Assessing consumer awareness of green packaging practices in fast food outlets in Kamrup Metropolitan District

This study examines territorial transformations in five rural parishes of the Metropolitan District of Quito induced by the Ruta Viva expressway (inaugurated in 2013). Using census tracts for 2011, 2017, 2021, and 2024 and four variables—urban land use (COS/BCR), building permits (metropolitan licenses), land value, and population density—we construct a PCA-based territorial impact index and classify outcomes with Jenks natural breaks. Results show marked heterogeneity across parishes: Cumbayá–Tumbaco concentrates high-impact tracts and sustained consolidation, while Pifo–Tababela–Puembo exhibits selective or delayed changes. Over 2011–2024, land value more than tripled on average (with parish-level peaks > 200%), and the population grew 46%, reshaping density patterns. The findings highlight infrastructure-induced reconfiguration and underscore the need to align territorial planning instruments with value capture and inclusionary tools for more equitable and environmentally sustainable outcomes.

The growing dependence on non-biodegradable packaging, fuelled by the fast-food industry, is becoming an urgent environmental challenge. Although green marketing has been promoted for decades, the actual use of eco-friendly products remains disappointingly low. This study set out to explore the key obstacles that prevent wider adoption of green packaging in fast food outlets. The research was carried out in the Kamrup Metropolitan district of Assam between August and October 2024, covering 16 outlets and engaging 115 consumers as well as 30 managers and staff. Using Garrett Ranking analysis, the results show that consumers are most concerned about the lack of trust in green claims, limited availability, and the high cost of eco-friendly options, while they worry least about understanding eco-labels. On the other hand, managers and staff point to high costs, supply shortages, and resistance to change as their main challenges, with regulatory issues having the least impact. These findings underline the need for practical strategies that can build trust, strengthen supply chains, and make green products more affordable, paving the way for greater acceptance and sustainable practices in the food service sector.

ABSTRACTSince 1991 to the present, both metropolitan districts and rural communities in Iraq have been reliant on gasoline or diesel generators to make up for the lack of grid energy. The combination of Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage systems (BSS) as energy sources is widespread in the global energy industry. This case study is based on actual monthly electricity consumption statistics over 1 year for a home in the Al‐Latifiya district, south of Baghdad, Iraq, to install a roof PV system instead of a Diesel Generator (DG) to compensate for the interruption of the public grid. Using computer modeling and simulation with the HOMER software, an optimal power generation system was designed. Two modeling scenarios were conducted, one for DG and the grid and the other for PV/BSS and the grid. Based on simulation findings, the PV/BSS and grid systems have been determined to be a technically and economically viable solution for mitigating DG and implementing this alternative power generation at a fair cost. The proposed system can meet the demand side with a penetration level of 60.4% and a PV energy share of 48.4%, resulting in a reduction in electricity bills to $108.58/year and a lower COE ($0.0772/kWh) than the current system (grid and diesel generator) ($0.0.126/kWh). The proposed system also achieved an annual emissions reduction of 5279 kg of CO2 per year due to displacing the fuel consumption of diesel generators and reducing the energy use of the public grid by 31%.

IntroductionThe study examines the ecological and ethnobotanical significance of significance of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart) Griseb, commonly known as Alligator weed in Panikhaiti Gaon, a diverse locality in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam. The plant often plays a dual role as an ecological invader and a culturally significant species. This study aimed to assess the ecological impact and traditional knowledge associated with A. philoxeroides in the region.MethodsEcological data were collected using the quadrat method (1.5m x 1.5m) with 45 quadrats sampled across three sites. In addition to this, ethnobotanical data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 45 local informants and supplemented via an online questionnaire. The ecological parameters, Relative Density (RD), Relative Frequency (RF), Relative Dominance (R dom), and Importance Value Index (IVI)—were assessed across these sites.ResultsIn site 1, the RD, RF, R dom, and IVI values were 24.2, 56.1, 45.2, and 125, respectively, while in site 2, they were 45.6, 33.4, 12.8, and 91.8. Site 3 recorded values of 19.3, 33.9, 54.5, and 107.7. Biodiversity indices, including Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H) and Pielou’s evenness index (I), ranged from 0.21 to 0.75 across the sites, indicating variations in species distribution. Beyond its ecological role, A. philoxeroides holds cultural and traditional significance among the local communities. Ethnobotanical findings revealed a range of medicinal and culinary uses for the plant, highlighting its cultural relevance despite its invasive status.DiscussionThe study underscores the value of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific data to inform locally grounded conservation and resource management strategies.

