Study on poverty, gender and ethnicity in key sectors of the Fijian economy

MDF stimulates investment, business innovation and regulatory reform to create additional jobs and increase the income of poor women and men in rural and urban areas around the world. MDF follows a systems approach to market development and supports businesses with innovative ideas, investment and regulatory reform that will increase business performance, stimulate economic growth and ultimately provide benefits for the poor – as workers, producers, and consumers. Currently, the focus of the Facility’s work in Fiji is in two key sectors: Horticulture and Agro-export; and Tourism and Related Support Services and Industries. It is considering expansion of its work to a third urban-based sector, possibly later this year. MDF selects its sectors based on their contribution to the national economy; long-term growth prospects, and relevance for poverty reduction. For each sector, MDF has prepared a sector assessment and developed a sector growth strategy identifying the key constraints and growth areas within those sectors, on which MDF is focusing its interventions for stimulating broad-based pro-poor growth in the sector. This study goes deeper into understanding poverty, gender and ethnicity in Fiji within the two key sectors where MDF works, and more generally on urban poverty to complement future work in a third urban-based sector. While the sectors were chosen because of their relevance to poverty reduction, the purpose of this study was to further assess within each sector: who is poor and why within the sectors; the mechanisms, choices and strategies they use to move out of poverty; and what prevents this from happening. In addition, the study is meant to analyse gender equality in the sector, gender roles and controls, and ethnic differences so that its strategy and impacts can better reach both men and women of all ethnicities. With this understanding, MDF can better identify opportunities for equitable growth which are relevant for all poor producers, workers and consumers. This report therefore complements the Market Development Facility (MDF) existing horticulture and tourism sector assessment reports, and summarises findings of the study on poverty, gender and ethnicity as they relate to these sectors. In addition, it provides information on employment challenges and opportunities for the urban poor, offering information relevant to a possible third sector for MDF implementation. The information presented and conclusions drawn from this report have been appropriately analysed, and have been integrated into MDF’s own internal sector strategies and day-to-day work to help improve pro-poor and gender outcomes. This report therefore provides a summary of study findings, but does not explicitly state MDF’s reaction to these findings. MDF continuously conducts research, collects and analyses information relevant to the sectors in which it works, which will continue to complement the findings in this report in the future. Primary qualitative research in poverty and gender (with ethnicity as a cross-cutting theme) was conducted in the horticulture and tourism sectors on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu in two time periods between March and May 2013. A range of semi-structured tools was used to produce qualitative findings: focus group discussions, key informant interviews, in-depth worker interviews, household questionnaires (surveys) and observation. This primary research was further supported by extensive secondary source research both before and after the fieldwork. A team of ten was headed by the consultant (study lead), and this report therefore represents the work and insights of a group of people with different areas of expertise and experience relating to the content and context. Following the initial poverty and gender study, the team further conducted targeted research in selected informal urban settlements in July to gain a deeper understanding of urban poverty, incorporating issues of both gender and ethnicity. Although this was not tied to one particular sector, the intent was to meet with households in order to investigate their experiences with regard to employment, and economic challenges and opportunities. The findings from the second study are incorporated into this report, with implications noted regarding a potential third urban sector currently under investigation by MDF (industrial manufacturing with an export focus – and a possible concentration on apparel / textile). Overall findings are extremely positive for MDF’s potential contribution to horticulture and tourism in Fiji, and the integration and / or advancement of low-income women and men of iTaukei and Indo–Fijian backgrounds into the sectors. Horticulture and tourism are cornerstones of the Fijian economy, and offer employment and business opportunities as pathways out of poverty to large numbers of households and / or individuals within those households. The pathways out of poverty that result from participation within the sectors go beyond the sectors, as surplus income is utilised to educate members of the household (siblings and offspring) and to advance their economic well-being. There is potential for systemic changes that can result in impact beyond the life of the project. Despite this positive outlook, there are significant challenges for low-income households, and these vary depending on the sector and the context (geographic, socio-cultural). The situation for urban poverty is more complex due to the multiple systemic factors that perpetuate poverty including the lack of employment opportunities for those living in informal urban settlements. Development of an urban sector by MDF will provide economic opportunities for individuals and households living in informal settlements, but the systemic issues are many and deep, and beyond the scope of MDF’s mandate. Solutions for each sector relating to poverty and gender are provided in their respective sections and MDF sector assessment reports should be referenced for further information about the sector

Toxoplasma gondii Infection in the United States, 1999–2000

Infection with Toxoplasma gondii can lead to congenital and acquired disease, resulting in loss of vision and neurologic illness. We tested sera collected in the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999–2000 for T. gondii–specific immunoglobulin G antibodies and compared these results with results from sera obtained in the NHANES III survey (1988–1994). NHANES collects data on a nationally representative sample of the U.S. civilian population. Of 4,234 persons 12–49 years of age in NHANES 1999–2000, 15.8% (age-adjusted, 95% confidence limits [CL] 13.5, 18.1) were antibody positive; among women (n=2,221) 14.9% (age-adjusted, 95% CL 12.5, 17.4) were antibody positive. T. gondii antibody prevalence was higher among non-Hispanic black persons than among non-Hispanic white persons (age-adjusted prevalence 19.2% vs. 12.1%, p=0.003) and increased with age. No statistically significant differences were found between T. gondii antibody prevalence in NHANES 1999–2000, and NHANES III. T. gondii antibody prevalence has remained stable over the past 10 years in the United States

Increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentary activity in adolescent girls – The Incorporating More Physical Activity and Calcium in Teens (IMPACT) study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Lack of regular physical activity and consequent sub-optimal bone mass acquisition in youth has been implicated as a primary cause of adult-onset osteoporosis. IMPACT was a behavioral theory-based 1 1/2 year randomized controlled field study aimed at increasing bone accretion in middle school girls. The objective of this study was to determine the intervention effects of the IMPACT program upon key physical and sedentary activity endpoints among schools that participated in the IMPACT study. Endpoints examined included weight bearing physical activity (WBPA); moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA); vigorous physical activity (VPA); MET (metabolic equivalent) – weighted WBPA and MVPA; sedentary activity; before/after-school physical activity; and weekend physical activity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Primary data analysis using a pretest-posttest control group design was conducted utilizing mixed model analysis of covariance. Data gathered from the IMPACT cohort from 2000–2002 were analyzed to determine baseline versus follow-up differences in activity endpoints. Confounders investigated included ethnicity, body mass index, menarcheal status, participation in 7^thgrade PE/athletics, friend/familial support and neighborhood safety.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Follow-up means were higher for participating intervention schools relative to control schools for all physical activity variables but were statistically significant only for the following variables: daily minutes of vigorous physical activity (mean difference between Intervention (I) and Control (C) = 6.00↑ minutes, 95% CI = 5.82–6.18, p = 0.05), daily after school activity minutes (mean difference between I and C = 8.95↑ minutes, 95% CI = 8.69–9.21, p = 0.04), and daily weekend activity minutes (mean difference between I and C = 19.00↑ minutes, 95% CI = 18.40–19.60, p = 0.05). The intervention significantly reduced duration of student daily TV/Video watching (mean difference between I and C = 12.11↓ minutes, 95% CI = 11.74–12.48, p = 0.05) and total daily sedentary activity minutes (mean difference between I and C = 16.99↓ minutes, 95% CI = 16.49–17.50, p = 0.04).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A well designed and implemented school based health and physical activity intervention can result in a positive influence upon increasing physical activity levels and decreasing sedentary activity. Future interventions should consider a more structured intervention component to obtain significant changes in WBPA.</p

Acceptability of a home-based visual field test (Eyecatcher) for glaucoma home monitoring: a qualitative study of patients' views and experiences

Objectives To explore the acceptability of home visual field (VF) testing using Eyecatcher among people with glaucoma participating in a 6-month home monitoring pilot study. Design Qualitative study using face-to-face semistructured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Setting Participants were recruited in the UK through an advertisement in the International Glaucoma Association (now Glaucoma UK) newsletter. Participants Twenty adults (10 women; median age: 71 years) with a diagnosis of glaucoma were recruited (including open angle and normal tension glaucoma; mean deviation=2.5 to -29.9 dB). Results All participants could successfully perform VF testing at home. Interview data were coded into four overarching themes regarding experiences of undertaking VF home monitoring and attitudes towards its wider implementation in healthcare: (1) comparisons between Eyecatcher and Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA); (2) capability using Eyecatcher; (3) practicalities for effective wider scale implementation; (4) motivations for home monitoring. Conclusions Participants identified a broad range of benefits to VF home monitoring and discussed areas for service improvement. Eyecatcher was compared positively with conventional VF testing using HFA. Home monitoring may be acceptable to at least a subset of people with glaucoma

Photoperiod Manipulation Reveals a Light-Driven Component to Daily Patterns of Ventilation in Male C57Bl/6J Mice

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that increases risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality. The severity of sleep-disordered breathing in obstructive sleep apnea patients fluctuates with the seasons, opening the possibility that seasonal changes in light duration, or photoperiod, can influence mechanisms of breathing. Photoperiod can have profound effects on internal timekeeping and can reshape metabolic rhythms in mammals. While the daily rhythm in ventilation is largely shaped by the metabolic rate, less is known about whether ventilatory rhythms are altered in accordance with metabolism under different photoperiods. Here, we investigate the relationship between ventilation and metabolism under different photoperiods using whole-body plethysmography and indirect calorimetry. We find that the daily timing of ventilation is chiefly synchronized to dark onset and that light cues are important for maintaining daily ventilatory rhythms. Moreover, changes in ventilatory patterns are not paralleled by changes in oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, or respiratory exchange rate under different photoperiods. We conclude that ventilatory patterns are not only shaped by the metabolic rate and circadian timing but are also influenced by other light-driven factors. Collectively, these findings have clinical implications for the seasonal variations in sleep-disordered breathing found in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea

