Benefits Of Infrastructure Research Articles

Green Stormwater Infrastructure Planning in Urban Landscapes: Understanding Context, Appearance, Meaning, and Perception

Prior research has documented environmental and economic benefits of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI); literature on GSI social benefits is also becoming more prevalent among scholars around the world. This paper aims to understand whether GSI projects are considered as assets to urban neighborhoods or as projects that might introduce a new set of social concerns. Based on field observations of 238 GSI projects and 50 intercept interviews, we investigate selected social aspects of GSI, such as project context, visual appearance, recreational appeal, meaning, and public perception, in two neighboring US cities—Philadelphia and Camden. Analysis of field data and observation notes revealed that GSI project setting impacted recreational appeal; their appearance was related to maintenance and signage; and their interaction with the public depended on location, land use, and visual/recreational appeal. Most GSI sites with the presence of trash, but the absence of signage were found in potentially disadvantaged areas. According to intercept interviews, many people were not aware of GSI presence in the neighborhood, were not familiar with GSI or its functionality, did not find a way to get access to GSI or interact with them, and were generally concerned about poor design, defective construction, or lack of maintenance. We argue that lack of information and community care/support for GSI can result in social disinvestments in these projects, which can facilitate improper use and maintenance issues, affecting their intended basic environmental functions. Consistent with prior research, we speak to the importance of participatory planning processes in improving community acceptance and interests around GSI planning and installation in urban landscapes.

The influence of the new cultural infrastructure on residential property prices. Evidence from Košice ECoC 2013

The European Capital of Culture (ECoC) has become one of the most significant cultural activities in the EU, aiming to change cities through culture. There is still a broad discussion about how to estimate the impact or influence of cultural activities on a city. There are several approaches which evaluate the benefits of cultural activities and cultural infrastructure. This paper presents a unique opportunity to use the hedonic model for impact estimation of new cultural infrastructure built through the project Košice ECoC 2013. The hedonic pricing model was constructed based on 1157 sales of flats between 2010 and 2018. The final hedonic model was constructed to determine the influence of new cultural infrastructure (Kulturpark barracks) on nearby flats prices. According to this model, the flats in this area a year before the renovation did not show any differences from the average flats in other localities. However, from the beginning of the renovation, they presented above-average prices till two years after the reconstruction. After four years the positive impact of the cultural infrastructure disappears and the price level of the flats returned to the levels before the reconstruction.

Exploring the Influence of Social Infrastructure on Experiences of Aging in Place in Dublin, Ireland

This paper presents results from a PhD project that has carried out interviews, mapping exercises and ‘go-along’ interviews with thirty-four people aged sixty-six and over, in an inner city and suburban study area within Dublin, Ireland. A key objective of this research was to identify places, activities and interactions of most importance to older people. Through qualitative and spatial data collection and analysis techniques, different types of ‘social infrastructure’ that individuals value and engage with, as part of their daily lives, are identified and presented using annotated maps. The interactions and types of activities that occur in these places, and why they are important, are also discussed. Results demonstrate the benefits of high quality social infrastructure (and the challenges associated with a lack of social infrastructure) through participant’s own experiences, and highlight the vital role this plays in supporting older people to age well in place.

‘Demand’ for culture and ‘allied’ industries: policy insights from multi-site creative economy research

ABSTRACT This paper draws policy insights from the first comparative analysis of multiple hotspots of regional cultural and creative activity across Australia. Focussing on the state of Queensland, it provides three interlinked findings relevant to international cultural policy debates. The first – municipal agency – goes to the crux of the value of studying small regions. We examine the degree to which Cairns, an isolated, small regional city, can exercise effective cultural agency in a tripartite system of government, demonstrating that policy ambition and asset management at the local level can deliver outsized cultural infrastructure benefits through a focus on demand from the local community. The second further illuminates the question of demand for cultural infrastructure as a critical enabler, in conjunction with allied infrastructure, in a very remote, distressed community–the Central West region. Cultural tourism’s surprising prominence as support for mainstream tourism on the Gold Coast, an international mecca for surf, sand and sun, is the third example, deepening the significance of allied industry connectivity. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in 2019, the trend data and analysis offered here will be significantly impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

Green infrastructure in comprehensive plans in coastal Texas

By guiding where, how, and when development occurs, comprehensive plans are an important vehicle to implement green infrastructure. To examine how green infrastructure is incorporated into local comprehensive plans, we evaluate 38 city and county plans in coastal Texas. Like many coastal regions, coastal Texas is experiencing rapid population growth, environmental degradation, and growing natural hazard threats. We found that local comprehensive plans in this region do not effectively incorporate green infrastructure. Few plans include goals related to green infrastructure or discuss the benefits of green infrastructure. The plans lack information critical for planning a green infrastructure network and rely on a narrow set of policies. Based on the prevalence of strategies to protect open space, green infrastructure is valued by communities even if they do not use the term “green infrastructure.” Ultimately, the results suggest that there is a critical need to build planning capacity to advance green infrastructure implementation.

