Limited Funding Research Articles

The Prospects of Phytomedicines and Nanomedicines to Treat Leishmaniasis: A Comprehensive Review.

The global shift in lifestyle has prompted health agencies to redirect their focus from poverty-related diseases to the emergence of lifestyle diseases prevalent in privileged regions. As a result, these diseases have been labeled as "neglected diseases," receiving limited research attention, funding, and resources. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) encompass a diverse group of vector-borne protozoal diseases that are prevalent in tropical areas worldwide. Among these NTDs is leishmaniasis, a disease that affects populations globally and manifests as skin abnormalities, internal organ involvement, and mucous-related abnormalities. Due to the lack of effective and safe medicines and vaccines, it is crucial to explore alternative resources. Phytomedicine, which comprises therapeutic herbal constituents with anti-leishmanial properties, holds promise but is limited by its poor physicochemical properties. The emerging field of nanomedicine has shown remarkable potential in revitalizing the anti-leishmanial efficacy of these phytoconstituents. In this investigation, we aim to highlight and discuss key plant constituents in combination with nanotechnology that have been explored in the fight against leishmaniasis.

Resilient education: The role of digital technology in supporting geographical education in Ukraine

AbstractThis commentary spotlights the continued impact of the Russian invasion on geography education in higher education in Ukraine. From discussions with Ukrainian geographers in institutions in contrasting regions of the country, we describe their resilience in adapting the delivery of the physical geography curriculum, especially in the essential area of fieldwork and the use of digital tools. This ‘lived experience’ perspective builds on the theoretical contributions to the discussion initiated by Klinke (2023) in this journal about the challenges posed for geographers. In the third year of the conflict, the challenges set out are considerable, long term, and we call for individuals, universities and funders to further facilitate teaching and learning collaborations despite the limited funds available for the exchange of teaching and learning support and innovation.

Transforming library systems in Africa: advancing literacy and cultural preservation through digital innovation

Transforming library systems in Africa is essential for advancing literacy and preserving cultural heritage in an increasingly digital world. The integration of digital innovation into African libraries has the potential to revolutionize access to information, promote lifelong learning, and safeguard indigenous knowledge. This review explores the role of modern technologies, such as digital archiving, e-libraries, and mobile platforms, in enhancing literacy rates and preserving Africa's rich cultural traditions. By transitioning from traditional, print-based models to digital systems, libraries can bridge the educational gap in underserved communities, offering wider access to educational resources and promoting literacy at all levels. Additionally, digitization facilitates the preservation of local languages, oral histories, and cultural artifacts, ensuring that future generations can engage with Africa's diverse heritage. The challenges of digital transformation in African library systems, including limited infrastructure, funding, and digital literacy, are also discussed. The review emphasizes the need for strategic investments in technology, capacity building, and policy frameworks to create a sustainable digital ecosystem. By harnessing digital innovation, African libraries can evolve into dynamic centers of learning and cultural preservation, contributing to both socio-economic development and the protection of African identities. This transformation is critical to fostering a more educated, culturally aware, and globally connected African society.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria screening for developing countries using a modified water quality test kit.

