Search Results (993)

Barn districts—ensembles of agricultural buildings situated at the edges of rural settlements—once played a key role in the spatial and economic organization of agrarian communities in Central Europe. Today, many of these structures remain marginalized and underexplored in contemporary landscape and heritage planning. This paper presents a comparative study of six barn districts in Poland’s Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, where vernacular construction, ecological adaptation, and local tradition shaped distinctive rural–urban interfaces. We applied a mixed-methods approach combining cartographic and archival analysis, field surveys, and interviews with residents and experts. The research reveals consistent patterns of landscape transformation, functional decline, and latent adaptive potential across varied morphological and material typologies. Despite differing levels of preservation, barn districts retain symbolic, spatial, and socio-cultural value for communities and local landscapes. The study emphasizes the importance of reintegrating these marginal heritage structures through adaptive reuse strategies rooted in the values of the New European Bauhaus—sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion. The findings contribute to broader discussions on rural socio-ecological resilience and landscape-based development, highlighting how place-based strategies can bridge past identities with future-oriented spatial planning. Full article

Regionally, nationally, and globally, new churches are formed. This continues to divide the church due to traditions, theological, doctrinal matters, and denominational practices. In Africa—and Zimbabwe in particular—the formation of neo-Pentecostal denominations and prophetic movements exacerbates antagonism and division among Christians, posing a threat to the unity of the Body of Christ. Consequently, it is necessary to explore ways in which churches can find one another to promote unity among Christians, and this raises the need for local ecumenism. Christianity and the church are always found in specific cultural settings. Church life is guided by both its understanding of mission and the cultural context it operates. As churches need to be united, there is a need to explore ways in which the church can navigate its mission and cultural dynamics to promote unity. This article investigates the challenges and the missio-cultural factors that facilitate ecumenism among the Karanga people in Mberengwa, Zimbabwe. Mberengwa, a rural district in Zimbabwe, predominantly Karanga, presents a unique context where diverse Christian traditions coexist, often with varying degrees of tension and cooperation. This article examines the extent to which the complexity of ecumenism affects church cooperation in Mberengwa, Zimbabwe, and beyond, thereby exploring the cultural and missional factors that can promote church cooperation. Full article

Research on commuting patterns has mainly focused on urban and metropolitan areas, and such studies are not typically applied to rural and small-town regions, where workers often face longer commutes due to limited job opportunities and inadequate public transportation. By using the Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP) data, this research fills that gap by analyzing commuting behavior by ethnic group and industry in south-central Minnesota, which is a predominantly rural area of 13 counties in the United States. The results show that both white and minority groups in District 7 experienced an increase in excess commuting from 2006 to 2016, with the minority group in Nobles County showing a significantly higher rise. Analysis by industry reveals that excess commuting in the leisure and hospitality sector (including arts, entertainment, and food services) in Nobles County increased five-fold during this time, indicating a severe spatial mismatch between jobs and affordable housing. In contrast, manufacturing experienced a decline of 50%, possibly indicating better commuting efficiency or a loss of manufacturing jobs. These findings can help city and transportation planners conduct an in-depth analysis of rural-to-urban commuting patterns and develop potential solutions to improve rural transportation infrastructure and accessibility, such as promoting telecommuting and hybrid work options, expanding shuttle routes, and adding more on-demand transit services in rural areas. Full article

The rapid urbanization process has accelerated the degradation of ecosystem services (ESs) in peri-urban rural areas of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), leading to increasing landscape ecological risks (LERs). Establishing a scientifically grounded landscape ecological risk assessment (LERA) system and corresponding control strategies is therefore imperative. Using rural areas of Jiangning District, Nanjing as a case study, this research proposes an optimized dual-dimensional coupling assessment framework that integrates ecosystem service value (ESV) and ecological risk probability. The spatiotemporal evolution of LER in 2000, 2010, and 2020 and its key driving factors were further studied by using spatial autocorrelation analysis and geodetector methods. The results show the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, cultivated land remained dominant, but its proportion decreased by 10.87%, while construction land increased by 26.52%, with minimal changes in other land use types. (2) The total ESV increased by CNY 1.67 × 10⁹, with regulating services accounting for over 82%, among which water bodies contributed the most. (3) LER showed an overall increasing trend, with medium- to highest-risk areas expanding by 55.37%, lowest-risk areas increasing by 10.10%, and lower-risk areas decreasing by 65.48%. (4) Key driving factors include landscape vulnerability, vegetation coverage, and ecological land connectivity, with the influence of distance to road becoming increasingly significant. This study reveals the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of LER in typical peri-urban villages. Based on the LERA results, combined with terrain features and ecological pressure intensity, the study area was divided into three ecological management zones: ecological conservation, ecological restoration, and ecological enhancement. Corresponding zoning strategies were proposed to guide rural ecological governance and support regional sustainable development. Full article

