Socio-economic Analysis Research Articles

A demographic and socioeconomic analysis of risk factors in meningeal melanomatosis.

e14019 Background: Meningeal melanomatosis (MM) is a rare and aggressive central nervous system neoplasm that normally occurs in the leptomeningeal melanocytes. Meningeal melanomatosis represents only 0.06% to 0.1% of all primary brain tumors, but it is accompanied with a very poor prognosis with data showing a mean survival of 10 weeks after diagnosis. Despite intrathecal chemotherapy treatment, only a modest positive effect on survival was observed. Limited research has been done. In this study, demographic factors in patients diagnosed with MM from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) were analyzed to elucidate potentially valuable insights regarding its epidemiology. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using data collected between 2004–2020 from the NCDB included 137 patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of MN. The descriptive analysis included an examination of demographic factors such as sex, age, race, Hispanic status, insurance coverage, type of medical facility, and Charleson-Deyo score. Primary site was also analyzed. Results: A total of 137 patients were identified with a diagnosis of MM between 2004 – 2020. The most common primary sites of MM were the meninges, not otherwise specified (NOS) (43.8%), spinal meninges (29.2%) and cerebral meninges (19.0%). In the dataset, 50.4% of diagnosed patients were male. The average age of diagnosis was 51.4 years (SD = 21.5, range = 0 – 90 years). The majority of the individuals (73.7%) had a Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score of 0. Most of the individuals diagnosed with MM were non-Hispanic (83.9%) and 87.6% of patients with diagnosed MM were White. Among the 115 patients with available data for median household income, 37.4% were in the top income quartile. A greater proportion of patients, 54.7%, had private insurance compared to those without insurance or those insured through Medicare or Medicaid. The majority of patients resided in metropolitan counties with a population exceeding 250,000 (71.8%) For patients with documented treatment facility type (N = 99), 56.6% of patients were treated in an academic/research program. Conclusions: This first NCDB analysis fills a crucial void in the existing knowledge on MM. MM affected males and females equally, contrary to published literature which suggested a slight predominance in males. The most common primary sites of diagnosis were the meninges NOS, spinal meninges and cerebral meninges, which supports findings in the literature. This is a novel description of the socioeconomic factors of MM patients in the literature, showing that these patients tend to have higher incomes and reside in densely populated metropolitan areas, and are more likely to receive treatment in an academic medical facility. Additional research is imperative to elucidate the influence of demographic and socioeconomic factors on the diagnosis, treatment options, and overall survival outcomes for patients with MM.

Мясное скотоводство в хозяйствах малых форм в условиях цифровизации

Abstract. Cattle meat is a popular food product for the population of the Northwestern region, while there is a need to increase its production. The use of digital technologies allows small farms to compete with large beef producers. The purpose of this study is to identify the specific features of the development of beef cattle breeding in the North-West in small-scale farms in the conditions of digitalization. Methods. Methods of socio-economic analysis, graphical, computational and analytical methods, and a systematic approach were used in the study. Results. The approaches of agricultural scientists to solving the issue of beef production in small farms are systematized. Various forms of interaction between the owners of these farms, including cooperation, are considered. The graphically organizational scheme of the current agricultural consumer cooperative for fattening cattle is presented, as well as other examples of successful cooperative relationships that can be used in the creation of cooperatives. The features of the Northwestern Federal District that can be used for the development of beef cattle breeding in small-scale farms have been identified. The significant role of peasant (farm) economy (P(F)E) and individual entrepreneurs (IE), as well as households of the population (HP) in beef production in the Northwestern Federal District in 2017–2021 has been clarified. It is established that the recommended rational rate of beef consumption is not provided by its own production in any subject of the Northwestern Federal District and in the Russian Federation as a whole. The key points of digitalization of small-scale farms producing cattle meat are presented graphically in the form of a diagram. The main reasons hindering the introduction of digital technologies in small-scale cattle farms are identified, and ways to accelerate this process are proposed. Scientific novelty. It is revealed that farms of small forms of the Northwestern Federal District have unrealized potential for the cultivation of beef cattle, which can be realized with the availability of a system of state support, the development of partnerships in various forms, including cooperation and the introduction of digital technologies.

