Poor Areas Research Articles

Human impact on the scenic quality of coastal dunes: A study of the central Caribbean coast of Colombia

This paper provides a scenic assessment of 19 dune sites using the Dune Scenery Evaluation System (DSES). The DSES assesses values from a checklist of 18 physical and 8 human parameters and allows the calculation of a scenic evaluation index (D Value), which classifies D sites into five classes: Class I, usually natural areas of top scenic characteristics, to Class V, poor scenic dune areas with a greater impact of human interventions. Our findings reveal a predominance of coastal dune systems falling into middle to lower scenic quality classes (III, IV, and V), indicating considerable degradation due to intense human activities. Notably, these activities have adversely impacted the structural integrity and scenic value of these dunes, leading to a loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability to natural hazards. This paper highlights the critical need for integrated coastal management strategies that balance conservation with sustainable development. Furthermore, our study proposes the enhancement of existing regulatory frameworks, community engagement in conservation efforts, and the implementation of ecological restoration projects aimed at reversing the degradation and restoring the ecological and scenic value of these vital landscapes. The findings underline the potential of using scenic quality as an ecological indicator to guide conservation and management practices, ensuring the preservation of coastal dunes, which are essential for ecological sustainability and local economic benefits. This multidisciplinary approach not only enriches our understanding of the complex interactions within dune ecosystems but also sets a precedent for future research and policymaking in coastal zone management.

Ectoparasitic infestations among patients attending the dermatology OPD: A hospital-based study

Background: Ectoparasites are organisms that live in the skin for varying lengths of time and can cause disease. These infestations are highly prevalent in poor and underdeveloped areas. There is a paucity of studies regarding their prevalence in rural areas like the upper Karnali region of Nepal. We conducted a hospital-based study to know the burden of these infestations in the area. Methods: A hospital-based descriptive study was done from March 2023 to February 2024. Data were collected from medical records of the dermatology outpatient department (OPD) and all the clinically diagnosed cases of ectoparasitic infestation were studied. Data were presented as frequency and percentage; seasonal pattern of the diseases was also reported. Results: A total of 6,698 patients attended dermatology OPD during the study period, among whom 1340 had ectoparasitic infestations, resulting in a proportion of 20.01% in this group. Two infestations were found, namely, scabies and pediculosis capitis, with a proportion of 18.36% and 1.65%, respectively. Females represented almost half of the patients with ectoparasitic infestations (49.63%), but about 98% with pediculosis. Ectoparasitic infestation was most common in children aged 0–9 years, i.e., 31.31% and pediculosis was most common in children of 10–19 years (31.81%). Ectoparasitic infestations (41.94%), both scabies (41.7%) and pediculosis (44.55%) were most common during the monsoon season. Conclusion: The ectoparasitic infestations were common the patients presenting to the hospital. Scabies was the most common ectoparasitic infestation and a major public health problem.

The Impact of Digital Governance on Entrepreneurial Activity in Relatively Poor Areas: Evidence from Tibet, China

This paper examines the impact of digital governance on entrepreneurial activity in deprived areas from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. Our study is twofold. First, we utilize a economic geography model to theoretically analyze the influence of digital governance on regional entrepreneurial endeavors and develop research hypotheses. Second, using county panel data from Tibet spanning from 2001 to 2021, we empirically examine the influence of digital governance on entrepreneurial activity. The results show that digital governance can significantly increase regional entrepreneurial activity, and that the effect exhibits an upward and then a downward trend over time, with some spatial spillover effects. We argue that differences in regional network infrastructure are an important heterogeneity factor affecting digital governance’s ability to increase entrepreneurial activity. Our conclusions remain robust to various tests.

