Random Survey Research Articles

Food Production and Consumption in Ordos of Inner Mongolia

Ordos is an ecological fragile area in the upstream and midstream of the Yellow River and a component of the ecological security barrier on the northern frontier of China. With population growth in recent years, the contradiction between human beings and land resources has become increasingly prominent, leading to increased food security risks. Since 2000, the local government has implemented a series of ecological projects to guide farmers and herdsmen to transform from extensive production to intensive production, which has optimized the pattern of food production and consumption. It is necessary to study the balance between food supply and demand to evaluate food self-sufficiency. Here, we used the panel data from 2000 to 2020 collected based on random sampling surveys to reveal the characteristics of food production and consumption, the changes in food self-sufficiency rate and the dependence of food consumption on local production in Ordos. The results showed that food production and consumption dominated by grains have been increasing. The residents' diets were characterized by excessive consumption of grains and meat, and insufficient consumption of vegetables, fruits, and dairy foods. On the whole, the locality has achieved self-sufficiency, because the food supply exceeded the demand during the two decades. However, the self-sufficiency of different food types varied greatly, as some foods, such as wheat, rice, pork, poultry, and eggs, have not been self-sufficient. Due to the increased and diversified food demand of residents, food consumption became less dependent on local production and more dependent on food imported from the central and eastern China, which threatened local food security. The study can provide a scientific basis for decision-makers for the structural adjustment of agricultural and animal husbandry and the structural adjustment of food consumption, to ensure food security and sustainable utilization of land resources.

Impact of COVID‐19 on fish consumption and nutrition intake—An empirical study

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of COVID‐19 on fish consumption and nutrition intake based on a random survey of 247 fish consumers in Bangladesh. The Propensity Score Matching technique is used to compare fish consumption and fish‐sourced nutrition intake between two groups of consumers before and during COVID‐19. The result shows that 38% overall reduction in fish consumption for the low‐income group compared to lower‐middle, upper‐middle‐ and high‐income groups. Furthermore, per capita consumption of culture and capture fish species decreased significantly for low‐income, lower‐middle‐income, and upper‐middle‐income groups of consumers. It indicates that nutrition and mineral intake have reduced sharply as well Higher energy and K reduction are observed for Pangasius hypophthalmus among different culture fish species while energy and Ca reduction were higher for Wallago attu and Mystus vittatus respectively. Therefore, the government might place a greater emphasis on excluding the food supply chain from lockdown restrictions during a COVID‐19‐like pandemic.

Do referrals improve the representation of women in mobile phone surveys?

Random digit dial surveys with mobile phones risk under-representation of women. To address this, we compare the characteristics of women recruited directly with those of women recruited through referrals from male household members. The referral process improves representation of vulnerable groups, such as young women, the asset poor, and those living in areas with low connectivity. Among mobile phone users, we show a referral (rather than a direct dial) protocol includes more nationally representative proportions of women with these attributes. While seeking intra-household referrals may improve representation, we show that it does so at a higher cost.

Epidemiological Characterizations, New Localities, and a Checklist of the Known Scorpions in the Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq.

Annually, thousands of scorpion stings and rare mortalities are recorded in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In the present study, we prepared a checklist for the geographical distribution of scorpion fauna composition, new localities data, and scorpion sting profile for the years 2019-2020 in the region. Random field surveys for scorpion collection were carried out in 22 localities in the Kurdistan Region from June 2020 to October 2021. Clinical data related to scorpion stings in 2019 and 2020 were obtained from the medical records of public health offices in the region. In this survey, 166 specimens were collected. They were composed of seven scorpion species belonging to three families including: Buthidae, Hemiscorpiidae, and Scorpionidae. The collected species were Androctonus crassicauda, Compsobuthus matthiesseni, Hottentotta saulcyi, Mesobuthus mesopotamicus, Orthochirus fomichevi, Hemiscorpius lepturus, and Scorpio kruglovi. Moreover, three scorpion species comprising Buthacus tadmorensis, Hottentotta mesopotamicus, and Calchas anlasi were recorded in the previous study conducted in the Kurdistan region. In 2019-2020, 3726 scorpion stings were reported, with a peak in the summer season. Most of the patients were 15-49 years old. In the current study, medically significant scorpion species have been identified. The outcome of the present work will increase the awareness of the Kurdish community regarding the distribution of dangerous scorpion species and consequently reduce their stings.

