Allocation Of Public Resources Research Articles

A Systematic Review on Post Covid-19 Complications and Risk Factors

Abstract: That should be because the COVID-19 pandemic has been very crucial to society, global health, and the lives of all human beings, underscoring the feature of a viral germ leading to infirmities of a serious nature that still affect several sick people even beyond the acute phase of infection. This review is intended to be a lighthouse regarding the risk factors and possibly associated outcomes of several post-COVID-19 issues affecting recovered patients. Respiratory system— Persistent cough, chronic respiratory insufficiency, and pulmonary fibrosis are examples of post-COVID-19 consequences that can impair long-term respiratory function. The current research also identifies a significant association between COVID-19 and deleterious cardiovascular effects, including myocarditis, heart failure, and thromboembolic events that are also studied as part of the cardiovascular consequences. The neurological manifestations of encephalopathy, stroke, persistent cognitive impairment, and mental health concerns deserve broad consideration. The more long-term effects on brain function going forward are pointed out. For the assessment of the immediate and long-term impacts of COVID-19, research into its after-effects becomes almost imperative. It aims to identify and assess the diverse health issues that people can encounter even when they have apparently recovered from acute illness. Research into these problems can help healthcare. Research into the after-effects of COVID-19 is also critical to public health planning and resource allocation. Other than an estimation of the potential cost of treatment and care for people suffering from sequelae, this research helps project health needs for affected persons and communities. In other words, research into COVID-19-related issues is the way to conduct public health initiatives, treat patients more comprehensively, and advance science to mitigate and prevent the long-lasting consequences of such a global health crisis

Spatial Accessibility and Uptake of Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccinations by Social Vulnerability.

Geographic accessibility predicts pediatric preventive care utilization, including vaccine uptake. However, spatial inequities in the pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rollout remain underexplored. We assessed the spatial accessibility of vaccination sites and analyzed predictors of vaccine uptake. In this cross-sectional study of pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations from the US Vaccine Tracking System as of July 29, 2022, we described spatial accessibility by geocoding vaccination sites, measuring travel times from each Census tract population center to the nearest site, and weighting tracts by their population demographics to obtain nationally representative estimates. We used quasi-Poisson regressions to calculate incidence rate ratios, comparing vaccine uptake between counties with highest and lowest quartile Social Vulnerability Index scores: socioeconomic status (SES), household composition and disability (HCD), minority status and language (MSL), and housing type and transportation. We analyzed 15 233 956 doses administered across 27 526 sites. Rural, uninsured, white, and Native American populations experienced longer travel times to the nearest site than urban, insured, Hispanic, Black, and Asian American populations. Overall Social Vulnerability Index, SES, and HCD were associated with decreased vaccine uptake among children aged 6 months to 4 years (overall: incidence rate ratio 0.70 [95% confidence interval 0.60-0.81]; SES: 0.66 [0.58-0.75]; HCD: 0.38 [0.33-0.44]) and 5 years to 11 years (overall: 0.85 [0.77-0.95]; SES: 0.71 [0.65-0.78]; HCD: 0.67 [0.61-0.74]), whereas social vulnerability by MSL was associated with increased uptake (6 months-4 years: 5.16 [3.59-7.42]; 5 years-11 years: 1.73 [1.44-2.08]). Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine uptake and accessibility differed by race, rurality, and social vulnerability. National supply data, spatial accessibility measurement, and place-based vulnerability indices can be applied throughout public health resource allocation, surveillance, and research.

Efficient Urban Planning: an Analysis of Data Management in Inspection in Goiânia

Purpose: The objective of this study is to investigate the efficiency of the urban inspection process in Goiânia and identify how data management can be improved to improve decision-making and resource allocation Theoretical Framework: The research is based on concepts and theories about urban planning, data management and inspection, highlighting the importance of precision, reliability, completeness, relevance and timeliness of data for effective management. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a qualitative approach. DIRFIS internal reports, semi-structured interviews with SEPLANH employees and direct observations during field visits were used. Data collection was carried out through document analysis, interviews and participant observation. The results revealed the existence of gaps in the integration and consistency of data used in urban inspection in Goiânia. Findings: The discussion contextualizes these findings considering the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications for public management and suggesting improvements in the data collection and use process. Limitations of the study are also addressed, indicating areas for future research. Practical and theoretical implications include the need for a more integrated and systematized approach to data management to improve urban surveillance. The results can influence practices in the field of urban planning and public management, promoting greater efficiency and effectiveness. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of data management in urban inspection, offering a specific analysis of the context of Goiânia. Implications: The relevance and value of the research are evidenced by the potential improvement in the efficiency of urban planning and the allocation of public resources.