Influence of lay‐up sequences on cylindrical parts drawability of CFRP laminates

AbstractCarbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) is one of the ideal materials in the field of automotive lightweight. As one of the traditional manufacturing processes of CFRP, autoclave process has long production time, high cost and complicated operation. To overcome these shortcomings, deep drawing can be used for CFRP forming. It has the advantages of stable product quality, good repeatability, low cost, simple operation and can produce parts with complex shapes. In this paper, the influence of lay‐up sequences on the drawability of cylindrical parts was studied by using self‐made deep drawing device. The results showed that among the four lay‐up sequences [0]°12, [0/90]°6, [0/90/45/‐45/90/0]°S and [15/30/……/180]°, the [15/30/……/180]° lay‐up parts had excellent deformation coordination ability due to less angular variation in the fiber direction, and the maximum depth of 21.99 mm could be obtained. Due to the influence of wrinkles, the thickness of [15/30/……/180]° parts increased at the die corner and side wall. The thickness decreased at the flange, punch corner and bottom due to the compressive pressure. In addition, [15/30/……/180]° lay‐up parts benefited from the high level of in‐plane isotropy of the helicoidal structure, it had the fewest forming defects. The resin poor areas and resin rich areas were less and no fiber cracks were found.Highlights Investigated the influence of lay‐up sequences on the drawability of CFRP. The forming depth of [15/30/……/180]° parts was 21.99 mm. [15/30/……/180]° lay‐up parts had the best drawability. No cracks were found on the [15/30/……/180]° part.

First detection of Leishmania major in dogs living in an endemic area of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Tunisia

BackgroundDogs are considered the main domestic animals that may be a reservoir for Leishmania infantum, the agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) in several countries of the world. The dog may host other Leishmania species, but its epidemiological role in the maintenance and spreading of these parasites is not completely elucidated. Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), caused by Leishmania major, affects thousands of people every year and is particularly diffused in many countries of North Africa and Middle East Asia. In ZCL endemic countries, few reports of L. major-positive dogs have been reported, probably because most human cases occur in poor rural areas where the social role of the dog and its medical management is not well considered. The aim of the present study is to better understand the possible involvement of domestic dogs in the epidemiology of ZCL.MethodsOur research focused on a well-established endemic focus of ZCL, in the area of Echrarda, Kairouan Governorate, central Tunisia. A total of 51 dogs with no or mild clinical signs of vector borne diseases were selected in small villages where human cases of ZCL are yearly present. All dogs were sampled for the Leishmania spp. diagnosis, by using the following procedures: blood sample for serology and buffy coat quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), popliteal fine needle aspiration, and cutaneous biopsy punch for lymph node and skin qPCR.ResultsThe results demonstrated a high percentage (21.6%) of dogs positive at least at one or more test; the most sensitive technique was the lymph node qPCR that detected 8/11 positive dogs. Nine, out of the eleven positive dogs, resulted as infected by Leishmania infantum; ITS1-PCR-sequencing allowed Leishmania major identification in the remaining two cases, both from the popliteal lymph node samples, which can suggest a possible visceral spread of a cutaneous Leishmania species in the dog. Interestingly, one of the two L. major-positive dogs was living in the same house where 6-year-old children showed cutaneous lesions referred to as ZCL.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report of L. major-positive dogs in Tunisia, the epidemiological role of which remains under investigation.Graphical

Assessment of Caesarean Section Outcomes for Preterm Pregnancies in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Community Based Medical College, Bangladesh (CBMC,B), Mymensingh, Bangladesh, to evaluate the indications and feto-maternal outcomes of Caesarean section operation among preterm pregnant women. A total of 120 patients were enrolled between January and December of 2023. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire, file review, historical inquiry, and monitoring of mother and baby. Most individuals were aged 15-20 (37.50%) and had tertiary education (75.00%). Majority were from poor socio-economic backgrounds (76.67%) and rural areas (70%). Primigravida cases were predominant (65.00%), and multiparous accounted for 36.67%. Eclampsia (21.67%) and preeclampsia (20.83%) were common indications for cesarean section. Most procedures were emergency (93.33%). Maternal complications were low, with 64.17% having none. Most infants had low birth weight (62.50%) and experienced live births (91.67%), with a notable stillbirth rate (8.33%). Fetal complications included low birth weight (88.33%) and prematurity (20%). No complications were noted in 31.67% of cases. The study examined the complexities of Cesarean section (CS) for preterm births, highlighting maternal-fetal factors, varied indications, and outcomes, urging tailored interventions. CBMJ 2024 July: vol. 13 no. 02 P: 243-250

Seed strategy synthesis of porous NASICON structured NaTi2(PO4)3/carbon aerogel nanocomposites for high-performance hybrid capacitive deionization