Harnessing Digital Technology to Strengthen the Culture of Reading at Public Libraries in South Africa

Statistics and numerous authors have highlighted the reading crisis in South Africa. At the same instance, more people in South Africa are embracing the potential of digital technology to provide lifelong learning opportunities and also to strengthen the culture of reading. This study is framed against the backdrop and implementation of the Mzansi Libraries On-Line Project in South Africa – a project implemented in line with the Global Libraries Programme of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The study explored the potential of access to information of digital technology and the contribution of the project to inculcating a culture of reading at public libraries. A benchmark survey was conducted by an independent research company during the pilot phase of the project in 2015. This survey covered library users of the 27 libraries that formed part of the pilot phase, and a further 25 libraries from a representative sample across South Africa. An end-line survey was conducted through a private company towards the conclusion of the countrywide implementation in 2017, based on the Common Impact Measurement System which was customised for South Africa. The benchmark survey found that although ICT in libraries had been used by relatively few people in 2015, the impact of this technology tended to be positive and would be beneficial to the wider society by helping to redress societal imbalances, including education and the culture of reading. The end-line survey found increased benefits of library usage and library technical infrastructure to improve the lives of the communities involved.

Public Transportation as a Spatial Marker

Potential benefits of public transportation as a spatial element are going to be examined. This can relate to permanent infrastructure such as rail tracks, physically separated bus lanes, subway stations etc. These are visually noticeable or otherwise significant built spatial elements and are relatively permanent, which might increase the popularity and use of a public transit service in an area by reassuring potential users of the authorities’ strategic commitment to providing high quality transit as well as by becoming part of an areas’ identity. Other physical elements and their design – signage, vehicle appearance, public space redevelopment along corridors etc. – are important in this regard as well, and could either enhance the benefits of permanent infrastructure, or they could be used alone to attempt to achieve the same positive effects. The degree to which these elements can be successful depends also on how they are distributed through space, which in this paper is linked to network or line structure. The network should be clear and easy to understand, enabling users to orient themselves, while also making it easier to apply physical elements which represent the system in space. Thus, the degree to which a public transportation service is represented in space through described elements and their spatial distribution, determines its strength as a spatial marker.

Border Land, Border Water: A History of Construction on the US-Mexico Divide

Border Land, Border Water: A History of Construction on the US-Mexico Divide

Examining the relationship between soft total quality management (TQM) aspects and employees' job satisfaction in “ISO 9001” Sudanese oil companies

PurposeSoft total quality management (TQM) aspects are the facets of TQM that mainly concern with the management of human resource in a way to achieve the results of employees' job satisfaction. Based on this approach, the objective of this research is to examine the relationship between the most popular five soft TQM aspects and employees' job satisfaction in “ISO 9001” certified Sudanese oil companies.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through questionnaires from employees across a total of five Sudanese oil companies owned by the government, and adopting an ISO-9001 quality program. The total population of the study consists of 1,505 permanent employees, while the sample size was 253 employees, determined by adopting a stratified random sampling technique. The multiple regression model was adopted for data analysis.FindingsThe results showed that the construct of soft TQM aspects including “top management commitment”, “employee empowerment”, “teamwork”, “training and education” and “employee involvement” explain 74% in the variance of employees' job satisfaction. Results showed positive association between soft TQM aspects and employees' job satisfaction at the 5% significance level. It was also found that each individual variable of the five soft TQM aspects has a significant positive association with employees' job satisfaction. Meanwhile, the results indicated that the most important soft TQM aspect in explaining the variability of employees' job satisfaction was the “employee empowerment” with the highest correlation coefficient (β) of (0.189).Practical implicationsThe study recommends that in order to achieve their primary goal of employees' satisfaction, HR practitioners within organizations adopting total quality programs should align their practice in such a way to enhance soft aspects of TQM. Policy makers and top management in order to gain long-term infrastructural benefits obtained from employees' job satisfaction should show a visible support to TQM programs and allocate necessary resources to train their staff in the quality management system that enhance their empowerment and involvement. The study also recommends that since soft aspects of TQM raise their job satisfaction, employees should support and conform to quality management systems within their organizations.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on soft TQM aspects’ practical implementation. The findings make a significant contribution by using ISO-certified governmental Sudanese oil companies and tested the hypothesized model entails the impact of soft TQM implementation and employees' job satisfaction.