Between 2% and 15% of pregnant women unknowingly experience asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), defined as ≥105 CFU per milliliter of urine in the absence of symptoms. ASB increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including pyelonephritis, preterm labor, and low-birth weight infants. While pregnant women in the United States are routinely screened for ASB, those in developing countries with limited resources and funding lack an accurate mechanism for ASB screening. Aquagenx water quality test kits detect Escherichia coli, the most common causative agent of ASB, and total coliform bacteria in drinking water via colorimetric and fluorescent indicators. We found that the Aquagenx system is compatible with human urine and then proceeded to develop an ASB screening protocol using disposable inoculating loops. Our protocol diagnosed artificial ASB- samples (104 CFU/mL E. coli) with a false positive (FP) rate of 33% (n = 18) and ASB+ (105 CFU/mL E. coli) with a false negative (FN) rate of 5.6% (n = 18). Clinical sample testing with our protocol revealed a FP rate of 0% in ASB- samples (n = 28) and a FN rate of 0% in ASB+ samples caused by coliforms (n = 13). Aquagenx did not detect ASB in nine clinical samples with non-coliform etiological agents due to the limitations of the technology. However, with very high accuracy for detection of E. coli and other causative agents that collectively account for 90.1% of ASB cases, these kits could be used as a diagnostic ASB screening tool in developing countries in which there is currently no alternative to urine culture.IMPORTANCEAsymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) affects 2%-15% of pregnant women and can result in adverse maternal and fetal outcomes if left undetected and untreated. In the United States and other developed nations, pregnant women are regularly screened for ASB via urine culture. However, in low-resource countries where bacterial culture is not available, dipstick testing is used. Although accurate in cases of symptomatic bacteriuria, dipstick detection is ineffective for detecting ASB. Here, we made use of an existing water quality field test for ASB urine screening, which would be readily deployable in low-resource settings. We optimized a dilution protocol for sampling patient urine within the detection limits of the Aquagenx kit technology. Overall, we were able to detect ASB samples with Gram-negative pathogens that collectively account for 90% of all ASB cases. Utilization of this repurposed technology for proactive medical screening may help prevent adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes due to ASB.

Exploring sustainable health financing strategies in humanitarian settings: Challenges, innovations and efforts towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage

Sustainable health financing is critical in humanitarian settings to ensure that the most vulnerable populations have access to necessary healthcare services. In crises such as conflicts, natural disasters, or prolonged emergencies, healthcare systems are often destabilized, leading to significant challenges in providing adequate care. This review explores innovative financing mechanisms designed to support health services in these contexts, focusing on their potential to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Key challenges include limited funding, high out-of-pocket costs, and the uneven distribution of healthcare resources. In response, emerging models such as impact bonds, Islamic social finance, disaster risk insurance, and digital financial solutions offer new approaches to mobilizing resources and sustaining health interventions. These strategies are essential to bridging gaps in healthcare access, promoting equity, and strengthening the resilience of health systems. Policy recommendations highlight the importance of integrating emergency and routine health services, engaging communities, and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. Strengthening health financing mechanisms is vital for long-term improvements in health outcomes, especially in fragile settings. This research underscores the need for sustainable, inclusive policies that bolster health systems in the face of humanitarian crises.

Promoting audit transparency in higher education through an internal academic quality audit application

This study aims to design and develop a web-based application for Internal Quality Audit at Universitas Ibnu Sina, replacing the conventional audit process which is currently in use. The previous manual audit process resulted in inefficiencies and increased the risk of errors. Key challenges identified include limitations in human resources, time, and funding, as well as the low effectiveness of the audit process. In order to address these issues, the proposed information system facilitates the distribution of online checklists and document uploads, thereby expediting the verification and reporting audit results. This research adopts the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) approach in its development, utilizing methods that include use case diagrams, activity diagrams, sequence diagrams, and database design. These methods enhance interaction and workflow within the audit team. Testing results indicate that the system functions to the expected specifications. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that implementing a web-based system can accelerate reporting, improve the structure and documentation of audits, and support efforts to enhance academic quality at the university. Implementing this system is expected to increase efficiency and accuracy in the academic quality audit process at Universitas Ibnu Sina.