BackgroundDementia is a growing public health concern in Thailand, placing significant demands on families, communities, and the healthcare system. Despite national policies supporting integrated care, community-based dementia services face challenges related to resource limitations, caregiver burden, and access to training.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the delivery of dementia care for community-dwelling older adults in Thailand, focusing on care processes, challenges, and support systems from the perspectives of community health nurses (CHNs), village health volunteers (VHVs), and family caregivers.MethodsA qualitative descriptive approach was used. Twenty-two participants, including CHNs, VHVs, and family caregivers, were purposively selected from a metropolitan district in Thailand. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, supplemented by contextual health assessments. Thematic analysis was conducted using Sandelowski’s content analysis framework, with rigor ensured through member checking, audit trails, and peer debriefing.ResultsSix categories emerged: 1) Care processes involved integrated services across prevention, promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation, with family playing a central role; 2) Conditional factors included strong cultural values of filial responsibility and provider-community trust; 3) Care outcomes reflected partial independence in older adults, with caregivers experiencing varying levels of well-being and frequent stress due to lack of support and training; 4) Successes were attributed to supportive policies, family dedication, and healthcare providers’ intrinsic motivation; 5) Barriers included staff shortages, caregiver health issues, limited training, and insufficient confidence in VHVs; 6) Model development emphasized the need for policy backing, multidisciplinary collaboration, caregiver capacity-building, and dementia-specific community services.ConclusionCommunity-based dementia care in Thailand is driven by cultural commitment and dedicated local health workers but hindered by systemic constraints. Strengthening caregiver education, expanding service networks, and enhancing integrated support systems are critical for improving care quality and reducing caregiver burden. Equipping CHNs and VHVs with dementia-specific training and supporting their role in caregiver education and interdisciplinary coordination can further enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of dementia care in community settings.

Collaborative innovation has emerged as a strategic pillar for strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rapidly changing and highly competitive environments. This study aims to identify and analyze the internal organizational factors that promote effective collaboration in innovation activities within SMEs located in the Metropolitan District of Quito. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, combining structured surveys administered to 75 SMEs from the construction, advanced statistical analysis (linear regression, logistic regression, ANOVA, and Spearman correlation), and qualitative triangulation. The findings reveal that the effectiveness of innovation collaboration is not determined by the frequency of external interactions, but rather by the strength of specific internal capacities: a collaborative organizational culture, adaptive capacity, and technological readiness. A logical causal model was constructed to explain how these organizational factors significantly influence innovation outcomes. Notably, technological readiness was found to increase the likelihood of innovation implementation (OR ≈ 6.43). The study concludes that successful innovation collaboration must be understood as a structured, internally-driven process rather than a spontaneous practice. Practical implications include strengthening a culture of collaboration, investing in digital transformation, and fostering structured.

E-commerce has experienced significant growth following the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a key channel for commercial interaction between businesses and consumers. Based on this premise, the present study aims to analyze the factors that influence online consumer behavior in small and medium-sized enterprises within the Metropolitan District of Quito. The research follows a non-experimental, across-sectional design with a quantitative approach. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), a survey was conducted with 389 digital consumers. The results, analyzed using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and social influence significantly affect the intention to use e-commerce platforms. Only perceived security has an impact on both the intention to use and the actual use of e-commerce. Habit, as a moderating variable, did not exhibit a statistically significant effect.

Abstract Trauma‐informed care (TIC) has become a buzzword in many settings, including within and throughout the criminal legal system. Yet, studies show that while training and knowledge on TIC exist for justice workers, implementation is still greatly lacking. Additionally, as the U.S. found itself rapidly responding to a public health concern in 2020, courtrooms were not exempt. Many courtrooms across the U.S. then moved to a virtual setting in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Research and guidance on implementing TIC within virtual courtrooms were not well established at the time, and to this day, studies are still lacking in understanding best practices for TIC within virtual courtrooms and how these courts have since evolved. As such, the current study included courtroom observations within in‐person and virtual courtroom settings for one metropolitan judicial district within a Midwestern state. Using validated TIC courtroom rubrics, alongside field observations, a case study is provided, comparing TIC practices in both courtroom modalities. The results suggest a lack of TIC practices and procedures in both settings, with slightly more TIC adherence occurring within the virtual setting. These findings further add to the lacking literature on current virtual courtroom operations and provide insight into areas for improvement across all courtroom modalities.