The Effect of a Social License From the Community on Acceptance from the Community

The purpose of this study is to analyze the benefits of assistance to the communities around the mine and the negative influence that communities have received in influencing community trust in influencing their decision to accept the collection of mines that are operated in the middle of their homes. This research was conducted by direct interview with the interviewees. The research sample is 203 residents who live in the mine within a radius of 1 Km. The results of this study are the General Benefits of Mining, Infrastructure Benefits from Mining, Impacts on Other Industries, and Environmental Costs do not have a significant effect on Mining Revenues. In contrast, Labor and Community Benefits and Increased Living Costs are associated with the significance of Mining Revenues.

Valuing the Multiple Benefits of Blue-Green Infrastructure for a Swedish Case Study: Contrasting the Economic Assessment Tools B£ST and TEEB

In addition to flooding and water quality management, blue-green infrastructure (BGI) provides multiple benefits to humans and ecosystems, including health and biodiversity. Various tools are avail ...

EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE IN AGRO-CLUSTERS OF WEST JAVA

Agglomerations of agricultural activity yield a number of institutional and infrastructural benefits for farmers. However, these regional concentrations also increase competition among farmers. We quantify to what extent competitive pressure affects farmers’ behaviour in agro-clusters, by analysing a survey of 1,250 farmers in West Java. We use a conceptual model based on the theory of planned behaviour and a behavioural interaction model. We also propose and econometrically test several hypotheses. We find that specific competitive environments for certain aspects of agricultural production matter most. In high-density agglomerations, less peer pressure appears to foster more cooperative behaviour. Food insecurity increases self-interest, and more intense cooperation is associated with lower income and appears to be regionally heterogeneous. Policies intended to facilitate cooperation could therefore be tailored to specific aspects of agricultural production and specific regions of interest.

Framing the potential cyclist

ABSTRACT Given the right provision, cycling can be an effective and expedient mode of transport in urban areas. People are enabled to cycle when urban design makes cycling easy, comfortable and safe. The UK is historically lacking enabling cycle infrastructures and cycling levels are correspondingly low. And where road space recently has been changed to exclusive cycle use, these projects have been controversial as evidenced in London and New York. For urban renewal to take place, it is vital for decision-makers to recognise the sensitivities surrounding space-change projects and public involvement. I conducted an online survey broadly following the categorisations of two segmentation studies relating to transport choices. The 1,250 responses I received were analysed for variations in the preferences between two groups: non-cycling and cycling. The conclusion discusses implications for public engagement processes for space-change projects. The results should be of interest to decision-makers, transport planning practitioners and advocates for cycling. It is suggested that engagement should focus on highlighting the collective benefits of cycling infrastructure.

Women, wellbeing and Wildlife Management Areas in Tanzania

ABSTRACT Community-based wildlife management claims pro-poor, gender-sensitive outcomes. However, intersectional political ecology predicts adverse impacts on marginalised people. Our large-scale quantitative approach draws out common patterns and differentiated ways women are affected by Tanzania’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). This first large-scale, rigorous evaluation studies WMA impacts on livelihoods and wellbeing of 937 married women in 42 villages across six WMAs and matched controls in Northern and Southern Tanzania. While WMAs bring community infrastructure benefits, most women have limited political participation, and experience resource use restrictions and fear of wildlife attacks. Wealth and region are important determinants, with the poorest worst impacted.

A spatial life cycle cost assessment of stormwater management systems

Although widely implemented, the research and understanding of the economic impacts and benefits of green infrastructure (GI) systems remain limited. Currently, few studies have investigated the economics of GI systems from a spatial perspective and typically opportunity costs related to land and property tax were ignored. This study aims at bridging these gaps by investigating both the equivalent annual costs (EAC) and cost effectiveness of seven GI systems and compare them against local wastewater treatment facilities in five different US cities. To do this, we utilized capital and maintenance cost data obtained from GI systems that are currently installed at the University of New Hampshire. The costing data were then extrapolated across five different cities considering reported local material, land, tax, and labor rates. A system dynamics model was utilized to calculate the total stormwater reduction as well as the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous removed by each GI system over its life cycle under a certain city setting. Based upon these outcomes, the cost effectiveness (CE) in terms of stormwater reduction, nitrogen treatment, and phosphorous treatment of the GI systems was calculated. Land and tax costs were found to be a significant component of the EAC for GI systems with larger footprints in cities with higher property values, accounting for up to 78% in some cities. The rankings of the GI systems differ significantly when different types of cost effectiveness are under consideration. The tree filter performs the best when the CE is calculated based on stormwater reductions, while the subsurface gravel wetland performs the best considering nitrogen treatment, and either the subsurface gravel wetland or the sand filter performs the best considering phosphorous treatment. Our study suggests recommendations of GI systems need to be made based on local needs and issues to achieve the most cost-effective solution.