As Thailand transitions into a super-aged society, falls are a rising public health issue. However, limited research focuses specifically on independent older adults in rural areas. This study examined intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with falls among independent older adults in a rural district of southern Thailand, contributing to localized fall prevention strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted using multi-stage probabilistic sampling with 325 older adults aged 60–79 years residing in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Data were collected through structured interviews, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify fall predictors. A fall was defined as an unintended fall to a lower level within the previous 12 months. The fall prevalence was 29.8%, with the majority resulting in minor injuries. Multivariate analysis revealed protective factors, including sociodemographic factors such as higher monthly income (adjusted OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30–0.74) and agricultural employment (adjusted OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.27–0.95), as well as the extrinsic factor of pet ownership (adjusted OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.35–0.81), were significantly associated with reduced fall risk. The study highlights context-specific protective factors that could inform community-based interventions. Future research should assess causality and intervention effectiveness in broader populations. Full article

This paper introduces a novel method for selecting parameters of finite fields formed by 2 × 2 matrices over a finite field of integers modulo a prime p. The method aims to simultaneously determine both the field parameters and primitive elements, thereby optimizing the construction of cryptographic algorithms. The proposed approach leverages the properties of quadratic residues and non-residues, simplifying the process of finding matrix field parameters while maintaining computational efficiency. The method is particularly effective when the prime number p is either a Mersenne prime or (p + 1)/2 is also a prime. This study demonstrates that the resulting matrix fields can be practically computed, offering a high degree of flexibility for cryptographic protocols such as key agreement and secure data transmission. Compared to previous methods, the new method reduces the parameter search space and provides a structured way to identify primitive elements without the need for a separate search procedure. The findings have significant implications for the development of efficient cryptographic systems using matrix-based finite fields. Full article

Background: Addressing undernutrition and malnutrition requires a multi-pronged approach targeting different populations with appropriate interventions. Knowledge and perception (K&P) of Individuals and communities about nutrition to human health relationship/continuum is a prerequisite for addressing malnutrition in rural and mountain communities. Assessing K&P is essential for developing strategic interventions to up-scaling K&P of communities and achieving nutrition security. Homestead gardens are a proven intervention for achieving nutrition security for all family members of gardeners. Methods: This paper includes homestead gardeners from the Himalayan Mountain Region (HMR) as respondents. We developed a scale to assess the K&P of respondents, based on ratings from 20 judges. A total of 134 issues/items have been retained in the scale from macronutrients, micronutrients, minerals, and vitamins. A framework has also been developed and adopted for the study. A knowledge and perception index (KPI) has been developed based on the respondents’ responses. We have reviewed and analysed the national policy interventions for augmenting the K&P of the study community to achieve nutrition security. Results: The nutrition K&P of respondents are inadequate and far from the desirable level. Policy review and analysis indicate that the creation of K&P in the community to contribute to self and family nutrition security was previously highly neglected. Conclusions: The policy process of national, state, and county/district-level development sectors in developing countries under the HMR may take the initiative to ensure self-nutrition security by creating K&P of the community on nutrition issues. The designed scale is prudent requires testing and validation for measuring farmers’ K&P on nutrition, which may be adopted in future studies and policymaking not only nationally but also from an international perspective. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare micronutrient intake and inadequacy estimates using household consumption and expenditure survey (HCES) and quantitative 24-h recall (24HR) data among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Kasungu district, Malawi. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis utilizing HCES dietary data from a subsample of households in rural areas of Kasungu district, which were sourced from the 2019/20 Malawi Fifth Integrated Household Survey (n = 183); and 24HR data were obtained from WRA in a community-based Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial in the same district (n = 177). Micronutrient intakes and inadequacy were estimated under two alternative scenarios of large-scale food fortification (LSFF). We standardized apparent nutrient intakes from the HCES data using the adult female equivalent metric. Results: Estimated prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy fell within 20 percentage points between HCES and 24HR for iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), vitamins B2 and B9 under both no fortification and fortification scenarios. There were some discrepancies for the remaining B vitamins, being consistently large for vitamin B3. Conclusions: In the absence of 24HR data, HCES data can be used to make inferences about some micronutrient intakes and inadequacies among rural WRA in Malawi and to inform decisions regarding LSFF, including vehicle selection and coverage. However, additional efforts are needed to improve HCES for dietary nutrient surveillance given existing limitations. Full article

