Use Of Planning Methods Research Articles

A Classification and Interpretation of Methodological Approaches to Pursue Natural Capital Valuation in Forest Research

This paper reviews natural capital (NC) valuation approaches in the context of woodland, forest, and riparian ecosystems, emphasising the need for participatory methods to take priority over neoclassical economics approaches. Focusing on research carried out in Scotland, the study analyses findings according to a classification of natural capital initiatives that we have developed, building on ideas proposed by the UK ENCA initiative, a guideline proposed to help researchers and practitioners understand NC and take it into account in valuation, decision-making and policy. We have found that landscape-scale initiatives that address the relationships between people and place to inform value and decision-making beyond the economic (monetary) benefits generated by ecosystem services (ES) are becoming popular. For instance, recent methods employed to capture stakeholders’ non-utilitarian preferences include the use of participatory GIS mapping, scenario planning, and other participatory methods to identify, explore and quantify less tangible cultural ecosystem services (CES). The review shows that many studies provide information relevant to the formulation of a place-based NC approach, working towards the integration of contextual and relational values into land management decisions to help formulate management strategies that maximise ES delivery. Conversely, we have not found evidence of the integration of shared values arising from an eco-centric perspective of nature valuation into the more classical, instrumental value lens. Such an approach would help inform broader, overarching aspects of woodland and forest management that may foster more effective conservation and help to manage conflicts.

Workload Indicator Staffing Need (WISN) as A Method for Analyzing Clinic Health Personnel Needs in Surakarta

Introduction: Health Human Resources (HR) has an important role in providing health services to the community. HR management has a positive effect on organizational performance. Lack of health human resources is an important obstacle in achieving the highest level of health and as a result will limit opportunities to achieve comprehensive health goals. Health workforce planning is an important element in health service planning in building a responsive and efficient health service system. The use of workforce planning methods can contribute to the analysis and decision-making process for allocating the right number of professionals. WISN as a workload-based method can provide more accurate staff needs. This method has been used in various countries and has proven its significance in policy making regarding recruitment, distribution, training and reduction of human resources. Objective: This research aims to analyze the need for health workers at the Surakarta City Clinic using the WISN method. Method: This type of research is descriptive qualitative using interview methods with respondents and observation. The research was conducted at the 'Aisyiyah Medical Center Surakarta Clinic. The data was processed using qualitative data analysis and simple statistical techniques. Result: The research results showed that the need for health workers at the AMC Clinic based on the WISN method was 1 Dentist, 2 General Practitioners, 2 Nurses, 2 Midwives and 1 Pharmacy Personnel, this shows that the Clinic has an excess number of General Practitioner health workers but a shortage of Nurses. Conclusion: The workload of General Practitioners and Dentists is low, the workload of Midwives and Pharmacy Personnel is normal, and the workload of Nurses is high.

Network model optimization of existing mining enterprises to sustain production capacity

The paper is devoted to the sustainability of the production capacities of mining enterprises when extracting minerals. The timely capacity restoration is the main problem for scientists dealing with sustainable development in mining construction. The paper presents the use of network planning and optimization methods of dynamic programming to solve problems of sustaining the existing capacities of mining enterprises. The proposed methods allow for the integrated use of network planning and dynamic programming to optimize the parameters of mining operations. A network model of the technological scheme of mining operations with optimal parameters is proposed. The necessity of timely restoration of capacities of mining enterprises with the use of network planning and mathematical programming methods in solving these problems is highlighted.

Mathematical Modeling of Technological Processes of Concreting Monolithic Structures From Fine-Grained Mixtures