Investigation of geographic disparities of diabetes-related hospitalizations in Florida using flexible spatial scan statistics: An ecological study.

Hospitalizations due to diabetes complications are potentially preventable with effective management of the condition in the outpatient setting. Diabetes-related hospitalization (DRH) rates can provide valuable information about access, utilization, and efficacy of healthcare services. However, little is known about the local geographic distribution of DRH rates in Florida. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the geographic distribution of DRH rates at the ZIP code tabulation area (ZCTA) level in Florida, identify significant local clusters of high hospitalization rates, and describe characteristics of ZCTAs within the observed spatial clusters. Hospital discharge data from 2016 to 2019 were obtained from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration through a Data Use Agreement with the Florida Department of Health. Raw and spatial empirical Bayes smoothed DRH rates were computed at the ZCTA level. High-rate DRH clusters were identified using Tango's flexible spatial scan statistic. Choropleth maps were used to display smoothed DRH rates and significant high-rate spatial clusters. Demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare-related characteristics of cluster and non-cluster ZCTAs were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables. There was a total of 554,133 diabetes-related hospitalizations during the study period. The statewide DRH rate was 8.5 per 1,000 person-years, but smoothed rates at the ZCTA level ranged from 0 to 101.9. A total of 24 significant high-rate spatial clusters were identified. High-rate clusters had a higher percentage of rural ZCTAs (60.9%) than non-cluster ZCTAs (41.8%). The median percent of non-Hispanic Black residents was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in cluster ZCTAs than in non-cluster ZCTAs. Populations of cluster ZCTAs also had significantly (p < 0.0001) lower median income and educational attainment, and higher levels of unemployment and poverty compared to the rest of the state. In addition, median percent of the population with health insurance coverage and number of primary care physicians per capita were significantly (p < 0.0001) lower in cluster ZCTAs than in non-cluster ZCTAs. This study identified geographic disparities of DRH rates at the ZCTA level in Florida. The identification of high-rate DRH clusters provides useful information to guide resource allocation such that communities with the highest burdens are prioritized to reduce the observed disparities. Future research will investigate determinants of hospitalization rates to inform public health planning, resource allocation and interventions.

Excess Fatal Overdoses in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Geography and Substance Type: March 2020-August 2021.

Objectives. To assess heterogeneity in pandemic-period excess fatal overdoses in the United States, by location (state, county) and substance type. Methods. We used seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models to estimate counterfactual death counts in the scenario that no pandemic had occurred. Such estimates were subtracted from actual death counts to assess the magnitude of pandemic-period excess mortality between March 2020 and August 2021. Results. Nationwide, we estimated 25 668 (95% prediction interval [PI] = 2811, 48 524) excess overdose deaths. Specifically, 17 of 47 states and 197 of 592 counties analyzed had statistically significant excess overdose-related mortality. West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and New Mexico had the highest rates (20-37 per 100 000). Nationally, there were 5.7 (95% PI = 1.0, 10.4), 3.1 (95% PI = 2.1, 4.2), and 1.4 (95% PI = 0.5, 2.4) excess deaths per 100 000 involving synthetic opioids, psychostimulants, and alcohol, respectively. Conclusions. The steep increase in overdose-related mortality affected primarily the southern and western United States. We identified synthetic opioids and psychostimulants as the main contributors. Public Health Implications. Characterizing overdose-related excess mortality across locations and substance types is critical for optimal allocation of public health resources. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(6):599-609. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307618).

