Municipal Corporations Research Articles

Association Between Employment Status and Mental Health of People: An Evidence-Based Analysis in The Post Covid-19 Era

The COVID-19 pandemic has inflated many megacities in the world and petrified the mental health of people. Mental health complications of people during this pandemic were spread at different levels. This situation created the ground for this study to see whether the employment status of people was in line with fluctuating mental health conditions in Dhaka City Corporation during this invasion or in the immediate past. It was a cross-sectional study that applied a multistage sampling method to define sample size. It selected the participants randomly and collected data through a self-administered structured questionnaire. This questionnaire was based on the DASS-21 to measure the conditions of mental health stability. Different statistical tools, including cross-tabulation, were used to reveal the association between the variables, and a chi-square test was conducted to examine the significance of such association. The findings of the study exposed the stern predisposition of mental health situations to employment status in the Dhaka City Corporation during and immediately after the COVID-19 invasion, which was at different levels depending on their demographic attributes. Thus, the findings have a significant conclusion that taking preventive measures for the employment security of people is essential to maintaining their mental health in the future. However, it could also be said that keeping this study only in urban areas and among educated people is a limitation, though such a limitation has opened further sites for potential studies.

Evaluating Medical Waste Management Practices in Health Institutions within the Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh

Evaluating Medical Waste Management Practices in Health Institutions within the Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh

A text analytics study on the alignment of an Indonesian Muslim community’s municipal corporation policy with Sustainable Development Goals

PurposeThis study analyses the supervision policy of Municipal Corporations (MCs) in the Indonesian Muslim community regarding its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Design/methodology/approachAs a single case study, purposive sampling was adopted to select a municipal corporation policy issued by Ciamis Regency, West Java, Indonesia. A novel mixed methods approach, combining computer analytics and human intelligence, was introduced to perform text analytics.FindingsText mining identified the most frequently occurring words — e.g., ‘perumda’ (municipal corporation), ‘daerah’ (regional), ‘pengawas’ (supervisor), ‘peraturan’ (regulation) — from the sample but found no single word indicating business alignment with SDGs. Further qualitative inductive analysis was conducted, revealing the critical role of MCs’ supervisory boards in business planning, execution, and reporting to align the MC businesses with local SDG initiatives.Originality/valueAligning MC business activities with local SDG actions is entirely within the authority of supervisory boards which demands transformational leadership. This research pioneered an innovative blend of computer-assisted techniques and human reasoning to investigate the supervision policies of MCs concerning local SDG actions, with evidence from a Muslim community in Indonesia.

Characterizing the air pollution dynamics amidst three COVID-19-induced lockdowns during the first wave (2020), second wave (2021), and third wave (2022) in the Kolkata and Howrah Municipal Corporations, India

Characterizing the air pollution dynamics amidst three COVID-19-induced lockdowns during the first wave (2020), second wave (2021), and third wave (2022) in the Kolkata and Howrah Municipal Corporations, India

The Cost of Coordination Failures: Impacts on Urban Development Projects and Citizen Services in Bangladesh

Rapid urbanization in Bangladesh places significant pressure on City Corporations to effectively plan and implement urban development projects, often in collaboration with national agencies. However, coordination failures are prevalent, leading to significant costs and hindering urban development. This study investigates the challenges in service delivery coordination faced by City Corporations in Bangladesh, focusing on Cumilla and Dhaka as case studies to understand the complexities of coordination in varying urban contexts. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 110 stakeholders across both cities. This included 40 City Corporation officials, 30 government agency representatives, and 70 community representatives, ensuring a multi-faceted understanding of the issue. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and interpretive techniques to identify recurring patterns and themes related to coordination challenges, their consequences, and potential solutions. Rigor and trustworthiness were ensured through data triangulation, member checking, and reflexivity. The study identified several key coordination challenges, including dysfunctional coordination committees, power struggles between City Corporations and national agencies, non-compliance with regulations, unclear roles and responsibilities, dual control over tasks, breaches of agreements, political interference, self-serving leadership, and inadequate corrective measures. These challenges hinder project progress and negatively impact citizens, leading to subpar work quality, project delays, funding withdrawals, poor service delivery, financial waste, and increased public distress. In conclusion, this study underscores the urgent need for improved coordination mechanisms, accountability frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance urban development and service delivery in Bangladesh.

