Local Residents Research Articles

Geographic variation in kidney failure and transplantation in Aotearoa New Zealand: A population-based data linkage study.

This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in Aotearoa New Zealand and assess the impact of residential location on access to kidney transplantation. AcceSS and Equity in Transplantation (ASSET), a health-linked data platform, was used to identify people commencing KRT in New Zealand from 2006 to 2019 and analyse regional epidemiology. Health services were classified as 'transplanting', 'intermediate' or 'remote' depending on their degree of separation from a transplant centre. Multiple logistic regression modelling was used to assess the predictors of deceased donor waitlisting or living donor transplantation within 6 months after starting KRT. Web-based mapping software was used to develop interactive geospatial maps. The cohort was 7704 people newly starting KRT. Living in an intermediate [odds ratio (OR): 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61-0.88)] or remote [OR: 0.38 (95% CI: 0.27-0.54)) region and Māori (OR: 0.35 (95% CI: 0.28-0.44)], Pacific [OR: 0.32 (95% CI: 0.24-0.42)) and Asian (OR: 0.66 (95% CI: 0.50-0.87)] ethnicity were associated with a decreased likelihood of timely waitlisting or transplantation. Regional maps can be explored here. There is marked geospatial and ethnic variation in the epidemiology of kidney failure and access to kidney transplantation across New Zealand. Geospatial mapping of kidney failure epidemiology and transplantation outcomes can provide opportunities to direct resources towards populations at greatest need.

Partisan Politics in Finland

Abstract Traditionally, the Finnish party system has involved a high level of fragmentation yet remarkable stability, consensual decision-making, ideologically broad government coalitions, and mostly modest levels of polarization between parties or voters. These features suggest a limited effect of the party composition of government on economic policy. However, based on studies on close local elections, parliamentary speech, and party manifestos, we argue that the link between party politics and policy outcomes likely plays a role in Finland. Most analyses have examined the extent to which the characteristics of local politicians within the parties affect policy outcomes. These studies show that occupation, education, experience, competence, and residential location of local politicians strongly affect local policies, indicating that, in general, politics matters for policy. We also discuss how consensual national politics may have contributed to the recent success of the populist challenger Finns Party. As a new major player, the party has emphasized the role of sociocultural issues and especially affective polarization, which represents a considerable paradigm shift from the catch-all party policies typical of Finland for many decades. It is thus possible that the link between politics and policy will become more pronounced in the future, motivating further research.

7.F. Scientific session: Living lab Cartesius: multidisciplinary cooperation for health monitoring of an ‘urban blue zone’