Introduction. The introduction of innovative technologies and materials in the construction industry is constrained by a number of reasons associated with insufficient knowledge of technological processes and the increased cost of highly efficient innovative materials. Therefore, studies in the field of monolithic concrete technology, reflecting the features of concreting structures from self-compacting mixtures and aimed at reducing their cost due to the use of construction waste, are relevant. The purpose of this work is experimental and statistical modeling of rheological characteristics of finegrained self-compacting concrete mixtures and physical and mechanical properties of concretes depending on the influence of two recipe factors — consumption of superplastifying additive and particle size distribution of aggregate including construction wastes.Materials and Methods. For the preparation of fine-grained self-compacting concrete mixtures, portlandcement CEM 0 52,5N, natural quartz sand and crushed concrete sand of a mixture of three fractions of 0.63–5.0 mm and a chemical additive - a superplasticizer based on polycarboxylate esters Polyplast PK were used. Process characteristics of fine-grained self-compacting mixtures (workability, viscosity, fluidity) were determined by standard methods. The shear limits of the mixtures were set by means of an instrument comprising a cylinder with a nozzle and a glass base with circumferential marking. Modeling of rheological and physical-mechanical properties of fine-grained self-compacting concretes was carried out using a two-factor simplex-summed plan on a hexagon inscribed in a circle, which is one of the most convenient for solving technological problems of construction materials science.Results. Experimental-statistical models of rheological characteristics of fine-grained self-compacting mixtures and strength properties of concrete were obtained, adequately describing experimental data.Discussion and Conclusion. The use of mathematical planning methods of the experiment made it possible to comprehensively assess the influence of the two most significant recipe factors on the technological processes of concreting monolithic reinforced concrete structures from fine-grained self-compacting mixtures using aggregate from construction waste. It was established that optimal content of grains from crushed concrete in natural sand is 30–35 %, and dosage of superplasticizer Polyplast PK is 1.2–1.25 % of binder weight.

The Effect of Women’s Family Planning Method Use on Worry Level

Objectives: The research is aimed to determine the effect of women's family planning method use on worry level.
 Methods: The sample of this descriptive study was composed of 339 women who applied to the outpatient clinics of a hospital in Trabzon between 15.05.2019-01.10.2019. Data from the study was collected via the personal data form and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Descriptive statistical methods, Cronbach Alpha reliability Test, t test in independent groups and ANOVA test were used to evaluate the research data. Before collecting data, permission to use the scale, research permission, ethics committee permission and written consent were obtained from the women participate in the research.
 Results: The average age of the women involved in the study was 31.51±6.53. %51 of the women were high school graduates and %65.8 were housewives. %12.4 of women expressed concern about the family planning method they used. Women received an average score of 54.16±14.39 from PSWQ. The mean scores of women using oral contraceptives, condoms, intrauterine devices and withdrawal methods from PSWQ are respectively 52.19±9.17, 58.20±15.25, 46.84±14.97 and 59.38±13.82 found to be. The PSWQ mean scores of women 25-32 aged between, 6 Months-1 years married, living in a large family, has a pregnancy and a child, the family planning method he uses negatively affects his sexual life and his relationship with his wife, dissatisfied with the family planning method he and his wife use, not trusting the method, worried about the method, fear of pregnancy it was found to be higher than other women and the difference between groups was statistically significant (p

Participatory design method for improvement of urban public spaces – case study

The article considers the preconditions and informal method of forming public space by a group of residents at the local level and the compliance of these actions with the goals of sustainable development. Examples and own experience of organizing and implementing a public space change project in Hadiach, Poltava region (Ukraine) are given and the use of participatory planning methods to strengthen ties of local communities as well as a way of reducing migration from less attractive settlements is presented. The article describes the advantages of the participatory planning method as helping to equip urban space with facilities corresponding to the needs of users and increases their responsibility for maintaining public space, which is especially valuable with limited financial resources, allotted both for the creation of urban space and for care of it.

Future Scenarios of Nursing Education in Iran

Background & Aims One of the challenges in accurate and macro planning for the future is the uncertainty involved in estimating the future and rapid changes in various health-related fields. A powerful tool that can predict future competitive environments is the scenario planning tool. The current research aims to provide scenarios for the future of nursing education in Iran. Materials & Methods This exploratory research was conducted in 2022. In the first stage, the drivers and trends of nursing education were identified using meta-synthesis, interviews, and the Delphi method. Then, the influence and uncertainty of the identified trends were rated using the opinions of a panel of experts. In the next step, using influence/uncertainty diagrams, the key factors for writing the scenario were identified. Scenarios were then designed by Scenario Wizard software, version 4.11, and strategies were presented. Results The experts agreed on 6 drivers and 31 trends. With five key uncertainties, the scenarios were designed with three optimistic, realistic, and pessimistic assumptions. According to the size of the matrix and its dimensions (15×15), four problem-oriented, ethics-oriented, maintaining the status quo, and limited educational system scenarios were designed. The validity of the scenarios was examined according to feasibility, internal consistency, usefulness, and differentiability. Conclusion Each of the four designed scenarios has the potential to be realized, but their occurrence depends on the current plans. The use of future planning methods, such as the scenario planning tool, can be used as a warning system for awareness of opportunities and threats in Iran's health system before a crisis.