Validation of the Radimer/Cornell Measures of Hunger and Food Insecurity

Hunger and food insecurity have been identified as core indicators of an individual's nutritional state that should be assessed in nutrition surveillance activities. Such an assessment requires a valid measure of these phenomena. This paper describes further work on the construction of measures of hunger and food insecurity based on the Radimer/Cornell items and provides an assessment of their validity. A random sample survey of 193 households with women and children living at home was conducted in 1993 in a rural county in New York State. A questionnaire containing the Radimer/Cornell hunger and food insecurity items, information about demographic characteristics, frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, and household food supplies was administered to subjects. Measures were constructed that identified households experiencing household- and individual-level food insecurity and households with hungry children. The construct and criterion-related validity of the measures was assessed. In relation to criterion-related validity, as food insecurity worsened, there was a significant and progressive increase in the percentage of subjects participating in food programs and having low income, education and employment and a significant decline in average household food availability and fruit and vegetable consumption. These results support the validity of the Radimer/Cornell measures and illustrate their ability to differentiate among groups of households experiencing increasingly severe food insecurity and hunger.

Social anxiety and alcohol consumption: The role of social context

Research has identified social anxiety as a risk factor for the development of alcohol use disorder. However, studies have produced equivocal findings regarding the relationship between social anxiety and drinking behaviors in authentic drinking environments. This study examined how social-contextual features of real-world drinking contexts might influence the relationship between social anxiety and alcohol consumption in everyday settings. At an initial laboratory visit, heavy social drinkers (N = 48) completed the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Participants were then outfitted with a transdermal alcohol monitor individually-calibrated for each participant via laboratory alcohol-administration. Over the next seven days, participants wore this transdermal alcohol monitor and responded to random survey prompts (6x/day), during which they provided photographs of their surroundings. Participants then reported on their levels of social familiarity with individuals visible in photographs. Multilevel models indicated a significant interaction between social anxiety and social familiarity in predicting drinking, b = -0.004, p =.003 Specifically, among participants higher in social anxiety, drinking increased as social familiarity decreased b = -0.152, p <.001, whereas among those lower in social anxiety, this relationship was non-significant, b = 0.007, p =.867. Considered alongside prior research, findings suggest that the presence of strangers within a given environment may play a role in the drinking behavior of socially anxious individuals.

Early Childhood Caries in a Preschool-based Sample in Northeast Italy: Socioeconomic Status and Behavioral Risk Factors.

To assess the relationship among caries and age, gender, immigrant condition, socioeconomic status (SES), and a behavioral risk factor (toothbrushing) in a sample of 3-5-year-old children. We performed a random cross-sectional survey from January to December 2017, carrying out clinical examinations to estimate the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) score. Parents filled in a questionnaire reporting their education level (SES) and the daily frequency of children's toothbrushing. The multivariate analysis assessed the association between caries occurrence and the independent variables. The dmft score was assessed by zero-inflated negative binomial regression (ZINBR). Out of 1,441 children in the sample, 357 (26.0%) presented at least one caries-affected tooth. Caries risk significantly increased with age and irregular toothbrushing, and it was significantly higher in children with lower SES levels. We modeled caries risk by means of ZINBR. The degree of caries experience increased in children from lower SES positions, immigrant status, and of older age; regular toothbrushing (twice a day) is a predicting factor to belong to the "zero caries" group. Dental caries represent a significant burden in preschool children and can be regarded as an early marker of social disadvantage. The confirmation of the earliest preventive approach as the only chance to grant a "caries free" dentition in all ages and the first target for a pediatric dentist. Ferro R, Besostri A, Olivieri A, et al. Early Childhood Caries in a Preschool-based Sample in Northeast Italy: Socioeconomic Status and Behavioral Risk Factors. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):717-723.

Time to Lift up COVID-19 Restrictions? Public Support towards Living with the Virus Policy and Associated Factors among Hong Kong General Public.

The fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented toll on Hong Kong. As more countries are starting to lift COVID-19 restrictions, it would be important to understand the public attitudes towards lifting COVID-19 restrictions and to identify its associated factors. The present study examined the level of support towards the living with the virus (LWV) policy for COVID-19 among the public in Hong Kong and to identify the associations between resilient coping, self-efficacy and emotional distress with support towards the LWV policy. A random population-based telephone survey was conducted among 500 Hong Kong Chinese adults from 7 March to 19 April 2022, i.e., during the fifth wave of COVID-19 outbreak. Of the respondents, 39.6% showed a supportive attitude towards the LWV policy. Results from the structural equational modeling showed a positive correlation between resilient coping and self-efficacy. Resilient coping was associated with support towards the LWV policy directly and indirectly through a lower level of emotional distress. Self-efficacy had a direct association with support towards the LWV policy but its indirect association through emotional distress was not significant. Interventions that foster resilient coping and self-efficacy would be effective in reducing public emotional distress and promoting their positive view towards the LWV policy.

Hesitancy to Receive the Second COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose among Older Adults in Hong Kong: A Random Telephone Survey.

A second COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is effective and safe for older adults. This study investigated hesitancy to take up a second COVID-19 vaccine booster dose and its determinants among older adults in Hong Kong. Participants were Chinese-speaking community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or above. Telephone numbers were randomly selected from up-to-date telephone directories. A total of 370 participants completed the telephone survey. Logistic regression models were fitted for data analysis. Among the participants, half (52.4%) were hesitant to receive the second COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. After adjustment for significant background characteristics, perceived benefits (AOR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.42, 0.60), cues to action (AOR: 0.39, 95%CI: 0.30, 0.52), and perceived self-efficacy (AOR: 0.37, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.66) of receiving the second booster dose were associated with lower vaccine hesitancy. Perceived barriers (AOR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.12, 1.34) and vaccine fatigue (tired of receiving repeated COVID-19 vaccination) (AOR: 1.90, 95%CI: 1.52, 2.38) were associated with higher vaccine hesitancy. Level of hesitancy to receive the second booster dose was high among older adults in Hong Kong. Health authorities should address vaccine fatigue and modify perceptions related to the second booster dose.

Seroprevalence of Hantavirus in Forestry Workers, Northern France, 2019-2020.

We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) among forestry workers in northern France, and to explore sociodemographic risk factors. We conducted a random cross-sectional seroprevalence survey among 1777 forestry workers in 2019-2020. The presence of immunoglobulin G against PUUV antigens in serum was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed using immunofluorescence assay. Poisson regression models were used to explore factors associated with seropositivity. Weighted seroprevalence was 5% (3-6) in northeastern France, 4% (2-6) in north central France, and 1% in two regions located in the center of the country (Auvergne and Limousin). There were no seropositive workers detected in northwestern France. Seropositivity was associated with age, sex, and cumulative seniority in the forestry sector. Seroprevalence was highest in known endemic areas of the northeast and lowest in the northwest. Nevertheless, we found serological evidence of PUUV infection in two regions located in the center of the country, suggesting circulation of the virus in these regions, previously thought to be non-endemic.

Changes in Levels and Barriers of Physical Activity among Community-dwelling Older Adults during and after the Fifth Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak in Hong Kong: Repeated Random Telephone Surveys.

It is unclear whether the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on physical activity (PA) among older adults would be long lasting, and there is a dearth of studies looking at the changes in barriers to performing PA among older adults before and after entering the "post-pandemic era". The study compared levels and barriers of PA among a random sample of community-dwelling older adults recruited during (February to April 2022) and after the fifth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak (May to July 2022) in Hong Kong. In addition, we investigated factors associated with low PA level among participants recruited at different time points. This study had two rounds of random telephone surveys. Participants were community-dwelling Chinese-speaking individuals aged 65 years or above and having a Hong Kong ID card. Household telephone numbers were randomly selected from the most updated telephone directories. Experienced interviewers carried out telephone interviews between 6pm and 10pm on weekdays and between 2pm and 9pm on Saturdays to avoid under-sampling of working individuals. We called 3900 and 3840 households in the first and second round, 640 and 625 households had an eligible older adult, and 395 and 370 completed the telephone survey. As compared to participants in the first round, fewer participants had low level of PA in the second round (28.6% versus 45.9%, P<.001). Participants in the second round had higher metabolic equivalent of tasks (MET)-minutes/week (median: 1707.5 versus 840, P<.001) and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) per week (median: 240 versus 105, P<.001) than those in the first round. After adjustment for significant background characteristics, participants who perceived a lack of physical capacity to do PA (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.34 & 2.92, P=.001 & P=.002) and believed that PA would cause pain and discomfort (AOR: 2.04 & 2.82, P=.02 & P=.001) were more likely to have low level of PA in both rounds. Do not have time (AOR: 4.19, P=.01) and concern about COVID-19 infection during PA (AOR: 1.73, P=.02) were associated with low level of PA among participants in the first round, but not in the second round. Perceived a lack of space and facility to do PA at home (AOR: 2.03, P=.02) and cannot find people to do PA together (AOR: 1.80, P=.04) were associated with low PA level in the second round, but not in the first round. The level of PA increased significantly among older adults after Hong Kong entered the "post-pandemic era". Different factors influenced older adults' PA level during and after the fifth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Regular monitoring of the PA level and its associated factors should be conducted to guide health promotion and policy making.

