Socio-economic Challenges Research Articles

Heterogeneous Associations Between Pandemic-Induced Socioeconomic Hardships and COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: A Nationally Representative Analysis in the United States

Background/Objectives: Socioeconomic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with lower vaccine uptake. Since the pandemic has exacerbated socioeconomic challenges faced by sexual and gender minority populations, including employment income loss, housing instability, food insufficiency, and household expense difficulty, this study investigated the disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among these populations. Methods: Using the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, a nationally representative sample of 1,767,966 individuals (6% gay or lesbian, 4.2% bisexual, 1.6% something else, and 90.6% heterosexual respondents), we quantified the COVID-19 vaccine uptakes among sexual and gender minorities, as well as the effect measure modifications by socioeconomic hardships. Results: Despite higher vaccine uptake rates among sexual and gender minorities compared to their heterosexual counterparts, socioeconomic hardships triggered by the pandemic among these populations were associated with decreased vaccine uptake. Importantly, the effect measure modifications by socioeconomic hardships were more pronounced among sexual and gender minority status compared to heterosexual individuals. Conclusions: These results highlight the critical need to address socioeconomic hardships among sexual and gender minorities to enhance vaccine uptake, along with the pre-existing and exacerbated social and economic disadvantages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Communication Approches in Enhancing The Effectiveness of Community Fund Collection in The RW 006, Kelurahan Cipinang Cempedak, East Jakarta

This study investigates the effectiveness of communication strategies in enhancing community fund collection in RW 006, Kelurahan Cipinang Cempedak, East Jakarta, through the lens of Social Capital Theory and Communication Theory. By addressing socio-economic disparities and digital literacy issues, the research aims to provide actionable insights for local authorities. A mixed-method approach, combining qualitative interviews with Neighborhood Association leaders and residents, as well as observations of community meetings, was employed. The analysis reveals that a hybrid communication strategy, integrating traditional meetings and digital platforms like WhatsApp, significantly enhances community engagement and fund collection. However, digital literacy and socio-economic disparities present significant barriers. Transparent reporting and regular updates are essential for building trust and encouraging participation. The findings underscore the importance of inclusive communication strategies that address both digital literacy and socio-economic challenges, thereby fostering community participation and optimizing fund collection efforts in urban neighborhoods.

Leadership Strategies in Addressing Out-of-School Children: A Comparative Study of Heads of Government and Public–Private-Managed Schools in Sindh, Pakistan

The issue of Out-of-School Children (OOSC) presents a significant policy challenge in Sindh, Pakistan, where 44% of 5–16-year-olds are not attending school. This study examines how different leadership strategies in government and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) schools address this crisis. Drawing on transformational leadership theory and institutional theory, this research investigates the influence of school governance structures—specifically government schools, Education Management Organizations (EMOs), and Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) schools—on school leaders’ abilities to increase student enrollment and retention. Through a multiple case study design, this study collects qualitative data from three school heads, augmented by perspectives from vice principals and teachers. The findings indicate that leadership agency is constrained in government schools due to centralized decision-making, while PPP schools, particularly SEF schools, offer more autonomy, enabling more adaptive and community-centered leadership strategies. This study concludes that decentralized governance in SEF schools is more effective in addressing the OOSC issue, particularly in marginalized areas. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance educational access in regions with similar socio-economic challenges. The implications of this research underscore the need for flexible, context-specific leadership models to combat the OOSC crisis.

Oral administration of butylated hydroxytoluene induces neuroprotection in a streptozotocin-induced rat Alzheimer’s disease model via inhibition of neuronal ferroptosis