Background: Thyroid cancer survivors may experience significant health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) detriments. Currently available HRQoL survey tools, used in isolation, can be insensitive to change over time and may incompletely assess thyroid cancer-specific symptoms and fear of cancer recurrence. This study aimed to measure the trajectory of HRQoL changes in thyroid cancer survivors using repeated measures, comparing commonly used surveys, over the first 12-18 months following diagnosis. Methods: A prospective longitudinal cohort study recruited all patients with newly diagnosed thyroid cancer (excluding low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and anaplastic thyroid cancer) from a mixed metropolitan and regional health district (public and private). Patients were invited to complete Short Form-12 (SF-12), EORTC-QLQ-C30, Thyroid Cancer Quality of Life (ThyCaQoL) Survey, City of Hope-Thyroid Version, and Assessment of Survivor Concerns surveys postoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Responses were assessed for changes over time, and multivariable analysis was used to identify variables associated with outcomes at follow-up. Results: Between January 2021 and June 2023, 111 patients completed surveys at a minimum of one time point (response rate 59%). Most were female (72%), mean age 55 years, 56% metropolitan, 56% privately insured, 55% American Thyroid Association low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer. Treatment included surgery (total thyroidectomy 49%, two-stage thyroidectomy 24%, lobectomy 25%, active surveillance 2%); 58% received radioactive iodine ablation. At the completion of the study, 82% were euthyroid and 92% disease-free. At all time points, SF-12 physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS), remained below normative population values (>12 months; mean PCS = 39.4, mean MCS = 46.7, normative = 50). MCS showed more consistent improvement over the first year following thyroid cancer diagnosis (global p = 0.03). ThyCaQoL surveys identified improvement in voice and scar symptoms (p < 0.01 each), but distress regarding neuromuscular (p < 0.01), sensory symptoms (p = 0.01), and weight gain (p = 0.04) worsened over the course of the study. Fear of cancer recurrence was common and persisted over time. Conclusion: A year after diagnosis, thyroid cancer survivors have persisting HRQoL deficits with some symptoms worsening over time. As part of follow-up care, clinicians should specifically inquire about persistent symptoms that could affect HRQoL. Supportive care interventions for those with persistent HRQoL deficits are required.

Urbanization affects wildlife species, particularly in wildland-urban interfaces. In the rapidly urbanizing landscape of Assam in India, we explored the relationship between urban expansion and wildlife conservation, focusing on the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca). We assessed the land use and land cover changes, human-leopard interactions, and habitat suitability analysis of leopard. We also estimated the relative leopard abundance based on suitable patches within the free space in Guwahati using human building dataset. Our analysis shows that built-up areas have expanded from 6.23% in 1989 to 16.99% in 2019, while natural habitats vital for leopard have substantially reduced from 11.39 to 0.33%, respectively. Our survey in buffer zones around key forest areas indicates a growing trend in interactions, leading to a decrease in free space vital for leopard abundance. We estimated that Guwahati city can currently support 14 leopards (38-8 SD) within the existing landscape, but increased urban development could reduce this number to 4 (10-2 SD). Our study highlights the challenges of wildlife conservation in urban landscapes and the need for strategies that balance urban development with biodiversity protection. Our findings align with Target 4 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which emphasizes managing human-wildlife interactions to reduce conflicts and foster coexistence by 2030.

This study evaluates the impact of B10 and B20 biodiesel blends produced from waste frying oil on pollutant emissions when used in diesel-powered vehicles operating under real-world driving conditions at high altitudes, ranging from 2619 to 2877 meters above sea level, in the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador. Comparative tests were conducted using two diesel vehicles: one equipped with a common rail direct injection (CRDI) system, designated as M2.5C, and another with an injection pump system, referred to as H2.5B. Both vehicles were initially fueled with conventional diesel to establish a baseline. Exhaust emissions were measured under hot-engine conditions using a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) along a 15.7 km route that included ascending, descending, and urban driving segments. The findings indicate that carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were lowest when pure diesel was used in both engine types. Hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were minimal when B20 biodiesel was employed, regardless of the vehicle. Nitrogen oxide (NOx} emissions showed no significant differences across the fuels tested, and in urban driving conditions, NOx levels remained consistently stable.