Community and Health Care Provider Perspectives on Barriers to and Enablers of Family Planning Use in Rural Sindh, Pakistan: Qualitative Exploratory Study.

Unmet need for family planning in Pakistan is high, with 17% of all married women wanting to avoid or delay pregnancy. However, they cannot owing to a lack of access to modern contraception and sociocultural hindrances. With the modern contraceptive prevalence rate stagnant at approximately 25% over the last 5 years, it is important to explore barriers and enablers to modern contraception uptake to reduce maternal and child mortality and improve reproductive health outcomes for young girls and women. A formative research approach was taken to explore community member and health care provider perspectives on access to and use of family planning methods in 2 rural districts of Sindh, Pakistan. The broader goal of this study was to provide evidence to design and implement a socioculturally appropriate family planning intervention within the existing service delivery platforms to increase modern contraceptive uptake in the context of rural Sindh. A qualitative exploratory design was used. Between October 2020 and December 2020, 11 focus group discussions and 11 in-depth interviews were conducted. Focus group discussions were held with men and women from the community, including adolescents, to build an understanding of community beliefs and concepts regarding modern contraceptive methods. In-depth interviews were conducted with health care workers and explored intersections between family planning and reproductive health service delivery at the facility and outreach levels. The findings revealed that limited financial autonomy, restricted women's mobility, discriminatory gender norms, and cultural practices left women with little opportunity for independent decision-making on the use of modern contraceptive methods. Furthermore, facility-level and supply-side barriers, including frequent stock-outs of modern contraceptives combined with a lack of capacity of health workers to provide quality family planning services and counseling, played an important role in demotivating women from seeking services. In addition, a lack of integration of family planning with maternal and child health service delivery at the health system level was emphasized as a major missed opportunity for contraceptive uptake. Several demand-side barriers to family planning uptake were also highlighted. These included husbands' or in-laws' disapproval, social stigma, and perceived fear of side effects regarding modern family planning method use. More importantly, a lack of adolescent-friendly reproductive health services and spaces for counseling was identified as a critical intervention area. This study provides qualitative evidence on issues related to the effectiveness of family planning interventions, specifically in the context of rural Sindh. The findings emphasize the need to design socioculturally appropriate and health system-relevant family planning interventions-the effectiveness of which can be improved through their integration with maternal and child health service delivery mechanisms, consistent service provision, and opportunities for the capacity building of the health care workforce. RR2-10.2196/35291.

Farmer and Adviser Perspectives on Business Planning and Control in Mediterranean Agriculture: Evidence from Argolida, Greece

Adoption and implementation of business planning and control methods is essential to efficiently and effectively allocate resources for producing food within sustainable agricultural systems in the Mediterranean Basin. To investigate this issue, an analysis of twenty-eight representative farming businesses from the National Farm Accountancy Data (FADN) for the region of Argolida (Greece) was undertaken, together with a survey of twenty agricultural advisers (ten agronomists and ten accountants) from the representative associations of agronomists and accountants for the area under study. Results demonstrate farmers’ needs for enhancing managerial competencies, particularly the systematic use of planning and control methods, for effective decision making and strategic design. The research illustrates how these methods can serve as a tool to enhance efforts towards a more sustainable approach to farming. Advisers are encouraged to diversify their role from a purely market driven approach to a role which includes guidance and scientific advice for supporting the sector’s needs for sustainable development. This will support farmers’ decision-making based on the latest scientific knowledge and use of available data to enhance the sustainability of these important agricultural systems.