Abstract This workshop will be based on health monitoring in living lab Cartesius; a neighbourhood that is currently developed in the city of Utrecht, the Netherlands (Home - Cartesius Utrecht (cartesius-utrecht.nl). The design of this neighbourhood is inspired by the concept of the “blue zones” of Pes and Poulain, places in the world, that they argue are inhibited by the healthiest, longest-living populations because they integrate sustainability, climate adaptation and healthy living. In Cartesius citizens will for example be encouraged to move by inviting outer spaces, meet each other in the community areas and eat healthily nudged by the food options in the food court. An important element of these blue zones is the incorporation of green spaces in the neighbourhood. Examples are (community) parks/gardens, a green walking route around the neighbourhood, trees in the bike parking lots, green facades etc. The neighbourhood is designed to become a home to local species such as plants and animals as well as people. In addition, climate change adaptation is incorporated, the appartements are well insulated and contain solar panels and green and white roofs. Preventing heat stress is considered in the green design of the outdoor spaces and special drainage and water storage equipment throughout the neighbourhood. The municipality has been closely involved in this project from the start, they created the call for developers to create a healthy urban neighbourhood and after selecting the Cartesius project they have remained involved in its development. Of special interest to the municipality is community building (in new neighbourhoods) in order to strengthen social cohesion and prevent loneliness. We will conduct a research on this topic of which the results could permanently impact how new neighbourhoods in Utrecht will be approached. Designers, developers, research institutes, governments and the current inhabitants are now collectively working on a holistic monitoring programme in this neighbourhood to collect evidence for the effects of the “blue zone” interventions and design choices on behaviour, health and well-being of residents. This workshop will focus on various aspects of the Blue Zone Concept, the importance of green in urban living, the participatory role of local residents, the role of stakeholders and the relevance for local governance. First of all the participants will be informed about a unique healthy/green urban living concept based on the blue zones currently in development. The participants will get insights in the process of developing a new healthy neighbourhood where different challenges (e.g. climate adaptation, community building, healthy living environment) are experimented with stakeholders from the quadruple helix (private, government, science and societal stakeholders). Simultaneously, we want to allow room for ample time for audience interaction to share their experiences on similar multi transdisciplinary cooperations and monitoring strategies. Key messages • This session will provide room for knowledge exchange in the area of healthy urban living and transdisciplinary collaboration. • Specific focus on holistic monitoring of the effectiveness of health interventions in urban living areas and (international) policy implications. The concept of Cartesius The workshop will start with a presentation about the concept of the Cartesius neighbourhood. The incorporation of the elements of the Blue Zones will be discussed and images of both the current state of the development and artist impressions of the future finished neighbourhood will be presented. Room for (among other topics) discussion about the ‘translation’ of the blue zone concept to this urban area. This presetntation will be done by Marije Lammers (University Utrecht, postdoc and coordinator monitoring programme healthy urban living in Cartesius) Incorporating citizens in monitoring 300 appartements in Cartesius are already realized, in which +/- 600 citizens are currently living. In a time span of about 8 years the number of apartments will have increased to 3000, with about 6000 inhabitants. The current citizens are involved in designing the monitoring strategy and community building approach. In order to measure effectively whether the health interventions in Cartesius will impact the citizens’ health their involvement and cooperation is crucial. Room for (among other topics) discussion about involving citizens in monitoring and community building effectively. WHO Europe Healthy Cities This presentation will discuss how developments in the Cartesius neighbourhood are in line with WHO Europe Healthy Cities ambitions for bringing about change and achieving improved health, well-being and equitable and sustainable development in cities across the European Region and globally. Room for (among other topics) discussion about possibilities for international knowledge exchange and applications. This presentation will be by: Kira Fortune, Regional Advisor, Healthy Cities, Health Promotion and Well- being, World Health Organization

Approaches to Dementia Control in a Community in Japan

Abstract Background In order to consider future dementia countermeasures in the community, we conducted a survey to understand the characteristics of the elderly living in the community. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in collaboration with Hanno-city, Saitama Prefecture, targeting all persons aged 65 years or older (excluding institutionalized residents) living in Hanno-city (aging rate: 32.0%). The questionnaire items included basic attributes, lifestyle, daily living conditions, and willingness to participate in activities. The survey was sent to 7,133 people, and 3,623 valid responses were received (valid response rate: 50.8%). Results Respondents were 1,135 males (51.2%) and 1,080 females (48.8%); 1,979 (54.6%) were aged 65-74 and 1,644 (45.4%) were aged 75 and over. The proportion of single-person households was 12.1%. 56.1% of the respondents had been living in the community for 30 years or more, and the overall membership rate of the residents’ association was high at 91.0%. A total of 691 (19.1%) of the respondents had seen someone suspected of having dementia. 1,178 (32.5%) answered ‘yes,’ 1,452 (40.1%) answered ‘no,’ and 881 (24.3%) answered ‘don’t know. There were 472 (8.1%) dementia supporters. Conclusions The membership rate of local residents’ associations was high at 91.0%, indicating that the community maintains relatively close relationships with its residents. Based on the National Dementia plan, further consideration will be given to long-term goals such as human resource development for each region and policies to support these goals. Main messages: In a mountainous district with an aging population similar to that of Japan as a whole, only about one-third of the respondents knew of a contact point for dementia-related issues. Based on the National Dementia Plan, the government will consider dementia policies, including long-term goals and policies to support these goals in the community. Key messages • In a mountainous district with an aging population similar to that of Japan as a whole, only about one-third of the respondents knew of a contact point for dementia-related issues. • Based on the National Dementia Plan, the government will consider dementia policies, including long-term goals and policies to support these goals in the community.