Causes of Dropout from immunization among children in two selected slum area of Dhaka City

This study will contribute information that can be used by policymakers in the Ministry of Health (MOH) to create policies that will encourage mothers to complete their immunization schedule among children in Bangladesh. It will benefit health workers like nurses, doctors or clinicians by giving useful data on the factors associated with immunization dropout among children of one month to 18 months of age in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in two selected slum area in Dhaka city and 120 married women (60 from each slum area of Dhaka city) were interviewed through face -to-face by the researcher. The target population was the parents had children of age from 1 month to 18 month and had routine child vaccination card were interviewed. The total sample size was 120 in number and they were selected by using systematic sampling technique. The study was based on primary data. The instruments of the study were pretested semi-structured questionnaire. After editing and coding the coded data enter into the computer SPSS Version 16.0 was used to analyze the data. Immunization was categorized into ‘complete’ and ‘drop-out’. Bivariate associations were then evaluate using Chi-square and spearman’s correlation. Logistic regression was finally performed to evaluate the strength of the predictive variables to immunization dropout. A confidence interval of 0.05 was considered in this study. Place and Period of the Study: Study was conducted from 8th January 2022 to 21th February 2022 in Tongi (Arshadnagor, Bank field, Hazi Mazar, Nishad Nagar slums -60 household) and Dhaka north City Corporation (korail slum from Banani -60 household). Results: Among the 120 participants majority that is 84.2% represented the age group of 21-35 years followed by 15.0% of <20 years. Maximum and minimums age of the participant was 37 years & 14 years. Sex distribution of the children showed that out of 120 respondents, 59 (49.2%) were male & 61 (50.8%), were female. Male: Female ratio was 1:1.1. Opinion regarding importance of immunization status showed that 100% participants opinion were immunization was important for child. The study revealed that maximum 85.0% respondents told that immunization center distance is less than 1 km & 15.07% respondents stated it is 2-3 km. The study showed that, out of 100% children 74.2% were fully immunized & 25.8% were partially immunized. Conclusion: According to study findings, out of 100% children 74.2% were fully immunized & 25.8% were partially immunized. It was found that there were no associated factors determined to causes dropout rate of immunization from chi-square test. From spearman correlation test, it was found that there was positive association between dropout rate and sex of the children, type of the family. There is a need for intensified engagement with communities through the reaching every child approach so that children are fully immunized. EWMCJ Vol. 12, No. 1&2, January-July 2024: 14-20

Navigating the evolving seas of cross‐border insolvency: The shift towards COMI and the Model Law approach in Hong Kong; Re Global Brands Group Holding Ltd (In Liquidation) [2022] 3 HKLRD 316 (Coram Harris J) [case comment

AbstractIn cross‐border insolvency cases involving foreign liquidators, Hong Kong courts traditionally adhered to two criteria for recognition and assistance: the collective nature of insolvency proceedings and the commencement of such proceedings in the company's place of incorporation. This approach has evolved following Re Global Brands, marking a shift towards considering the company's COMI as a more practical criterion, and highlighting the impracticalities of using the place of incorporation as the primary criterion. Despite the benefits, the COMI Criterion introduces complexities, such as potential non‐recognition and conflicting rulings between jurisdictions. There are also questions surrounding the differences between the principle of modified universalism under common law and the UNCITRAL Model Law. This article analyses the impacts brought about by the transition to the COMI Criterion, and encourages consideration of the adoption of the Model Law by Hong Kong in the future.

Unraveling the spatio-temporal trajectories of urban growth in Asansol city, West Bengal: A geospatial exploration of the emerging urbanlandscape

The rapid urban growth of Asansol City has led to the rise of unplanned built-up areas, disrupting natural land covers and posing challenges to sustainable resource management. Hence, this study aims to quantify spatio-temporal trajectories of urban growth in Asansol City during 1991–2021, using integrated remote sensing and GIS-based techniques. Landsat 5 TM and 8 OLI/TIRS satellite imageries were used to delineate built-up and non-built-up areas using a random forest machine-learning algorithm. The study utilized the gradient approach, urban sprawl typologies, urban expansion indices, shannon’s entropy, and landscape fragmentation metrics to analyze the pattern, direction, intensity and dynamics of urban expansion in a space-time context. The findings showed that built-up growth increased significantly from 25.49 sq. km. to 57.18 sq. km. between 1991 and 2021, with the highest growth observed in the westward direction and within 3 km from the CBD. The study highlighted the prevalence of edge expansion and scatter development as dominant typologies of urban growth. Urban expansion indices, shannon's entropy and landscape fragmentation metrics analysis revealed the increasing urban sprawl towards the periphery and the formation of clustered built-up areas near the CBD. The outcomes of this study provide a basis for sustainable urban development by quantifying spatio-temporal trajectories and highlighting challenges from unrestrained growth of Asansol municipal corporation.