Assessing the use of activity trackers in clinical practice: a survey of cardiac rehabilitation clinicians from Australia, Brazil, and Canada

Abstract Background The use of wearable activity trackers has been found to significantly improve health profile and cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as to reinforce positive health behaviours in patients participating in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. However, clinicians’ perceptions of activity trackers and their use in clinical practice have not been widely explored. Purpose To describe perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours of CR clinicians towards the use and usefulness of activity trackers in CR programs, and identify barriers and enablers associated with their personal and clinical use. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) from April to December 2023. Clinicians working in CR programs were recruited in each country via social media, email and digital flyers, group chats and author networks. A purpose-built 44-item digital survey comprising four sections was constructed: (1) socio-demographic details, (2) personal and professional use of activity trackers, (3) perspectives on the use of activity trackers for CR, and (4) perceptions of factors affecting the use of activity trackers in CR. Results In total, 199 clinicians from Australia (n=44), Brazil (n=102) and Canada (n=53) responded to the survey. Most were women (74%), physiotherapists (37%), working at a metropolitan hospital (55%), with a median age of 35 years (range 22-71). The majority found activity trackers helpful for patients with goal setting and monitoring exercise (89%) and promoting patient engagement and autonomy beyond structured, supervised CR (75%). Activity trackers were also perceived to be useful in engaging patients in their own health (94%), improving patient-provider communication (73%), boosting patient adherence with directed exercise (87%), and improving patient’s understanding of their own health conditions (79%). Furthermore, activity trackers were perceived to enable a more personalised care (69%), increase accessibility to CR (45%) and be time- and cost-effective for CR programs (49%). Sixty percent were motivated to use activity trackers and 69% recommended the use of trackers to their patients. On the other hand, the use of activity trackers was reported to be related to dependence (44%) and excessive obsession of one’s own health (55%); 50% reported a lack of relevant policies on activity trackers for clinical use in their respective institutions and limited funding for purchasing activity trackers by health services (78%). Only 30% reported that there was support from leadership and/or peers for the use of activity trackers. Conclusion In general, clinicians held positive attitudes towards the use of activity trackers in CR. However, a lack of relevant policies, funding and support from leadership are important barriers to the adoption and use of activity trackers in CR programs. Development of guidelines for the use of activity trackers in clinical practice is warranted.

How do BMI-restrictive policies impact women seeking NHS-funded IVF in the United Kingdom? A qualitative analysis of online forum discussions

Plain English SummaryIn the United Kingdom, people can access public funding for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment if certain criteria are met. Funding restrictions differ between geographical areas, but most areas restrict treatment to women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30. This study explores the unexpected and unintended harms experienced by women restricted from NHS-funded IVF due to these BMI criteria. Posts from a popular infertility online forum were collected and thematically analysed. The study found moralising discourses around body weight which emphasized that women had personal control over their bodies and needed to ‘work’ to change their bodies to show deservingness for treatment. We conclude that NHS-IVF policies in the UK overlook the emotional and moral burdens placed on individuals due to rigid BMI criteria. As the impact of BMI limits on healthcare access is an under-researched topic, we believe this work is important for demonstrating the harms of BMI-restrictive policies.

Characteristics of Diseases in Developing Countries

In the urgent realm of global health, it is imperative to acknowledge and promptly address the distinct characteristics of diseases that afflict developing countries. These nations face a unique set of challenges that contribute to the burden of illness and significantly impact the quality of life for their populations. By promptly exploring the key features of diseases in developing countries, we can better understand the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and health outcomes [1]. One of the primary characteristics of diseases in developing countries is their disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. Socio-economic disparities, limited access to healthcare, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and poor nutrition contribute to the heightened susceptibility of marginalized communities to preventable infectious diseases such as hydatid cysts, malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrheal illnesses. The lack of resources and infrastructure further exacerbates the spread of these diseases, creating a cycle of sickness and poverty [2,3]. Furthermore, the prevalence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is a defining feature of the disease landscape in developing countries. These illnesses, which include dengue fever, Chagas disease, and schistosomiasis, predominantly affect populations in low-resource settings and often go unnoticed on the global health agenda. The burden of NTDs is compounded by limited funding for research and treatment, leaving affected communities without adequate support and interventions [4]. In addition to infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise in developing countries, posing a dual burden of illness alongside contagious diseases. Factors such as urbanization, lifestyle changes, and an aging population contribute to the increasing prevalence of conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The inadequate healthcare infrastructure in many developing countries further hinders NCDs' prevention, diagnosis, and management, leading to poorer health outcomes for those affected [5]. Addressing the characteristics of diseases in developing countries requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses strengthening the healthcare system, investing in public health infrastructure, and, most importantly, providing equitable access to essential medicines. By ensuring fair access to these medicines, we can work towards achieving health equity and reducing the burden of disease in developing countries.