MAQUILADORA INDUSTRY ON MEXICO'S NORTHERN BORDER

This paper analyzes the consolidation process of maquiladora industry in Mexico's northern border, based on the expansion context of Global Value Chains (GVC) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as forms of lowering production costs. Having arrangements like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as an institutional background, there is a growing presence of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and the expansion of maquiladoras as a national export-led model, mainly composed by manufactures. Through socioeconomic data analysis, we demonstrate two aspects concerning the evolution of maquiladora industry in Mexico: Job creation is related to inferior wage levels with a low improvement throughout history, which may interfere on the social reproduction of labor force; It follows the rise in undocumented immigration to the United States, creating a tighter and onerous institutional response on border control as an attempt to contain the migratory flows. 

The Effect of Inequality and Prosperity on the European Market for Gambling Machines: A Socioeconomic Panel Analysis

This study examines the potential influence of prosperity and inequality on gambling participation in Europe. We combined data from the Eurostat database, the Global Wealth Report, and the European Casino Association and estimated fixed effects panel regression models. We show that income inequality has a negative effect on the number of gambling machines that flattens for high values, while wealth inequality has a linear negative effect. Moreover, an increase in the disposable income of the lower quintiles leads to significant increases in the number of gambling machines per country. These findings are important for future researchers who relate any kind of economic variable to gambling as well as for policy makers, as our results suggest that the lower-income groups should be given the most attention with regards to gambling regulation.

Socio-Economic Analysis of Alternative Energy Consumption in Urban Nepal

Socio-Economic Analysis of Alternative Energy Consumption in Urban Nepal

Psychological well-being among IT/ITES employees: a socio-economic and demographic analysis

Purpose This paper aims to study and measure the level of the psychological well-being, of the employees in IT/ITES organizations and to find out whether the psychological well-being (PWB), of the IT/ITES employees significantly varies with their socio-economic and demographic profiles.Design/methodology/approachStudy was conducted among the employees in IT/ITES companies in Infopark, a cluster of companies, in Cochin. There are 30,000 employees estimated as working in different companies in Infopark. Considering the size of the population, the researcher targeted 1200 sample respondents (covering 4% of the population) and distributed 1400 questionnaires to IT/ITES employees of different companies in Infopark. The response rate was 78%, hence, the researcher could get back 1092 filled questionnaires. However, out of 1092, filled questionnaires, 24 questionnaires (2.20%) were found to be either incomplete or with mistakes and hence not in usable nature. These were eliminated from the final sample. The final sample for this study is (1092–24) thus taken as 1068 IT/ITES employees (3.56%) in Infopark, Kochi. psychological well-being (PWB) of the employees in IT/ITES organizations was measured using the PWB scale by Ryff (1989). Data analysis was done using parametric tests like, independent sample test and analysis of variance.FindingsThe current study tries to explain the variation in PWB, of IT/ITES employees with respect to their socio-economic and demographic profiles. Based on the independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA test results relating to H1a (gender), H1b (age), H1c (work-experience) and H1d (employment level) the overall hypothesis H1: PWB exhibited by the IT/ITES employees significantly varies with their socio-economic and demographic profiles is rejected. Hence it is concluded that PWB among IT/ITES employees do not significantly differ with respect to their socio-economic and demographic profile.Research limitations/implicationsThe study results may help the academia, trainers and researchers to identify new ways of improving PWB among employees. It will also help them to focus on training programmes, targeting toward the betterment of PWB. Policymakers' role is significant in promoting PWB among employees so as to ensure sustainable organizational performance.Practical implicationsThe study will help managers to provide a conducive work place where employees are psychologically mature and carry positive attitude toward work, work environment and co-workers. Planned interventions are necessary to enhance team spirit, cooperation, cohesiveness and collaboration among employees.Social implicationsWith the study findings new psychosocial interventions could be offered to the IT/ITES professionals in the form of training and personality development programmes. This will directly influence team effectiveness among employees.Originality/valueA study on PWB has not yet been done among the Infopark employees. Thus, a study to assess the level of PWB carried out among IT/ITES professionals in Kochi is quite a new approach. A study of this nature is believed to help employers take measures for enhancing the PWB which will help to improve the team performance and thus the performance of the company as a whole.