Garbage prediction using regression analysis for municipal corporations of Indian cities

AbstractGarbage management is exceptionally critical and poses enormous environmental challenges. It has always been a vital issue in municipal corporations. However, municipal agencies have developed and used garbage management systems. Garbage forecasting still plays a crucial role in the management system and helps improve or create a garbage management system. This research examines the information from 212 cities to suggest a helpful regression model for garbage forecasting and control. To establish a connection between the variables, the descriptive study employs statistical techniques to learn about the composition of data collected from municipal corporations and conduct correlation analysis. Population and garbage depend highly on one another, as evidenced by their correlation coefficient of 0.922,144. The primary research is used to build an alternate hypothesis that shows the chosen variables are highly dependent on one another. The dataset is scaled and divided into a training and testing 80:20 ratio during the pre‐processing data phase. This research aims to do a regression analysis with daily garbage production, urban area, and population as independent variables. This research initiates a variety of regression models, including multiple linear regression (MLR), artificial neural network (ANN), decision tree regression (DTR), and random forest regression (RFR). The MLR model's R2 value of 0.85 indicates that it has the potential to accurately forecast daily garbage production based on just two independent variables and a single dependent variable. Random Forest Regression (RFR) with (MSE: 100,078.749 & MAE: 182.212) shows that it has the lowest MSE among all the models, which provides the most accurate predictions on average and the fit values of 8.85 and 316.23 obtained from the error distribution with a bin value 25. The estimated results from each model are compared to the test data values on line graphs and Taylor plots. The mean square error and the mean absolute error in the analysis and the Taylor plot show that the RFR model is best suited for predicting daily garbage production in a city. This research, therefore, provides a Random Forest model that is optimal for such challenges and is recommended for this class of problem.

Revenue Streams and Capital Outlay: An Empirical Study of Municipal Corporations in India

This paper empirically tests the relationship between municipal revenue streams and capital outlay focused on building new infrastructure and amenities for sustainable urban development. The study follows a cross-sectional research design without a time dimension using secondary data from municipal corporations across 26 Indian states and Union Territories obtained from the Reserve Bank of India’s Report on Municipal Finances. An Ordinary Least Squares model was used to estimate the coefficients of own tax revenue, own non-tax revenue and revenue from government transfers. The study's main results show that while coefficients of own non-tax revenue sources, i.e., Rental Income, Fees & User Charges, and Interest earned are 8.52, 3.56, and 40.43 respectively with associated p-values of 0.000, suggesting greater influence in determining capital outlay, the coefficients of own tax revenue sources such as Property Tax, Water Tax, and Advertisement Tax are -0.21, -2.96 and 15.78 respectively with p-values exceeding 0.05 suggesting an insignificant relationship. Transfers from the central government are significant factors influencing capital outlay of the municipal corporations given by a coefficient of 2.45 with an associated p-value of 0.01, while state government transfers have a negative relationship given by a coefficient of -1.15 with a p-value of 0.023. The study also employs several diagnostic tests to ensure validity of the results and robustness of the model employed. The Adjusted R-squared value of 0.98 shows the model is a good fit and coefficients are relevant. Model diagnostics reveal that the results are efficient and model is a good fit to the data. The paper then concludes with discussion on the results obtained and policy suggestions along with indicating scope for further research in the field.