This study explores the interplay of climate vulnerability and social capital in two rural communities: Brajaballavpur, a high-climate-prone village in the Indian Sundarbans characterized by high ecological fragility, recurrent cyclones, and saline water intrusion affecting water access, livelihoods, and infrastructure; and Jemua, a low-climate-prone village in the land-locked district of Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India, with no extreme climate events. A total of 85 participants (44 in Brajaballavpur, 41 in Jemua) were selected through purposive sampling. Using a comparative qualitative research design grounded in ethnographic fieldwork, data were collected through household interviews, Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and analyzed manually using inductive thematic analysis. Findings reveal that bonding and bridging social capital were more prominent in Brajaballavpur, where dense horizontal ties supported collective action during extreme weather events. Conversely, linking social capital was more visible in Jemua, where participants more frequently accessed formal institutions such as the Gram Panchayat, local NGOs, and government functionaries that facilitated grievance redressal and information access, but these networks were concentrated among more politically connected individuals. The study concludes that climate vulnerability shapes the type, strength, and strategic use of social capital in village communities. While bonding and bridging ties are crucial in high-risk contexts, linking capital plays a critical role in enabling long-term social structures in lower-risk settings. The study contributes to both academic literature and policy design by offering a relational and place-based understanding of climate vulnerability and social capital. Full article

Introduction: Dental caries and molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) are prevalent conditions affecting children’s oral health, with functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial implications. In Spain, previous studies have highlighted geographic and sociodemographic disparities in their distribution, particularly among rural and migrant populations. Objective: To characterise oral health status, in terms of caries and MIH, among 6–7-year-old children from the towns of Palos de la Frontera, Mazagón, and San Bartolomé. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 229 children recruited from public primary schools. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and behavioural data were collected through clinical examination and interview. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Huelva. Results: The prevalence of caries (DMFT ≥ 1) was 53.3%, with mean DMFT and dft indices of 1.78 and 0.31, respectively. MIH affected 32.8% of the cohort, with a predominance in the first permanent molars (teeth 36 and 26). Multivariate analysis identified independent predictors of caries: African (OR = 7.47; 95% CI: 2.84–23.8) and European (OR = 4.56; 95% CI: 1.26–22.3) parental origin, poor oral hygiene (OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.60–6.03), and the presence of MIH (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.64–6.42). The municipality of San Bartolomé was associated with a higher risk of MIH (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.21–7.45). Conclusions: The high prevalence of caries and MIH in the Condado-Campiña district, exceeding national averages, reflects oral health inequities linked to social determinants (migrant origin, locality) and clinical factors (MIH, oral hygiene). Targeted preventive interventions are urgently needed in high-risk populations, including culturally tailored education and policies ensuring equitable access to dental care services. Full article

This study investigates farmers’ knowledge, perceptions, and adaptation strategies to climate change in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, integrating social and physical science approaches. Analyzing meteorological data (1981–2021) and surveys from 204 farmers across five districts, we assessed climate trends and adaptation behaviors using statistical methods (descriptive statistics, Chi-square, logistic regression, Regional Kendall test, dynamic linear state-space model). Results show that 85% of farmers acknowledge climate change, with 54% observing temperature increases and 37% noting rainfall declines. Climate data confirm significant rises in annual minimum (+0.76 °C/decade) and mean temperatures (+0.48 °C/decade), with the largest seasonal increase (+0.86 °C/decade) in June–August. Rainfall trends indicate a non-significant decrease in March–May and a slight increase in September–December. Farmers report crop failures, yield reductions, and food shortages as major climate impacts. Common adaptations include agroforestry, crop diversification, and fertilizer use, though financial limitations, information gaps, and input scarcity impede adoption. Despite limited formal education (53.9% primary, 22.3% no formal education), indigenous knowledge aids seasonal prediction. Farm location, group membership, and farming goal are key adaptation enablers. These findings emphasize the need for targeted policies and climate communication to enhance rural resilience by strengthening smallholder farmer support systems for effective climate adaptation. Full article

In low- and middle-income countries, notably in rural agricultural populations exposed to environmental and occupational dangers, respiratory impairment and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are major public health issues. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between lung function, functional capacity, and cardiovascular responses to the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in 137 adults from San Pa Tong District, Northern Thailand. Lung function was assessed using spirometry, and participants were classified accordingly. Hemodynamic parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, rate-pressure product, and oxygen saturation, were measured before and after the 6MWT. Participants with impaired lung function walked significantly shorter distances (p = 0.004), and walking distance was positively correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁). Logistic regression confirmed that walking distance independently predicted lung function impairment after adjusting for age and sex. Cardiovascular responses to exercise also varied significantly across demographic subgroups. These findings support the use of the 6MWT as a practical, cost-effective, and scalable method for detecting lung function impairments in resource-limited rural settings. To our knowledge, this is among the first studies to demonstrate the predictive value of the 6MWT for lung function impairment in a Southeast Asian agricultural population. Full article

The Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global Geopark (GSUGGp) is one of Indonesia’s 12 UNESCO-designated geoparks. Its presence is expected to enhance rural development by boosting the local economy through tourism. However, there is a lack of statistical evidence quantifying the economic benefits of geopark development, mainly due to the complex, non-linear nature of these impacts and limited village-level economic data available in Indonesia. To address this gap, this study aims to measure how socio-economic and environmental factors contribute to the Village Development Index (VDI) within the GSUGGp area, which includes the districts of Gunung Kidul, Wonogiri, and Pacitan. A machine learning–deep learning approach was employed, utilizing four algorithms grouped into eight models, with hyperparameter tuning and cross-validation, tested on a sample of 92 villages. The analysis revealed insights into how 17 independent variables influence the VDI. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithm outperformed others, achieving an R-squared of 0.76 and an RMSE of 0.040, surpassing random forest, CART, SVM, and linear models. Economically related factors—considered the foundation of rural development—had the strongest impact on village progress within GSUGGp. Additionally, features related to tourism, especially beach tourism linked to geological landscapes, contributed significantly. These findings are valuable for guiding geopark management and policy decisions, emphasizing the importance of integrated strategies and strong cooperation among local governments at the regency and provincial levels. Full article

Clarifying the coordination and impediments of social, economic, and spatial connection in rural areas is essential for advancing rural revitalization, urban-rural integration, and regional coordinated development. Utilizing the 24 counties and districts in western Hunan as case studies, we developed an evaluation index system for sustainable rural development across three dimensions: social, economic, and spatial. We employed the coupling model, coordination model, and obstacle factor model to investigate the comprehensive development level, coupling and coordination status, and obstacle factors of the villages in the study area at three temporal points: 2002, 2012, and 2022. The findings indicate the following: (1) The degree of rural development in western Hunan has escalated swiftly throughout the study period, transitioning from relative homogeneity to a heterogeneous developmental landscape, accompanied by issues such as inadequate development and regional polarization. (2) The overall rural social, economic, and spatial indices are low, and the degree of coupling has increased variably across different study periods; the average coordination degree has gradually improved over time, yet the level of coordination remains low, and spatial development is unbalanced. (3) The criterion-level impediments hindering the sustainable development of rural society, economy, and space are, in descending order, social factors, spatial factors, and economic factors. The urbanization rate, total fixed investment rate, and arable land change rate are the primary impediments in most counties and cities. The study’s findings will inform the planning of rural development in ethnic regions, promote sustainable social and spatial advancement in the countryside, and serve as a reference for rural revitalization efforts. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate a regional implementation project for rural emergency care (RuralRescue) and to examine how its components and outcomes may support personalized approaches in emergency medicine. While not originally designed as a personalized medicine intervention, the project combined digital, educational, and organizational innovations that enable patient-specific adaptation of care processes. Methods: Conducted in the rural district of Vorpommern-Greifswald (Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania, Germany), the intervention included (1) standardized cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for laypersons, (2) a geolocation-based first responder app for medically trained volunteers, and (3) integration of a tele-emergency physician (TEP) system with prehospital emergency medical services (EMSs). A multi-perspective pre–post evaluation covered medical, economic, and organizational dimensions. Primary and secondary outcomes included bystander CPR rates, responder arrival times, telemedical triage decisions, diagnostic concordance, hospital transport avoidance, economic simulations, workload, and technology acceptance. Results: Over 12,600 citizens were trained in CPR and the responder app supported early intervention in hundreds of cases. TEPs remotely assisted 3611 emergency calls, including delegated medication in 17.8% and hospital transport avoidance in 24.3% of cases. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) was achieved in 35.6% of cases with early CPR. Diagnostic concordance reached 84.9%, and documentation completeness 92%. Centralized coordination of TEP units reduced implementation costs by over 90%. Psychological evaluation indicated variable digital acceptance by role and experience. Conclusions: RuralRescue demonstrates that digitally supported, context-aware, and regionally integrated emergency care models can contribute significantly to personalized emergency medicine and can be cost-effective. The project highlights how intervention intensity, responder deployment, and treatment decisions can be tailored to patient needs, professional capacity, and regional structures—even in resource-limited rural areas. Full article