Rising From the Rubble: Air Quality Concerns in Post-Earthquake Afghanistan.

This position paper highlights the dire impacts of environmental and household air pollution, which were responsible for 6.7 million deaths globally in 2019. These deaths occurred predominantly in low- and middle-income countries, with Afghanistan reporting the highest age-adjusted mortality rate. The situation worsens during large-scale disasters like earthquakes, which release more pollutants into the air, exacerbating health risks and leading to severe conditions such as pulmonary diseases. Because political factors may hinder foreign NGOs and similar organizations from providing direct support, the frequent occurrence of earthquakes in Afghanistan underscores the critical need for emergency response training for local residents. Consequently, it is essential to provide ERT training, including the proper use of protective equipment, to local populations as well as disseminating risk communication through online technologies and other appropriate means.

Assessing Awareness and Understanding of Gold ETFs Among Residents of Amravati City

This study investigates the level of awareness and understanding of Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) among citizens of Amravati City. As a modern investment option, Gold ETFs offer a convenient and secure method for individuals to invest in gold without the physical burden of ownership. Despite their growing popularity, awareness of Gold ETFs remains limited, particularly in smaller urban areas. Using a quantitative approach, this research collects primary data through surveys to evaluate knowledge, perceptions, and investment intentions regarding Gold ETFs among local residents. The findings aim to inform stakeholders about existing gaps in awareness and suggest strategies for enhancing financial literacy and investment participation.

Spatial Variations and Regulating Processes of Groundwater Geochemistry in an Urbanized Valley Basin on Tibetan Plateau

Groundwater resource is crucial for the development of agriculture and urban communities in valley basins of arid and semiarid regions. This research investigated the groundwater chemistry of a typical urbanized valley basin on the Tibetan Plateau to understand the hydrochemical status, quality, and controlling mechanisms of groundwater in arid urbanized valley basins. The results show groundwater is predominantly fresh and slightly alkaline across the basin, with approximately 54.17% of HCO3-Ca type. About 12.5% and 33.33% of sampled groundwaters are with the hydrochemical facies of Cl-Mg·Ca type and Cl-Na type, respectively. Groundwater is found with the maximum TDS, NO3−, NO2−, and F− content of 3066 mg/L, 69.33 mg/L, 0.04 mg/L, and 3.12 mg/L, respectively. Groundwater quality is suitable for domestic usage at all sampling sites based on EWQI assessment but should avoid direct drinking at some sporadic sites in the urban area. The exceeding nitrogen and fluoride contaminants would pose potential health hazards to local residents, but high risks only existed for infants. Both minors and adults are at medium risk of these exceedingly toxic contaminants. Groundwater quality of predominant sites in the basin is suitable for long-term irrigation according to the single indicator of EC, SAR, %Na, RSC, KR, PI, and PS and integrated irrigation quality assessment of USSL, Wilcox, and Doneen diagram assessment. But sodium hazard, alkalinity hazard, and permeability problem should be a concern in the middle-lower stream areas. Groundwater chemistry in the basin is predominantly governed by water-rock interaction (silicate dissolution) across the basin in natural and sporadically by evaporation. Human activities have posed disturbances to groundwater chemistry and inputted nitrogen, fluoride, and salinity into groundwater. The elevated nitrogen contaminants in groundwater are from both agricultural activities and municipal sewage. While the elevated fluoride and salinity in groundwater are only associated with municipal sewage. It is imperative to address the potential anthropogenic contaminants to safeguard groundwater resources from the adverse external impacts of human settlements within these urbanized valley basins.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is associated with an increased risk of epilepsy and status epilepticus: a nationwide population-based cohort study conducted in the Republic of Korea between 2002–2021