Is it for generation me? A qualitative study exploring marketing and selling plants online to millennial-aged consumers

As online selling of products like living plants increases, it is increasingly important to understand how millennial-aged consumers perceive the purchasing experience. New-media technologies like social media, e-newsletters, and other forms of digital communication are easily adopted by millennial-aged consumers. One of these tools, 360-degree video, offers novel ways to preview products offered online and look inside local brick-and-mortar stores, which can be visited in person. Sales of horticultural goods online have been slow to be developed by industry veterans, creating ample opportunities available to new ventures. This qualitative study used a series of three focus groups to answer the research questions of RQ1: What challenges exist for garden centers attracting millennials? RQ2: What are millennials preferences for purchasing live plants online? RQ3: What aspects of digital online marketing influence millennials to make decisions? RQ4: What are millennials preferences for 360-degree video? Results of this study indicate 360-degree video is not the preferred avenue for marketing plants online to millennials, however, high-quality photos and video with educational content and the use of social media could be effective

Gender differences and access to a sports dietitian influence dietary habits of collegiate athletes

BACKGROUND: Limited research exists on the effect of a sports dietitian (SD) on athletes’ dietary habits and nutrient periodization, which is the deliberate manipulation of macronutrient intake to match training goals. Further, the difference in dietary habits between men and women collegiate athletes has been understudied. A survey questionnaire examining dietary habits and practices was administered to athletes at two universities that employed a full time SD. Not all athletes used the SD as their primary source for nutritional guidance. The purposes were to examine the effect of a SD as a primary source of nutrition information, and the effect of gender on dietary habits in collegiate athletes. METHODS: Three hundred eighty-three women (n = 240) and men (n = 143) student-athletes (mean ± SD: age = 19.7 ± 1.4 years) from 10 collegiate sports took a 15-min survey consisting of questions on dietary habits and practices. Topics queried included eating habits, breakfast habits, hydration habits, nutritional supplementation use, pre-workout nutrition, post-workout nutrition, nutrition during team trips, and nutrient timing. Data were sorted by the athlete’s source of nutritional information (i.e., sport dietitian, other). Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics and 2-way Pearson X(2) analyses (p ≤ 0.10). RESULTS: When a SD was indicated as the primary nutrition information source, athletes appeared to have a greater understanding of nutrient periodization (47.12 % vs. 32.85 %), were more likely to have school-provided boxed meals while on team trips (21.29 % vs. 6.77 %), and also less likely to consume fast food while on team trips (9.90 % vs. 19.55 %). Men athletes consumed fast food or restaurant meals more frequently, had higher weekly and more frequent alcohol intake during the competitive season. Women athletes were more likely to prepare meals, eat breakfast 7 days a week, and have school-provided boxed meals. CONCLUSIONS: Positive effects on dietary habits were observed when a SD was the primary nutrition information source. Practitioners should be aware of the gender differences in alcohol intake, fast food consumption, and knowledge of nutrient periodization. Collegiate athletes and athletic staff members could benefit from SD access to safeguard against dietary habits detrimental to performance

Manipulating Image Luminance to Improve Eye Gaze and Verbal Behavior in Autistic Children

Autism has been characterized by a tendency to attend to the local visual details over surveying an image to understand the gist–a phenomenon called local interference. This sensory processing trait has been found to negatively impact social communication. Although much work has been conducted to understand these traits, little to no work has been conducted to intervene to provide support for local interference. Additionally, recent understanding of autism now introduces the core role of sensory processing and its impact on social communication. However, no interventions to the end of our knowledge have been explored to leverage this relationship. This work builds on the connection between visual attention and semantic representation in autistic children. In this work, we ask the following research questions: RQ1: Does manipulating image characteristics of luminance and spatial frequency increase likelihood of fixations in hot spots (Areas of Interest) for autistic children? RQ2: Does manipulating low-level image characteristics of luminance and spatial frequency increase the likelihood of global verbal responses for autistic children? We sought to manipulate visual attention as measured by eye gaze fixations and semantic representation of verbal response to the question “What is this picture about?”. We explore digital strategies to offload low-level, sensory processing of global features via digital filtering. In this work, we designed a global filter to reduce image characteristics found to be distracting for autistic people and compared baseline images to featured images in 11 autistic children. Participants saw counterbalanced images way over 2 sessions. Eye gaze in areas of interest and verbal responses were collected and analyzed. We found that luminance in non-salient areas impacted both eye gaze and verbal responding–however in opposite ways (however versus high levels of luminance). Additionally, the interaction of luminance and spatial frequency in areas of interest is also significant. This is the first empirical study in designing an assistive technology aimed to augment global processing that occurs at a sensory-processing and social-communication level. Contributions of this work include empirical findings regarding the quantification of local interference in images of natural scenes for autistic children in real-world settings; digital methods to offload global visual processing to make this information more accessible via insight on the role of luminance and spatial frequency in visual perception of and semantic representation in images of natural scenes