Cold Ironing: Socio-Economic Analysis in the Port of Genoa

Background: The emissions of ships in ports are increasingly becoming an issue, and particularly those of NOx, SOx, and PM, rather than CO2. One realistic solution for reducing GHG emissions is cold ironing technology. This paper highlights the socio-economic impact of increasing utilization of cold ironing in the port of Genoa, quantifying the achievable emissions reductions and estimating the effects over a defined time horizon. Methods: This research employs an interdisciplinary approach and uses quantitative data with a bottom-up approach for data collection. For the quantification of health costs, reference was made to the CAFE program, which defines a calculation method to estimate the external costs generated by polluting agents such as NH3, NOx, SO2, VOCs, and PM2.5. Results: Analysis of results shows the significant importance of relying on cold ironing and the importance of renewable port generation. Health cost savings using cold ironing and a different mix of generations are calculated, and these results strongly signal the importance of cold ironing. Conclusions: Cold ironing is indeed an effective anti-pollution measure. Its use to reduce polluting emissions is to be strongly recommended. Investments are cost-effective versus health costs and are sustainable by all parties.

Socio-economic impacts of shipping along the Northwest Passage: The cost to locals

This paper presents a novel approach to assessing the cost of container liner shipping through the Northwest Passage (NWP) on northern local communities. Based on some representative communities, concerns of the residents of these Canadian Arctic regions were assessed. Two essential factors to the well-being of the community members—air pollution and oil spills—are considered in our model. The approach was therefore used to evaluate the socio-economic impact of Arctic container liner shipping in Canadian Arctic regions. More specifically, the approach adopted a) uses a logit model to estimate the market share of NWP for commercial liner shipping; b) investigates different scenarios to evaluate the feasibility of commercial liner shipping through the NWP; c) incorporating concerns from the local communities, conducts a socio-economic analysis for the communities. With the analysis of the socio-economic impacts on local communities, the study would help guide governments on how to evaluate and calculate transit fees for transiting NWP. The study is imperative in supporting decision-making to shape Arctic policy. Furthermore, it gives stakeholders an idea of the market dynamics of shipping in the Arctic area.

A scenario-specific nexus modelling toolkit to identify trade-offs in the promotion of sustainable irrigated agriculture in Ecuador, a Belt and Road country

Increased demand for food due to development and population growth has prompted irrigated agriculture expansion, posing enhanced global challenges to water, energy, and food security. To confront these challenges, an approach that considers the water-energy-food-environment nexus can address multidimensional trade-offs that complicate the efficient use of resources and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. In order to provide insights into solutions to these challenges for a specific case, this study develops a modelling toolkit that integrates biophysical and socioeconomic aspects of nexus components in the context of agro-export and irrigation expansion in Ecuador, a Belt and Road Country. The nexus toolkit is applied to agricultural-development scenarios defined in participatory workshops and incorporates a water resources model, a lifecycle environmental assessment, and a socioeconomic analysis. The modelling exercise is constructed around specific scenario-determined land use patterns in the Santa Elena peninsula of Ecuador. Agriculture in the peninsula is water-limited, relying on delivery infrastructure and transfers from a neighbouring catchment. Impacts on nexus components are analysed for ten crops under two potential land-use scenarios: a substantial increase in irrigated area due to investment in irrigation infrastructure; and a substantial shift in land use towards export crops. The two have distinct impact on water and energy use, global warming potential, freshwater eutrophication, terrestrial acidification, and fine particulate matter formation. The results provide insights into future water and energy resource challenges and environmental and socioeconomic trade-offs associated with likely changes in irrigation expansion. The results for scenarios show that, for example, banana production has the greatest environmental impacts (e.g. a 519% increase in global warming potential and 452% increase in fine particulate matter form for scenario 2), primarily due to water and energy requirements, despite the crop being mainly produced organically. In addition, total net income and labour demand increase (net income increases by 43% and 217% under scenarios 1 and 2, respectively) due to a larger crop area and crop intensification. Scale effects on labour demand are mainly due to labour intensity of maize in Ecuador, which is disadvantaged in the crop export scenario (an unexpected result). However, expanding irrigated areas would also increase total water and energy demand for irrigation, global warming potential, and freshwater eutrophication. This type of information enables stakeholders and decision-makers to design policies that achieve equitable and sustainable agricultural production, water use, and economic growth.