Occupational differences in COVID-19 incidence, severity, and mortality in the United Kingdom: Available data and framework for analyses.

There are important differences in the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and death depending on occupation. Infections in healthcare workers have received the most attention, and there are clearly increased risks for intensive care unit workers who are caring for COVID-19 patients. However, a number of other occupations may also be at an increased risk, particularly those which involve social care or contact with the public. A large number of data sets are available with the potential to assess occupational risks of COVID-19 incidence, severity, or mortality. We are reviewing these data sets as part of the Partnership for Research in Occupational, Transport, Environmental COVID Transmission (PROTECT) initiative, which is part of the National COVID-19 Core Studies. In this report, we review the data sets available (including the key variables on occupation and potential confounders) for examining occupational differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 incidence, severity and mortality. We also discuss the possible types of analyses of these data sets and the definitions of (occupational) exposure and outcomes. We conclude that none of these data sets are ideal, and all have various strengths and weaknesses. For example, mortality data suffer from problems of coding of COVID-19 deaths, and the deaths (in England and Wales) that have been referred to the coroner are unavailable. On the other hand, testing data is heavily biased in some periods (particularly the first wave) because some occupations (e.g. healthcare workers) were tested more often than the general population. Random population surveys are, in principle, ideal for estimating population prevalence and incidence, but are also affected by non-response. Thus, any analysis of the risks in a particular occupation or sector (e.g. transport), will require a careful analysis and triangulation of findings across the various available data sets.

Accessing people's attitudes towards garbage incineration power plants: Evidence from models correcting sample selection bias

With the increasingly prominent problem of garbage siege in cities, garbage incineration power plants (GIPP) have attracted great attention since they can not only dispose the waste effectively, but also increase electricity supply. However, since GIPP may cause a potential negative impact on the nearby residents, they often receive opposition and strong public resistance, which is also called “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) effect. In order to analyze the NIMBY effect and promote the construction of GIPP, we conduct a random survey in China to evaluate residents' attitudes towards garbage incineration power plants. After correcting the potential sample selection bias, it was found that younger people, male, people with under-aged children in the family, owning the property of houses and knowing the potential risk of the GIPP would like to pay more to avoid the construction of GIPP nearby. The estimated NIMBY effect is 0.47 yuan extra for each unit of electricity consumption or 93.2 yuan per month. Some targeted policy suggestions are thus put forward to promote the future construction and development of GIPP in China. The findings can also be extended to other countries due to the universality of NIMBY effect.

Elusive species and where to find them: assessment of survey protocols for primates habitat selection

Context With the ongoing biodiversity crisis and the continued loss of species, it becomes crucial to find practical solutions to monitor threatened animal populations for wildlife conservation and management. However, in practice, monitoring is especially challenging for elusive, rare, and wide-ranging species, where estimating abundance is often expensive and time-consuming. Alternatively, estimating occupancy (i.e. detection/non-detection data) may be less resource-intensive, while still providing useful information for monitoring population trends. Aims We aimed to describe a new field method, the random walk grid survey, to conduct a habitat selection study on elusive diurnal forest-dwelling primates. We explored how to improve occupancy estimates when detection probability is low and determined the minimal effort needed for reasonable estimates on the species habitat selection by using site-occupancy models. Methods We collected data to assess the northern pigtailed macaques’ (Macaca leonina) occupancy and detection probability using a random walk survey of degraded forest fragments in Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve in Northeast Thailand. We ran simulations to identify what is required for minimum survey efforts to obtain reasonable estimates of occupancy and detection probability on small or relatively large spatial scales, covering a small primate community in Southeast Asia. Key results Simulations showed that the probability of detecting macaques increased dramatically with an increased survey effort. However, compared with similar line-transect survey methods, the random walk grid survey was less time-consuming. Additionally, the occupancy and habitat selection estimates were similar to our knowledge of macaque distribution within the study area. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the new random walk grid survey method is effective to assess the elusive northern pigtailed macaques’ occupancy, and to provide reliable data on habitat selection where there is low macaque abundance and detection probability in a degraded forest fragment. Implications Our survey protocol could be used as a starting point to target high location occupancy to start habituation processes, but also for further intensive studies on primate behaviour and habitat use of primate communities. Finally, combining the random walk grid survey with automated recording devices (e.g. camera traps or passive acoustic surveys) could help improve occupancy and detection probability estimates for long-term monitoring programs and over large spatial scales.

