Major Socio-economic Developments Research Articles

Microplastics deposition in Arctic sediments of Greenland increases significantly after 1950

Marine sediments are archives of environmental change with pollutants potentially acting as chronographic markers of the Anthropocene. Particularly, the vertical transport and burial, as well as slow degradation rate of microplastics, indicate an eventual incorporation into the geological record. A high-resolution reconstruction of microplastics records requires high sedimentation rates, and in Disko Bay (Greenland), this quality coincides with a need for plastic pollution data. Here, a Greenlandic sediment core dated back to 1930 ± 2 was reconstructed for microplastics accumulation via micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We show 85 years of fluctuating microplastics accumulation (987 − 16,645 particles Kg−1) down to 20 µm and diversified into eight polymers. Polyethylene (47%) and polypropylene (32%) were more abundantly present through time. Microplastics accumulation increases significantly after 1950 along with major socio-economic development in the area, suggesting an influence from regional stressors. Regional microplastics reconstructions must therefore be considered in the pursuit of an Anthropocene global plastic horizon.

Landscape modeling for urban growth characterization and its impact on ecological infrastructure in Delhi-NCR: An approach to achieve SDGs

The rapid urbanization in Delhi-NCR has been inducing enormous anthropogenic pressure, result in degraded ecological infrastructure. Therefore, in the present study, the changing landscape pattern in Delhi's urban and peri-urban regions was investigated over the last five decades (1973–2020) using satellite remote sensing and landscape metrics to understand its trends and impacts on ecological infrastructure, especially on green cover space (UGS) that provide an opportunity to evaluate cities' sustainability. The study exhibits significant built-up growth in the peri-urban (516.9% growth; net growth 2407 km2) compared to Delhi urban (236.9%; 431.7 km2), with an overall decline in UGS (−14.3%; −168.60 km2). A large segment of UGS deterioration observed in the peri-urban (31.36%; −327.41 km2 loss) compared to Delhi urban, showed significant UGS recovery (120.25%; 158.81 km2 growth) during the later period. The landscape modeling and Shannon entropy-based study exhibited coalescence in Delhi urban (Hn ≤ 1.5) and dispersion in peri-urban (Hn > 2). The zonal analysis showed a significant dispersion in Panipat, Gurgaon, and Faridabad (Delhi NCR) with the establishment of major socio-economic development and population aggregation. The UGS availability and land consumption analysis highlighted the major hotspots of UGS decline in Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, and Shahdara, within Delhi urban, while in Jhajjar, Gurgaon, and Panipat in the peri-urban regions, having insufficient per capita green spaces (9 m2/person) and high land consumption (>85 m2/person). Moreover, recovery in UGSs (256% during 2014–2020) was observed in the Delhi urban. The study necessitates efficient functioning of the urban ecosystem for making the cities safe, resilient, and inclusive.

Paid but underpaid: Stipend and work productivity among graduate interns

Graduate unemployment is one of the major socio-economic development problems in South Africa and many other developing countries. Previous research has described various factors causing graduate unemployment, one of which is a lack of relevant work experience. Internships are increasingly supported to address this problem. However, internships have been criticised for being exploitative, illegal, and unjust. This paper seeks to present a new perspective on internships. It seeks to examine the perspectives on the impact of stipend level on graduate intern work productivity. Thus, the objectives of this study are to: explore the impact of stipend level on the work productivity of graduate interns; explore the exploitative nature of internship as perceived by participants; and explore the concerns of graduate interns over compensation. This study is qualitative and exploratory in nature. Fifty semi-structured interviews were conducted with interns, mentors, and HR managers at eThekwini municipality, Durban, South Africa, to address these research objectives. Data from interviews was analysed through content analysis. The results indicate that there is a relationship between the level of stipend earned by interns and their work productivity. This study found that low pay is associated with low work productivity. Therefore, work compensation is the primary motivator of productivity, not only for full-time employees but also for graduate interns.

Land Use Transitions: Progress, Challenges and Prospects

The study of land use transition has generally become an important breakthrough point to deeply understand the human-land interaction and reveal major socio-economic development issues and related environmental effects. Attempting to provide scientific support for sustainable land use and environmental management, this review systematically analyzes the overall picture, development trends, key fields and hot topics of land use transition research in the past two decades from a comprehensive perspective, which incorporates two complementary parts including the systematic quantitative literature review (based on CiteSpace) and the traditional literature review. The results reveal that: a. current research presents three characteristics, i.e., focusing on complex social issues, driven by realistic demand, and research branches becoming clearer and more systematic; b. there are four key fields and hot topics in land use transition research, i.e., i. theories and hypothesis of land use transition; ii. measuring land use transition; iii. the impacts of land use transition on “social-economic-ecological” system; iv. drivers and regulation of land use transition. However, challenges remain, current land use transition research is still to some extent fragmented, and it should be enriched by integrating with land system science. The dominant morphology biased should be redressed by underlining the recessive morphology transition process. Meanwhile, new techniques and methods are necessary to observe, track, monitor and model the recessive attributes. Finally, distant drivers of land use transition should not be ignored in this rapidly globalizing world.

