Quality Of Rural Life Research Articles

Quality of Rural Life. Editorial 16 June 2018

Abstract The paper discusses the concept of the quality of life and its measuring. It tries to explain its peculiarities in the rural space considering different levels of education, professional activities, mobility, ways of dwelling, access to the social and technical infrastructure. The subjective perception of both urban and rural people to the rural quality of life can be manifested in moving in and moving out. The main shortages of the rural quality of life can be seen (by rural people) in a poor access to the prestigious and well-paid jobs and to a richer social life. The main advantages of the rural way of life are generally evaluated (by urban people) by better access to the nature. A promotion of the local identity is considered as an important tool for improving the rural quality of life (besides of a solution of infrastructural problems), considering the enormous difference among European rural areas of a big differentiation of the European countryside. The last part of the paper summarizes the contributions of the special number.

Assessing Tribal College Priorities for Enhancing Climate Adaptation on Reservation Lands

AbstractOn reservation lands, tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) are key to preparing indigenous communities to adapt to the effects of a changing climate. The original mission of TCUs, to improve access to higher education and to sustain the cultural heritage of indigenous people, facilitates close ties between TCU faculty and staff and the indigenous communities they serve. Since 1994, the land‐grant status of TCUs allows access to limited federal funds in support of research, education, and outreach to improve food security, natural resource management, and rural quality of life, while expanding public access to higher education to underserved populations in remote rural areas. This study was designed to assess the priorities for enhancing climate adaptation on reservation lands. It summarizes the results of an assessment implemented at the 2016 Annual First Americans Land‐Grant Consortium Conference. Study participants included faculty, administrators, outreach educators, support staff, and students representing 25 of the 37 TCUs in the United States. Results from this national assessment suggest that in order for TCUs to effectively meet the climate adaptation needs of indigenous communities, additional fiscal and human resource investments are necessary. Specifically, this includes fiscal support to enhance climate science teaching, research, and professional development programs. Additional goals include creating or expanding food‐sovereignty programs, increasing community outreach education, investigating climate change impacts on water resource quality, access, and related ecological services, and exploring renewable and alternative energy opportunities.

Productive functional evolution of rural settlements: analysis of livelihood strategy and land use transition in eastern China

In China, rural settlements are usually multifunctional complex of natural societies and they also play important productive function. This study explored the spatiotemporal evolution of the productive function of three rural settlements, i.e., Hetaoyuan, Dawengshan, and Gaoqiao, in the Yimeng Mountain in Shandong province of eastern China. Residents lived in this three types of rural settlements were all involved in agricultural production (i.e., grain threshing, drying and storage), which had remained dominant in Hetaoyuan. Dawengshan became an industrial-oriented settlement, while Gaoqiao became a commercial-oriented settlement. This evolution was reflected in the livelihood strategy changes of rural households and the transition of rural settlements changes. The choice of livelihood strategy was affected by the livelihood assets and policies, which resulted in the spatiotemporal evolution of the productive function of rural settlements. This study can provide references for the implementation and adjustment of rural residential land consolidation policies and the improvement of production and the quality of rural life in future.

Assessment of the Social Impacts of Sewage Treatment Plant on Rural Quality of Life: A Case Study of Parkandabad Peripheral Villages Around Mashhad

Assessment of the Social Impacts of Sewage Treatment Plant on Rural Quality of Life: A Case Study of Parkandabad Peripheral Villages Around Mashhad

Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life In Rural U.S. Adults with Chronic Disease

Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life In Rural U.S. Adults with Chronic Disease

The Analysis of the Impacts of Tourism on the Quality of Rural Life (Case Study: Uraman District of Sarvabad County

The Analysis of the Impacts of Tourism on the Quality of Rural Life (Case Study: Uraman District of Sarvabad County

Survey Attitudes of Council Members' of Rural Relative to the Preference Quality of Life in Rural Areas (Case Study: Villages of Dehgolan County)

Purpose: The gole of this study is to survey attitudes of council members' of rural relative to the preference quality of life in rural areas of Villages of Dehgolan in Kurditan province. It reveals the priority of indices in terms of the quality of life improvement in this region. Methodology: This study was descriptive - analytical. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey. The study area is 13 villages located in Dehgalan in Kurdistan province. To find the priorities of indices in terms of the quality of life improvement, the comments of 26 of council members were considered. For data analysis obtained from expert opinions the AHP model of fuzzy Delphi (FDAHP) is used. Finding: The obtained results show that the indicators of social health and weight of the weight is minimum, average and maximum. And with 0.311 weight defuzzification preference among the highest quality of life scales in rural from the perspective of experts are selected villages After the physical dimensions of the housing quality index identifier C with 0.289 And quality of rural infrastructure identifiers F and 0.121 fuzzy ranking second and third priority is the rural quality of life between 13 village can be studied. Research limitation: One of the main challenges of this study was that there were no documented standards for defining the quality of life. Original/value: The importance of this study is to examine the objective and subjective aspects quality of life. It has achieved remarkable results in both aspects.