Frequency of herbicide resistance in wild oats (Avena spp.), brome grass (Bromus spp.) and barley grass (Hordeum spp.) as determined by random surveys across south-eastern Australia

Context Wild oats (Avena spp.), brome grass (Bromus spp.) and barley grass (Hordeum spp.) are significant grass weeds of crop production in south-eastern Australia. The presence of herbicide resistance in these weed species is a major limiting factor on both productivity and profitability. Aims We aimed to determine the distribution of herbicide resistance in these weed species across south-eastern Australia. Methods Several surveys were conducted in randomly selected fields across four states in south-eastern Australia over a 5-year period, collecting 663 wild oats, 366 brome grass and 262 barley grass samples that were screened for resistance with up to five different herbicide groups or subgroups. Key results In wild oats, resistance was most common to clodinafop-propargyl (‘fop’ ACCase inhibitor), with 22% of samples resistant and resistance detected in all regions except Tasmania. Resistance to sulfonylurea herbicides (ALS inhibitors) was less common with 7% of samples resistant, but regionally more variable. For both brome grass and barley grass, a greater proportion of samples was resistant to the sulfonylurea mesosulfuron-methyl, at 24% and 19%, respectively, than to quizalofop-ethyl (‘fop’ ACCase inhibitor). Conclusions Resistance was recorded in all three species, with differences in the extent of resistance among herbicide groups and regions. Overall, a higher than average frequency of wild oats resistance to clodinafop-propargyl was found in regions of New South Wales and of brome grass and barley grass resistance to mesosulfuron-methyl in regions of South Australia. However, for all species some herbicides were still effective on all samples. Implications The presence of significant herbicide resistance in these weed species indicates that management decisions need to include consideration of resistance to enable successful control measures.

Quality of social life in vertical residential complexes: Salhia residential complex in Baghdad

The research adopted a clear approach to studying the quality of urban life and specifically the quality of social life in vertical residential complexes by relying on indicators derived from various literature and studies that addressed social dimensions and their importance in improving the residential environment. The problem of research lies in the lack of clarity of social quality indicators in the study of vertical residential complexes, so the goal of the research is to identify these indicators and their relationship to the planning of the residential complex and to benefit from the results of the study when planning residential complexes in the future. The research hypothesis is based on the fact that there is a range of indicators through which the level of social Life Quality can be judged in vertical residential complexes. The most prominent indicators of social quality studied in this research are (social interaction, social relations, safety and security, social peace, social consensus (community or neighbourhood), opportunities for social meetings, popular participation, gender participation and empowerment). The research was based on a random sample survey of residents of the Salhia residential complex in Baghdad city on the set of social indicators as well as a set of planning indicators. The results of the research showed the satisfaction of residents with most social indicators, which were generally accepted for planning indicators that could be counted as effective and useful tools for planners in the future for planning residential complexes and improving the quality of social life there. A set of conclusions and recommendations related to the subject of the research has been reached.

Seroprevalence survey of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody and associated factors in South Africa: Findings of the 2020-2021 population-based household survey.