Therapeutic Abortion Methods in Women Referring to Educational and Medical Centers in Shiraz

Background: Abortion is one of the most common side effects of pregnancy, which has had shown a steady or even growing trend over the past few decades despite extensive efforts in prenatal care. Objective: This study aimed to investigate medical interventions for abortions in pregnant women referring to educational and medical centers in Shiraz, Iran, in 2018. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 437 pregnant women referred to Shiraz Educational and Forensic Medicine Centers were selected. A questionnaire including demographic characteristics, midwifery information and types of medical interventions was completed for each. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using statistical tests. Results: According to the results of the present study, most subjects were aged 31-40 years (202 (46%)), had a high school diploma (183 (41%)), and were housewives (331 (57%)). Most of their gestational age was in the range of 16-20 weeks (184 (41%)). There was also a significant positive relationship observed between maternal age and gestational age (p = 0.01). Misoprostol and cervical Foley were the most used methods in induced abortions with a forensic permit (44.3%), vaginal misoprostol was the most used method in induced abortions with other indications (43.9%), and most spontaneous abortions involved no intervention (41.9%). Conclusion: Considering the importance of the medical abortion method, it is suggested to be considered for patients with different conditions in interventional studies. Also, the correct use of different family planning methods and identification of factors affecting the use of contraceptives are recommended after an abortion. Women’s education and men’s participation should be considered in the prevention of high-risk and unwanted pregnancies.

Development and Application of an Open-Source Framework for Automated Thermal Network Generation and Simulations in Modelica

District heating and cooling (DHC) networks, and in particular, the fifth generation of DHC networks, offer great potential in increasing the overall system efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions in the heating and cooling of urban districts. Due to the growing complexity of these energy systems, the use of new planning methods, such as the use of dynamic simulation models based on Modelica, becomes more important. However, especially with large, complex thermal networks, there is a high effort for manual model construction and parameterization. For this reason, we present a framework for automated model generation of DHC networks based on simulation models in Modelica written in Python. The core function of the Python framework is to transform a graph representation of a district heating network into a dynamic simulation model. The authors briefly describe the workflow and demonstrate its applicability with three different use cases. We investigate the impact of different design decisions, e.g., comparing the difference between central and decentral pumps as well as a combination of both in one network. In addition, we present the results of evaluating the impact of different network temperature levels or pipe insulation compared to the overall energy supplied to the network, leading to the conclusion that the presented framework is capable of reducing the manual effort for performing DHC network simulations with Modelica and allows to easily perform parameter studies in an early planning phases in the future.

Identifying the association of women’s empowerment with reproductive and maternal health practices using a cross-sectional study in the context of self-help groups in rural India

Background: Globally, women’s empowerment is captured through different combinations of indicators related to their collective and individual empowerment. In this paper, the association of diverse domains related to women’s collective and individual empowerment on their reproductive and maternal health practices were assessed. Collective empowerment referred to a cluster of indicators measuring mutual support, rights, and access to services women received, as a result of membership in self-help groups (SHGs) focused on micro-finance activities. Women’s individual empowerment was measured through their perception to make decisions on their own, be mobile, financially self-reliant, self-confident in expressing themselves, having self-esteem and being free from spousal violence. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected in 2017 from 2,197 SHG members across 57 administrative blocks of Uttar Pradesh, India. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the sub-domains of individual and collective empowerment were developed. The reproductive and maternal health indicators included antenatal care, delivery preparedness, postnatal care and current contraceptive use. Bivariate and multivariate analyses, using logistic regression, were carried out to measure the association of sub-domains of women’s empowerment with health practices. Results: Collective and individual empowerment were independently and jointly associated with correct health practices. Women with greater empowerment through independent mobility, high self-esteem, access to financial resources, and confidence in interacting with a frontline worker, were more likely to access antenatal care. Similarly, delivery preparedness—which entailed deciding on the place of delivery, arranging for transportation during labor, and managing expenses for the delivery—was positively influenced by collective support from fellow SHG members. Receiving postnatal care was positively associated with self-confidence and financial autonomy, and current family planning method use was positively associated with self-confidence, lower spousal violence and confidence in support from the group. Conclusions: Women’s collective and individual empowerment were independently and jointly positively associated with health outcomes among SHG members.

ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ МЕТОДУ ЗРОСТАЮЧИХ ДЕРЕВ ДЛЯ ОПТИМІЗАЦІЇ ПЛАНІВ БАГАТОФАКТОРНИХ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТІВ

Nowadays, the high cost of production and resources is the problem in the world, because of this, the issue of optimizing production to reduce the use of resources becomes acute. The research of the experiment at the initial stage makes it possible to reduce resource costs due to detailed analysis. For this we identify steps that we can simplify, which saves resources during production or research. Most often, experiments are multifactorial and related to the search for optimal conditions, selection of the most rational equipment and high-quality raw materials. There is a need to increase the effectiveness of experimental research. These researches allow us to study objects in detail, which provides the ability to obtain more information and offers conditions for their optimization. In the process of researching objects, it is necessary to build their mathematical models, which allow us to determine a rational ratio of parameters. Experiment planning allows for calculating the most effective order of performing experiments and studying the influence of individual factors on optimization criteria. The use of experimental planning methods helps in obtaining the maximum amount of useful information with minimal cost and time spent. This article examines the growing tree method for cost optimization of multifactor experimental plans. To confirm its functionality and effectiveness, a comparative analysis is conducted with existing optimization methods. The method is inspired by the evolution of growing trees and includes the stages of planting and growth. An algorithm and software that implement this method have been developed. The software implementation of the algorithm is made with the help of the framework Angular. In the study of technological processes, the functionality and effectiveness of the method of growing trees for cost optimization of plans of multifactor experiments has been proven. It has been compared with the bacterial optimization method and the method based on the use of the Gray code. The object of research: the process of optimization of plans of multifactor experiments according to its cost. The subject of study: growing tree method for cost optimization of multifactor experimental plans and software implementing it.

Planning an Experiment for Low-Cycle Fatigue under Conditions Deep Cooling

In the elements of structures with a limited resource during operation, significant cyclic stresses can occur, reaching and exceeding the yield strength; the results of an experimental study of the effect of the magnitude of preliminary plastic deformations on the strength and durability of structural alloys under low-cycle loading can be of undoubted interest for practice. The use of experimental planning methods in the study of the influence of the maximum cycle stresses and the magnitude of the preliminary permanent deformation on the low-cycle fatigue of 03Kh13AG19 chromium-manganese steel at T = 4.2 K under pulsating tension showed that these methods can be successfully used.

An Introduction to the International Journal of Particle Therapy's Special Issue on Particle Therapy for Head and Neck Malignancies

Particle therapy has emerged as a standard-of-care treatment option in the management of head and neck malignancies owing to its unique physical and biologic properties that lead to improved clinical outcomes. Likewise, the value of particle therapy in the management of head and neck tumors has rapidly evolved over the past decade, and head and neck cancer management currently represents one of the most common indications for the use of proton therapy.It is therefore my privilege to introduce this special IJPT Particle Therapy for Head and Neck Malignancies issue, which offers 33 articles by renowned international authors knowledgeable in head and neck cancer management, making it, to date, the most definitive guide to this new standard of care. The research presented herein expands our knowledge of the biologic enhancement effect of proton therapy, the physical properties that require unique and complex treatment planning approaches, and the resulting improvement in long-term clinical outcomes. Further clarity has been provided on the use of advanced Monte Carlo and LET-based treatment planning and quality assurance methods for emerging treatment centers, thereby minimizing the risk of unnecessary side effects and complications. Additional opportunities are offered for personalization of particle therapy through combining its biologic enhancement effects with concurrent systemic therapy. From pediatrics to adults, the issue seeks to advance health policy and improve patient access with model-based selection, activity-based costing, cost-effectiveness, financial toxicity, and work productivity outcomes.I would like to dedicate this special issue to our head and neck cancer patients worldwide who have participated in the clinical trials and research protocols that have resulted in these publications, thereby advancing our knowledge and standard of care for future patients. I would also like to dedicate this special issue to my parents and family, who have provided constant support to see this project to completion.We are most grateful for the efforts of our outstanding guest editors in this endeavor: Paul M. Busse, MD, PhD, from Massachusetts General Hospital; Lei Dong, PhD, from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; Robert L. Foote, MD, from Mayo Clinic – Rochester; Piero Fossati, MD, MS, from MedAustron; Hans Langendijk, MD, PhD, from University Medical Centre Groningen; Nancy Y. Lee, MD, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Jiade Lu, MD, MBA, from Shanghai Proton/Heavy Ion Center; Hsiao-Ming Lu, PhD, from the Hefei Ion Medical Center; Jun-Etsu Mizoe, MD, PhD, from Osaka Heavy Ion Therapy Center; Naruhiro Matsufuji, PhD, from the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Japan; Samir H. Patel, MD, of the Mayo Clinic – Phoenix; Juliette Thariat, MD, PhD, from Centre Baclesse / ARCHADE – Normandie Université; and Samir Patel, MD, of the Cross Cancer Institute and Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta.I also wish to thank IJPT Editor-in-Chief Dr. Nancy Mendenhall and Operating Editor Dr. Bill Mendenhall for their support of this important issue; Managing Editor Jessica Kirwan and Journal Manager Liza Winthrop Grammel, who worked tirelessly to see it to completion; Christine Wogan, for her substantive editing expertise; and Sasha F. Watt for her photography of the cover of the special edition.Finally, I would like to personally thank my gracious patient, Mr. Ronald L. Roberts, who kindly provided consent to use his image and name, and whose photograph and medical images are represented on the cover of this head and neck special issue. For tumors in this complex paranasal sinus area of the head and neck, proton therapy has become standard of care and is crucial to the pursuit of cure, cosmesis, and clear vision in this unique time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evaluation of Urban Microclimate Parameters as Indicators of Pedestrian Ways Environmental Comfort