Introduction Carbon monoxide poisoning may result in various neurological injuries, including acute symptomatic seizures. We aimed to investigate the long-term risk of epilepsy and status epilepticus in patients with previous carbon monoxide poisoning. Methods The study population was derived from the National Health Insurance Service database of the Republic of Korea between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2021. We included adults with at least one documented visit to medical facilities because of carbon monoxide poisoning (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, code T58). Patients were matched, on the same index date, with controls, without a T58 code, for age, sex, insurance type, income level, and residence location in a 1:1 ratio. Follow-up continued until death, migration, or the end of the observation period (31 December 2021). The primary outcome was the incidence of epilepsy (codes G40 or R56) and status epilepticus (code G41). Results This study included 53,380 patients with carbon monoxide poisoning and 53,380 controls, with 44.2% women and a mean age of 45.7 years. The mean (±SD) follow-up period was 5.7 ± 4.3 years in the carbon monoxide poisoned group and 6.4 ± 4.4 years in controls. The overall risk of epilepsy (adjusted hazard ratio 2.60; 95% CI: 2.43–2.78; P < 0.001) and status epilepticus (adjusted hazard ratio 4.10; 95% CI: 2.84–5.92; P < 0.001) was significantly increased in the carbon monoxide poisoned group compared to controls. The risk of epilepsy and status epilepticus was increased in patients with previous carbon monoxide poisoning, regardless of sex, age or a history of stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, or central nervous system tumour or infection. However, in the subgroup analysis according to age, the highest risk of epilepsy and status epilepticus was observed in patients less than 40 years of age. Discussion In this population-based cohort study, previous carbon monoxide poisoning was associated with an increased risk of epilepsy and status epilepticus. The risk was more noticeable in patients aged less than 40 years. Further studies are needed to confirm such an association in other populations. Conclusions Previous carbon monoxide poisoning was associated with an increased risk of epilepsy and status epilepticus, particularly in the younger population. The long-term management of survivors of carbon monoxide poisoning should include monitoring for epilepsy and status epilepticus.

Šiauliai Labour Camp No. 294 of Prisoners of War of Germany and its Allies (1945–1948)

At the end of the Soviet-German war, in spring 1945, labour camps for prisoners of war of Germany and its allies were set up in Lithuania. One of them – was Šiauliai Labour Camp No. 294, which consisted of six divisions: Akmenė, Bačiūnai, Panevėžys, Pavenčiai, Radviliškis, and Šiauliai. In June 1945, 8,256 prisoners of war were imprisoned in Šiauliai Labour Camp and its divisions; on 1 January 1946, there were 5,714 prisoners remaining and on 1 June – 5,048 (4,363 worked outside the boundaries of the camp); and on 1 March 1947 – 2,583 prisoners. They were rebuilding the city of Šiauliai destroyed during the war: they rebuilt the drama theatre, 3 gymnasiums, a hospital, a railway station and other buildings. Prisoners also produced consumer goods and a variety of products at the camp workshop and did auxiliary works on the farm, so the camp was partially self-sufficient in terms of food. Prisoners, who worked in rural areas, received food from local residents. On average, there were around 3,000–4,000 prisoners in the camp each year.In terms of international humanitarian law, the repressive structures of the Soviet Union and the Lithuanian SSR basically observed the provisions of the 1929 Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War, but in 1945–1946 due to extremely complicated natural and economic conditions, as well as the unpredictability of the camp administration prisoners had painful experiences. Many of them were ill; in winter 1945–1946 the camp suffered a typhus epidemic. Between 1945 and 1948 about 500 prisoners died, most of the prisoners were underfed and malnourished. The camp administration and managers of various economic entities abused the available cheap labour of prisoners, corruption thrived, there was large-scale embezzlement and there were minor thefts by the camp staff.The number of prisoners fluctuated each year: some of them were taken to the Soviet Union, others were repatriated; some prisoners escaped. According to some data, between 1945 and March 1947, 188 people escaped, but according to other data between 1946 and 1947, 99 prisoners escaped (50 were recaptured) and 2,321 were repatriated. When general repatriation started in the Soviet Union, Šiauliai Labour Camp was closed in autumn 1948. The remaining inmates were transferred to Vilnius Labour Camp No. 195 and subsequently in March 1949 repatriated back to their home countries.