The limited capacity of conventional carbon electrode materials hinders the practical application of capacitive deionization (CDI). Hence, it is imperative to develop electrode materials with high sodium ion adsorption and reliable stability to facilitate the construction of hybrid CDI (HCDI) systems. Notably, NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) has received significant attention due to its high capacity and rapid transportation ability of sodium ions. However, the poor electrical conductivity and limited electrolyte contact area of NTP have prevented further improvement in its deionization capacity. Herein, we report a seed strategy to synthesize NTP/carbon aerogel (CA). P25 was used as a seed crystal to prepare TiO2/CA via the sol–gel method and supercritical CO2 drying. NTP/CA was then obtained from TiO2/CA by hydrothermal synthesis and calcination. This strategy preserved the rational network skeleton of CA and endowed NTP/CA with a high specific surface area of 420 m2/g. The enhanced electrical conductivity provided by CA yielded a remarkable salt adsorption capacity of 43.3 mg/g in a 500 mg/L NaCl solution and a stable cycle desalination capability. This work provides a new perspective for constructing three-dimensional, highly efficient and stable HCDI electrode materials.

Meniscus Ripstop Stitches: A Useful Technique for Arthroscopic Repair of Challenging Radial Tears of the Meniscus

Radial meniscal tears can be challenging to address and require advanced arthroscopic techniques for satisfactory repair. When radial tears occur in older patients, the surgeon often encounters suboptimal tissue integrity that presents its own challenges. Incorporating ripstop sutures in tie-grip repair constructs for radial tears has been documented in the literature with favorable biomechanical properties. This Technical Note and accompanying video present a reproducible method for incorporating tie-grip and mobile ripstop stitches to fortify traditional meniscal repair configurations for radial tears. This technique augments the biomechanical strength of repair and may prove useful in poor tissue quality and areas of small focal deficiency, especially in scenarios with repairable but degenerative meniscal tissue. This is particularly relevant considering many repairs fail due to pull-through of sutures within the meniscal tissue.

Research on urbanization of middle and south Hebei from the perspective of high mobility

With collaborative development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, we work on studying the history, culture, industrial system of the middle and south areas of Hebei, and sorted out the characteristics of their urbanization development. It has showed that there are so many wonderful rural enterprises with the prosperous rural economy, but being lower level of urbanization developing in above areas. Most of farmers have to work in both towns and farms at different time. As result, it caused serious environmental problems for lack of the proper mode of urbanization. The farmers from these poor areas will face more challenges for surviving and improving their lives. It is supposed that the future development of urbanization will promote reasonable population and rural industries gathering from large cities to towns. At the same time, the clean energy and renewable resources should be further developed and used to avoid the continuous global environmental pollution and climatic deterioration. What the government and industrial planning departments need to do will be to build the platform of information industry for villages and towns, to promote resources to be integrated effectively and the industry upgrading fully. Therefore, the problems about development of urbanization will be solved gradually.

Interrogating narratives of urban change: disinvestment and development in two neighborhoods in Baltimore, MD

ABSTRACT Popular press and academic narratives of neighborhood change frequently conflate the experiences of different non-white populations in working-class and poor areas, presenting them as detrimental to urban development and at risk of displacement and eviction. Such narratives provide justification for uneven disinvestment and overlook the variegated ways in which urban development strategies can be exploitative. Mislabeling urban change as gentrification and grouping multiple racial/ethnic groups can lead to inappropriate policy and misaligned forms of intervention. Building on arguments within Black geographies and critical urban studies, we seek to disentangle how Black and Latine/x populations are differently positioned in urban narratives of dis/investment. Combining archival analysis with data from the US Census, we analyze two formerly redlined neighborhoods in Baltimore whose development trajectories significantly diverged. We demonstrate that inequality is not simply due to the continued effects of historical redlining, but instead part of ongoing rounds of uneven dis/investment. We expose how racial capitalism exploits racial difference between non-white groups to extract profits. By focusing on specific neighborhoods, we enrich research interrogating how racial and ethnic hierarchies relationally shape urban change, making visible the necessity of spatially-specific contingent analyses.

Prevalence of unintentional injuries and its risk factors among under-five children residing in urban poor resettlements in Rishikesh.