A variant of the methodology for quantitatively assessing the availability, comfort and environmental safety of residential areas was proposed by the authors. The principles of creating a biosphere-compatible city, without conflict with the environment and developing a person, were taken as a basis. According to the main provisions of this concept, the degree of implementation of the city’s functions is determined by the level of accessibility of these functions for all of its residents, regardless of the characteristics of their health and age. It is proposed to introduce the parameter of time to meet human needs into the system of indicators of master plans as one of the parameters of a comfortable and safe urban environment. It is supposed that socially significant objects of everyday service of residents, as well as open spaces for recreation, should be located on the territory of residential buildings within walking distance at a comfortable distance from the places of residence. At the same time, pedestrian communications in residential areas, in particular those leading from places of residence to the objects under consideration, must comply with environmental safety requirements, as well as open urban spaces for recreation, games, and sport. To assess these parameters an integral indicator, one of the components of which is the predicted level of thermal comfort, was proposed in the work. To determine it, it is proposed to use the bioclimatic index, that is the physiological equivalent temperature (PET). In this work, based on the example of a new residential area in the city of Orel, the corresponding integral indicators were determined in terms of assessing the availability of educational facilities and open green urban spaces, including some points of pedestrian communications. The calculation results showed that when planning a new micro-district, the values of the levels of implementation of city functions in terms of the accessibility of socially significant objects, as well as the levels of comfort and environmental safety of pedestrian communications and open urban spaces, differ significantly from the maximum possible. It is noted that when designing a micro-district and arranging pedestrian communications and open spaces, no attention was paid to ensuring a comfortable climatic regime. Conclusions about the influence of built environment on the temperature regime in the territories of the considered locations are made. It is supposed that expanding the range of indicators for assessing territorial planning projects for analyzing accessibility by time parameter, as well as for assessing the level of environmental safety and comfort, will increase the efficiency of the use of urban planning methods in the planning and development of residential micro-districts in order to create an urban environment that contributes to the preservation of health of residents.

Conceptual approaches to research modern agricultural food systems

The transition of the country and regions towards sustainable economic growth cannot be carried out without solving the problems of food independence, which is the main condition for Russia's economic security. This makes it important to study the problems of forming a balanced national food market, increasing the efficiency of modern agri-food policy. Taking into account the differentiation of climatic and socio-economic conditions for the development of regions, additional studies of the features of regional agri-food systems are needed. This requires the development of a scientifically based approach to the classification of types of constituent entities of the Russian Federation. For the purpose of typologizing regions, it is proposed to use the integral method. The results of such calculations can be used to substantiate the use of target-oriented and indicative planning methods in terms of defining goals and priorities in combination with substantiating the system of economic regulators. The results of the study can be taken into account by public authorities when conducting a comparative analysis of the economic development of regions, the development of federal target programs, and the formation of a strategy for the development of regions.

Modern Family Planning Utilization and Its Associated Factors among Currently Married Women in Rural Eastern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Study.