Quality of Life in Rural and Urban Adults 65 Years and Older: Findings From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The proportion of people over 65 years of age is higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and their numbers are expected to increase in the next decade. This study used Andersen's behavioral model to examine quality of life (QOL) in a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling adults 65 years and older according to geographic location. Specifically, associations between 3 dimensions of QOL (health-related QOL [HQOL], social functioning, and emotional well-being) and needs and health behaviors were examined. The 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination survey was linked with the 2007 Area Resources File via the National Center for Health Statistics' remote access system. Frequencies and distribution patterns were assessed according to rural, adjacent, and urban locations. Older adults reported high levels of QOL; however, rural older adults had lower social functioning than their urban counterparts. Older blacks and Hispanics had lower scores than whites on 2 dimensions of QOL. Associations between QOL and needs and health behaviors varied. Although activities of daily living were associated with all 3 dimensions, others were associated with 1 or 2 dimensions. The lower scores on social functioning in rural areas suggest that rural older adults may be socially isolated. Older rural adults may need interventions to maintain physical and mental health, strengthen social relationships and support, and increase their participation in the community to promote QOL. In addition, older blacks and Hispanics seem more vulnerable than whites and may need more assistance.

Small Town Vitality and Viability: Learning from Experiences in the North East of England

Internationally, planning bodies and committees are required to make very difficult decisions with regard to the size, format, and location of rural retail developments, which may have significant long-term implications for the character and quality of rural life. Focusing on the issue of development location in the context of small towns, I evaluate the opportunities and threats associated with a movement to larger format stores. This is explored using case examples of town-centre development, out-of-centre development, and neglect from retail development within the North East of England. The results illustrate the potential to meet multiple policy objectives by encouraging town-centre/edge-of-centre development, but also permitting out-of-centre development when local circumstances render this appropriate.

Study on the Renewal of New Rural Residential Environment in China from the prospect of Functional Complementation of City and Countryside

Based on the analysis of the current new rural construction in China and relationship of origin and resource of city and countryside, the tridimensional development of rural residences are proposed to improve the land use efficiency in response to the demand for garden leisure and tourism from city levels in the urbanization process from the prospect of urban and rural complementation and resource optimization. It will thereby convert the industrial structure in the countryside, develop the local eco tourism and relevant service industries and increase the income and employment opportunities of farmers, which can change the quality of rural life and establish the tridimensional development models of new rural residence in China under the mechanism of city and countryside complementation and interaction fundamentally.

Problems and social policy priorities sustainable development of rural territories (on the Republic Komi example)

This paper deals with the concept of term «sustainable development» of rural areas. Social problems of rural development of the republic of Komi are identified. An intra-rural typology creation is performed. An increasing differentiation in the development of rural areas is concluded. Rural settlements in the republic are characterized by low population density and a rare network of settlements. Low level and quality of rural life (low rural incomes, poor living conditions and high unemployment) and better living conditions in urban areas adversely affect migration processes of the village. Characteristic features of modern rural labour market are: inconsistency of supply and demand of labour in vocational and qualification angle, seasonality of production and temporary nature of the proposed work, low wages, low competitiveness of the youth labour market, high level of registered unemployment and even higher — of unregistered. Analytical material allowed the authors to determine the direction of social policy for sustainable development of rural areas according to the conditions of the North.

Study on the Position and Effect of Information in Improving Rural Life Quality

On the premise of all-round development of rural material civilization and spiritual civilization which are promoted by rural information , the study on the influence and promotion of rural information on rural life quality have become one of research focuses in the rural information technology. Based on the research on information and life quality at home and abroad, the paper designs the hypothesis model about the relation path between information and life quality and the structural equation model algorithm is adopted to test and modify the model. The result reveals that information has a positive influence on rural life quality, and the influence on political and economic development is most obvious. Our study has certain guiding significance to rural information construction and application.