A community-based study on childhood injuries would provide valuable information on the epidemiology of injuries to undertake appropriate preventive measures. Therefore, the current study was conducted in urban poor resettlements of Rishikesh to estimate the prevalence of unintentional injuries and to document the sociodemographic risk factors associated with unintentional injuries among under-five children. Estimation of the prevalence of unintentional injuries and their risk factors among under-five children of urban poor resettlements in Rishikesh. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in urban poor resettlement areas of Rishikesh for a period of 1 year. It included 300 children selected using a simple random sampling technique to collect data on injury status. The prevalence of unintentional injury among study participants was 16%. Falls were (64.6%) the major cause of injury, followed by dog bites (12.5%). The major sites of the injury were the head (25%), face (22.9%), upper limb (27.1%), and lower limb (18.8%).75% of the injuries happened at home. 66% of injuries happened when the child was playing alone or playing with peers. About 20.8% of injuries were bruises or superficial injuries. 39.6% of children had cut/bite/open wound injuries. Fractures happened in 14.6% of injured children. More than half (54.2%) of children did not develop any physical disability due to injury. Among children who developed a disability, more than 90% are able to recover completely. The majority of study participants were taken to nearby hospitals (66.6%) or health centers (10.4%). Only one of them went to a traditional bone setter, rest all visited either a general practitioner or pharmacy. The median expenditure for the treatment of the injured child was INR 425 (175-2750). The age of the child and unintentional injury showed a statistically significant association. The prevalence of the injury was 16% (12-20.7%) similar to a number of similar studies. Although the majority of the injuries were mild in severity, injuries have also contributed to temporary disability among children and have led to loss of school days.

Food security effects of forest sector participation in rural Liberia

Forests can help rural households cope with food insecurity challenges in the face of climate change while also sequestering carbon and advancing other sustainability objectives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As such, participation in the forestry sector can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially on hunger and food security (SDG 2) in forest rich, but economically poor areas of LMICs. However, analysis of the effects of forest sector participation on food security in such contexts remain limited. Here we estimate the effects of participation in forest-based activities like collection and processing of timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) on household food security in Liberia, the most forested country in West Africa. We applied endogenous switching poisson regression to data from 1408 households living in the proximity of forests included in Liberia’s 2019 national household forest survey to estimate the effect of forest sector participation on food security (in terms of reduction in the number of months households reportedly had insufficient food). Results show that forest-sector participation reduced the number of months households had insufficient food by 84% (about 2.7 months). Heterogeneity analyses show that NTFPs affected food security by 80% (about 2.5 months) compared to timber and wood products, which had a 66% effect size (about 2.1 months) on average. Our results provide new, national-scale evidence on the role of forests in enhancing food security in Liberia and suggest the importance of forest sector participation for food security and achieving SDG 2 more generally.

The impact of the national school nutritional programme in the selected rural and urban primary schools in Mahwelereng circuit

This study evaluated the impact of the national school nutrition program IN the selected primary schools Mahwelereng circuit, Limpopo Province. To date, the (NSNP) reaches almost all schools in the poorest areas and quintiles nationwide. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand on the National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) in schools far beyond expectation, even in schools outside quintile 1, 2, and 3. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the NSNP in the primary schools in Mahwereleng Circuit, Limpopo Province. A qualitative phenomenological study within the interpretive research paradigm was used to explore the impact of the National School Nutrition Programme in primary schools. The researcher, through non-probability convenience sampling, selected a total of 12 primary school teachers from four primary schools in Mahwereleng Circuit. Data from semi-structured interviews was thematically analysed and interpreted to draw findings that answered the research questions. Findings indicated that the NSNP has a positive impact to learners’ welfare and academic performance in schools. The study appreciates the prescribed measures of food to each learner by the Department of Education (DoE). Primary school teachers in the selected schools around Mahwelereng circuit were interviewed individually for 20-30 minutes each in schools on the impact of the National School Nutrition Programme using semi-structured interviews to collect data. The implementation of the national school nutrition programme has a positive impact and established advantageous learning climate and decreased hunger and absenteeism in schools, while increasing enrolment, participation and scholarly execution among the schoolchildren.

Inequalities in geographical distribution of heritage in Scotland, investigating spatial exposure to heritage sites through area-based and individual-based (GPS) measurement