Long-term changes in microbial water quality indicators in a hydro-power plant reservoir: The role of natural factors and socio-economic changes.

Long-term changes, from 1984 to 2010, in the indicators of microbial pollution (total viable count, coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens) are analysed in the Riga Hydropower Plant Reservoir, an essential source of drinking water for Riga, the capital of Latvia. Counts in microbial indicators fluctuated seasonally and were related to physicochemical parameters (nitrogen compounds, turbidity, temperature, and pH). The changes in microbial pollution were brought about by two major socio-economic developments. Firstly, Latvia's independence from the USSR in 1991 which facilitated a distinct reduction in most microorganism counts due to a sharp decline in industrial and agricultural production. This resulted in a significant drop in point and nonpoint pollution in the river basin. A further development was Latvia joining the European Union in 2004. The corresponding focus on water management, including wastewater treatment, was a major priority of environmental investment and lead to improvements in microbial water quality.

Η μετάβαση των κοινωνιών στη Νοτιοανατολική Ευρώπη προς τη δημοκρατία και την οικονομία της αγοράς: προβλήματα και προοπτικές

After the collapse of the centrally planned economies in Southeastern Europe, the new governments that came to power tried to create institutions capable of meeting the needs of new era and the imperatives of the neoliberal economy. They had to face the nationalist logic that penetrated the Balkan populations, similar to that of other parts of the world, such as Africa and Asia, or even in Europe such as Catalonia or the Basque struggle. A special study is required to understand the problems that have arisen in the Balkan region, such as population shifts, urban modernization after four decades of “existing socialism” with the particular characteristics of that era. It is also important to analyze the major socioeconomic developments that have taken place in the Balkan countries since 1989.

Adults visual impairment and blindness – An overview of prevalence and causes in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundA major socio-economic development in Saudi Arabia affected the pattern and causes of visual impairment for the past 40 years. Moreover, an up-to-date summary of available data is vital for planning, monitoring, and evaluating national blindness prevention program. AimThis study conducted to provide a summary overview of prevalence, causes, and changes in the pattern of blindness and visual impairment for the past 40 years among Saudi adults, with brief discussion of the related socio-economic and ecological factors. MethodsThe review was confined to the published epidemiological studies performed in Saudi Arabia covering the age group 18 year and older from 1985 onwards. ResultsSix epidemiological studies were included from 1985 onwards. In1986, the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in Saudi Arabia were 1.5% and 7.8%, respectively which is 20 times the magnitude of blindness in the United States. Multiple regional population based studies conducted later in areas with disparate ecological and socio-economical determinants at different time intervals showed variable prevalence of blindness 3.3% Eastern Province 1986, 0.7% Bisha 1993. Recently, in older than 50 year population the reported prevalence was 2.6% Taif 2012 and 5.7% Jazan 2015 and 6.4% in Ahsa. Since 1986, the single leading cause of adult blindness in Saudi Arabia is cataract. Although, Trachoma reported to be the second primary cause of blindness on 1986, its burden is reduced in Jizan (2015) and minimal in Taif (2012) which is replaced by chronic diseases related etiologies i.e Diabetic Retinopathy. ConclusionEcological and socio-economical determinants play critical role in the magnitude and causes of blindness and visual impairment in Saudi Arabia. Significant data gaps obscure monitoring and evaluation of the eye health. Eye health indicators should be integrated into the national health information system for dynamic monitoring and evaluation.

Monitoring land use/land cover transformations from 1945 to 2007 in two peri-urban mountainous areas of Athens metropolitan area, Greece

The aims of this study were to map and analyze land use/land cover transitions and landscape changes in the Parnitha and Penteli mountains, which surround the Athens metropolitan area of Attica, Greece over a period of 62years.In order to quantify the changes between land categories through time, we computed the transition matrices for three distinct periods (1945–1960, 1960–1996, and 1996–2007), on the basis of available aerial photographs used to create multi-temporal maps. We identified systematic and stationary transitions with multi-level intensity analysis.Forest areas in Parnitha remained the dominant class of land cover throughout the 62years studied, while transitional woodlands and shrublands were the main classes involved in LULC transitions. Conversely, in Penteli, transitional woodlands, along with shrublands, dominated the study site. The annual rate of change was faster in the first and third time intervals, compared to the second (1960–1996) time interval, in both study areas. The category level analysis results indicated that in both sites annual crops avoided to gain while discontinuous urban fabric avoided to lose areas. At the transition level of analysis, similarities as well as distinct differences existed between the two areas. In both sites the gaining pattern of permanent crops with respect to annual crops and the gain of forest with respect to transitional woodland/shrublands were stationary across the three time intervals. Overall, we identified more systematic transitions and stationary processes in Penteli.We discussed these LULC changes and associated them with human interference (activity) and other major socio-economic developments that were simultaneously occurring in the area. The different patterns of change of the areas, despite their geographical proximity, throughout the period of analysis imply that site-specific studies are needed in order to comprehensively assess the driving forces and develop models of landscape transformation in Mediterranean areas.