A Descriptive Analysis of Human-Environment Interactions in the Suburban Area of Pune City

The Baner-Balewadi was a rural area that transformed into a residential suburb and is now metamorphosing into a commercial and educational hub of Pune city. This area is now a part of Pune Municipal Corporation and is occupied by various schools, universities, and IT companies. The decadal population growth rate of the Baner-Balewadi area is 275%; it is much higher than the Pune district’s and city’s growth rate, which makes it a fascinating area for this study. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in this area covering three major regions: Balewadi Highstreet, Baner-Balewadi road, and NICMAR University. The data for 15 parameters were gathered, a total of 38 survey samples were collected using stratified random sampling, and land use was mapped to understand the grassroots reality. Thereafter, the parameters were analysed using a descriptive statistical technique, and spider mapping was used for data presentation. The strengths and challenges regarding infrastructural services, transportation, socio-economic factors, environment, and land use were identified. The results show that the waste collection is strong, but there are drinking water issues in the area. The recent development is causing stress on the infrastructural services and unregulated land-use change leading to environmental degradation. The metro construction is causing a lot of noise and air pollution, and people will still prefer buses as a transportation medium in the future because of good connectivity. The study is concluded with area-wise parametric recommendations made after examining the advancement, challenges, and gaps identified at the grassroots from both stakeholders’ and experts’ perspectives.

Nursing stress and associated factors during covid-19 pandemic: findings of a cross-sectional study at tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic has posed an unparalleled obstacle to healthcare systems worldwide. Particularly in the pandemic period, nursing is seen as a demanding profession with high standards. This study was conducted to assess the level of nursing stress and to identify the factors related to high nursing stress among nurses working in dedicated COVID-19 hospitals. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from selected three dedicated COVID-19 public hospitals in Dhaka city of Bangladesh named Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, and Hospital, Dhaka North City Corporation dedicated COVID-19 hospital from 1st July 2021 to 30th June 2022. Total respondents were 368 who had working experience more than 6 months in above mentioned hospitals. Data were collected by face-to-face interview through pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Nursing stress was assessed by Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) and categorized as low (≤39), moderate (40-62), and high (>62) stress score. Data analysis was carried out by using SPSS version 26. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30.8±7.8 years, wherein highest number of respondents were in age group 20-30 years (50.3%). Among the respondents 86.7% were female, 83.4% were married and average monthly family income Tk. 53839±28587.7 taka. About 63% respondents had diploma degrees, 77.4% worked in different wards, and mean working hour per week was 51.9±5.6 hour. Overall, maximum 52.2% had moderate stress, while 39.4% had high stress and only 8.4% had low stress. Age >30 years, male, marital status, working place, having senior citizen (>60 years) and feeling stressed for isolation were the significant risk factors for having high stress level. Conclusion: Occupational health education, training programs, stress relieving programs, and motivational programs must be implemented in tertiary level hospitals. Special attention should be given on older aged married male nurses, having elderly family members and feeling stressed for isolation. JOPSOM 2023; 42(1):54-61

Prediction of urban surface water quality scenarios using hybrid stacking ensembles machine learning model in Howrah Municipal Corporation, West Bengal

In the pursuit of understanding surface water quality for sustainable urban management, we created a machine learning modeling framework that utilized Random Forest (RF), Cubist, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and their hybrid stacking ensemble RF (SE-RF), as well as stacking Cubist (SE-Cubist), to predict the distribution of water quality in the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) area in West Bengal, India. Additionally, we employed the ReliefF and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) methods to elucidate the underlying factors driving water quality. We first estimated the water quality index (WQI) to model seven water quality parameters: total hardness (TH), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg). Then six independent factors were utilized (i.e. Precipitation (Pr), Maximum Temperature (Tmax), Minimum Temperature (Tmin), Normalized Difference Turbidity Index (NDTI), Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)) for predicting the WQI mapping through the different ML models. This study demonstrated that the SE-Cubist model outperforms other ML models. During the testing phase, it achieved the best modeling results with an R2 = 0.975, RMSE = 0.351, and MAE = 0.197. The ReliefF and SHAP analyses identified Pr and Tmax as the most significant factors influencing WQI within the study area.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Transport Sector in Narayanganj City: Existing Scenario and Way Forward

This study examines transportation issues in Narayanganj City Corporation, one of the densely populated cities in Bangladesh. It examines the Chashara intersection which is a major intersection within the city, suffers from ever worsening traffic and poor infrastructure. Using qualitative research methods, information was obtained through field surveys, observation as well as four focus group discussions with residents aged 20-50 years mainly students, urban dwellers experts. Some of the problems that emerged from the study include poor traffic control, limited road construction and maintenance. The findings also highlight significant challenges, including poor traffic management, insufficient road networks, and inefficient regulation of transport services, notably the prevalence of auto-rickshaws contributing to the congestion. The study identifies the Chashara intersection as a critical area requiring urgent intervention. Proposed solutions emphasize the introduction of alternative routes to alleviate bottlenecks, stricter regulation of auto-rickshaw operations, and the implementation of congestion pricing mechanisms to manage traffic flow. These recommendations aim to provide a strategic framework for improving urban mobility and ensuring sustainable development in the transportation sector of Narayanganj. The need for immediate, coordinated efforts from local authorities and urban planners is underscored, as addressing these issues is essential for enhancing the city’s livability and accommodating future growth.