Growing evidence suggests that visiting heritage, such as historic buildings, or landscapes, may enhance mental health. However, adults and children from deprived areas are less likely to visit heritage, perhaps partly due to unequal geographical availability. Few studies investigate socio-spatial inequity of heritage access nationally, and there is an absence of research exploring individual-based contact with heritage. We study both and ours is the first to use Global Positioning System (GPS) data to examine the latter. For Scotland we quantify area-level ‘opportunities’ for heritage contact (i.e., data zone-level counts of sites), and SPACES Study children's (n = 688) individual-level heritage ‘encounters’ (i.e., GPS buffer-level counts of sites), by income deprivation. Heritage exposure varied by deprivation at area- (ANOVA p < 0.001) and individual-level (p = 0.003); in poorer areas there were fewer ‘opportunities’ to visit heritage (mean numbers in most deprived: 2.8 (CI:2.2–3.5), and least deprived: 11.7 (CI:10.3–13.1)) and children had fewer ‘encounters’ with heritage (most deprived: 32.6 (CI:25.3–40.2), and least deprived: 58.0 (CI:47.9–69.3)). Inequalities at individual-level were smaller than at area-level; children in poorer areas appeared to compensate for fewer sites near home during their daily movements. Nonetheless, inequalities in exposure did persist, and opportunities to access heritage remained unequal to the detriment of those in poorer areas. Our evidence is policy relevant, highlighting a need for place-based schemes to address geographic inequalities in access. For example, targeted investment in heritage in/near deprived areas; free site entry for those on lower incomes; and educational outreach activities to improve awareness of local heritage.

Targeted poverty alleviation promotes sustainable socio-economic and ecological development in China's poor areas

Ending extreme poverty and achieving sustainable development by 2030 poses a significant challenge for developing countries. In the past decade, China has pioneered the Targeted Poverty Alleviation (TPA) strategy and implemented a range of anti-poverty programs, aiming to reconcile poverty reduction with environmental restoration. However, the effectiveness of the TPA strategy in facilitating sustainable development in the poor areas of China (PAC) remains unclear. Drawing on a perspective of systems, this study compiles a panel dataset of 832 nationally designated poverty-stricken counties in China from 2013 to 2020 and employ the coupling coordination degree model to examine the coupling and coordination relationships among economic, social, and environmental systems in the PAC. We find that during the TPA period, the socioeconomic level developed rapidly, while the environmental quality was slightly improved in the PAC. The TPA strategy promotes the coordinated development of social, economic, and ecological systems in the PAC, shifting the relationship between human and environment from imbalance to coordination. Our findings underscore the necessity for the Chinese government to persist in its environmental restoration efforts in the PAC to guarantee a sustained development progress.

Study on the Distribution Law of External Water Pressure with Limited Discharge during Shield Construction of Soft Rock Tunnel in Western Henan Province

When shield tunneling is carried out in poor geological areas with high water head and low strength, there is a great construction risk, and the external water pressure is one of the key factors affecting the stability and safety of the tunnel during shield tunneling. Taking the Yinguruxin tunnel of Xin’an County as the engineering background, the geological conditions and water-bearing characteristics of the water-rich area in the tunnel excavation path are analyzed by means of drilling and high-density electrical method, and the pumping test is used to evaluate the groundwater linkage in the water-rich area. The 2022 version of Midas GTS NX is used to study the distribution characteristics of external water pressure during tunnel excavation in fault zones, and the influence of different drainage rates on the external water pressure of the tunnel is analyzed. The results show that the rock mass in the unfavorable geological section of the tunnel excavation is broken and rich in water, but the complexity of the stratum leads to uneven water richness in the axis direction of the tunnel. The drainage rate is the key to affecting the external water pressure of the lining. The drainage rate is the key to affecting the external water pressure of the tunnel. The correct drainage rate is an effective measure to reduce the external water pressure of the tunnel. The internal and external water pressure of the tunnel decreases with the increase of the drainage rate. When the drainage rate reaches 66.67% of the water inflow, the external water pressure of the tunnel can be reduced to 0.3 MPa to ensure the safety of the earth pressure balance shield machine in the tunneling process. The conclusion provides a useful reference for the high water pressure control of the tunnel shield tunneling process.

The role of labor discrimination in spatial sorting: the USA as an example of ethnic groups staying apart

AbstractDespite the vast research about discrimination, there is little evidence about how space interacts with it. Our main hypothesis is that a discriminated group could have incentives to stay together, even if the location is less dynamic—avoiding areas where firms do not usually hire workers of their group. A virtuous and/or vicious circle emerges for each group, even in the long run. Using USA as an example, this article introduces a theoretical economic model to explain the incentives of ethnic groups in terms of location. We extend the well-known model of discrimination with imperfect information to a spatial framework. The results seem to indicate that the initial population distribution and the barriers to agglomerate activity (transport costs), as well as the behavior of employees, are key elements to determine the equilibrium. As a general conclusion, discrimination processes could clearly modify the location pattern of the population. Hence, the discriminated group could suffer from lower incentives to move from non-agglomerated areas to dynamic areas. These processes could help to explain why some populations prefer to maintain their traditional location in poor areas even if there are places with higher wages or better quality of life.

