Life history strategy of Tubastraea spp. corals in an upwelling area on the Southwest Atlantic: growth, fecundity, settlement, and recruitment.

Over the past few decades, corals of the genus Tubastraea have spread globally, revealing themselves to be organisms of great invasive capacity. Their constant expansion on the Brazilian coast highlights the need for studies to monitor the invasion process. The growth, fecundity, settlement, and data on the coverage area of three co-occurring Tubastraea species in the 2015-2016 period were related to temperature variation and light irradiance on the rocky shores of Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro. Hence, this study sought to understand and compare the current invasion scenario and characteristics of the life history strategy of sun coral species based on environmental variables, considering the uniqueness of this upwelling area in the southwestern Atlantic. For that, we evaluate the fecundity, settlement, and growth rates of corals by carrying out comparative studies between species over time and correlating them with the variables temperature and irradiance, according to seasonality. Field growth of colonies was measured every two months during a sample year. Monthly collections were performed to count reproductive oocytes to assess fecundity. Also, quadrats were scrapped from an area near a large patch of sun coral to count newly attached coral larvae and used years later to assess diversity and percentage coverage. Results showed that corals presented greater growth during periods of high thermal amplitude and in months with below-average temperatures. Only Tubastraea sp. had greater growth and polyp increase in areas with higher light incidence, showing a greater increase in total area compared to all the other species analyzed. Despite the observed affinity with high temperatures, settlement rates were also higher during the same periods. Months with low thermal amplitude and higher temperature averages presented high fecundity. While higher water temperature averages showed an affinity with greater coral reproductive activity, growth has been shown to be inversely proportional to reproduction. Our study recorded the most significant coral growth for the region, an increase in niche, high annual reproductive activity, and large area coverage, showing the ongoing adaptation of the invasion process in the region. However, lower temperatures in the region affect these corals' reproductive activity and growth, slowing down the process of introduction into the region. To better understand the advantages of these invasion strategies in the environment, we must understand the relationships between them and the local community that may be acting to slow down this colonization process.

The cross-regional settlement methods in hospitals and the treatment-seeking behavior of patients with malignant tumors in China: an evolutionary game model.

Background: Cross-regional settlement management is a key indicator of national health insurance system maturity. Given the significant demand for cross-regional medical treatment among Chinese patients with malignant tumors and the territorially managed health insurance system, further research is necessary to explore the relationship between hospital settlement methods and treatment-seeking behaviors among these patients. This study introduces and validates an evolutionary game model that provides a theoretical foundation for direct settlement policies in cross-regional treatment. Methods: An evolutionary game model was constructed with patients and hospitals serving as strategic players within a dynamic system. This model integrates the patients' treatment utility, medical and nonmedical costs, and hospitals' financial and technological advancement benefits. Results: The evolutionary stability analysis revealed seven-game outcomes between hospitals and patients with malignant tumors. The numerical simulations suggest an evolutionary convergence toward strategy (1, 0), indicating a trend where patients with malignant tumors opt for cross-regional treatment, yet hospitals choose not to implement a direct settlement policy. Parameter sensitivity analysis showed that the parameters set in this study affected player behavioral choices and game equilibria. Conclusion: A strong demand for cross-regional medical treatment among Chinese patients with malignant tumors, and some hospitals require more incentives to implement cross-regional settlements. The key factors influencing the willingness of some patients with malignant tumors to resettle include the costs of in-area medical care, costs of cross-regional treatment without direct settlement, and the utility of cross-regional treatment. Technological advancement benefits and input costs influence some hospitals' motivation to adopt cross-regional settlements. Policy adjustments that effectively implement direct settlement policies can facilitate equilibrium, enhance the initiatives of some local health insurance management departments, improve the accessibility and efficiency of medical services, and reduce nonmedical expenses for patients.

The role of intraspecific trait variation in driving post-metamorphic survival: Implications for recruitment in open populations.

Most ecological studies attempting to understand causes of population dynamics and community structure disregard intraspecific trait variation. We quantified the importance of natural intra-cohort variation in body size and density of juveniles for recruitment of a sessile marine organism, the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides. Barnacles are representative of species organised in metapopulations, that is, as open local populations connected by larval dispersal. We tracked the individual growth and survival of a cohort of juvenile barnacles from two shores of North Wales. Barnacles settled as larvae in spring of 2002 on previously cleared rock. The density of these new recruits was experimentally manipulated in June and randomly selected individuals were monitored from June to October to evaluate the role of barnacle size and density in predicting survival. In doing so we characterised density at three spatial scales (quadrat: 25 cm2, cells within quadrats: 25 mm2 and neighbourhood: number of neighbours in physical contact with the target barnacle). At all scales, variations in juvenile body size exacerbated the effect of density-dependent mortality on population size. While density-dependent mortality was very intense in the small-sized individuals, large-sized individuals experienced very weak density-dependent mortality and showed high survival rates. Using the concept of 'Jensen inequality', we show that important biases in estimations of survival, based on population size only, occur at high barnacle densities, where survival is low. Our study highlights the role of body size variation in understanding dynamics of open populations.

