicatissima and P. cf. arenysensis. Results of the integrative taxonomic approach clearly revealed that P. cf. arenysensis is a cryptic species within P. delicatissima species complex. Pseudo-nitzschia cf. arenysensis is closely related to P. arenysensis, which forms a subclade and a sister group in LSU and ITS phylogenies, respectively. When comparing ITS2 secondary structure of P. cf. arenysensis and P. arenysensis, 1 CBC, 1 HCBC and 2 SNPs were recognized, suggesting reproductive isolation. Domoic acid production was not detected in any of the studied strains.

Off-grid hybrid renewable energy system with hydrogen storage for South African rural community health clinic

Most inhabitants of rural communities in Africa lack access to clean and reliable electricity. This has deprived the rural dwellers access to modern healthcare delivery. In this paper, an off-grid renewable energy system consisting of solar PV and wind turbine with hydrogen storage scheme has been explored to meet the electrical energy demands of a health clinic. The health clinic proposed is a group II with 10 beds located in a typical village in South Africa. First, the wind and solar energy resources of the village were analysed. Thereafter, the microgrid architecture that would meet the energy demand of the clinic (18.67 kWh/day) was determined. Some of the key results reveal that the average annual wind speed at 60 m anemometer height and solar irradiation of the village are 7.9 m/s and 4.779 kWh/m2/day, respectively. The required architecture for the clinic composes of 40 kW solar PV system, 3 numbers of 10 kW wind turbines, 8.6 kW fuel cell, 25 kW electrolyser and 40 kg hydrogen tank capacity. The capital cost of the microgrid was found to be $177,600 with a net present cost of $206,323. The levelised cost of energy of the system was determined to be 2.34 $/kWh. The project has a breakeven grid extension distance of 8.81 km. Since this distance is less than the nearest grid extension distance of 21.35 km, it is established that the proposed renewable energy microgrid with a hydrogen storage system is a viable option for the rural community health clinic.