Empowering Early Career Researchers: The Jackson Heart Study Smith Scholars Program.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center Graduate Training and Education Center houses the Robert E. Smith, MD, Scholars Program, a two-year certificate program that equips predoctoral trainees from five Mississippi universities with advanced research skills in cardiovascular epidemiology. Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the program focuses on addressing health disparities, minority health, and health inequities in underserved communities. Trainees receive mentorship, career coaching, and a $7,500 annual stipend, building a foundation for postdoctoral opportunities and expanding professional networks. The Smith Scholars Program emphasizes population health and provides interdisciplinary training in areas such as biostatistics, scientific communication, and cardiovascular health. It is uniquely positioned to address systemic challenges, particularly in Mississippi, a state with high cardiovascular disease prevalence and limited research funding. The program's regional advantage and its partnership with the Jackson Heart Study offer scholars exposure to health disparities in Black/African American communities, preparing them to contribute to innovative, community-based research. Additionally, it fosters collaborative science, enabling participants to overcome academic barriers and engage with large-scale health equity research efforts. The Smith Scholars Program has been instrumental in shaping the career trajectories of its participants, facilitating their transition to postdoctoral positions and independent research roles.

Manajemen pendidikan lingkungan hidup di sekolah adiwiyata mandiri: Studi kasus SMA Negeri 2 Banguntapan

Background: Environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, which have been exacerbated by human activities, have become a global concern, where education plays a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering more environmentally conscious behavior in society. Purpose: This research aims to describe the management of environmental education in Adiwiyata Mandiri School at SMA Negeri 2 Banguntapan include planning, organizing, actuating, controlling, and the supporting and inhibiting factors. Method: This research is a qualitative approach conducted. Techniques of collecting research data are interview, observation and document analysis. The main informants are the Principal, Vice Principal, Environmental Coordinator. Supporting informants are teachers and students. Data analysis technique used in this research is qualitative analysis with stages of data collection, data reduction, data display and conclusion. Techniques of checking the validity of the data used in the research is data triangulation. Findings: Result of research indicated that management of Environmental Education in Adiwiyata Mandiri School at SMA Negeri 2 Banguntapan cover planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling have done well. Supporting factor is commitment of the school's residents to environmental education, qualified human resources, facilities and infrastructure, and cooperate with various stake holder. Inhibiting factors are the motivation in developing environmental education is still fluctuating, skills in integrating environmental education in subjects is still limited, and limited funds. The undertakings include new student orientation based on environment, and involving the school's residents in environmental-themed education and training activities.

One Tambon One Product (OTOP) implementation by the Thai Government

ABSTRACT This research examined Thailand’s OTOP policy as an implementation of the OVOP model in developing countries by using qualitative analysis to investigate government and enterprise viewpoints. The study highlighted OTOP’s significant role in improving productivity, market access, and craft preservation, underscored by strong sales performance, especially in businesses blending traditional knowledge with technology. However, challenges such as limited funding, skill deficits in local officials, support overlaps, weak support structures, ambiguous guidelines, and inadequate evaluations compromised the policy’s efficacy, particularly affecting lower-potential enterprises. Recommendations included tailoring programs to participant-specific needs and establishing clear standards and objectives to ensure consistent implementation. Further research should enrich the understanding of OVOP in different contexts.

Exploring factors affecting adherence to multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy in Cambodia: A qualitative analysis.