Background The use of modern family planning methods among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) is of public health importance in Ethiopia. Nationally, modern family planning method use remains as low as 35%. Understanding factors associated with the use of modern family planning methods may help to improve maternal and child health. Hence, this study is aimed at assessing modern family planning method use and its determinants among women of reproductive age in the rural districts of Eastern Hararghe zone, Eastern Ethiopia. Methodology. A community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 577 randomly selected, currently married, reproductive-aged women in selected rural districts of Eastern Hararghe, Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire about women's sociodemographic information, knowledge about contraception, reproductive history, contraceptive use and fertility desire, couple's communication, and decision-making on family planning. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the dependent and independent variables. Result A total of 555 study participants participated, yielding a 96.2% response rate. The overall modern family planning utilization among the study participants was 18.4%. Knowledge of modern family planning methods (AOR = 16.958, CI: 4.768, 60.316), husband approval (AOR = 3.590, CI: 2.170, 5.936), couple's discussion (AOR = 2.852, CI: 1.759, 4.623), male involvement in decisions about family planning (AOR = 2.340, CI: 1.531, 3.576), desire for additional child (AOR = 2.295, CI: 1.528, 3.447), and previous use of contraception (AOR = 0.018, CI: 0.005, 0.063) were significantly associated with modern contraceptive utilization. Conclusion Even though knowledge of modern family planning methods was very high, the overall modern family planning method use in the study area was low. The government should focus on increasing modern family planning method availability. It must also ensure family planning method security and create awareness on modern family planning methods through community-based education and proper counselling to empower women to make an appropriate choice.

ENVIRONMENTALLY-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF WASTE FLOWS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Purpose. Substantiation of promising areas of research on the environmental and economic feasibility of integrated management of waste streams in the construction industry, systematization of the principles of such management, identification of existing trends, analysis of approaches and directions for solving the problem of construction waste management. Methodology. Achieving this goal involves a systematic analysis of the problem of waste management in the construction industry, which takes into account the relevance of the problem, regulatory regulation, scientific research on this issue and provides for the creation of an effective integrated management model. Results. The study substantiates that the creation of an integrated waste management system in the construction industry, which provides for the use of planning, forecasting and assessment methods for construction waste streams, is able to provide a solution to the main environmental problems in the construction industry: effective waste management by creating an economically viable, efficient and environmentally friendly regional waste management system. Originality. The key principles for the development and functioning of a model of an integrated waste management system for the construction industry have been determined: the principle of environmental friendliness of all processes in the system; the principle of efficiency; principles of logistics; the principle of motivation. Practical value. Substantiation of the principles of creating a model for integrated management of construction waste streams, the feasibility of using a logistic approach, determining the content and structure of input information flows based on system analysis and environmental assessment, is a prerequisite for a scientific, methodological and practical solution to the problem of waste management in the construction industry.

Assessment of Contraception Use among Early Married Females in Rural Districts in Giza Governorate, Egypt

Background: Family planning improves the health outcomes of mothers and children and reduces pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, and the economic costs of early pregnancy. Objective: Describe the effect of the age of marriage on contraceptive behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a systematic randomly selected five rural primary health care centers in Giza governorate, Egypt to estimate the use of family planning methods among two subgroups using an adapted questionnaire: female married before 18 Y and that married ≥18 Y. A structured interview conducted among 650 females in reproductive age. Results: Pregnancy number and family size were significantly higher among female married before 18years (3.3±1.9) and (4.8±1.6) versus (2.7±1.5) and (4.4±1.3). Family planning use after first and second child were lower among early married females (84.3%) and (82.5%) versus (85.2%) and (87.4%) of their counterparts married ≥18 Y respectively with no statistically significant differences. The bivariate analysis showed that the likelihood of using a family planning method after the first child was higher among educated women and women with an educated husband than among illiterate women and women with non-educated husband [COR, 2.6; 95% CI,1.5-4.5] and [COR,1.7; 95% CI,1.1-2.9] respectively. Conclusions: Family planning method use was particularly low among females married before 18 and consequently, their family size and their pregnancy number were high. Education is a significant determinant of the age of marriage and of FP use. These factors should be considered during the design of short- term and long-term family planning strategies to effectively increase family planning methods use among early married females especially in conservative contexts.