Municipal Solid Waste Management System: A Study of Aligarh City, Uttar Pradesh, India

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is a significant environmental challenge in Indian cities, including Aligarh. Inadequate handling of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses risks to public health and the environment. Studies indicate that approximately 90% of MSW in India is improperly disposed of in open dumps and landfills, leading to various ecological and health issues. A detailed examination of Aligarh's waste management system was conducted to assess the quantity, characteristics, and sustainable management options for its municipal waste. Findings from the study show that private collectors handle about 430 tons of waste per day in Aligarh, but neither residents nor collectors engage in waste segregation at the source. The combined collection efficiency of A2Z Private Limited and the Aligarh Municipal Corporation is estimated to be around 70%. Due to the high organic content in the waste, its energy potential remains untapped. Currently, about 80% of the collected waste is disposed of in open dumps, as Aligarh lacks a sanitary landfill. This study highlights the current state of municipal solid waste management in Aligarh focusing on the quantity, quality, and management strategies in Aligarh. Methodology: For this study, Aligarh, a medium-sized city with a population of roughly 8.7 lakhs, which is located 130 kilometres from Delhi, India's capital, was chosen. A thorough assessment of the literature was done to create a theoretical framework. Visits to fields were carried out to gather basic data and comprehend the city's SWMS, including interaction During interviews with several municipality employees and executives in charge of SWM and citizens of the city. A procedure was created to examine the sources, calculate the amounts, and ascertain the waste streams' makeup. Findings: Despite their best efforts, the local municipality's limited resources do not allow for the effectiveness of the solid waste management system in Aligarh. On the outskirts of the city, waste is frequently disposed of in open or low-lying regions without using the correct scientific or engineering techniques.

Sustainable management of construction and demolition waste in Bangladesh to promote resource recycling

ABSTRACT This study conducted during the fiscal year of 2022–2023 endeavors to offer waste generation rates (WGR) for different Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) materials and analyze the financial and environmental benefits of CDW recycling at a national level. Findings from the study reveal that CDW in Bangladesh mainly consists of concrete (56%), brick (15%), mortar (9%), metal (6%), and ceramics (6%). Additionally, the collective CDW produced in six major cities studied totals 3.71 million tons (MT). The WGR of CDW is assessed through regression analysis. The mean WGR for Construction and Demolition activities in the fiscal year 2022–2023 are notably recorded at 64.68 kg/m2 and 1626.97 kg/m2, correspondingly for the 12 city corporations. The study highlights the potential for entrepreneurial initiatives in recycling materials like concrete, brick, mortar, metal, ceramics, and timber, leading to reduced CO2 emissions and energy consumption. The estimated economic value of recycling concrete, brick, and metals in major cities is approximately 104.5 million USD and 0.45 MT of CO2 reduction from recycling brick and metals from major cities.

Factors associated with essential newborn care practices among non-institutional births in urban Bangladesh: evidence from Bangladesh Urban Health Survey 2021

ABSTRACT Background Non-institutional births remain prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, associated with a majority of adverse maternal and child health outcomes, including maternal and child mortality. Ensuring essential newborn care (ENC) practices for these non-institutional births is crucial for reducing these adverse outcomes. This study aimed to identify the prevalence, and factors associated with the adoption of ENC practices among non-institutional births in urban Bangladesh. Methods A total of 2,165 children’s data were analyzed, extracted from the 35,186 ever-married women interviewed in the 2021 Bangladesh Urban Health Survey. Six ENC components and their level (lowest/none, moderate, and highest) were considered as the outcome variables. Several socio-demographic factors were considered as the explanatory variables. Multivariate binary and multinomial logistic regression model were used to explore the association between outcome and explanatory variables. Results Approximately 49% of all mothers reported practicing the highest level of ENC. Among the individual components, the highest adherence was observed for the use of a disinfected instrument to cut the umbilical cord (90%). The likelihood of adopting the highest level of ENC practices was higher among mothers with relatively higher education and wealth quintiles and lower among those residing in slum and other urban areas of city corporations compared to non-slum areas. Mothers living in the Khulna and Sylhet divisions had a lower likelihood of adopting the highest level of ENC practices. Conclusion Awareness building programs are needed to educate the population, particularly mothers, about the importance of practicing ENC for improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Evaluating urban heat island to achieve sustainable development goals: A case study of Tiruchirappalli city, India