Visitors’ Behaviors and Perceptions of Spatial Factors of Uncultivated Internet-Famous Sites in Urban Riverfront Public Spaces: Case Study in Changsha, China

This article takes representative uncultivated riverfront internet-famous sites (uncultivated RIFSs) in Changsha city, China, as an example to explore the internal mechanism of their formation and finds that they are closely related to the “urban subculture” and the “informality of urban public space”. In terms of methodology, through questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews, this study investigates the behavioral characteristics of onsite visitors, the overall perceptions and satisfaction of public spaces, and the perceptions of spatial and humanistic elements of visitors. The main findings are as follows: ① Onsite visitors are mainly male, with local tourists and nearby residents accounting for over 80%. Furthermore, over half of the visitors have limited understanding of the uncultivated RIFSs. ② People’s overall attitudes towards the uncultivated RIFSs are positive. And the ability to carry out meaningful activities and find comfort and safety are of the greatest concern to onsite tourists. ③ Among the visiting reasons, leisure stays accounted for the highest proportion, followed by sightseeing, sports stays and social stays. ④ The onsite visitors’ main focus of spatial elements and humanistic elements is different according to the different sites. However, visitors’ dissatisfaction is mainly reflected in poor site safety and sanitation conditions, inadequate facilities and poor surrounding environments. This paper also compares the online–offline differences in the spatial perceptions of the uncultivated RIFSs between this study and previous research; instead of focusing on the urban physical spaces, online social media users pay more attention to their self-presentation. Meanwhile, the visitors place greater emphasis on the functionality, practicality and experiential activities of the urban physical spaces. Finally, this article proposes optimization strategies for uncultivated RIFSs from planning and governance and public space design aspects to protect and strengthen the composite utilization of space, therefore enhancing diverse vitality.