Spatial patterns of tuberculosis in Aceh Province during the COVID-19 pandemic: a geospatial autocorrelation assessment

Abstract Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Aceh Province, where tuberculosis incidence has reached alarming levels, understanding the spatial distribution of cases is crucial for effective interventions. This study aimed to assess the spatial autocorrelation of tuberculosis incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic in 23 districts of Aceh Province, Indonesia. Using an ecological study, we analysed secondary data of the reported tuberculosis cases in Aceh Province covering 2020 to 2022. We use the Shapiro-Wilk test to evaluate the normality and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the differences between study periods. Spatial autocorrelation was evaluated at both global and local levels using Moran’s I and Getis-Ord statistics, respectively. The study included 24,715 tuberculosis cases, revealing that the district with the highest incidence differed in each year. The study showed that TB case in Aceh Province was not normally distributed yet different for each study period. Surprisingly, the global spatial autocorrelation was detected only in 2022 (p-value = 0.013). However, local spatial autocorrelation identified Pidie Jaya, Lhokseumawe, Aceh Utara and Bener Meriah as statistically significant hot-spots for 3 consecutive years. It suggests that the tuberculosis incidence in most districts did not significantly influence the incidence of tuberculosis in its neighbours. These findings contribute to our understanding of tuberculosis distribution and offer valuable insights for public health planning and resource allocation.

Exploring Dynamic Changes in HIV-1 Molecular Transmission Networks and Key Influencing Factors: Cross-Sectional Study.

The HIV-1 molecular network is an innovative tool, using gene sequences to understand transmission attributes and complementing social and sexual network studies. While previous research focused on static network characteristics, recent studies' emphasis on dynamic features enhances our understanding of real-time changes, offering insights for targeted interventions and efficient allocation of public health resources. This study aims to identify the dynamic changes occurring in HIV-1 molecular transmission networks and analyze the primary influencing factors driving the dynamics of HIV-1 molecular networks. We analyzed and compared the dynamic changes in the molecular network over a specific time period between the baseline and observed end point. The primary factors influencing the dynamic changes in the HIV-1 molecular network were identified through univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. A total of 955 HIV-1 polymerase fragments were successfully amplified from 1013 specimens; CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC were the predominant subtypes, accounting for 40.8% (n=390) and 33.6% (n=321) of the specimens, respectively. Through the analysis and comparison of the basic and terminal molecular networks, it was discovered that 144 sequences constituted static molecular networks, and 487 sequences contributed to the formation of dynamic molecular networks. The findings of the multivariate analysis indicated that the factors occupation as a student, floating population, Han ethnicity, engagement in occasional or multiple sexual partnerships, participation in anal sex, and being single were independent risk factors for the dynamic changes observed in the HIV-1 molecular network, and the odds ratio (OR; 95% CIs) values were 2.63 (1.54-4.47), 1.83 (1.17-2.84), 2.91 (1.09-7.79), 1.75 (1.06-2.90), 4.12 (2.48-6.87), 5.58 (2.43-12.80), and 2.10 (1.25-3.54), respectively. Heterosexuality and homosexuality seem to exhibit protective effects when compared to bisexuality, with OR values of 0.12 (95% CI 0.05-0.32) and 0.26 (95% CI 0.11-0.64), respectively. Additionally, the National Eight-Item score and sex education experience were also identified as protective factors against dynamic changes in the HIV-1 molecular network, with OR values of 0.12 (95% CI 0.05-0.32) and 0.26 (95% CI 0.11-0.64), respectively. The HIV-1 molecular network analysis showed 144 sequences in static networks and 487 in dynamic networks. Multivariate analysis revealed that occupation as a student, floating population, Han ethnicity, and risky sexual behavior were independent risk factors for dynamic changes, while heterosexuality and homosexuality were protective compared to bisexuality. A higher National Eight-Item score and sex education experience were also protective factors. The identification of HIV dynamic molecular networks has provided valuable insights into the characteristics of individuals undergoing dynamic alterations. These findings contribute to a better understanding of HIV-1 transmission dynamics and could inform targeted prevention strategies.