Tiruchirappalli City the fourth largest municipal corporation in Tamilnadu, India is witnessing accelerated urban growth. The city has exacerbated the microclimate indicating a significant increase in land surface temperature. The study aims to establish the differentiation of land surface temperature of city between 2001, 2011, and 2021 of summer months using Landsat images to examine the effects of urban heat island. The results shows that the temperature ranged from 31.23°C to 37.45°C between 2011 and 2021. The assessed land surface temperature (LST) is correlated and the result shows a positive correlation between the LST-normalised difference built-up index (NDBI) and a negative correlation between the LST-normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and a weak correlation between LST-BSI and LST-MNDWI of summer months examined. Further, the urban thermal field variance index (UTFVI) of the city is analysed. The thermal condition of the city during April has significantly changed from 5.14 % of area in 2001 to 12.19 % of area in 2021 (UTFVI >0.020, Strongest) of worst ecological valuation index. The selected city is experiencing major thermal conditions (UTFVI 0.010–0.015) of ecological evaluation index from bad to worst. This study will help mitigate the urban heat island effect and promote sustainable development for rapid urbanization.

Risk factors associated with street food consumption in Dhaka city due to faeco-oral parasitic infection in food vendors

Ready to eat foods that are sold in streets and busy public places and popular for their affordability, accessibility and distinct flavour and taste are termed as street foods. Due to their low-income levels, the majority of people in developing countries rely on street food for their daily dietary needs. In Bangladesh, many street food vendors target young school-going children by selling attractive food items in front of schools. To understand the implications of street food consumption in Dhaka city, 200 school-based street food samples and 200 corresponding faecal samples from vendors around 50 schools were analyzed using the Formal-ether concentration method from September 2021 to June 2022. 10 parasite species (Entamoeba histolytica, Blastocystis hominis, Cystoisospora belli, Diphyllobothrium latum, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma duodenale) were identified by microscopic observation. From food and the corresponding stool samples, 7 parasite species were found. B. hominis caused the greatest proportion of infections (21.5%), followed by C. belli (20.5%), A. lumbricoides (17%), D. latum (4.5%), H. nana (3%), T. trichiura (2.5%) and E. histolytica (0.5%). Statistical analysis revealed that city corporation, age, smoking status and use of today’s materials next day (p < 0.05) were associated with parasites present in stool. In the food samples, city corporation, age, use of mask, currently having disease, using today’s materials next day were significantly associated with presence of parasites (p < 0.05). This study is one of the first to correlate the lack of hygienic practices of the food vendors with an increased risk of parasitic infection in the vendors and their street foods resulting the possibility of transmission to the consumers. The study findings indicate the urgent need to ensure food quality.

Do regional trusts alleviate bond market risks? Evidence from the Chinese municipal corporate bond pricing

Municipal corporate bonds have attracted significant attention due to their pricing mechanisms and reflect China's distinct financial landscape. Existing research has highlighted the influence of informal institutional factors on bond pricing. This study introduces the social trust index to measure regional trust levels and assesses its correlation with municipal corporate bond issuance pricing. The empirical analysis indicates that higher regional trust levels are significantly associated with reduced issuance credit spreads for municipal corporate bonds. The relationship is moderated by local economic development and the strength of implicit government guarantees. Employing the “Yongmei” event as a case study, this research explores the dynamics of bond pricing mechanisms following a reduction in government implicit guarantees and finds that a weakening of these guarantees intensifies the influence of regional trust on credit spreads. Additionally, default events are observed to have spillover effects, impacting neighboring provinces and the overall market. This research extends the investigation of regional trust's pricing mechanisms to the municipal corporate bond market, thereby enriching the study of informal institutions' impact on financial market pricing. The findings underscore the importance of effectively harnessing market mechanisms by governments to mitigate risks in the municipal corporate bond sector.