Lunar rhythms and their carry-over effects may shape environmental sex determination in a coral reef fish.

Lunar rhythms shape spawning phenology and subsequent risks and rewards for early life-history stages in the sea. Here, we consider a perplexing spawning phenology of the sixbar wrasse (Thalassoma hardwicke), in which parents spawn disproportionately around the new moon, despite the low survival of these larvae. Because primary sex determination in this system is highly plastic and sensitive to social environments experienced early in development, we ask whether this puzzling pattern of spawning is explained by fitness trade-offs associated with primary sexual maturation. We used otoliths from 871 fish to explore how spawning on different phases of the moon shapes the environments and phenotypes of settling larvae. Offspring that were born at the new moon were more likely to settle (i) before other larvae, (ii) at a larger body size, (iii) at an older age, (iv) to the best quality sites, and (v) as part of a social group-all increasing the likelihood of primary maturation to male. Selection of birthdates across life stage transitions suggests that the perplexing spawning phenology of adults may reflect an evolutionarily stable strategy that includes new moon spawning for compensatory benefits later in life, including preferential production of primary males at certain times.

Impact of Element Size on Rebar-Concrete Interface Microstructure Using X-ray Computed Tomography.

This paper investigates the impact of element size on the microstructure of the steel-concrete interface in self-compacting concrete (SCC). Experiments were conducted on two types of test elements: a deep beam measuring 1440 × 640 × 160 mm and a wall element measuring 2240 × 1600 × 160 mm. The SCC mix was consistently pumped from the top, using a single casting point located near the formwork's edge. Horizontal steel ribbed rebars with a diameter of 16 mm were embedded in these elements. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was employed to provide three-dimensional insights into the microstructure of the rebar-to-concrete interface. An analysis of X-ray CT images from core samples revealed that the microstructure of this interface is influenced by the distance of the specimen from the mix casting point and its vertical position within the element. The combined effects of bleeding, air-pore entrapment, and plastic settlement within the SCI were observed under the top rebars. Their extent was independent of the type of element analyzed, suggesting that the deterioration of the SCI is related to the distance from the top surface of the element. These results elucidate phenomena occurring during the fresh state of concrete near reinforcing bars and their implications for bond properties. To date, some of the standards differentiate between bond conditions according to the depth of concrete beneath the rebar. In the view of the studies, this approach may be unduly rigorous. The findings offer valuable guidance for reinforced concrete execution and design.

Spatial and temporal variability of fouling communities on oyster spat collectors at Inhaca Island Southern Mozambique: Exploring the influence on recruitment of the oysters Pinctada capensis and Saccostrea cucullata.

In the transition from pelagic larva to benthic adult, larvae likely encounter a diverse assemblage of resident invertebrates in their habitat, which may also compete for space during post-settlement periods. Fouling fauna in rocky and seagrass habitats on Inhaca Island, southern Mozambique, was evaluated over 4 months in each of two seasons on oyster collectors fixed at 2 cm above the bottom. As expected, two species of oysters recruited to tiles: the rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata in rocky habitats and the pearl oyster, Pinctada capensis in seagrass habitats. The composition and density of other fouling fauna varied among habitats, location, seasons and surfaces and depending on the duration of the deployment. In seagrass habitats, oysters and barnacles were generally less abundant, allowing other taxa to have higher relative abundance, while higher density of individuals was recorded in rocky habitat. Barnacles dominate among fouling fauna on collectors in both habitats. Despite evidence consistent with negative interactions between oysters and barnacles, the effects of other fouling fauna on oyster abundance appear modest up to 4 months after tiles are placed. Overall, the results help improve our general understanding of the environmental processes that affect the colonisation of intertidal invertebrates, particularly in the southwestern Indian Ocean.

Aggregative versus solitary settlement in Spirobranchus cariniferus gray, 1843 (serpulinae). What is the trade-off?