Socio-Economic and Political Analysis of a Fragile State: A Reflection on Ethiopia

Socio-Economic and Political Analysis of a Fragile State: A Reflection on Ethiopia

Socio-Economic Analysis of Women Commercial Farmer of Godavari Municipality on Lalitpur District of Nepal

Nepalese economy is dominated by agriculture; gross domestic product and national income volume are influences it. In agriculture sector gender issues have become a common area of concern at global, regional and national level. In the context of Nepal ownership of land as well as commercial farmer of women are very low to compare man. This research tries to analyze the socio-economic status of women commercial farming of the Godavari municipality. In Godavari municipality 4, Badikhel there are 30 women commercial farmer and they all were selected as sample for this research. Primary information was collected through the questioner survey method on the sample population. This study had used an explorative, descriptive and analytical framework to evaluate the impact of the commercial farming. Women’s participation in vegetable farming has changed women’s lifestyle in positive way. Women were more involved in plantation, weeding, collection and transportation than man. Women are involved in decision making for post vegetable cultivation as well as that helps to run the family smoothly through increase their household income and consumption. After engaging in the vegetable farming, it has improved in participation of women for domestic decision making.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS OF FARO-44 RICE FARMERS UNDER FADAMA III ADDITIONAL FINANCE II IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the socio-economic and constraints analysis of faro-44 rice farmers under fadama III additional finance II in Taraba State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select the respondents. Data collected from 500 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean scores and standard deviation). The results showed that majority (83.80%) of the faro-44 rice farmers were male; 78.80% were married; 58.20% had informal education; 33.80% acquired land through inheritance; about half (52%) had access to extension agents and a few (47.80%) had no access. Frequency of extension agent visits showed that few (28.60%) had fortnightly visits, weekly (18.60%), monthly (20.00%), quarterly (18.00%) and none (14.80%). Some (28.60%) of the respondents revealed that own sources were their main credit. Results showed a mean age of 43 years for the faro-4 rice farmers. The respondents had mean household size of 9 persons per household. The faro-44 rice farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria had a mean farm size of 2.66 ha. Findings also revealed that faro-44 rice farmers had minimum and maximum of 1 year and 25 years experiences, respectively, with an average of 14.02 years farming experience. The major constraints faced by the farmers were pests and diseases (93.80%), inadequacy of information on improved rice production technologies (89.20%), farmer-herder conflicts (78.60%), inadequate capital (76.40%), high cost of farm inputs (70.20%), poor road network/transportation (66.20%), climatic factors, e.g., flood, ground water depletion, drought (66%), high cost of labour (64.60%), poor market outlet (44.20%), scarcity of improved seeds (39.60%), high cost of seedling (26.80%), land fragmentation (21.00%), inadequate extension services or contact (19.20%), price fluctuation (6.20%) and kidnapping/banditry (5.60%). It was concluded that faro-44 rice farmers under fadama III additional finance II in Taraba State, Nigeria is dominated by males and the major constraints faced by the farmers were pests and diseases, inadequate information on improved rice production technologies and farmer-herder conflicts. The study recommended that women farmers in Taraba State should form strong cooperative associations in order to benefit more from such laudable fadama AF-II intervention/supports taking cognizance also of the enormous benefit of the women in agriculture programmes.

Proximate Composition of Sarotherodon melanotheron and Socio-Economic Analyses of Cast Net Among Artisanal Fishers in Lagos Lagoon (Nigeria)

Abstract Proximate composition of the wild-caught Sarotherodon melanotheron and the socioeconomic analyses of cast net among artisanal fishers in Lagos Lagoon (Nigeria), were examined in the dry season of 2021 and 2022. No significant (P < 0.05) variation was found in the proximate content of the fish. The protein content ranged from 61.74 ± 3.20 g/100 g to 63.13 ± 0.64 g/100 g in 2021 and from 53.13 ± 3.27 g/100 g to 58.38 ± 0.47 g/100 g in 2022, with highest value in November 2021 and decreased thereafter till late dry season (April). Lipid content showed the opposite trend (except in February), increasing from early to late dry season. The return on investment averaged at 10.72, with lowest being ‒0.60 and highest found to be 24.00. The use of cast nets fishing gear is profitable.

Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in the Treatment of Chronic Postsurgical Abdominal Wall Pain Improves Patient Quality of Life: A Retrospective Study and Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Although poorly studied, chronic postsurgical neuropathic pain (CPNP) represents the second most frequent chronic neuropathic pain etiology, probably affecting 0.5% to 75% of patients with a severe impact on quality of life (QoL). No consensus or treatment algorithm has been elaborated to date, despite a large variety of approaches now available. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been endorsed as an efficient treatment for acute postoperative pain although its effect on CPNP in terms of intensity and QoL has yet to be considered. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TAP blocks in terms of QoL on patients suffering from abdominal CPNP, including a socio-economic analysis. Results were compared with those published in the recent literature. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, monocentric, observational clinical study. SETTING: This single-center retrospective study was conducted at the Chronic Pain Center, Department of Anesthesia, Robert Debré University Hospital, Reims, France. METHODS: From January 2018 through April 2021, all patients suffering from abdominal CPNP treated with a TAP block were enrolled. QoL was assessed using the SF-12 survey. Socio-economic and demographic data were also collected. A literature review was performed using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. RESULTS: A TAP block was administered to 44 consecutive patients suffering from CPNP. After a mean follow-up of 11.8 weeks, 86.7% of the patients reported significant effectiveness of the treatment, including an improvement in QoL (P < 0.001), pain scale ratings (P < 0.001) and analgesic requirement (P < 0.001). In term of socio-economic results, one-fifth of the patients returned to work after treatment. The literature review yielded 60 research studies, only 2 of which met our inclusion criteria. These retrospective studies indicated a 76.5% and 81.9% efficacy rate after 12 and 15.5 weeks, respectively. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study with a small sample size. Further investigation should include medical and economic parameters as well as a comparison of TAP block with second-line drug therapies such as transcutaneous neurostimulation, and capsaicin and lidocaine patches. Other anesthetic molecules such as onobotulinumtoxin A (botulinum toxin) combined with steroids should be assessed for these patients. CONCLUSION: The TAP block is easy to learn, easy to reproduce, and easy to administer. After pooling our results with those from the literature, a TAP block is deemed to be effective for the treatment of CPNP with 82.25% effectiveness over a mean time of 13.9 weeks. A TAP block improves long-term QoL, reduces consumption of painkillers and lowers pain scale scores. Thus, it may reduce health care costs. We argue that A TAP block should be considered early, from the onset of the first pain symptoms. KEY WORDS: Anesthetics therapeutic use, hernia, inguinal surgery, abdominal muscles innervation, nerve block methods, anesthesia, conduction methods, postoperative treatment, wounds and injuries, drug therapy

Household Energy Choices and Health Risks: A Socioeconomic Analysis of Rural Women in Tehsil Mirpur

The energy sector plays a vital role in socio-economic development, and this study examines the factors influencing cooking fuel choices and their associated health impacts in rural Tehsil Mirpur, AJK. Using data from 400 households and employing multinomial and binary logistic regressions, the study finds that household income, age, and education of the household head, and the number of children under five are positively linked to using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Conversely, household size, gender of the head, and poverty are associated with traditional fuel use. Health outcomes, such as COPD, asthma, and respiratory infections, are inversely related to income, education, and good ventilation. The study suggests government policies focus on increasing access to clean cooking fuels to improve public health.

Socio-economic approach to transport investments evaluation

Background: Transport plays a crucial role in socio-economic and social processes. Despite the fact that transport can be considered as an independent industry, and transport development projects can be considered as independent business projects, the spectrum of transport influence has not yet been fully studied. A qualitative examination of the spheres of influence of transport shows its impact on all significant aspects of socio-economic relations in society.
 Nevertheless, classical methods of financial management are used to assess the effectiveness of investments in transport, which do not allow to fully reflect the effects arising from the implementation of such investments.
 As practice shows, the use of classical approaches does not allow us to reliably assess the effectiveness of investments in transport. The choice of approaches to assessment is directly dependent on the socio-economic model of the state. The capitalist model focuses on the income received from the implementation of any investment project, whereas the socially oriented model peculiar to Russia is initially focused on the formation of the public good.
 The latter approach, in our opinion, is strategically more advantageous on a national scale and requires wide dissemination for the purposes of financial and economic analysis
 Aim: to consider the list of methods for evaluating investments in transport and determine a set of factors that require consideration for a socially oriented economy.
 Materials and methods: the research methodology is based on the analysis of methods of financial and economic evaluation of investment projects, socio-economic analysis, as well as macroeconomic methods. The information base of the study is based on official legal and methodological information of the authorities of the Russian Federation.
 Results: as a result of the study, a list of factors that need to be taken into account when assessing the effectiveness of investments in transport within the framework of the paradigm of socially oriented public administration is determined.
 Conclusion: the study confirms that the methods currently used to assess the effectiveness of investments in transport do not fully reflect the effects arising from their implementation. The proposed approach to determining the list of socio-economic effects resulting from the impact of transport projects will improve the quality of management decisions in the transport sector.