Transportation services by mutual help of local residents in rural area

Transportation services by mutual help of local residents in rural area

Annihilation of the Jewish community of Kretinga in summer and autumn 1941

The article examines the annihilation of the Jewish community of Kretinga in summer and autumn 1941. The paper distinguishes two stages of the annihilation. The first stage was isolation of the Jews in the second half of June 1941, when around 340 Jewish men (between 14 and 60 years of age) were arrested in Kretinga Market Square on 24 June and about 540 Jewish women, children and elderly men were arrested between 26 and 27 June. The men were locked up in the synagogue, in the prison or in the police station, which, in addition to their main function, served as temporary concentration camps. Jewish women, children and elderly men (about 560 people) were forced into the small ghetto, which did not have self-government. Some data suggest that the ghetto was in Pryšmančiai Manor; other data suggest that it was in Kluonalių (Taikos) Street in Kretinga, in a former barn. Around 100 women inmates of the small ghetto were taken to the camp in Valteriškiai Village (Palanga rural area).The second stage of annihilation of the Jews was the actual extermination operations. Around 330 Jewish men were shot at the end of June 1941 in Kvecių Forest. It is likely that in August and September 1941, around 230 Jewish women, children and elderly men could have been shot and buried here also. So a total of around 560 Jews could have been buried in Kvecių Forest. Around 230 Jewish women, children and elderly men were shot or otherwise killed in Kretinga Jewish Cemetery. Seven Jewish men who were shot by the pond near the monastery in Kretinga were also buried here. So a total of around 237 members of the Jewish community of Kretinga rural area are buried here. On 12 October 1941, around 100 women of the Jewish community of Kretinga were shot in Kunigiškių Forest (Palanga rural area) together with other inmates of the camp located near Valteriškės Village, i.e. members of Palanga Jewish community. Kvecių Forest and Kretinga Jewish Cemetery are the final resting places not only of the Jews, but also of people of other nationalities suspected of being loyal to the Soviet regime. In total 43 non-Jewish people are buried in Kvecių Forest and 21 – in Kretinga Jewish Cemetery.The annihilation of the Jewish community of Kretinga in summer and autumn 1941 was a result of the collaboration between the German occupation authorities (German military commandant, civil administration, military police, and the Tilsit operational squad) and the Lithuanian authorities (municipal, public, security and criminal police and auxiliary police). Members of the Tilsit operational squad and officers of the security and criminal police of Kretinga District (Telšiai Region) take greatest responsibility for the annihilation of the Jewish community of Kretinga. These two institutions organised massacres of Jews and other people. Other institutions played a supporting role. The difference between Kretinga County and the other counties of Lithuania (e.g. Vilnius, Kaunas, Kėdainiai) is that the Lithuanian self-defence battalions were not engaged in the killing operations of Jews and other people and there were no large ghettos here like there were in Kaunas, Vilnius or Šiauliai.About 731 local residents indirectly contributed to the persecution and killing of Jews and other people in summer and autumn 1941 in Kretinga rural area and county; these were civil servants who worked at Lithuanian municipal institutions (32 persons), public police (93), security and criminal police (6), and auxiliary police (about 600 people). About 86 persons in the town and rural area of Kretinga contributed to the annihilation of Jews, specifically 4 municipal, 6 security and criminal police, 26 public police officers and around 50 members of the auxiliary police. It has been established that 242 out of 731 people carried out acts related to their indirect participation in the persecution and extermination of Jews and other people. It was also found that 242 people across Kretinga County took direct part in the extermination operations of Jews and other people, i.e. they participated in shooting and otherwise killing about 79 people, of which 11 were in the town and rural area of Kretinga.

What Makes a Liveable Neighborhood? Role of Socio-Demographic, Dwelling, and Environmental Factors and Participation in Finnish Urban and Suburban Areas.

Quality of residential area, or neighborhood, is one determinant of overall quality of life and associated with health and health behavior. Ensuring that urban and suburban neighborhoods remain liveable and comfortable to reside in is a challenge amidst growing urbanization. Neighborhood quality has been associated with socio-demographic, dwelling-related, and subjective and objective neighborhood factors. However, only a few studies have additionally included participation in neighborhood decision-making and examined whether these associations are stronger among residents who are more settled in the neighborhood. We examined whether subjectively and objectively measured environmental factors and participation are associated with perception of neighborhood liveability and possible effect moderators. We analyzed survey data collected in 2021 among adults (aged 18-97) living in suburbs and urban centers in five Finnish cities (n = 2057; response rate 34%) with logistic regression models. Almost 80% of the respondents perceived their neighborhood as liveable or very liveable. The following factors were most strongly associated with perceiving the neighborhood as liveable: low area-level socioeconomic deprivation; central urban zone; green view from home; satisfaction with neighborhood safety, green areas, blue areas, and maintenance of traffic routes; and good or very good possibilities to influence decisions regarding the neighborhood. Only a few interactions between indicators of being more settled in the neighborhood (e.g., age group and dwelling ownership) modified these associations. In all, our study suggests that to maintain liveability, urban or community planning should consider local residents' favorable perceptions of safety, recreational areas, and engagement in decision-making.