Population-based serological testing is important to understand the epidemiology and estimate the true cumulative incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to inform public health interventions. This study reports findings of a national household population SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey in people 12 years and older in South Africa. This cross-sectional multi-stage random stratified cluster survey undertaken from November 2020 to June 2021 collected sociodemographic data, medical history, behavioural data, and blood samples from consenting participants. The samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using the Roche ElecsysAnti-SARS-CoV-2 chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) Total Antibody Test. The survey data were weighted by age, race, sex, and province with final individual weights benchmarked against the 2020 mid-year population estimates and accounted for clustering. Descriptive statistics summarize the characteristics of participants and seroprevalence. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with seropositivity. From 13290 survey participants (median age 33 years, interquartile range (IQR) 23-46 years), SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 37.8% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 35.4-40.4] and varied substantially across the country's nine provinces, and by sex, age and locality type. In the final adjusted model, the odds of seropositivity were higher in women than in men [aOR = 1.3 (95% CI: 1.0-1.6), p = 0.027], and those living with HIV (self-report) [aOR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.0-2.4), p = 0.031]. The odds were lower among those 50 years and older compared to adolescents 12-19 years old [aOR = 0.6 (95% CI: 0.5-0.8), p<0.001] and in those who did not attend events or gatherings [aOR = 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6-1.0), p = 0.020]. The findings help us understand the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 within different regions in a low-middle-income country. The survey highlights the higher risk of infection in women in South Africa likely driven by their home and workplace roles and also highlighted a need to actively target and include younger people in the COVID-19 response.

Impact of 5S on productivity and quality in an Indo-Japanese auto-component manufacturing company: An empirical study

The present work probes the relationship between 5S vis-a-vis productivity and quality. 5S is an extraordinarily economical yet highly effective method of business management. Two hypotheses were formulated for testing with the random sample survey with a reliable and valid questionnaire on the targeted population. The collected data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS Statistics V23. The statistical tests, namely, multiple correlations, regression analysis, and Pearson- Correlation analysis, were performed. The results show a strong positive correlation between productivity and 5S. The relationship between quality and 5s was also positively related but had moderate significance. This study was limited to a single joint venture Indo- Japanese auto-joint venture situated in the Delhi-NCR region. Further enlarged studies must be performed on more such companies in this location and various geographical regions of India.

Provincial government agency public services: An analysis of their internal competency, internal and external environment factors

Public services (PS) in modern societies have become increasingly difficult to keep up with, creating a strain on governments with limited budgets. As a result, new ways of delivering public value must be sought. In order to better understand the factors that influence public services of the Thai provincial government agency public services (PGAPS), the authors conducted a stratified random sample survey of 400 individuals in a rural province of Northern Thailand in 2021. The latent variable path analysis used LISREL 9.10, with the results showing that internal competency factors (ICF) were ranked as very strong, external environment factors (EEF) as strong, and internal environment factors (IEF) as weak. All four hypotheses were also supported, with an individual’s personal and educational factors having a significant effect on PGAPS. The authors suggest that gender could be used to limit corruption’s influence and should be explored in greater detail in further studies. Effective PS delivery requires good governance, community stakeholder involvement, and cross-organizational collective leadership. Good governance should also enhance economic, social, and political development values. Additionally, this study provides valuable insights for municipalities to improve their implementation processes, increase transparency, and ensure fiscal responsibility (OECD &amp; ADB, 2019).

Potential Risks of Open Waste Burning at the Household Level: A Case Study of Semarang, Indonesia

Open waste burning (OWB) is a common disposal practice in several countries. However, this activity can serve as a source of particulate matter and black carbon, which possess a greater greenhouse effect potential than CO2. Moreover, particulates can produce chronic health impacts on residents around the burning areas. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the environmental effects and health risks associated with the open burning of household waste in Semarang, Indonesia. Four steps were followed to answer the research questions: (1) data collection through a random questionnaire survey, transect walk, and field survey; (2) estimation of environmental risk using the IPCC calculation method; (3) multiplication of emission factors to determine black carbon emissions; and (4) estimation of health risks based on chemical speciation bound to particulate matter. Open burning remained the second most common waste disposal practice even after the implementation of waste collection services by the government. Specifically, approximately 240.28 tons of waste is not collected by the environmental agency service every day, and 88.6% of the uncollected waste in the city is openly burned. Plastic burning contributed to the highest emission share among waste components, and annual total emissions due to OWB were estimated at approximately 53,809.66 tons. Although the carcinogenic risk was low, non-cancer disease risk exceeded the standard. Therefore, direct exposure of residents to OWB may pose significant health risks. The present work fills the scientific and knowledge gaps in the OWB studies.