Voluntary federal transfers and resource application: a systematic literature review

Voluntary federal transfers and resource application: a systematic literature review

Disease burden of Parkinson's disease in China and its provinces from 1990 to 2021: findings from the global burden of disease study 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) has become a public health concern with global ageing. However, comprehensive assessments of the temporal and geographical trend of PD disease burden in China remain insufficient. This study aimed to examine the burden of PD by age, gender, and geographical region in China during 1990-2021. Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, we analysed the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY burden of PD in 33 Chinese provinces/regions. We compared the national figure with the global average and the corresponding estimates from the G20 countries. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was used to quantify the temporal trends of PD burden during 1990-2021. We further assessed the PD burden by age and gender during 1990-2021. We used a decomposition analysis to investigate the changes in the number of new cases, patients, and deaths of PD during 1990-2021. In 2021, China recorded the highest age-standardised incidence and prevalence of PD among the G20 countries, at 24.3 per 100,000 and 245.7 per 100,000, respectively, figures that were much higher than the global average. During 1990-2021, the age-standardised incidence of PD in China increased by 89.7%, and the age-standardised prevalence by 167.8%, both marking the largest increases among the G20 countries. In contrast, the age-standardised mortality for PD has significantly decreased since 1990, whereas the age-standardised DALY rate for PD has remained relatively unchanged since 1990. The PD burden gradually increased with age, especially in the elderly population aged ≥65 years. During 1990-2021, the burden in males consistently surpassed that in females, with the gender difference widening over time. The increase in new cases and patients of PD was primarily driven by changes in age-specific rates, while the rise in PD-related deaths was largely attributable to population ageing. The disease burden of PD varied considerably across the Chinese provinces. In 2021, age-standardised incidence and prevalence of PD were generally higher in China's southeastern coastal regions than in the western regions, and age-standardised DALY rates were higher in the northern regions than in other regions. The disease burden of PD in China has consistently risen over the past three decades, particularly among elderly men. The increasing causative factors and population aging highlight the need for enhancing public health intervention and resource allocation, especially in etiological research, early diagnosis, preventive strategies, and region-specific management for PD. Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (2022YFC2304900, 2022YFC2505100); National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFC2505100, 2022YFC2505103, 2018YFC1315300); Outstanding Young Scholars Support Program (grant number: 3111500001); Epidemiology modeling and risk assessment (grant number: 20200344), and Xi'an Jiaotong University Young Scholar Support Grant (grant number: YX6J004).

Investigation of multidimensional poverty in Pakistan at the national, regional, and provincial level

AbstractTo achieve the sustainable development goal of “no poverty”, many attempts have been made to measure poverty so that policy intervention can target the right people with the correct intensity. Since the traditional method of a unidimensional approach using monetary indicators, such as income and consumption, is now considered insufficient, a multidimensional approach has been employed using non-monetary indicators. The latter approach encompasses the different poverty aspects affecting an individual’s capabilities and functioning. This study aimed to calculate multidimensional poverty in Pakistan using the Alkire &amp; Foster method and Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data for 2018–19. To further complete the research, a binary logistic regression has been run to measure the effects of a deviation in income status on multidimensional poverty to see the impact of monetary income on non-monetary measures. Results show that the national global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is 0.24, meaning that multidimensionally poor people in Pakistan experience 24% of the total deprivations. The most deprived dimension of the three is education (44.7%), which needs special attention. Furthermore, if a household’s total annual income increases and becomes more significant than the mean income of the sample, the household’s probability of being multidimensionally poor will decrease. This implies that with the increase in average national income, the national poverty will reduce not only in absolute terms but also multidimensionally. This study’s findings have several implications for policymakers, and the results of the MPI should align the allocation of public sector resources calculated to give a geographical and sectoral image of the poverty situation, which will guide policy designs and allocation of budget and resources.

The influence of an urban hukou and its acquisition methods on older adults’ happiness: an analysis based on the Chinese General Social Survey

The hukou system is a population management policy in China. However, existing research has paid little attention to the relationships between Chinese urban hukou, its acquisition methods, and older adults’ happiness. This study was based on 10,954 samples from the Chinese General Social Survey in 2013, 2015, and 2017. An ordinary least squares model was used to analyze the influence and differential influence of an urban hukou and its access paths on happiness among older adults. Compared with having a rural hukou, having an urban hukou is correlated with higher levels of happiness in older adults. Moreover, those who had actively converted to an urban hukou or were born with it were happier, while passive conversion to an urban hukou was not significantly correlated with happiness. Additionally, actively converting to an urban hukou and being born with urban hukou influence the happiness of older adults by affecting their class identity and income. To improve older adults’ happiness, it is necessary to narrow the welfare gap between an urban and rural hukou, balance the allocation of public resources in urban and rural areas, and make targeted assessments to solve the difficulties of older adults who passively convert to an urban hukou.