For decades, iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements have been provided to pregnant women in Cambodia through antenatal care (ANC) services. However, mounting evidence suggests that multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) are superior to IFA supplements in achieving positive pregnancy outcomes. The possibility of transitioning from IFA supplements to MMS in government-run health centres is currently being assessed in Cambodia. A crucial component of this assessment involves identifying factors that can influence adherence to MMS, as low adherence can reduce supplement effectiveness. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the potential barriers and enablers to MMS adherence and identify the strengths and challenges of current ANC services. Data were collected through nine focus group discussions with pregnant women (n = 19), family members (n = 18) and midwives (n = 18) and three in-depth interviews with maternal and child health chiefs (n = 3) in Cambodia and analysed via content analysis. Factors found to influence MMS adherence included attitudes, perceptions and beliefs about MMS; knowledge related to supplementation; ANC counselling; family influence; physical health; access to ANC; supply of MMS; and supplementation norms. Noted strengths of ANC services were the quality of ANC materials, tailored patient education, midwife-patient relationships and flexibility of provided services. Primary challenges related to poor availability of ANC materials, inadequate midwife training, heavy workload, limited funding and suboptimal physical spaces for delivering ANC services. To effectively promote MMS adherence, strategies must involve pregnant women, family members and community leaders; seek to address knowledge gaps and misconceptions related to MMS; and enhance the availability and accessibility of ANC services.

The Role of Indian Academic Libraries in Advancing and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

This study aims at defining the role of academic libraries in supporting the sustainable development goals in the global quest as the United Nations calls for. Academic libraries play important roles in supporting SDGs – particularly Quality Education (Goal 4), Gender Equality (Goal 5), Reducing Inequalities (Goal 10), and Strengthening the Means of Implementation, Partnerships (Goal 17). To this end, this paper seeks to discuss how academic libraries in India can function as a service provider in the achievement of these goals through assimilating their services, collections, and policies into the IDAG. The research explores how these libraries support educational justice, enable the disenfranchised, establish gender parity, and build cooperation through openness and the use of digital tools. However, critical roles notwithstanding, challenges that academic libraries face in India include limited funding sources, digital resource constraints, professional development opportunities, and low levels of networking both nationally and internationally. Additionally, a general lack of understanding of what the libraries can and should do with reference to the promotion of the SDGs limits potential. Besides, the paper also discusses the current research findings regarding the contributions of Indian academic libraries towards sustainable development and adds the strategies for future enhancement for achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030.

An intuitive approach to cybersecurity risk assessment for non-governmental organizations

Purpose This study proposes a guided tool for cybersecurity risk assessment tailored for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), enabling them to comply with cybersecurity policies despite limitations in security awareness, funding and expertise. Design/methodology/approach A digital transformation is indispensable for ensuring the sustainable operation of NGOs. Embracing a digital manifesto necessitates an awareness of cybersecurity risks, highlighting the critical need for a robust cybersecurity risk assessment methodology. Initial research phases revealed significant shortages in security awareness, funding and expertise. Consequently, this study introduces an intuitive approach tailored specifically for NGOs, supported by a customized tool designed to address their unique requirements. The NIST cybersecurity risk assessment framework and National Cyber-security Authority (NCA) were adopted to define the risk assessment approach. The efficacy of this approach is evaluated qualitatively through a case study involving three NGOs in Saudi Arabia, aimed at assessing their capability to utilize the tool effectively. Following the implementation, a Likert-scale survey gauged satisfaction among NGOs regarding the tool’s utility. Findings Results from the case study indicate high satisfaction, affirming its alignment with their operational needs and enhancement of compliance with NCA controls. Furthermore, the use of the tool enhances the awareness of NCA’s cybercity requirements and controls. Originality/value Based on theoretical and empirical grounds, this research proposes a novel design of security assessment framework tailored for NGO requirements and supported by initiative tool enabling complying with cybersecurity policies and enhances the awareness of cybersecurity controls.