2-week prevalence and associated factors of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea among children aged 6–23 months in rural Hunan Province

Fever and diarrhea are key causes of malnutrition, growth and development disorders, and death among children. At present, most studies on the associated factors of fever and diarrhea in children are concentrated in African and South Asian countries, but relevant research in China is very limited. This study was aimed to analyze the two-week prevalence of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea among children aged 6–23 months in rural areas of Hunan Province and to explore the associated factors. The survey data of the Nutrition Improvement Program for Children in Poor Areas (NIPCPA) from 2016 to 2023 was used here. NIPCPA is a cross-sectional survey completed annually in Hunan to collect children’s nutrition and health indicators. The two-week prevalence rates of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea among children aged 6–23 months were 12.2% (2066/16,985), 9.6% (1634/16,985), and 3.2% (542/16,985), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the risks of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea were higher among younger children. The high educational level of caregivers, effective consumption of Yingyangbao (a complementary food supplement containing iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B12, folic acid, and other micronutrients), and complementary feeding meeting minimum dietary diversity and meeting minimum acceptable diet were protective factors against fever in children, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 0.87 (95%CI: 0.78–0.98), 0.78 (0.69–0.87), 0.73 (0.65–0.82), and 0.74 (0.66–0.84), respectively. Effective consumption of Yingyangbao, and complementary feeding meeting the minimum dietary diversity and meeting minimum acceptable diet were protective factors against diarrhea in children, with aORs of 0.72 (95%CI: 0.63–0.83), 0.79 (0.70–0.91), and 0.80 (0.70–0.92), respectively. Effective consumption of Yingyangbao, and complementary feeding meeting the minimum dietary diversity and meeting minimum acceptable diet were protective factors against coexisting fever and diarrhea among children, with aORs of 0.53 (95%CI: 0.43–0.66), 0.71 (0.58–0.89), and 0.70 (0.56–0.88), respectively. Fever, diarrhea, and the coexisting fever and diarrhea affect one in eight, one in ten, and one in thirty children respectively in rural areas of Hunan. Effective interventions should be actively taken, such as improving the education level of caregivers, enhancing their scientific feeding skills for children, and promoting children’s compliance with Yingyangbao consumption, to further reduce the prevalence of fever and diarrhea in children.

Assessing the impact of rural E-commerce on regional poverty alleviation: A spatial spillover analysis

China's innovative and sustainable e-commerce poverty alleviation model has not only generated significant social and economic value but also serves as an effective practical case for global poverty reduction. This study employed 611 counties in contiguous poverty-affected areas in China from 2011 to 2022 as valid research samples. It adopted the Spatial Autoregression Model, Spatial Error Model, and Spatial Durbin Model to examine the impact of rural e-commerce on the quality of poverty alleviation, spatial spillover effects, and regional heterogeneity in contiguous poverty-affected areas. The results indicate that rural e-commerce improves the quality of poverty alleviation in local regions and has a spatial spillover effect on the quality of poverty alleviation in adjacent regions. Moreover, significant regional heterogeneity exists in the direct promotion and spatial spillover effects of rural e-commerce on the quality of poverty alleviation in contiguously poor areas. Specifically, in the impoverished areas of eastern, central, and northeastern China, rural e-commerce not only enhances the quality of poverty alleviation in the local region but also has a positive spillover effect on the poverty alleviation quality of neighboring regions. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for rural e-commerce to consolidate the achievements of poverty alleviation and align them with rural revitalization efforts.

Edutainment and Dwelling-Related Assets in Poor Rural Areas of Peru

Abstract We exploit a field experiment by (Chong, A., and M. Valdivia. 2023. “Edutainment, Savings, and Generational Differences in Rural Areas of Peru.” In Working Paper. Department of Economics, Georgia State University) and test whether poor women from rural areas in developing countries that are able to save seek dwelling-related assets and find causal evidence that this is indeed the case. Furthermore, we also find that the older cohort of women, those aged forty and higher, also prioritize material assets related to health-related expenditures, in particular, access to public sewerage system.