Trends in SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold (Ct) values from nucleic acid testing predict the trajectory of COVID-19 waves

Forecasting COVID-19 waves helps with public health planning and resource allocation. Cycle threshold (Ct) values obtained from positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) results offer limited value for individual patient management, but real-time analysis of temporal trends of aggregated Ct values may provide helpful information to predict the trajectories of COVID-19 waves in the community. Ct value trends on 59,609 SARS-CoV-2 NAAT-positive results from 574,403 tests using a single testing assay system, between September 2021 and January 2023, were examined to monitor the trend of the proportion of positive NAAT with lower Ct values (≤28) in relation to changing COVID-19 case numbers over time. We applied regression with autoregressive integrated moving average errors modelling approach to study the relation between Ct values and case counts. We also developed an insight product to monitor the temporal trends with Ct values obtained from SARS-CoV-2 NAAT-positive results. In this study, the proportion of lower Ct values preceded by a range of 7-32 days the rising population COVID-19 testing rate reflecting onset of a COVID-19 wave. Monitoring population Ct values may assist in predicting increased disease activity.

Innovation Strategies and Technical Efficiency

In the innovation literature, little attention has been paid to technical efficiency as a measure of performance, despite the fact that technical efficiency is key to explaining firm productivity. In this study we analyze the influence of internal R&D, external R&D and R&D cooperation on the technical efficiency of the firm. The data used come from the Panel de Innovación Tecnológica 2016 for Spanish companies, from whose database we have selected the set of innovative manufacturing firms. To estimate the coefficients of interest we have constructed a knowledge production function, estimated using Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and the Heckman correction. The results indicate that both internal R&D and R&D cooperation have a positive and significant influence on technical efficiency, while external R&D has a significant negative relationship. Knowing this type of information in advance is very important for business managers and policy makers, since it facilitates decision-making on innovation strategies, as well as the formulation of public policies to support innovation leading to an efficient allocation of public resources.

Territorial patterns of COVID-19 in Iran

Motives: Spatial analysis has become an essential tool in understanding the underlying factors that contribute to the distribution of viral pandemics, diseases, injuries, and mortality patterns. By visualizing geographical data in spatial maps, researchers can identify local distribution patterns and potential drivers behind these patterns. In health and medical sciences, there has been a growing recognition that spatial analysis and mapping techniques are helpful in addressing various challenges related to the allocation of healthcare resource in both urban and rural areas. Aim: The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution pattern of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Index of Proximity Distribution (IPD) across 31 provinces of Iran between February 2019 and February 2023. A two-stage sampling method combining convenience and cluster sampling was used to examine COVID-19 distribution patterns in 31 provinces of Iran between 22 February 2020 and 22 February 2023. COVID-19 and IPD data were collected as part of this panel study. Data were analyzed using t-tests, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS version 28 (α = 0.05). Subsequently, daily COVID-19 infection data for each province in the analyzed period were processed in ArcGIS software, and the spatial distribution pattern of the pandemic in Iran were visualized by point density analysis. Standard distance and standard deviation ellipse techniques were employed to assess the density or dispersion of infected individuals and to determine the spatial distribution pattern of COVID-19 in Iran. A spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I) analysis was conducted to identify the spatial distribution pattern of COVID-19 in Iran. Additionally, distance-based spatial autocorrelation was used to examine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection across Iranian provinces. In a grouping analysis, 31 Iranian provinces were classified into five groups based on the number of COVID-19 cases, and spatial statistics were used to examine the prevalence of COVID-19 within each group. A hot spot analysis and a standard distance (SD) analysis were conducted to explore spatial correlations in the number of individuals affected by COVID-19 in each province. Results: Based on the Moran index, a random spatial pattern with a Z-Score of 1.485 was identified in March 2019, whereas a clustered distribution of COVID-19 with a Z-Score of 3.039 was determined in February 2023. The distance-based spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed a positive value of the Moran index (0.136627) at a distance of 383.3 kilometers from Tehran, which points to positive spatial autocorrelation and a higher number of COVID-19 cases in nearby regions. Conversely, the Moran index assumed a negative value of 0.040246 at a distance of 726.6 kilometers from Tehran, which suggests that the number of pandemic cases decreased over distance from Tehran. Moreover, based on the results of the hot spot analysis, Tehran province was identified as a hot cluster with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 cases in that region. In contrast, Bushehr province was classified as a cold cluster with a lower prevalence of COVID-19 cases in comparison with the surrounding regions. These findings provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution and clustering of COVID-19 cases in Iran. The shift from a random spatial pattern in 2019 to clustered distribution in 2023 indicates that the pandemic spread rate increased over time. The positive spatial autocorrelation near Tehran highlights the role of proximity and population movement in the transmission of the virus. Furthermore, the identification of hot spots and cold spots in a country can inform targeted interventions and resource allocation to effectively manage and control the pandemic. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of spatial analysis in identifying the spatial distribution patterns and the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. The integration of spatial analysis techniques with epidemiological data contributes to a better understanding of spatial-temporal patterns, facilitates effective public health responses and resource allocation strategies. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the spatial epidemiology of COVID-19 and can aid in informing future preparedness and response efforts in Iran and other regions that face similar challenges.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF TYPHOID FEVER PREVALENCE AMONG SUSPECTED CASES IN RAWALPINDI AND ISLAMABAD: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH INTERVENTION