Estimation of the Service Life of Approach Slabs of Road Bridges Based on the Statistical Modeling Method

The article discusses the durability and reliability of a separate element – bridge approach slab, which is justified by the need to maintain a satisfactory technical condition of Ukrainian bridges in general and traffic safety on public roads with limited funding during martial law. The scope of the research is forecasting the residual service life of bridge elements (on the example of approach slabs) using probabilistic methods. Approach slabs are designed to smoothly and safely connect the road approach embankment with the bridge to gradually equalize the elastic modulus of the carriageway from a less rigid asphalt pavement on an elastic base to a more rigid one on a reinforced concrete slab. The main defects in the destruction of approach slabs are: changes in the longitudinal profile of the road due to the collapse and subsidence of the soil under the approach slabs; longitudinal and transverse cracks in the asphalt concrete pavement on the bridge approaches; and potholes that lead to an increase in the additional dynamic load on the bridge deck.

Entrepreneurship Education and Independence of Students of Ulfiyah Progressive Islamic Boarding School, Segeran Kidul Juntinyuat Indramayu, Indonesia

Entrepreneurship education in Islamic boarding schools plays a crucial role in shaping the independence of students, especially in the era of globalization that demands adaptation and innovation. Ulfiyah Progressive Islamic Boarding School in Segeran Kidul, Juntinyuat, Indramayu, Indonesia has implemented an entrepreneurship education program with the hope of producing students who not only master religious knowledge but also have the ability to become entrepreneurs. However, despite the ideal framework that is expected, the reality in the field shows significant challenges, including limited funding sources, lack of quality mentors, and resistance to change among students. This study aims to explore more deeply the concept and implementation of entrepreneurship education and the challenges faced, students' responses to the program, and the impact of the education on the economic independence of alumni. Using a descriptive qualitative research method, the research subjects included the head of the foundation, the head of the boarding school, the person in charge of the program, teachers, students, alumni, and parents of students. The results of the study show that although entrepreneurship education in Islamic boarding schools faces various challenges, there are positive steps taken to overcome these problems. With the right approach and adequate support, entrepreneurship education can have a significant impact on the economic independence of students, thus supporting the vision of Islamic boarding schools to create an independent and competitive generation.

Н.И. Воробьев и Центральный музей Татарской республики (1923–1930 гг.)

N.I. Vorobyev headed the TASSR Central Museum during the formation period of the new museum practices, when the right decisions came with experience and the main task was to develop a new structure of the institution. As the museum director, the young scholar dealt with a large number of administrative issues and difficulties, from budget and personnel shortage to elimination of external threats caused by the low level of security of museum collections. The acute shortage of funds was reflected in everything: the museum could not occupy all the areas allocated by the state, there were no more than three people in the staff of departments, the tasks of purchasing exhibits and planned acquisitions were barely fulfilled. However, at the same time, as part of preparation for exhibitions, ethnographic expeditions to many cantons of the republic were organised under the leadership of N. Vorobyev. During the expeditions, significant materials that document the culture and traditions of the peoples of the region, household items and crafts were collected, as well as a large number of photographs were taken. As a result of this work, the museum was able to adequately represent the Tatar Republic at large-scale All-Union exhibitions in Moscow in 1923 and 1927 and at the international exhibition in Paris in 1925. The public warmly welcomed the Tatrepublic sections at the exhibitions; upon the exhibitions closure, the objects replenished the museum funds. In conditions of limited funding, lack of space capacity and limited number of staff, under Vorobyev’s leadership, the museum laid down the functioning principles, which would serve as the basis of its work in the following decades. Combining museum work with his academic career, Nikolay Vorobyev left the museum during the period when full supervision of the state was being established over the institution. He left not just a museum, but also an academic institution where research work was constantly carried out.