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common human neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Owing to its chronic nature, our limited understanding of its pathophysiological mechanisms, and because of the lack of effective anti-AD drugs, AD represents a significant socio-economic challenge for all industrialized countries. Neuronal cell death is a key factor in AD pathogenesis and recent studies have suggested that neuronal ferroptosis may play a major patho-physiological role. Since ferroptosis involves free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation, we hypothesized that enteral administration of the radical scavenger butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) might slow down or even prevent the development of AD-related symptoms in an in vivo animal AD model.Material and methodsTo test this hypothesis, we employed the rat model of streptozotocin-induced AD and administered butylated hydroxytoluene orally at a dose of 120 mg/kg body weight. Following BHT treatment, neuronal cell death was induced by bilateral stereotactic intraventricular injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg body weight. Three weeks after surgery, we assessed the learning capabilities and the short-term memory of three experimental groups using the conventional y-maze test: (i) streptozotocin-treated rats (BHT pre-treatment), (ii) streptozotocin-treated rats (no BHT pre-treatment), (iii) sham-operated rats (BHT pre-treatment but no streptozotocin administration). After the y-maze test, the animals were sacrificed, hippocampal tissue was prepared and several biochemical (malonyl dialdehyde formation, glutathione homeostasis, gene expression patterns) and histochemical (Congo-red staining, Nissl staining, Perls staining) readout parameters were quantified.ResultsIntraventricular streptozotocin injection induced the development of AD-related symptoms, elevated the degree of lipid peroxidation and upregulated the expression of ferroptosis-related genes. Histochemical analysis indicated neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation, which were paralleled by aberrant intraneuronal iron deposition. The streptozotocin-induced alterations were significantly reduced and sometimes even abolished by oral BHT treatment.ConclusionOur data indicate that oral BHT treatment attenuated the development of AD-related symptoms in an in vivo rat model, most probably via inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis. These findings suggest that BHT might constitute a promising candidate as anti-AD drug. However, more work is needed to explore the potential applicability of BHT in other models of neurodegeneration and in additional ferroptosis-related disorders.

Navigating the financial sector's role in energy transition: A comprehensive assessment through the lens of the energy trilemma

Global energy concerns and climate change underscore the need to address energy trilemma (ET), which is the delicate balance of energy security, equity, and environmental sustainability. Navigating this trilemma requires financial and economic development to promote investments in clean energy solutions. In this context, the present study examines the influence of financial development and macroeconomic factors on ET in 18 emerging nations from 2000 to 2021. It also analyzes the implications of the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol on this relationship. The findings reveal that financial development indicators help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve access to clean fuels and technologies. Conversely, it negatively impacts the primary energy supply from renewable sources and the share of electricity from wind energy. Nonetheless, these outcomes persist even after ratifying the Kyoto and Paris Agreement. These unfavorable results are caused by prevailing financial barriers, which are further impeded by technological, environmental, and socioeconomic challenges. Thus, this research highlights the importance of targeted policy reforms in facilitating an effective energy transition and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers aimed at achieving sustainability goals.

Legal Perspective on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Corporate Governance in Nigeria: Potentials and Challenges

Abstract From a legal standpoint, this paper critically examines the potential and challenges in deploying Artificial (AI) Intelligence in corporate governance in Nigeria. The examination revealed that leveraging AI in corporate governance could enhance corporate efficiency in Nigeria through improved decision-making, risk management, financial reporting, and stakeholder protection and engagement. However, possible bias and data privacy breaches are significant risks that pose ethical challenges when AI is deployed in corporate governance. Particularly, Nigeria is bisected by several socio-economic challenges, such as a lack of a robust AI framework and insufficient technological expertise to develop and optimize AI systems. Furthermore, Nigeria currently lacks comprehensive national AI legislation, thereby resulting in the absence of a legal basis for the effective deployment of AI in corporate governance and board management. Against this backdrop, this paper proposes an AI-based corporate governance framework, which can be adapted into future legislative reforms to streamline decision-making processes and improve board accountability and stakeholders’ protection in companies. Overall, it argues that AI legislation and policies are vital to the success of efforts to implement AI-based corporate governance in Nigeria.

Underreporting, Prevalence, and Epidemiological Trends of Orofacial Clefts in the Brazilian Amazon Region.

Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital anomalies of the cranial segment worldwide. Particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, these conditions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, socioeconomic challenges, and considerable psychological and social integration difficulties for affected individuals. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with these conditions treated at a newly established specialized center in the Brazilian Amazonian Region. Data were extracted from medical records at a Reference Service for Clefts and Craniofacial Anomalies in the north of Brazil, covering the period from 2016 to 2020. These were compared with data from the official epidemiological health portal of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The study recorded a total of 852 patients, with males comprising 54.4%. The predominant type of cleft was the transforaminal cleft, which accounted for 69.4% of cases, followed by postforamen clefts at 17.3%. The left side was more frequently affected in 63% of the cases. The primary surgical intervention performed was cheiloplasty, representing 39.5% of all procedures. Notably, 52% of the patients were from the interior regions of the state. The 2019 DataSUS data indicated a prevalence of cleft lip and palate in the State of Pará of 4.26 per 10,000 live births. However, data from this single specialized hospital showed a higher prevalence of 7.58 per 10,000 live births. These results may reflect underreporting of the number of cases reported in national official data sets.

