Modeling and Explaining County-level Prosperity in the U.S

Abstract. This paper explores the impact of space on prosperity. In order to do this, it develops a spatial model for locating prosperous counties and for identifying factors associated with prosperity. Using principal component analysis, a county-level prosperity index is created that comprises four measures: high school dropouts, housing conditions, unemployment, and poverty rates. Five categories of independent variables-demographic, economic, geographic, agricultural, and human and social capital-are used in the analysis. The spatial autocorrelation method has been used to determine the spatial pattern of prosperous counties, and the spatial econometric method has been used to develop a model that explains prosperity. The result shows that more prosperous counties have lower minority populations, more economic opportunities, and higher social and human capital. A policy reformulation is important in addressing the issues of less prosperous counties by creating jobs and enhancing social and human capital at regional levels

Implementing a Post-Project Sustainability Study (PSS) of a Development Project: Lessons Learned from Indonesia

This policy brief draws on lessons learned from a recent post-project sustainability study (PSS) of a community health project in Indonesia. Understanding how project components and results are evolved, sustained, and adopted after the conclusion of a project is important from policy perspective as the lessons learned serve to inform future programming, as well as contribute to the general body of knowledge. The paper suggests that the focus of any PSS should not only examine what activities are sustained, but also the factors responsible for sustaining the results. It also suggests that, mixed methods – quantitative and qualitative – help research teams understand why and how project activities are sustained. It further suggests that PSSs are different from traditional impact evaluations, so including all of the stakeholders in the study is crucial in order to understand how they contributed toward the project’s sustainability. Other conclusions related to sustainable development goals (SDGs) are also made

The Effect of a Small Ruminant Farm Operation and Sustainable Farm Practices: Soil Quality and Run-Off at the University Hickory Hill Farm, Delaware

This project was designed to evaluate the effect of ruminant grazing practices at Hickory Hill Farm on the surrounding environment by measuring soil nutrients and runoff chemistry. Three pastures on the farm (Goat, Cattle and Control) were selected for soil sampling and nutrient analyses were recorded. Physical water quality parameters were conducted on the runoff collected from the farm after Hurricane Sandy. The sites with animal activity had higher levels of sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, Mehlich 3 phosphorus and conductivity when compared to control site. However, the control site had slightly higher pH and chloride levels. Nitrogen and phosphorous levels were very low at the control site when compared with the cattle and goat sites. Overall, soil quality was not found to be severely degraded from ruminant grazing activities. It will be vital to continue monitoring the farm to ensure its management practices are allowing optimal farm profitability and environmental health

Sustainable Farm Practice: Study of Total and Soluble Phosphorus in a Poultry Farm Equipped with Heavy Use Area Protection Pads, Dover, Delaware

Poultry litter contains high concentrations of water-soluble phosphorus and is readily transported in the farm run-off. This research aims to study the efficiency of heavy use area protection (HUAP) pads in decreasing litter spillage and phosphorous run-off at a Delaware poultry facility. Soil and water samples were analyzed for pH, total phosphorous, orthophosphate, and Mehlich III phosphorous throughout 2012. It has been hypothesized that the efficiency of HUAP pads would be reduced over time. Mehlich III phosphorus ranged from 22.82-200 mg/kg at site I, and 48.17 – 1179.6 mg/kg at site II, which were greater than the optimal soil concentrations. However, in the run-off, orthophosphate and total phosphorous levels were less than 0.05mg/L, and below U.S. EPA limits. This confirms that the HUAP pads, along with vegetative buffer strips, restricted the seepage of phosphorous into the run off. The results suggest minimal loss of nutrients from poultry house to water bodies. Keywords: Poultry Farm, Heavy Use Area Protection, HUAP, Phosphorus, Soil Testin

Effect of Different Spacing and Mulching on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) in Chitwan, Nepal

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is one of the most important vegetable crop of Nepal. Its yield and growth parameters are affected by different cultural practices. This study was conducted at Olericulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during April 29 to July 9 of 2018. The field experiment was carried out in split plot design using three replications. The treatments consisted of three intra row spacing (30, 45 and 60 cm) and four different mulching materials (Silver plastic, Panicum repens, Lantana camara and bare soil). The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of various intra-row spacings and mulching materials on growth and yield of okra. The effect of mulching materials on okra yield was found significant. The okra yield was highest (8104 kg/ha) under silver plastic mulch followed by control (5161kg/ha), Panicum repens (3901kg/ha) and Lantana camera (3701kg/ha), respectively. Silver plastic mulch enhanced the growth parameters like canopy length, plant height, leaf number, leaf length, girth and yield of okra. The spacings provided non significant effect on okra yield, however the yield of okra was highest (7295 kg/ha) under 30×30 cm spacing followed by 45×30 cm (4660 kg/ha) and 60 cm × 30 cm spacing (3703 kg/ha), respectively. Combination of silver plastic mulch along with 30 cm × 30 cm spacing provided the highest okra yield. This study suggests that farmers of the Chitwan should grow okra at spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm and under silver plastic mulch to produce higher yield