Sessile marine invertebrates usually follow a distinct pattern of living in dense aggregations or as solitary individuals. However, at least some serpulins, including Spirobranchus cariniferus, seem to be able to settle aggregative or solitary. To understand how living solitary or in aggregation is beneficial, it is essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both settlement strategies for sessile invertebrates. Benefits of living in aggregations include securing suitable habitat, improving the probability of survival by mitigating physical stress and increasing reproductive success. However, living in patches also comes with some disadvantages for the individual, such as higher intra- and interspecific competition for food, space and oxygen. Increased physiological stress can lead to increased mortality and decreased reproductive success, whereas solitary individuals could produce more gametes because of a lack of competition for food and space. On the other hand, predators would have easier access to them, and the possibility of fertilisation success may be lower because of a lack of synchronisation and a greater distance between individuals of different sexes. These issues have not been sufficiently addressed, particularly for serpulids. Individuals of the New Zealand endemic polychaete Spirobranchus cariniferus can be found solitary and aggregative in the same habitat. Therefore, this study is the first on serpulids comparing the growth and mortality of individuals living alone or in aggregations. Hence, bi-monthly observation of mortality and growth measurements were conducted on tagged individuals in the field, and weekly observations were conducted in a laboratory-based study on individuals of both settlement configurations. A final comparison of body metrics to tube dimensions was made by removing an individual from their tube. My findings revealed that while solitary and aggregative individuals elongate their tubes at a similar rate, further correlations of the body to tube sizes lead to the conclusion that solitary worms focus more of their energy on tube growth rather than body size increment than aggregative conspecifics. Mortality is highly variable and seems not to differ between both configurations. However, individuals living in a patch can better recover from damage to their tubes. Here presented observations hopefully initiated further studies into the effects of aggregation size and density on individual growth. Results of this and subsequent studies can inform the management efforts for reefs of serpulins, bivalves and other invertebrates.

Building Successful Partnerships Between State Health Departments and Attorney General Offices: The Minnesota Example.

In recent years, the Minnesota Attorney General's Office and the Minnesota Department of Health have cultivated a productive partnership to strengthen the state's multidisciplinary response to overlapping health equity and social justice issues. This article describes shared efforts in three areas: post-conviction justice, drug overdose, and human trafficking/exploitation.

The effect of basic public health service equalization on settlement intention of migrant workers in China: the mediating effect model based on subjective feelings.

BACKGROUND: During the 14th Five-Year Plan, China aims to transform rural migrants into urban citizens and ensure equal access to public services to enhance new urbanization. Understanding migrant workers' settlement intentions is crucial for their citizenship development. Based on the fundamental role of the right to life and health, equalization of basic public health services is essential. Therefore, understanding the potential impact of public health services equalization on the settlement intention of migrant workers is crucial in China's new urbanization. METHOD: In this study, we utilized data from the 2017 wave of China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) and employed the Propensity Score Matching method to investigate the impact of basic public health service equalization policy on the settlement intention of migrant workers. Additionally, we utilized the Mediation Effect Model to uncover the impact mechanism. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that basic public health service equalization policy has a significant positive effect on increasing the settlement intention of migrant workers, with an even greater effect observed among the low-income group, the cross-provincial subsample, and the new generation subsample. The results of the Mediation Effect Model suggest that Basic public health service equalization policy can bolster the subjective integration willingness and subjective identity of migrant workers, thereby enhancing their settlement intention. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, we propose to strengthen the promotion of the basic public health service equalization policy and expand the coverage of health records to further increase the settlement intention of migrant workers.

The role of health mediation in investigation of Hantavirus cases among informal settlements inhabitants of Cayenne area, French Guiana, 2022-2023.

Context: In 2022, four severe cases of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) were reported in patients from informal settlements around Cayenne, the main city in French Guiana. Regional Health Agency (RHA) was commissioned by the French Public Health Agency to estimate the seroprevalence of Hantavirus infections in the neighborhoods of confirmed cases of HPS. RHA then commissioned the French Red Cross (FRC) mobile public health team, providing support in environmental health issues to the population living in informal settlements by health mediators, to facilitate the investigation. The objective of this study was to describe the health mediators' activities set up to improve the efficiency of the investigation. Methods: The health mediators' team was specifically trained by virologist and infectiologist specialized in HPS. They helped the investigating team and health workers at various steps of the investigation. These interventions are then described in the results section. Results: The investigation took place between Nov. 2022 and March 2023 in three neighborhoods. During the pre-investigation activities, the mediators raised awareness about HPS of 343 people, among whom 319 (93%) planned to participate in the investigation. Altogether, 274 people finally participated in the investigation, including, i.e., 30.8% of the estimated population living in the three concerned settlements. The global proportion of patients with positive IgG anti-Hantavirus was 5.1%. The health mediators team supported the following steps: preliminary meetings and training modules, identification of resource persons, field visits and awareness and information campaigns (pre-investigation); on field data collection in informal settlements (per-investigation) and communication of individual results, public feedback meeting (post-investigation). Discussion/Conclusion: The involvement of mediators was probably a factor in the success of the public health response to socially vulnerable people living in the investigated neighborhoods. The preliminary prevention activities helped to raise awareness of the health risk and to enroll participants. Health mediation and outreach activities seem relevant tools of epidemiological field investigations in diseases affecting inhabitants of informal settlements.