The critical intersection of mental health and oral health in severe mental disorders.

To highlight the critical need for integrated healthcare approaches for individuals with severe mental disorders and poor oral health. Review and discussion of factors contributing to elevated DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth) indices in individuals with severe mental disorders. Higher DMFT indices are reported in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder due to medication side effects, cognitive impairments, and socio-economic challenges. Emphasis on the necessity of combining mental and dental health services through regular dental check-ups, specialized education programs, and professional collaboration. Integrated healthcare strategies are essential to improve overall patient care and well-being for those with severe mental disorders.

Enhancing community potential to boost grassroots economy through value-added pickled bamboo shoots, Thailand

The objectives of this research article were: 1) to examine the community context, problems, and needs, 2) to enhance the community's capacity through the process of upgrading and adding value to fermented bamboo shoot products, and 3) to assess the capacity development of the Ban Sang Thor community, Phon Mueang Subdistrict, Lao Suea Kok District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The key informants were 12 experts, 50 workshop participants selected through purposive sampling, and ten experts, 50 producers (selected through purposive sampling), and 100 consumers selected through accidental sampling for product development satisfaction evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive explanations. The Ban Sang Thor community, characterized by a rich historical background and traditional Heet Sip Song Kong Sip Si customs, addressed socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, household indebtedness, and low income through the enhancement of fermented bamboo shoot products. The community engages in educational initiatives regarding hygienic production practices and participates in packaging design processes. The resulting products exhibit durability, aesthetic appeal, and consumer acceptance. High levels of satisfaction from experts and consumers culminate in the production of safe sanitary products with a distinct community-branded identity. Sustainable economic development contributes to the preservation of a community's cultural heritage.

‘A qualitative exploration of parent-teacher meetings in Indian schools: assessing stakeholder engagement and systemic efficacy’

ABSTRACT This study examined the effectiveness of Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) and their impact on interpersonal relationships and mental health in Indian schools. Thirty participants, including 10 teachers, 10 parents, and 10 students, were purposively selected from both rural and urban areas in Assam and Delhi, ensuring equal gender representation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, allowing for an in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences and perceptions. Thematic analysis highlighted several challenges, such as a lack of teacher support, socioeconomic barriers, and feelings of being dismissed during PTMs. Despite these challenges, effective PTMs were found to significantly improve parent-teacher communication, enhancing support for students’ academic and emotional needs. The study emphasises the need to enhance PTMs by improving teacher receptivity, encouraging greater parental involvement, and overcoming socioeconomic challenges. However, the limited scale of the study, conducted solely in India, restricts the generalizability of findings to other contexts, highlighting the need for broader research.

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change has intensified in recent decades, generating devastating consequences for the environment and, consequently, for human health. Mental health has emerged as a critical area of concern, since extreme weather events such as natural disasters, droughts and floods directly impact the psychological well-being of vulnerable populations. This study aims to analyze how climate change influences mental health, focusing on the psychological effects these changes have on communities in situations of vulnerability. The aim of this analysis is to explore how climate change impacts the mental health of vulnerable populations, discussing the main risk factors involved and addressing strategies that can be adopted to minimize these effects. This discussion is relevant because recognizing the emotional consequences of the climate crisis creates a basis for developing public health practices and psychosocial approaches that promote resilience and adaptation. By focusing on the psychological impact of climate change, we aim to contribute to a more comprehensive and inclusive response to the challenges of a changing world. This is a literature review, based on a qualitative approach, using the Scielo, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. To enhance the research, the health descriptors “climate change”, “mental health”, “psychological impacts” and “solastalgia” were used, with a time frame between 2007 and 2020. The methodology adopted for this analysis consists of a comprehensive literature review, using academic sources and reports from health and environmental organizations. The study addresses how extreme weather events, food insecurity and forced displacement affect mental health, leading to an increase in disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, the social inequalities that aggravate these impacts are discussed, considering that populations with less access to health resources and services are more susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. It is concluded that climate change poses a significant threat to mental health, especially for vulnerable populations already facing socio-economic challenges. It is essential that public health policies integrate mental health considerations into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Promoting psychological support programs and implementing targeted interventions can help minimize the negative impacts on mental health, strengthening the resilience of affected communities and promoting a more effective response to climate crises.