Historical Review of Sports Policy in Rural China (1949–2008)

The rural population in China remains in the majority, and has traditionally played a key role in the development of China. This paper outlines the rhetoric of, and the material changes in the development of rural sports policy in the period since 1949. In effect this represents the largest single programmatic attempt to develop a rural sports policy, and it is one which reflects and contributes to the changing ideology of the state in China. The article explores the historical context of the unfolding of rural sports policy, the rationales provided by state and party leaders and representatives, and the rhetoric employed in supporting such policy direction. The development of policy is described as falling into three periods. From 1949 to 1977 the emphasis was on developing policies to promote labour production and national defence. This was succeeded by a period from 1978 to 2001 in which the major focus was on promoting a culturally positive environment (the construction of a ‘spiritual civilization’), while in the period 2002 –08 the concern was with promoting equity and reducing the gap between urban and rural life quality. These developing rationales have sought in a variety of ways to address the major imbalances that exist in Chinese society between urban and rural, Eastern and Western China, and sports policy has thus became a significant tool in China's modernization agenda in the rural context.

Plant Breeding and Rural Development in the United States

ABSTRACTPlant breeders contributed enormously to the agricultural and economic development of the United States. By improving the profitability of farming, plant breeders improved the economic condition of farmers and contributed to the growth and structure of rural communities. In the years since World War II, agriculture and the quality of rural life have been driven by policies that encouraged and subsidized an agroindustrial production model. Plant breeders responded by developing methods and deploying products attuned to agroindustrial clients. Major achievements by plant breeders of the era include the development of higher‐yielding crops suitable to new environments and mechanized harvesting and shipping. As social, technological, and economic changes reinforced the expansion and dominance of the agroindustrial model, rural communities sustained high levels of out‐migration. At the same time, a variety of societal and economic forces have encouraged new food system models, including the locavores and community‐supported agriculture. Sustainability indices reflect the desire of megaretailers to make the relationship between consumers and the production of their food more transparent. These forces, along with an increased focus on the quality of rural life in America, represent opportunities for plant breeders to address the needs of new clients, to develop methods appropriate to their client's values, and to serve traditional clients in new ways.

Assessment of Socio-Economic Characteristics and Quality of Life Expectations of Rural Communities in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study examined the social, infrastructural and economic conditions prevalent in some rural communities of Enugu State, Nigeria, where recent oil and gas prospecting activities have generated concerns for the environment and quality of rural life. Mixed but complimentary methods of data collection employed include consultations with key stakeholders, focus group discussions, questionnaire survey, field observations, key-informant interviews and secondary sources. Existing socio-economic and infrastructural conditions, citizens’ perceptions of oil and gas activities, and quality of life (QoL) expectations of study communities were documented. Six major units of analysis (or levels of aggregations) with the aid of qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to describe both empirical and /or secondary data. The study revealed large population sizes and even higher population densities, with the economic base in the study area being agriculture. Findings of the study indicate that despite some negative socio-environmental perceptions, citizens’ receptiveness and attitude towards the projects were patently positive. QoL expectations of the communities were embedded in environmentally responsible, culturally sensitive and socially responsive operation of oil companies. Agents and institutions of social control and well- being were also appraised to highlight their QoL contributions in the area.

Characterization of odor released during handling of swine slurry: Part II. Effect of production type, storage and physicochemical characteristics of the slurry

The quality of rural life can be affected by offensive odors released from animal buildings and storage units. The objectives of this study were to compare the concentrations of odor and odorants above different types of stirred swine slurry to analyze the relationships between concentrations of odor (and odorants) and physicochemical characteristics of the slurry (i.e. pH, temperature, dry matter, volatile solids, and concentration of 22 chemical compounds); and to propose predictive models for the odor concentration (OC) based on these physicochemical characteristics (solely and in combination with concentrations of specific odorants in the air above the slurries). The study comprised data on concentrations of odor and odorants in the air above slurry samples (fresh and/or stored) collected from production units with farrowing sows, finishing swines, or weaning pigs at eight swine operations ( N = 48). OC measured in the air above stirred swine slurry samples were not significantly different among production types or storage times. The physicochemical characteristics of the slurries were not useful for predicting OC or concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (or organic sulfides) above the slurry, but were related to concentrations of other emitted gases such as phenols and indoles ( r 2 = 0.65–0.79, p <0.05), ammonia ( r 2 = 0.86, p < 0.05) and carboxylic acids ( r 2 = 0.23–0.59, p <0.05). There was good precision of predictive models of OC based on selected slurry characteristics (i.e. pH, dry matter, nitrogen content, sulfur content or concentrations of individual aromatic compounds and carboxylic acids) together with concentrations of specific odorants in the air (e.g. hydrogen sulfide) ( r 2 between 0.70 and 0.92). This study suggests that predictive models could be useful for evaluating odor nuisance potentials of swine slurry during handling.