Typhoid fever remains a significant public health concern in Pakistan, particularly in urban areas such as Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Understanding the prevalence of this disease is crucial for informing public health interventions and resource allocation. This study aims to determine the prevalence of typhoid fever among patients suspected of the disease in District Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A cross-sectional study was conducted over three months, from November 2011 to January 2012. A random sample of 500 patients suspected of typhoid fever was collected from various regional hospitals and clinical laboratories. Samples were tested using the Widal test or Typhi dot, and data on patient demographics and test results were recorded. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the data. Prevalence rates were calculated, and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore variations in prevalence among different age groups. Of the 500 samples collected, 95 tested positive for typhoid fever, yielding an overall prevalence rate of 19%. Subgroup analysis revealed that 31.5% of positive cases were in adults, while 68.5% were in children under the age of 15 years. Among children, the prevalence rates varied across different age groups, with 13.8%, 55.3%, and 30.7% of positive cases reported in 1-4 years, 5-12 years, and 12-15 years, respectively. Further analysis estimated the total prevalence of typhoid fever in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, revealing a prevalence rate of 685 per 10,000 individuals among children. This study highlights the significant burden of typhoid fever in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, particularly among children. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to control the spread of the disease, including vaccination campaigns and improved sanitation measures. Continued surveillance and monitoring are essential for tracking trends in typhoid prevalence and guiding regional public health strategies.

Rethinking the nexus between urban amenities and migrants’ hukou transfer intentions in China: the role of the hukou value

ABSTRACT The household registration (hukou) system differentiates China from Western countries regarding restrictions on internal migration, the allocation of public resources, and the country’s urbanization and development patterns. Although studies have investigated the influence of urban amenities on China’s internal migration, limited attention has been given to clarifying the intricate role of hukou values behind these amenities. The research revisits the influence of amenities on migrants’ hukou transfer intentions with an analytical framework dividing amenities into two categories, those related to hukou and those unrelated, and incorporating the role of the hukou value of the city. Econometric results indicate a significant influence of amenities related to hukou (basic education, health care) and those unrelated (urban consumption, temperature, cultural inclusion, transportation facilities). It also reveals a moderating effect of hukou value, reflected in the strengthened influence of hukou-related amenities, while such an effect is less apparent for amenities unrelated to hukou. Compared to amenities unrelated to hukou, hukou-related amenities mainly have indirect effects moderated by hukou value but less direct influence. Heterogeneity analysis of skilled and less-skilled migrant groups and robustness checks are also conducted. Our findings provide policy implications for China to deepen the future hukou reform.