Assessing the impact of farmers’ willingness to pay on different cultivated land attribute levels in China: an empirical analysis using the choice experiment method

Exploring farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for cultivated land protection and its influencing factors is key to promoting their enthusiasm for participating in cultivated land pollution governance. However, existing studies often overlook the differences in farmers’ preference for different levels of cultivated land attributes and the issue of intertemporal choice in farmers’ WTP, thus lowering the effectiveness of cultivated land protection policies. Using survey data from 646 small farmers in Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces of China, this study empirically analyzes the impact of time preference on farmers’ WTP for cultivated land attribute levels by utilizing the choice experiment method, measures the relative importance of different cultivated land attributes and attribute levels to farmers, and calculates farmers’ WTP for different cultivated land attribute levels. The results revealed that farmers are generally reluctant to pay for cultivated land protection. Time preference affects farmers’ WTP for different levels of cultivated land attributes, with future-biased preference increasing farmers’ WTP and present-biased preference inhibiting it. Furthermore, for farmers, the relative importance of cultivated land attributes is in the order of cultivated land quality, cultivated land surrounding landscape and ecological environment, cultivated land social security function, and cultivated land area. The most crucial cultivated land attribute level is the improved cultivated land quality, with an average WTP of 3290.625 CNY per hectare (approximately 459.117 USD). In contrast, the least important cultivated land attribute level is the unchanged cultivated land area, with an average WTP of 1001.250 CNY per hectare (approximately 139.697 USD). The economic benefits of cultivated land protection in the sampled provinces can reach 353.892 million CNY per year (approximately 49.376 million USD) annually, which is calculated based on vegetable planting area. Our results suggest that the government should diversify farmers’ sources of income while increasing the amount of income, thereby reducing barriers to farmers’ payment. Simultaneously, farmers’ time preferences should be considered to guide them toward expecting long-term benefits and encouraging their active participation in cultivated land pollution governance. Moreover, cultivated land protection policies should match the preference of farmers for cultivated land attributes and attribute levels, and a limited fiscal fund should be allocated to the cultivated land attributes (i.e., cultivated land quality) and attribute levels (i.e., improved cultivated land quality) preferred by farmers to improve policy efficiency. This study highlights the importance of encouraging farmers to actively participate in cultivated land pollution governance and improving the allocation efficiency of the government’s cultivated land protection fund.

Barriers and enablers to a coordinated MHPSS response in Lebanon: A case study of the MHPSS Taskforce

During humanitarian crises, under-resourced and overstretched health systems may not be able to fully meet mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs of affected populations, including refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities. Health system governance is vital to humanitarian health response, but there has been little research on this, particularly for MHPSS. We present a case study of a national MHPSS coordination mechanism (the MHPSS Taskforce) in Lebanon, a country which has experienced multiple crises and hosts over 2 million refugees. The aim was to explore the barriers and enablers facing the MHPSS Taskforce in responding to the needs of displaced and host populations in Lebanon. Interviews were conducted with 34 key stakeholders, including Taskforce members, representatives from non-governmental organisations, United Nations agencies, and government Ministries. Our findings show that the positioning of MHPSS within the humanitarian cluster system acts as a barrier to mounting an effective response, with the MHPSS Taskforce sometimes siloed rather than integrated across clusters. Coordination within the Taskforce was reported to be effective in some respects, but limited by a lack of clarity about its decision-making processes, affiliation, mandate, and inclusion of regional perspectives and key groups such as mental health services users in Lebanon. While the technical capacity of the Taskforce is strong, limited funding and staffing were seen to impact its capacity to effectively oversee the MHPSS response in Lebanon. Key recommendations include: the need for stronger mechanisms and operating procedures for interagency and inter-sectoral collaboration on MHPSS within the humanitarian cluster system; greater clarity on the role of the Taskforce and key Taskforce actors, streamlined reporting channels and greater inclusion of diverse perspectives, particularly mental health service users; and greater financial and human resources within coordination mechanisms to support the national MHPSS response in Lebanon.