Impact of English Language Coaching Classes in Pakistan: Bridging Educational Gaps and Socioeconomic Challenges

The education system in Pakistan faces challenges in effectively teaching English as a second language, prompting students to seek external support through coaching classes. This research explores the impact and implications of coaching classes on English language learning, examining their influence on academic performance and their emergence as a parallel education system. A mixed-method approach was adopted, utilizing surveys of 300 participants, in-depth interviews with 30 students, teachers, and parents, and classroom observations conducted in 10 schools and coaching centers. Quantitative analysis revealed that 75% of students attended coaching classes, with significant academic improvements in English performance noted for coached students compared to non-coached students (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings highlighted both the benefits and challenges: while coaching classes offer personalized attention and enhance exam preparation, they also impose a financial burden on families and reflect inadequacies in formal education. The research concludes that while coaching significantly enhances students’ English skills, it underscores the need for improvements within schools to provide more comprehensive language education. Addressing gaps in formal education could reduce over-reliance on coaching classes, ensuring more equitable access to language learning opportunities.

MFAP3L predicts tumor microenvironment status, molecular subtypes and clinical benefit in patients with bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BLCA), ranking as the tenth most prevalent malignancy globally, imposes a substantial public health and socio-economic challenge. Despite ongoing efforts by urologists to identify novel molecular subtypes and treatment paradigms, the intrinsic heterogeneity of BLCA continues to obstruct the efficacy of current diagnostic and therapeutic evaluations, leaving a gap in the comprehensive management of BLCA. This necessitates an in-depth investigation into the BLCA tumor microenvironment (TME) to identify pivotal molecules like MFAP3L. Our research concentrated on MFAP3L, commencing with a pan-cancer analysis of its immune profile. We discovered that MFAP3L exhibits a significant negative correlation with numerous immune components and markers in BLCA, a trend not observed in other cancer types. Within the TCGA-BLCA cohort, patients were classified into High-MFAP3L and Low-MFAP3L groups according to their MFAP3L transcript levels. Our exploration into the BLCA TME delved into immune infiltration, molecular subtype patterns, and treatment preferences within these MFAP3L groups. High MFAP3L expression was linked to favorable prognoses, luminal subtypes, and low immune infiltration, inversely associated with various immune molecules and characteristics. Additionally, high MFAP3L expressors exhibited diminished immune checkpoint levels, suggesting enhanced immunotherapy tolerance and sensitivity to oncogenic pathway targeting. Conversely, low MFAP3L expression correlated with poor outcomes, basal subtypes, increased immune infiltration, and heightened gene mutation rates, alongside sensitivity to radiotherapy, EGFR-targeted treatments, and immunotherapy. Hence, MFAP3L emerges as a critical yet underexplored gene in BLCA, offering insights into immune status within the TME and aiding in molecular subtyping and therapeutic decision-making.

Movie Review “Hana,” Resilience and Empowerment of Papuan Women in the Face of Systemic Injustice

ABSTRACT The review of the film HANA examines the resilience and empowerment of Hana Kristina Agasar, a young Papuan lady confronting systematic injustice. The video highlights obstacles faced by indigenous Papuan women, especially in school and employment, as a result of persistent racial discrimination. Hana’s narrative, rooted in socio-economic challenges , underscores both individual and communal hardship. Her perseverance in pursuing a better life demonstrates personal emwerment, self-efficacy, and community support. The review shows how oppression can be confronted through agency and societal support, utilizing resilience, empowerment, and cultural identity. Hana’s narrative symbolizes Papua’s broader struggle for justice and equality.

The Right to Development and Self-Help: Faking Entrepreneurship of the Strategic Economic Man in Mohsin Hamid’s How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia

ABSTRACT This article highlights the strategic economic man in Mohsin Hamid’s How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia. The novel reveals the contradictions of faking entrepreneurship amid the uneven development in rising Asia, showcasing individuals’ efforts for self-improvement despite political, socioeconomic, and cultural challenges. This faking fosters a new global identity that is sociable, emulative, altruistic, and cooperative as the economic man is reconciled with the sociological man, who learns from others through reading, imitation, and other interactive strategies. Ultimately, the novel suggests that maximizing benefits for personal development and the common good requires merging these two aspects of identity.