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Limestones and Sandstones in a Complex Geological Context, ExampleNorth-East Constantine: Preliminary Results

The geological context of North East Constantine is very complex. This region is characterized by a superposition of several thrust sheets, reflecting a geological and tectonic evolution during Mesozoic and cenozoic. In addition, there is a wide variety of sedimentary rocks, such as limestones, sandstones, clays and marls. A physico-chemical characterization of the lithological diversity would be a great contribution to the different users and managers at a time when the region is under major socio-economic development projects. This study proposes a first phase, a physico-chemical characterization of limestones and sandstones (by optical microscopy, XRD, SEM/EDS and porosimetry), and a reflection on the development of mechanical properties of these materials in a second phase. Preliminary results of this multidisciplinary study (obtained by various analytical techniques) show good agreement on the existing phases.

Socio-economic Development in Nepal

In the past five decades, Nepal has followed the standard modernization path with mixed results. The country witnessed the growth of rent seeking elites and increased income inequality, in spite of huge national and international expenditures. This article presents a retrospect of the major socio-economic development policies that Nepal adopted in the past 50 years during which a variety of politico-economic decision-making systems were introduced. The initial years in the fifties, after emancipation from a very autocratic regime of more than 100 years, were particularly chaotic. The second half of the fifties ushered in a period of reform but this was interrupted by King Mahendra's unfortunate political coup of 1960. The socioeconomic development of 1961 to 1990 was very sluggish, regionally biased and unproductive, which led to mass poverty level in Nepal. The socio-economic progress after 1990 seems encouraging but the real achievements have been overshadowed by the weakness of the politico-economic character of the ruling classes. Furthermore, the emergence of the Maoists in 1996 created a politico-economic crisis and halted the opportunities for socio-economic development. A new understanding among political parties including the Maoists in 2006 provides hope for building a new Nepal. A politico-economic structural change is required to enhance village/rural economy along with human and social capital enrichment strategies that will pave the way to break the poverty cycle. A novel constitution that guarantees rights, resources and responsibility, accountability at different levels and empowers people, rather than a simple politico-administrative makeshift at the central level is expected.

Recent Evolution of the Central Business District in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

This paper considers the relationship between recent changes in the central business district of Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, and major socio-economic developments in Okinawa during the post war period. The study area comprises 15 street blocks (chome) in central Naha, and data for the years 1954, 1964, 1974, 1984, and 1991 are utilized.The main conclusions can be summarized as follows:1. The CBD is generally limited to the officially designated Land Adjustment Project Area in Naha City. This area offers well-ordered plots of land, with good access to the arterial road system via Route 58. These are two major factors explaining why offices are attracted to locate in this part of central Naha.2. Following the reversion of Okinawa to Japan in 1972 the Naha central business district experienced substantial change with regard to the range and type of business function. This was largely due to the fact that many companies based on the Japanese mainland set up branch offices in Naha City, thus broadening and diversifying local business activity.3. Diversification of business activity was accompanied by increased local area specialization of business function. Such functional specialization is revealed by a comparison of the locations of 'branch offices' and 'business outlets'. The former tend to concentrate along Route 58, while the latter concentrate in the core, northern, and western areas of the business district.

Variation and change in fertility in West Central Nepal.

This article employs temporal and intracultural frames of reference to examine patterns of variation in fertility among the caste-Hindus of West Central Nepal. Before the onset of major socioeconomic development in the region, three groups, the large-farm high castes, the small-farm high castes, and the low castes, exhibited distinct patterns of reproductive behavior which have been traced over the course of 25 years. Analysis of age-specific fertility rates suggests that one group, the small farm high-caste, maintained relatively low fertility before major development of the region occurred, and, over time, began using modern contraception in order to keep fertility low. Evidence from the low castes suggests that they are beginning deliberately to reduce fertility, but the large-farm high castes continue to have high fertility.

The extension of parish churches in medieval Warwickshire

Surviving medieval parish churches are palimpsests which reflect the major socioeconomic developments of the Middle Ages. Analysis of the distribution of nave and aisle floor space in medieval churches in Warwickshire indicates a pronounced space-time coincidence between periods of maximum floor area extension and maximum population growth, suggesting that population pressure may have been a major determinant of church size. This relationship was conditioned throughout the Middle Ages by growing constraints imposed by parish size on the demand for nave accommodation and by the allocation of resources to church building.