Movement of juvenile migratory birds from settlement to adulthood across the non-breeding range.

Among migratory vertebrates, high levels of fidelity to non-breeding sites during adulthood are common. If occupied sites vary in quality, strong site fidelity can have profound consequences for individual fitness and population demography. Given the prevalence of adult site fidelity, the regions of the non-breeding range to which juveniles first migrate, and the scale of any subsequent movements, are likely to be pivotal in shaping distributions and demographic processes across population ranges. However, inherent difficulties in tracking migratory individuals through early life mean that opportunities to quantify juvenile settlement and movements across non-breeding ranges, and the mechanisms involved, are extremely rare. Through long-term, range-wide resightings of hundreds of colour-marked individuals from their first migration to adulthood and the application of state-space models, we quantify levels of juvenile and adult regional-scale movements and distances at different life stages across the whole non-breeding distribution range in a migratory shorebird, the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa islandica). We show that the probability of individuals changing non-breeding regions (seven historical wintering regions spanning the Western Europe range) at all ages is very low (mean movement probability = 10.9% from first to subsequent winter, and 8.3% from first adult winter to later winters). Movement between regions was also low between autumn and winter of the same year for both juveniles (mean movement probability = 17.0%) and adults (10.4%). The great majority of non-breeding movements from the first autumn to adulthood were within regions and less than 100 km. The scarcity of regional-scale non-breeding movements from the first autumn to adulthood means that the factors influencing where juveniles settle will be key determinants of non-breeding distributions and of the rate and direction of changes in distributions.

Staging of post-settlement growth in the nudibranch Hypselodoris festiva.

Sea slugs of the family Chromodorididae (Nudibranchia, Gastropoda, Mollusca) have garnered attention by researchers and hobbyists alike for their bright and variable color patterns. However, the chromodorid life cycle has yet to be fully elucidated as there exist no reports of their rearing in the laboratory. Here, we report the rearing of Hypselodoris festiva from eggs to adults, where we categorized their post-settlement growth patterns from juvenile to adult stages. Body coloration appeared around 36 days, and organogenesis of vital adult organs began within 42 days after hatching. The anus of H. festiva was observed to change from a ventral to dorsal position during juvenile growth. Individuals reached sexual maturity after six months post-hatching, with successful mating and spawning observed ex situ. This study outlines comprehensive rearing methods and life cycle staging that could be applied to other chromodorid species. We propose H. festiva as a model organism for chromodorid research, with this research contributing to the progress of developmental and evolutionary research on sea slugs.

Structure-Functional Activity of Pyrone Derivatives for Inhibition of Barnacle Settlement and Biofilm Formation.

Naturally occurring 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one and its synthetic analogues greatly inhibit the settlement of Amphibalanus amphitrite cyprids and the growth and biofilm formation of marine bacteria. To optimize the antifouling activities of pyrone derivatives, this study designed pyrone analogues by modifying functional groups, such as the benzyl group, cyclopentane, and halides, substituted on both sides of a pyrone. The antifouling effects of the synthesized pyrone derivatives were subsequently evaluated against five marine biofilm-forming bacteria, Loktanella hongkongensis, Staphylococcus cohnii, S. saprophyticus, Photobacterium angustum, and Alteromonas macleodii, along with barnacle cyprids of Amphibalanus amphitrite. Substituting nonpolar parts-such as the aliphatic, cyclopentyl, or phenyl moieties on C-5 or the furan moieties on C-3-not only increased antibacterial activity and inhibited biofilm formation but also inhibited barnacle cyprid settlement when compared to 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one.

Promoting the sustainable development of traditional villages: Exploring the comprehensive assessment, spatial and temporal evolution, and internal and external impacts of traditional village human settlements in hunan province.