IntroductionSouth Africa began using environmental surveillance (ES) in July 2019 to supplement acute flaccid paralysis surveillance. A study is evaluating sites in eight metropolitan health districts for performance improvement and expansion of ES within and across neighbouring countries.Methodswe conducted a descriptive analysis of secondary ES to detect poliovirus supplemented with qualitative field visits and focused group discussions at 16 ES sites in the eight metropolitan districts of South Africa. The study covered data from January 2020 to December 2023, and tests were conducted to examine the relationship between practices and laboratory results.Resultsin 2021, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) Laboratory received 567 ES samples for poliovirus detection, with 97.9% arriving within 72 hours of collection. Monthly sampling increased from 102 (18%) in 2020 to 184 (32.5%) in 2021, showing a 14.5% change with a p-value of 0.0085. There was no statistically significant difference in enterovirus isolation rates between sites trained virtually and in person in the long term, with a 16.5% difference and a p-value of 0.0977. Some ES sites showed high enterovirus isolation rates despite not having specific peak hours, suggesting operational variability in densely populated cities and other areas.Conclusionthe ES assessment in South Africa has made progress in identifying enteroviruses at all sites. However, irregularities in monthly sampling and peak hours for sample collection need attention. The study suggests using a similar training approach in areas with accessibility challenges and updating guidelines with special consideration for major cities.

BackgroundIn many developing nations, including Ghana, access to contraceptive services, remains a critical concern where urban areas face unique challenges in healthcare delivery. Despite various interventions, the financial burden of assessing these contraceptive services continues to hinder adoption by women especially those with economic challenges. This study explored the costs incurred by women seeking contraceptive services in urban communities by estimating the direct, indirect, and intangible costs in Ghana.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the patient perspective; to gather data on direct medical and non-medical costs, indirect costs and intangible costs that were associated with women seeking contraceptive services. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from three Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) facilities in the Accra metropolitan, Suame municipal and Sagnarigu districts in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Northern Regions respectively. A total of 125 women accessing contraceptive services were randomly selected and included in the study. Data was analyzed descriptively and reported in frequency tables, pie, and bar charts. All costs were reported in Ghana Cedi and US dollar.ResultsThe average direct cost of contraceptive services was GHS 18.37 ± 22.11 (US$ 1.53 ± 1.84) per visit. This comprised an average direct medical cost of GHS 8.50 ± 7.18 (US$ 0.71 ± 0.60) and non-medical cost of GHS 9.84 ± 20.23 (US$ 0.82 ± 1.69). Clients, on average, lost 52.1 minutes due to traveling and waiting, resulting in an average productivity loss of GHS 1.62 per visit. The average economic cost of contraceptive service was GHS 19.99 (US$ 1.67) per patient. About 92% of the economic cost was made up of direct cost. 71.2% of respondents consulted their partners before accessing contraceptive services, and 94% believed that their decision to use contraceptives did not negatively affect their relationships, however, many reported pains during the procedure.ConclusionThe study highlights the considerable direct and indirect costs associated with accessing modern contraceptive services, indicating a potential barrier to access when compared to daily minimum wage and prevailing economic conditions. Addressing these economic challenges is crucial for ensuring access to contraceptive services. Innovative strategies such as service delivery outreaches and deployment of digital health interventions to expand self-care is recommended to help reduce travel time to and from the service delivery point for contraceptive services.

Introduction: In the Metropolitan District of Quito, the rural communities of Catzuqui de Velasco, Yunguilla, and Uyachul Alto face complex socioeconomic challenges. Among these, residents are exposed to the improper use of medications and self-medication, leading to issues such as drug resistance and pharmacodependence, which negatively impact their quality of life. The objective of this study was to identify problems related to medication administration in rural communities within the Metropolitan District of Quito. The methodology employed a mixed-methods design that combined the application of a pre-test, interviews, and result analysis within a descriptive research framework. This investigation was part of a community engagement project focused on the “Pharmaceutical Care Intervention for the Rational Use of Medicines,” involving a pre-test applied to 45 individuals, with a suitable sample size of 27 participants, achieving a 90% confidence level. Results: The majority of the beneficiaries were women (85.2%) aged between 41 and 50 years (33.3%). A total of 66.7% used prescribed medications, while 92.6% reported self-medicating, primarily with analgesics (84%), cold medicines (52%), and antipyretics (40%). Only 29.6% knew how to store medications properly. Conclusions: The research identified Drug-Related Problems (DRPs) in these rural communities, including self-medication and lack of adherence to treatment, which lead to Negative Outcomes Associated with Medication (NOAMs), such as drug resistance. Health education and pharmaceutical intervention are necessary to improve the rational use of medicines.