A qualitative study to understand drivers of psychoactive substance use among Nepalese youth

Background Psychoactive substance use among youth is an emerging public health issue in Nepal. This exploratory study aimed to better understand the drivers of psychoactive substance use among Nepalese youth in Rupandehi district of Nepal. Materials and methods This study used a qualitative approach for data collection. Both in-depth interviews (IDI, seven participants) and focus group discussions (FGD, 13 participants) were conducted among study participants who self-reported as psychoactive substance users or had history of psychoactive substance use. Participants for IDI were aged between 11 and 24 years and between 18 and 35 years old for FGDs. Semi-structured interview guides were prepared separately for IDIs and FDGs. Interviews were conducted in Nepali language and were audio recorded, which were there transcribed and translated into English for coding and analyses. In addition, interviews notes were taken by two research assistants. An inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results This study identified a range of drivers of psychoactive substances use among Nepalese youths. Themes included (i) socio-cultural factors, (ii) individual factors, (iii) academic environment, (iv) physical environment and the (v) influence of media. The socio-cultural factors were categorized into sub-themes of family relationships, ethnic identity and psychoactive substance use and lack of social acceptance. Individual factors included peer pressure, stress relief and coping with financial challenges. Accessibility and availability of psychoactive substances in the surrounding environment and lack of monitoring and reinforcement of rules/ law and regulations were other drivers to psychoactive substance use among this Nepalese youth cohort. Conclusion Our study identified several important drivers of psychoactive substance use among youth in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. Future works are anticipated to further explore youth initiation and use of psychoactive substances and support the design of interventions that address these risk factors to reduce and prevent subsequent harms

SecHealth: enhancing EHR security in digital health transformation.

In the contemporary wave of digital transformation, the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) has become a pivotal undertaking for numerous nations. However, amidst this technological advancement, a critical facet deserving heightened attention is the security and privacy of these electronic health systems. Regrettably, this crucial concern often finds itself eclipsed by other aspects of digitalization. Consequently, these oversight lapses create vulnerabilities within the EHR framework, leaving them open and exposed to an array of malicious cyber intrusions. In response to this pressing issue, our study delves into a comprehensive evaluation of security measures within the ambit of African digital health strategies. Remarkably, among the number of approximately 42 nations that have embarked on digital health strategy formulation, a mere 2 countries have taken cognizance of the imperative to integrate robust security and privacy policies into their healthcare-oriented digital transformation initiatives. In light of this disconcerting revelation, we present an actionable roadmap that endeavours to fortify EHR security, aligning with the progressive "shift-left" paradigm. By advocating for the proactive integration of security measures from the inception of EHR development, we strive to curtail vulnerabilities and enhance the overall resilience of these systems. Our proposed roadmap stands as a clarion call for governments, healthcare authorities, and technology stakeholders to collectively prioritize security in tandem with digital health advancement, thereby fostering a safeguarded and privacy-respecting electronic healthcare landscape

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS type-1) in an Adolescent Following Extravasation of Dextrose Containing Fluid-an Underdiagnosed Case

Due to its complex pathophysiology and wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, the diagnosis of CRPS is often missed in the early stage by primary care physicians. After being treated by a primary care physician for 5 months for chronic cellulitis, a 16-year-old girl was referred to our hospital with features of type-1 CRPS of the right upper extremity. Inability to diagnose early caused prolonged suffering to the girl with all the consequence of CRPS. The patient responded well with marked functional recovery from multimodal therapy. Ability to distinguish CRPS from other pain conditions, referral for specialty care at the appropriate time and full awareness of this condition and its clinical features among various healthcare professionals are essential in reducing patient suffering and stopping its progression towards difficult-to-treat situations

Opportunities for bioenergy in the Baltic Sea Region

Security of energy supply, promotion of the bio-economy, nutrient recycling, and innovation are prioritized policy areas in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUBSR). The Baltic Sea Region (BSR) has a great bioenergy potential worth exploring in this context. This paper explores the state-of-art of bioenergy systems and synergies with eco-systems services in the BSR region in the context of developing the region’s bio-economy. In this brief assessment, we consider 8 countries (i.e. Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, and Belarus) in the region. While the production and use of modern bioenergy can help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, promote energy security, diversify energy resources, and contribute to a successful circular economy and rural development, it is important to find a balance between the exploration of resources and the management of eco-systems services. In addition, both climate change vulnerability and bioenergy production may affect the environment and the capacity of the BSR to deliver ecosystem services (ESS). We recommend integrated strategies for optimal use of bioresources in the region. Bioeconomy can be realized by innovative approaches, establishing cross-cutting institutional and policy linkages for increased prosperity and green growth in the Baltic Sea Region