The protection and development of traditional villages are crucial for improving the human settlement suitability (HSS). The paper takes 703 traditional villages in Hunan Province as the research object and establishes the HSS evaluation system by using the pressure-state-response model. Then this paper introduces the vector autoregressive model to explore the interactions and contributions within the three major subsystems. Finally, this paper adopts Geodetector model and GTWR model to study the external driving effects and temporal-spatial influence mechanisms. The main findings of this paper are as follows. First, the overall trend of the composite index of traditional villages is upward. Its spatial pattern transitions from a low index in the northwest to a medium index in the central region and a high index in the southeast. Second, the state system becomes the main driver of the response system change and it is highly influenced by the pressure system. Distance from medical facilities, Distance from educational institutions, Distance from the intangible cultural heritage sites, and Degree of relief are the four most important driving factors affecting the HSS in Hunan Province. At the same time, Distance to medical facilities and Distance to intangible cultural heritage sites have a positive impact, while Distance to educational institutions and Degree of relief have a negative impact. Fourly, these four factors have a significant spatiotemporal impact on the HSS in the Xiangxi region. This paper provides a scientific basis for the sustainable development and conservation of traditional villages in Hunan from multiple perspectives.

Railway track settlement patterns and control measures for multi-tunnel construction underneath a station track group: a case study.

This paper is based on the proximity engineering project of the Baishiyi tunnel group passing under the Chongqing West Station track group. Considering the train load and the spatial relationship of the tunnel and track groups, the settlement patterns, horizontal displacement, and differential settlement of the tunnel-strata-tracks system during the excavation process are studied through theoretical calculations and numerical simulation methods. The results indicate that the tunnel vault, strata, and track settlement deformation patterns are similar. Throughout the tunnel construction process, the tracks underwent uplift, settlement, and eventually stabilized. The settlement trough formed by the excavation of the three tunnels below the track group has an impact range of 25-145 m. Between 35 and 75 m, the differential settlement of the double track gradually increases with excavation. As the tunnel face reaches 75 m, the track differential settlement gradually converges and tends to stabilize. To minimize the impact of underpass tunnel construction on track groups, it is recommended to use a combination of full-section hole grouting and surface reinforcement grouting for ground reinforcement. Additionally, optimizing the construction parameters, including the step length and primary support closure time, and strengthening the locking anchor can further reduce the impact.

A simple heuristic for allocating opioid settlement funding to reduce overdose mortality in the United States.

As resolution for opioid-related claims and litigation against pharmaceutical manufacturers and other stakeholders, state and local governments are newly eligible for millions of dollars of settlement funding to address the overdose crisis in the United States. To inform effective use of opioid settlement funds, we propose a simple framework that highlights the principal determinants of overdose mortality: the number of people at risk of overdose each year, the average annual number of overdoses per person at risk, and the average probability of death per overdose event. We assert that the annual number of overdose deaths is a function of these three determinants, all of which can be modified through public health intervention. Our proposed heuristic depicts how each of these drivers of drug-related mortality - and the corresponding interventions designed to address each term - operate both in isolation and in conjunction. We intend for this framework to be used by policymakers as a tool for identifying and evaluating public health interventions and funding priorities that will most effectively address the structural forces shaping the overdose crisis and reduce overdose deaths.

Multiple events determine the distribution of fishes' early life stages in the Abrolhos Bank, Southwestern Atlantic.

Fluctuations in reef fish settlement and recruitment significantly impact local population dynamics and adult population size. We use light traps to evaluate reef fish settlement in inshore and offshore reefs in the Abrolhos Bank, in addition to the spatio-temporal distribution patterns, and environmental variables' influence. Data were collected from inshore and offshore reefs, and statistical analyses, including GLMs, PERMANOVA and nMDS, aimed to understand spatial-temporal species distribution patterns and the relationship between environmental variables. Results indicate greater species abundance and diversity offshore, influenced by winds, tides, and distance from shore, explaining 50% of larval patterns and highlighting the importance of spatial-temporal variations in early-life reef fish assemblages. However, several factors, including habitat type, quality, complexity, seascape configuration, and MPA location, may influence these patterns. Additionally, we provide evidence that commercially important species like Lutjanids use Abrolhos reef areas as nursery grounds.

Marine macroalgae and their associated bacterial communities affect larval settlement and survivorship of the coral Pocillopora damicornis.