Problems of Good Governance in Managing Indonesia’s Borderland: The Case of Entikong Subdistrict

The present study explores the good governance processes of border management in Entikong Subdistrict. The Entikong Subdistrict in West Kalimantan is a priority district that receives special attention from Indonesian central and local governments. The Entikong border post started operating in 1989, making it the first land border in Indonesia. Nevertheless, despite its aged history and many development efforts within the area, the economic growth and welfare of the border community remained stagnant. The data for this article were collected through a field work in Entikong for four months in 2022 in which we conducted observation, interviews, and focus group discussion with local residents and government officers. This study reveals that good governance became the focal issue explaining Entikong’s lack of development by providing two problems in the border development at Entikong: 1) the government’s inconsistency on the road widening project and 2) the complexity of governance and bureaucracy. This paper further elaborates on the essence of locality in good governance practices while simultaneously addressing the authority division problems and communication towards the demands of the local community. This study argues that better public communication patterns should be implemented to avoid misunderstandings within the community and increase the participation of local citizens, government, and civil society in the development process of the border area.

Risk factors for neonatal admission from the beginning of pregnancy in Northeast Spain.

Maternal health and gestational control are crucial to improving the newborn's prognosis. This study analyses demographic and obstetric factors at the beginning of pregnancy related to neonatal health, assessing their impact on the risk of hospital admission and prematurity. Observational retrospective study conducted in Northeast Spain with data of 9560 newborns between February 2017 and February 2022. The following have been evaluated as risk factors for hospital admission: nulliparity, multiple gestation, fertilisation techniques, foreign maternal origin, maternal age, smoking and residential location, dividing the sample according to gestational age. Hypothesis testing and logistic regression were performed. Nulliparity, fertilisation techniques and multiple gestation represent a risk factor for neonatal admission (OR 22.48, 4.04 and 3.34, respectively), especially in premature newborns <32 weeks of GA (OR: 30.71, 10.71 and 22.76, respectively). Foreign maternal origin also adds risk of admission, both in term newborns (OR 1.26; CI: 1.10-1.43) and in premature babies <32 weeks of GA (OR 1.61; CI: 1.09-2.38). Tobacco does not present a significant risk of neonatal admission. The multivariate analysis model confirms the influence of the following factors in all the studied groups: nulliparity, multiple gestation and foreign maternal origin. Nulliparity and multiple pregnancies are both main risk factors for neonatal admission and premature delivery. The use of fertilisation techniques and the foreign origin of the mother significantly associate increased risk of admission and neonatal prematurity. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to prenatal care to improve neonatal prognosis and promote long-term health in risk populations.

Health Risk Assessment for Potential Toxic Elements in the Soil and Rice of Typical Paddy Fields in Henan Province

The accumulation of potential toxic elements in agricultural soil and rice is of particular concern in China. However, studies on the risk assessment of these elements in regional soil–rice systems remain limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the pollution status and potential health risk of potential toxic elements in typical paddy soil and rice in Henan Province. A total of 80 soil samples and corresponding rice samples were collected to determine the contents of Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni, and to assess their potential health risks to local consumers. Results showed that the average contents of these elements in soils were below the national risk screening values in GB15618-2018. Only the average content of Cr in rice exceeded the limit in GB 2762-2022 specified by the national food safety standard. The rates of exceeding the limits for Cd, Pb, As, and Cr in rice samples were 13.89%, 15.28%, 15.28%, and 27.78%, respectively. The health risk assessment indicated that rice intake for both adults and children caused carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks to varying degrees. Local residents are advised to purchase rice from outside the study area to meet their daily needs and strictly regulate the pollution of potential toxic elements within the area.

PERUBAHAN FUNGSI POS JAGA: DARI PENJAGAAN KE INOVASI USAHA UNTUK EKONOMI KREATIF

This community field study aimed to repair the damage to the business post on Rt 6 Wisma Permai Barat, which is an important source of income for local residents. The aim of this activity was to improve the functionality of the business post and increase the comfort of its occupants. The project involved initial site surveys, renovation planning, and post-renovation work. Seven community service program students from Darma Cendika University and several local residents collaborated on this project from March to July 2024 (5 months). The main activities carried out included painting, adding canopies and decorations, filling holes in walls, and leveling the expanded land with paving and plastering. Students and residents participated in the smooth running of this project. The result of this project is that the business post now looks cleaner and more attractive due to the new color scheme. The extension area becomes more comfortable, with additional shade and flatness. This community service project shows the significant impact of collaborative efforts between students and local communities in improving public infrastructure. This project was undertaken so that the upgraded business outpost would hopefully better fulfill its purpose and provide a more enjoyable environment for the business and its customers.