Цифровая инфраструктура маркетинга сельских территорий

Abstract. Digital technological means are developing, the number of Internet users is growing, so marketing activities play a key role for every organization, companies in the agricultural economic sphere are not developing either. Marketing activity has the character of an opportunity to attract new consumers and build communications with old customers. If such activities are not used, then at present it is fraught with economic losses, and the loss of all business activities as a whole. A number of scientific and technological revolutions have changed a lot, the activity and features of the agro-industrial complex. Currently, a large number of specialists use the fact of implementation in the digital sector of the agricultural industry. This problem is becoming increasingly important in the formation and dissemination of projects aimed at the development of digital technologies in the industry. The purpose of this article is a study that draws attention to the activity of representatives of the agricultural type, and a proposal based on its assumption. Objectives: to conduct a bibliographic analysis of approaches to marketing the agricultural sector; to consider the key categories of digital technologies for agricultural enterprises; to analyze the use and wider application of marketing tools in the agricultural sector. Methods. When monitoring the sensors of socio-economic analysis, graphic and analytical methods, a systematic approach. Results. A study and description of the most common area of activity has been carried out, which allows expanding communication with users of agricultural products and increasing their number. The features of the use of digital technologies in the agricultural economy are revealed. Certain main reasons arising from the use of technological tools in the agricultural industry. Scientific novelty. It was revealed that enterprises in sectoral management often do not have the opportunity to purchase goods and sell the market. Solving the problem of wider use of digital communication technologies in the industry, the possible implementation of separate and distributed software products aimed at the development of the agricultural industry.

Post-COVID-19 pandemic and the Paris agreement: a socioeconomic analysis and carbon emissions forecasting in developed and developing countries.

Research methodology for assessing the pandemic's impacts on the G7 and E7 countries' long-term carbon trajectory curve. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10098-023-02508-0.

Agricultural associations and fair trade in the Peruvian rainforest: a socioeconomic and ecological analysis

Fair trade initiatives represent an essential support for the scarce opportunities that have arisen in the agricultural sector, as they cover various areas that contribute to increasing good trade practices. It is essential to highlight the contribution of fair trade in urban and rural areas, as it becomes a valuable incentive for differentiation. The main objective of this study was to determine how Fair Trade is applied in the socioeconomic and ecological sphere in an association of sustainable agricultural producers in the Peruvian jungle. This is quantitative research with a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The survey technique was used, and a questionnaire was applied to 99 agricultural producers in the Amazon region of northern Peru, because it would help to analyze the new challenges of fair trade. In addition, data analysis and processing was carried out with Microsoft Office Excel and SPSS. The results show that 51% of the producers surveyed have been sensitized to adopt socially responsible actions aimed at strengthening sustainable development, social responsibility and good practices for fair trade in favor of the preservation of the resources of the Peruvian Amazon, as well as the socioeconomic development of farmers and the region itself. Forty-seven percent carry out social responsibility activities under the guidance of the Fairtrade organization, which has accompanied farmers to obtain Fairtrade certification. In addition, 59% of respondents say that they engage in healthy competition that generates trust among farmers. Fairtrade enables associated farmers to improve their ethical behavior and respect for their rights as well as those of the entire community.

COVID-19 in city and municipal area: socio-economic analysis in Khulna, Bangladesh

PurposeIn Bangladesh (a middle-income and densely populated country) where socio-economic factors act badly on human activities during COVID-19. This research mainly focused on observing the socio-economic aspects of the Pandemic on human life between city and municipal areas.Design/methodology/approachThis research relied on Khulna City Corporation (KCC) and Paikgacha Municipality of Bangladesh. A random sampling technique was adopted for choosing 622 stakeholders (318 in the city and 304 in the municipal area). Here, the socio-economic factors have been fixed based on the literature review and expert opinion. This study explored two mainstream social and economic issues affected by the Pandemic. Several statistical tests were performed to find the relationship among Socio-economic factors.FindingsThe study shows that the Pandemic caused great harm to city areas rather than municipal areas. The city is faced with tremendous pressure on the economic aspect as well. Besides, the pandemic affects savings, education sectors, food habits and other factors in both areas. The trip distribution also differs between the study areas and the mobility pattern shows that people migrated to rural areas from city space during the Pandemic.Originality/valueThis research will assist in focusing on a micro-level perspective in the future to analyze socio-economic changes. Moreover, it can help to point out the administrative prospects in the future.