Macroalgae play crucial roles as major habitat-forming organisms in marine ecosystems, having significant impacts on coral recruitment and reef recovery. However, the interactions between marine macroalgae and coral larvae remain poorly understood. Furthermore, little is known whether differences in bacterial assemblages associated with macroalgae may play roles in this process. Here, we comprehensively investigated the impacts of different macroalgae and their associated microbiomes on larval settlement and survival of coral Pocillopora damicornis. The results revealed significant variations in larval settlement and survival rates when exposed to different macroalgal species. The highest settlement rate, reaching 90%, was observed in the presence of the red alga Hypnea pannosa, followed by green algae Caulerpa serrulata, C. racemosa, and brown algae Turbinaria gracilis, Sargassum polycystum. Correspondingly, similarities in bacterial compositions were observed between H. pannosa and C. racemosa, as well as between T. gracilis and S. polycystum, implying associated bacterial may be related with the algal functions. Furthermore, macroalgae that facilitate larval settlement exhibited higher abundances of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) associated with the metabolism of dimethylsulfoniopropionate or the antagonism of known coral pathogens. However, the brown alga Padina boryana failed to induce larval settlement with survival rate of zero after 120 h. The algal species harbored more abundances of ASVs related to Rhizobiaceae. These findings highlight the significant impact of macroalgae and their associated microbiomes on coral recruitment, as they influence both larval settlement and survival rates.

Silk Gland Factor 1 Plays a Pivotal Role in Larval Settlement of the Fouling Mussel Mytilopsis sallei.

Most fouling organisms have planktonic larval and benthic adult stages. Larval settlement, the planktonic-benthic transition, is the critical point when biofouling begins. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of larval settlement is limited. In our previous studies, we identified that the AMP-activated protein kinase-silk gland factor 1 (AMPK-SGF1) pathway was involved in triggering the larval settlement in the fouling mussel M. sallei. In this study, to further confirm the pivotal role of SGF1, multiple targeted binding compounds of SGF1 were obtained using high-throughput virtual screening. It was found that the targeted binding compounds, such as NAD+ and atorvastatin, could significantly induce and inhibit the larval settlement, respectively. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR showed that the expression of the foot proteins' genes was significantly increased after the exposure to 10 µM NAD+, while the gene expression was significantly suppressed after the exposure to 10 µM atorvastatin. Additionally, the production of the byssus threads of the adults was significantly increased after the exposure to 10-20 µM of NAD+, while the production of the byssus threads was significantly decreased after the exposure to 10-50 µM of atorvastatin. This work will deepen our understanding of SGF1 in triggering the larval settlement in mussels and will provide insights into the potential targets for developing novel antifouling agents.

Barriers and benefits of mHealth for community health workers in integrated community case management of childhood diseases in Banda Parish, Kampala, Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Low-quality data presents a significant challenge for community health workers (CHWs) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Mobile health (mHealth) applications offer a solution by enabling CHWs to record and submit data electronically. However, the barriers and benefits of mHealth usage among CHWs in informal urban settlements remain poorly understood. This study sought to determine the barriers and benefits of mHealth among CHWs in Banda parish, Kampala. METHODS: This qualitative study involved 12 key informant interviews (KIIs) among focal persons from Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) and NGOs involved in data collected by CHWs, and officials from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and two mixed-sex Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) of CHWs from Banda parish, Kampala district. Data analysis utilised Atlas Ti Version 7.5.7. Thematic analysis was conducted, and themes were aligned with the social-ecological model. RESULTS: Three themes of institutional and policy, community and interpersonal, and individual aligning to the Social ecological model highlighted the factors contributing to barriers and the benefits of mHealth among CHWs for iCCM. The key barriers to usability, acceptability and sustainability included high training costs, CHW demotivation, infrastructure limitations, data security concerns, community awareness deficits, and skill deficiencies. Conversely, mHealth offers benefits such as timely data submission, enhanced data quality, geo-mapping capabilities, improved CHW performance monitoring, community health surveillance, cost-effective reporting, and CHW empowering with technology. CONCLUSION: Despite limited mHealth experience, CHWs expressed enthusiasm for its potential. Implementation was viewed as a solution to multiple challenges, facilitating access to health information, efficient data reporting, and administrative processes, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Successful mHealth implementation requires addressing CHWs' demotivation, ensuring reliable power and network connectivity, and enhancing capacity for digital data ethics and management. By overcoming these barriers, mHealth can significantly enhance healthcare delivery at the community level, leveraging technology to optimize resource utilization and improve health outcomes. mHealth holds promise for transforming CHW practices, yet its effective integration necessitates targeted interventions to address systemic challenges and ensure sustainable implementation in LMIC contexts.