Total Quality Management (TQM) is essential for the long-term survival of all enterprises, including medium enterprises, as it improves the competitiveness of organizations by focusing on customer satisfaction, streamlining processes, reducing waste, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. However, there are several barriers associated with the effective implementation of TQM. The study explores the barriers associated with the successful implementation of TQM in service and manufacturing medium enterprises in Kamrup (Rural) and Kamrup (Metropolitan) Districts of Assam in Northeast India. Required primary data were obtained through a survey of owners and employees of 65 service-based and 77 manufacturing-based medium enterprises. A sample of 600 employees, 300 employees from each of these two types of enterprises, was selected using a convenience sampling technique. A descriptive research design was used, and two separate questionnaires were used for gathering information from sample subjects. One-way analysis of variance was utilized to analyze the data. The findings suggested that the top management should address issues related to continuous training and education, as well as a lack of resources. By exploring the barriers of TQM adoption, this study provides insights that can help these enterprises improve quality, enhance operational efficiency, and ultimately contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.

Abstract This research explores the spatial and temporal variations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃) levels in four Latin American cities, namely Mexico City, Santiago de Chile, Lima, and the Metropolitan District of Quito, utilizing Sentinel-5P satellite data alongside ground-based monitoring stations. The period covers pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing insights into pollutant behaviour across different levels of human activity. Findings show notable spatial variability in pollutant levels, with Santiago de Chile repeatedly presenting the highest concentrations of NO₂ and SO₂, linked to urban development and local weather patterns, whereas Quito showed the lowest levels. The lockdowns typically resulted in decreased NO₂ concentrations, yet their effects on SO₂ and O₃ levels were inconsistent, highlighting the complexity of pollutant interactions. The research confirms that satellite data serves as an affordable addition to conventional monitoring, especially in areas with limited resources. These results emphasize the necessity for customized, city-oriented strategies to reduce urban air pollution and safeguard public health.

The research approached the gastronomy of the historic center of Quito city as a cultural reference of the capital since the gastronomic field is one of the motivations of confluence to various places of both foreign and national tourists. The historic center of Quito city is one of the most visited destinations in Ecuador it is considered the best preserved in the region and its culinary heritage is also one of the main motivations for your visit. This study reveals the main characteristics and how gastronomic tourism has been developed in the center of the city and how it is immersed with various cultural, historical elements and factors, of ancestral knowledge and flavors, it will need a diversification in the tourist market and finally in the gastronomic offer, through a bibliographic review in various search platforms, a compilation of several authors is made to reach the conclusion that Quito, being a Metropolitan District, has a variety of products that enrich and enhance its gastronomy, positioning it as a cultural reference within the capital..

This work presents the development and implementation of a remote UV radiation monitoring station using LoRaWAN technology at the Universidad de las Américas. The main objective was to establish a system capable of measuring UV radiation levels through solarimeters, ensuring the remote transmission of data to protect the health and safety of students and staff exposed to solar radiation. To achieve this, several activities were conducted, including analyzing the architecture and communication components of LoRaWAN technology, designing a prototype based on this architecture, implementing the prototype based on the proposed design, and conducting functional tests to validate the system's operability. The system included the installation of a solarimeter and a receiver or gateway, configured to operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The data collected by the prototype were validated through comparisons with measurements from the environmental monitoring system of the Secretariat of Environment of the Metropolitan District of Quito, which allowed for the verification of the prototype's reliability. With this system, it was possible to identify patterns of high UV radiation and calculate error percentages in comparison with reference systems.

BackgroundTraffic accidents worldwide are considered a public health problem and traumatic injuries due to the phenomenon of whiplash with clinical manifestations such as neck or head pain and temporomandibular joint pain are considered common.AimsThe aim was to determine the prevalence of lesions in the cervical craniomandibular complex after traffic accidents in Quito, Ecuador.MethodsThis was an observational, cross-sectional study with data provided by the Fire Department of the Metropolitan District of Quito Emergency Department (911) for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and the first semester of 2023. Five hospitals with maxillofacial surgery departments had a standard clinical history according to the Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorders. The treatment of temporomandibular disorders such as cervical pain, muscular palpation tenderness, difficulty opening the mouth, regular headache, joint crackles, and arthralgia was considered.ResultsThe results revealed that the muscle palpation tenderness had a considerably high prevalence (71.03%), followed by difficulty opening the mouth (14.33%), and regular headache (25.31%). Among the participants, the highest prevalence of muscle palpation tenderness (32.56%) and regular headache (30.23%) was found in older adults aged 55 years and older.ConclusionInjuries to the cranio-cervico-mandibular complex because of traffic accidents found a prevalence of muscle pain (32.5/25%) and headaches (headaches 30/20%) in the entire population studied: children, adolescents, adults and older adults.