Dignified Rural Living, The Right To Development, Multiparty Politics And Legislation In Malawi

This article proposes that the notion of progressive dignified living is a more effective measure of the quality of rural life than other, prevailing means of assessment. The notion entails enjoyment of human rights, compliance with and advancement of human rights principles, and the performance of duties correlative to specific human rights, such as the right to development. In Malawi, where the culture of accountability is weak, evidence casts doubt on the effectiveness of legislation as a strategy to realise the right to development. At the same time, nascent developments indicate that the involvement of civil society and quasi-public organisations in catalysing the demand for human rights in rural areas can be an effective way of promoting the right to development. As formal processes for redress are largely ineffectual, it is through community insistence on enjoyment of the right to development that norms may emerge to protect accountability-related gains through legislation. This would constitute an example of people-determined reflexive law making.

Mitigating swine odor with strategically designed shelterbelt systems: a review

Recent reports clearly indicate that odor emitted from concentrated livestock production facilities in the Midwest of the US is a significant social problem that negatively impacts rural and state economies, human health, and the quality of rural life. A potential incremental approach to dealing with livestock odor is the use of shelterbelts arranged in strategic designs near and within livestock facilities. This review outlines the various ways that shelterbelts can be effective technology which bio-physically mitigates odor thereby reducing social conflict from odor nuisance. The biophysical potential of shelterbelts to mitigate livestock odor arises from the tree/shrub impacts on the central characteristics and physical behavior of livestock odor. As the majority of odors generated in animal facilities that are detectable at appreciable distances travel as particulates, there is compelling evidence that shelterbelts can ameliorate livestock odor by impeding the movement of these particulates. Because the odor source is near the ground and the tendency of livestock odor is to travel along the ground, shelterbelts of modest heights (i.e. 20–30 ft) may be ideal for odor interception, disruption, and dilution. Shelterbelts can be adapted to fit almost any production situation. Depending on shelterbelt health, these trees can provide long term, year round odor interception, with increasing effectiveness over time. Additionally, more is becoming known about how landscape aesthetics affect how people might perceive livestock odor, suggesting that landscape elements such as shelterbelts can lead to aesthetic improvements and perhaps more positive opinions of livestock odor and the farm systems that create them.

The demographic impact of biomass fuel use

Over 50% of the world's population still relies upon traditional biomass fuel to fulfill its energy needs. This paper examines the serious health, gender, and demographic consequences of traditional biomass fuel use. We hypothesize that exposure to indoor air pollution in the form of particulate smoke generated by burning biomass may lead to high levels of infant and child mortality from acute respiratory infections and through other mechanisms. Using national data to make crosscountry comparisons, we show that biomass fuel consumption is highly correlated with infant and child mortality rates, even after controlling for income, education, and other variables. While our analysis does not assess whether the relationship is causal, the empirical evidence suggests that traditional energy use patterns are associated with high mortality rates in developing countries that rely heavily on biomass fuels. High mortality rates may, in turn, lead to high levels of fertility because of both the “need” to replace children and risk aversion. The effect on fertility may be compounded by the utility derived from children's important labor contributions in gathering biomass fuel. Thus, the use of traditional biomass fuels may delay the demographic transition from patterns of high mortality-high fertility to patterns of low mortality-low fertility. These findings have important implications for the development of strategies to improve the quality of rural life and alleviate poverty in developing countries.

Development without Institutions: Ersatz Medicine and the Politics of Everyday Life in Rural North India

In north India, unregulated medical practice is considered by many to be a sign of the failure of institutional rationality and “backward” quality of rural life. However, the work of self-made doctors can also be seen to engage key elements of institutional rationality as it is interwoven with the structure and ethos of development. This article explores what these practitioners and their work suggest about the imagination of institutions in rural India and the kinds of power this invokes. Through mimesis of key practices (namely, forms of talk and use of injections), self-made doctors tap into the authority of legitimate institutions to occupy lacunae in state health structures and redress (even as they reproduce) effects of privatization and repeated temporary health measures. At the same time, everyday elements of these practices demonstrate that institutional legitimacy can only be borrowed by those already in positions of authority (on the basis of caste status and political leadership), challenging ideals of equality that underlie health-related development efforts.