How does choice of residential community affect the social integration of rural migrants: insights from China

The construction of public space is a new and important way to integrate rural migrants into urban society. Existing studies mainly discussed the factors affecting the social integration of rural migrants from the micro-individual and macro-system levels. Still, they seldom analyzed the differences between rural migrants’ residential communities and the roles these differences play in their social integration, especially from the perspective of residential space. Based on the data of the 2014 China Migrants Dynamic Monitoring Survey, this paper systematically examines the impact of residential community selection on the social integration of rural migrants and its possible effects using OLS, 2SLS, CMP, omitted variable test method, and KHB mediating effect model. It is found that the choice of residential community has a significant positive impact on the social integration of rural migrants, and the social integration of rural migrants living in formal communities has increased by 2.44%-3.20%. To overcome the potential endogeneity problems and selection bias of the empirical model, the study further adopted an instrumental variable estimation approach, combined with the omitted variable method for robustness check; the results still revealed the positive effect of living in formal communities on the social integration of rural migrants. The heterogeneous results showed that living in formal communities has a greater effect on the social integration of women and older-generation rural migrants. The farther the migration range and the longer the residence time of rural migrants, the greater the effect of living in the formal community on their social integration. Further mechanism testing revealed that living in formal communities not only directly enhances the social integration of rural migrants but also indirectly improves their social integration through public resource allocation, human capital accumulation, social status screening, and social network expansion. The indirect effect of capital accumulation is even greater. Therefore, to accelerate the full integration of rural migrants into urban society and achieve real urbanization and citizenship, the study proposes that the government should scientifically plan the layout of rural migrants’ living space and the construction of supporting facilities.

Forecasted Dementia Prevalence in Portugal (2020-2080).

Dementia is a global public health challenge, and its impact on Portugal is yet unclear. This study forecasts dementia prevalence in Portugal until 2080. Using the Gonçalves-Pereira et al (2021) method, we estimated dementia cases among older adults (≥65 years) in the community. Applying age-sex specific prevalence rates of the Gonçalves-Pereira study to population projections for Portugal between 2020-2080, based on the 10/66 Dementia Research Group criteria (10/66 DRG) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria (DSM-IV), to Portugal's population projections (2020-2080) under various growth scenarios (low, medium, and high). We anticipate a more than 2-fold increase in dementia prevalence from 2020 to 2080, both for 10/66 DRG [2.1%-5.0%] and DSM-IV [.8%-2.0%]. By 2080, those aged ≥80 years are projected to constitute 75.0% (vs 59.0% in 2020) of all dementia cases, particularly affecting women. Addressing dementia growth in Portugal calls for a comprehensive global response, while country-level estimates facilitate informed public health planning, policy-making, and resource allocation.

State Special Funds in Poland and Uzbekistan: A Comparative Legal Analysis

Abstract This paper presents a comparative analysis of state special funds in Poland and Uzbekistan, focusing on their legal dimensions within the framework of financial law. State special funds play a vital role in the allocation and management of public resources, serving as targeted financial mechanisms to address specific needs and promote socio-economic development. However, there is limited comparative research examining the legal frameworks and operational aspects of these funds in different jurisdictions. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of state special funds in Poland and Uzbekistan, providing valuable insights into their legal frameworks, objectives, structures, and operational mechanisms. The research objectives of this study include examining the legal frameworks governing state special funds in both countries, analysing their objectives and operational mechanisms, identifying similarities and differences, and assessing their effectiveness and challenges. By achieving these objectives, this study aims to contribute to the enhancement of financiallaw practices in both jurisdictions and to provide knowledge for improving the legal frameworks and operational efficiency of state special funds.

How does the marketization of public resources alleviate corporate credit mismatches?

Market-oriented allocation of public resources is crucial for supporting the high-quality development strategy of Chinese-style modernization. This paper examines how the market-oriented allocation of public resources affects the credit mismatches of enterprises in different cities by focusing on establishing public resource trading centers in China. The analysis is based on listed firms from 2010 to 2022. A multi-period difference-in-difference model is employed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms. The findings indicate that marketization of public resources can effectively alleviate corporate credit mismatch, and the impact is achieved by mitigating corporate financing constraints and information asymmetry.