Determinants of the Blue Economy Growth in the Era of Sustainability: A Case Study of Indonesia

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a fundamental global commitment to addressing a wide range of socio-economic and environmental challenges. A key component of these goals is the commitment to ocean sustainability, encapsulated in the concept of the blue economy. The blue economy, emerging in an era characterized by intricate dynamics and openness to transformation, is influenced by various determinants. This study utilizes panel data analysis and the pooled least squares method to investigate the factors influencing the share of the blue economy in the archipelagic provinces of Indonesia from 2012 to 2021. With its vast maritime territory and numerous islands, Indonesia provides a highly relevant context for examining these dynamics. The empirical results indicate that information and communication technology (ICT), fisheries capture, and aquaculture production positively impact the blue economy’s share. Conversely, trade openness and electricity consumption exhibit a negative relationship with the blue economy’s share. Moreover, the analysis reveals that investment does not have a significant effect on the blue economy’s share. These findings underscore the critical importance of developing robust infrastructure and implementing stringent regulatory oversight on fishery product trade to enhance sustainable growth within the blue economy framework.

Unveiling socioeconomic dynamics and challenges among sugarcane cultivators in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh in India: A case study

Unveiling socioeconomic dynamics and challenges among sugarcane cultivators in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh in India: A case study

COVID-19 pandemic and food security: Strategic agricultural budget allocation in Indonesia

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed significant vulnerabilities in Indonesia's food security, highlighting the need for more strategic agricultural budget allocation. This study addresses the issue of inadequate budgeting techniques that fail to effectively support food production and distribution during crises. The primary objective is to develop a tailored framework that optimises budget allocations to strengthen Indonesia's food security in the face of socio-economic and geographical challenges. Using a multi-dimensional research approach, the study involves key stakeholders from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of National Development Planning, employing methods such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and data collection from primary and secondary sources. The research utilises the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the Expert Choice 2000 program to systematically evaluate decision-making options. Findings reveal the necessity of a resilient framework that balances short-term emergency responses with long-term strategies, focusing on increasing production capacity, improving seed quality, expanding land availability, and adopting advanced agricultural technologies. The study contributes to the policy landscape by offering a structured agricultural budgeting framework and policy recommendations aimed at mitigating disruptions, enhancing productivity, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. It also emphasizes the importance of sensitivity analysis in budget planning to inform strategic decisions. The study recommended targeted investments in production capacity, a reevaluation of rice import regulations, and the adoption of innovative technologies to ensure a resilient and sustainable food system in Indonesia.

Energy transition policy and rural revitalization of Chinese ethnic regions

This study addresses socio-economic disparities and environmental challenges in China's ethnic regions by examining the impact of energy transition policies on rural revitalization, with a particular focus on the mediating effects of population quality, economic growth, and industrial upgrading. Using data from 46 Chinese ethnic regions spanning 2003 to 2022, the analysis reveals that industrial upgrading significantly enhances the effectiveness of these policies, while educational attainment, as a measure of population quality, further amplifies their benefits. Although economic growth also contributes positively to rural revitalization, its mediating role is less pronounced. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy that integrates energy transition with socio-economic development to promote sustainable rural progress. The study underscores the critical role of incorporating energy transition into broader development policies, particularly through industrial and educational improvements, to achieve sustainable development in China's ethnic regions, and offers valuable policy recommendations.

A Systematic Literature Review of Synchronous E-Learning Challenges in Higher Education Institutions in Developing Nations during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition to online learning, with synchronous e-learning becoming a critical modality in higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide. This shift, while ensuring educational continuity, has unveiled numerous challenges, especially in developing nations where resources and infrastructure may not adequately support such a rapid transition. Purpose: This study aims to provide a systematic literature review of the challenges encountered by students in developing nations during the implementation of synchronous e-learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on identifying and analysing technological, pedagogical, infrastructural, socioeconomic, and health-related challenges that have impacted the efficacy of online learning. Methods: Through a systematic literature review of 43 peer-reviewed studies conducted in developing nations, dated between 2020 and 2022 sourced from the SCOPUS database, this article synthesises findings on the multifaceted challenges faced by HEIs students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employs a thematic analysis approach to categorise these challenges and discuss their implications for educational equity, student well-being, and the resilience of higher education systems in developing countries. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address the identified challenges, emphasising the importance of infrastructural improvements, pedagogical support, socioeconomic interventions, and health-focused measures. It calls for a collaborative effort among educational institutions, governments, and international organisations to enhance the resilience and inclusivity of e-learning environments, ensuring equitable access to quality education in developing nations during and beyond the pandemic.