Preserving paddy fields through tourism in Indonesia: opportunities and challenges

Purpose This paper aims to show the opportunities and challenges of implementing slow tourism through a slow city concept, particularly concerning preserving paddy fields. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach using FGD, in-depth interviews and questionnaires with open questions. Findings Paddy field preservation can be achieved through the slow city concept if there is a strong commitment from the government and influential local wisdom. Research limitations/implications This research is conducted in five areas (cities and regencies). Hence, there should be similar research in other areas to find whether it can be implemented in other areas. Furthermore, other aspects have not been explored, such as how to convince policymakers to implement a slow city concept, integrate urban infrastructures and paddy fields or encourage and protect local residents who develop a slow city concept. Practical implications This research will give insight for policymakers to establish a policy that can realize livable cities for local residents and tourists, particularly in terms of food resiliency through tourism. Social implications This research will give new information about the importance of slow tourism to improve the quality of life in a city and to maintain food resilience. Originality/value This research shows the implementation and challenges of realizing slow city and slow tourism in some regions in Indonesia, particularly related to paddy fields preservation.

The loss of rural vital places: A case study using the social determinants of health framework

Healthy food sources, recreational facilities, and social spaces serve as vital places for supporting health. Less is known about what happens when vital places are lost, especially in rural contexts that have experienced disinvestment and population decline. In this paper we use a case study of a small rural community in Pennsylvania that lost a substantial share of its vital places over a short period of time to explore the experiences of local residents. Using qualitative interviews with 26 local residents we show that the loss of vital places, which are part of the neighborhood and built environment, intersected with other social determinants of health with potential consequences for health and well-being. This was often because vital places were essential (i.e., few or no alternatives existed) and multifunctional (i.e., supporting health through multiple behavioral and social mechanisms). Examining experiences of local residents following the loss of vital places through a social determinants of health lens helps to identify consequences and inform adaptation strategies. We also use the findings to refine the vital places framework for rural contexts.

A Demographic Description of Children and Adolescents With Concomitant Autism and Anxiety Along With a Comparison of Receipt of Psychological Services

Objective: (1) Evaluate differences in demographic distributions between those with autism alone and those with autism concomitant with anxiety and (2) assess demographic factors associated with receipt of psychological therapy in patients with autism. Methods: Using deidentified health care claims data, we extracted all encounters among children with the International Classification of Diseases-10-CM for Autism Spectrum Disorder (F84) and flagged those with concomitant anxiety (F41.9). Extracted data included age, sex, race, ethnicity, insurance status, and Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Current procedural terminology codes for psychological services were extracted. Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U tests, χ2 tests of association, and logistic regression. Results: Demographic differences between children/adolescents with autism alone versus autism concomitant with anxiety were noted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, with a greater prevalence of autism/anxiety identified in older-aged children and children identifying as female and non-Hispanic White residing in an urban area. While 21% of those included in this study had received psychotherapy, the percentages within the autism only and autism/anxiety groups were 12% and 50%, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Children/adolescents who were older age quartile, resided in an urban residence, and with a concomitant diagnosis of anxiety were more likely to receive psychological services, while non-Hispanic Other were less likely to, compared with the reference of non-Hispanic White. Conclusion: We identified demographic disparities in the diagnosis of autism versus autism with concomitant anxiety, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, and residence location. Age quartile, urban location, and concomitant anxiety were associated with increased likelihood of receipt of psychological services.