Urban Forestry in Brazilian Amazonia

Urban forests provide multiple benefits in improving people’s lives and can be an important tool for achieving the goal of carbon neutral cities. In this study, we analyzed the diversity of plant species from urban forests in cities in the Brazilian Amazonia, based on data from scientific articles, through a systematic literature review. Our analysis revealed that 530 taxa, of which 479 were identified at the species level and 51 at the genus level, covering 38,882 individuals were distributed in 29 cities. The three most frequent species were Ficus benjamina, Mangifera indica, and Licania tomentosa. Exotic species were more frequent than native. The three most frequent species had almost 42% of the inventoried individuals. The choice of species has been made mainly by the local population, without monitoring by the public authorities. Recommendations for sustainable management of urban forests in Amazonia include investing in training of management bodies, periodic inventories, and awareness actions about the benefits of urban green infrastructure and on the advantages of native species. Policies for the sustainable management of urban green areas are necessary. The municipal governments must continuously monitor indicators of urban ecosystem services and provide financial resources for maintaining and increasing those area rates per person.

Investing in Sustainable Built Environments: The Willingness to Pay for Green Roofs and Green Walls

Green infrastructure, such as green roofs/walls, plays a key role in addressing urban problems. Despite the well-established sustainable mentality, aspects such as aesthetics, recreation, and welfare are still the main drivers for undertaking such investments. Several studies have focused on proving the benefits of green infrastructure, namely, thermal insulation, air quality, and others. However, significant soft benefits have not yet been properly addressed. It is, therefore, important to understand how much citizens are willing to invest in those mitigating measures and list the aspects that influence that value. This study suggests a methodology based on stated preferences to evaluate the willingness-to-pay of owner/tenants for green roofs/walls in residential buildings and determine the influence of multiple factors. Results show that consumers reveal higher willingness-to-pay for accessible green roofs. Knowledge of benefits and the accessibility of green roofs have a great impact on the willingness-to-pay. Recreation benefit is at the forefront of individuals’ concerns; even more than aesthetics.

Benefit Distribution of Community-Based Infrastructure: Agricultural Roads in Indonesia

Infrastructure development is believed to provide economic benefits, but the distribution of these benefits is still a subject of discussion. Previous studies generally discussed the distribution of benefits of large-scale and top-down infrastructure. In contrast, this paper aims to explore the existence and distribution of the benefits of community-based infrastructure development. This study uses a case study approach with quantitative and qualitative methods. The study reveals that agricultural roads provide time saving and cost reduction. However, the benefits obtained by farmers vary depending on the location of agricultural land in relation to the road. Although the distribution of benefits differs, farmers do not perceive this as an injustice since the route of the road is determined by the farmer group. Moreover, the greater benefits received have to be compensated by certain amounts of contributions by each farmer in terms of land release. This study also reveals that the physical-environmental conditions of the road contribute to the variation of benefits. The results of this study provide an insight into the benefit distribution from small-scale and community-based infrastructure. Such community-based infrastructure development has been proven to be effective as a model for investing in local infrastructure development.

Format Pengelolaan Dana Tabungan Haji Untuk Pembangunan Sektor Riil Melalui Skema Project Based Sukuk (PBS) Dalam Kajian Fikih

One form of sharia financial instrument that has been widely issued by both corporations and the state is sukuk, sharia bonds. Sukuk emphasizes investment income not on the interest rate, but on the level of income based on the level of profit sharing ratio the amount agreed upon by both parties (issuers and investors) at the time of the contract. The purpose of this research is to examine the implementation of the Project Based Sukuk (PBS) scheme of the hajj funding to fund the development of the real sector, especially infrastructure in Indonesia in the perspective of fiqh studies. In this study, the author conducts an analysis of the study of literature and scientific journals so as to produce a conclusion related to the application of PBS on hajj funding. This type of research is qualitative research. To obtain relevant data, data collection techniques such as rule review and literature study are used. The results show that the financing of infrastructure projects using PBS schemes sourced from hajj funds can be done with the following conditions: (1) sukuk issued in accordance with and fulfilling Islamic sharia rules and regulations (2) infrastructure benefits are primarily aimed at the welfare of prospective pilgrims and the general public (3) financing must be aimed at investment portfolios with low risk and provide guaranteed returns to maintain the security, usefulness and prudence of managing pilgrims funds (4) the majority of ulama agrees that the management of hajj savings funds may be invested in the project based sukuk. Keywords: project based sukuk, sharia bonds, hajj funding

External benefits calculation of sharing electric vehicles in case of Chongqing China

Calculating the external benefits of sharing electric vehicles (EVs) is the base of setting the relevant incentive policies for EVs adoption. To make clear how much the externality is, this paper measures the substitution rate of sharing EVs to urban internal combustion vehicles (ICVs), in which the substitution rates of the two typical sharing modes: self-service electric vehicles and ride-sourcing electric vehicles are measured separately. Based upon the results of the substitution rate, both the environmental benefits and the public infrastructure benefits of sharing EVs, are calculated, including the effect of curtailing pollution gas emission and mitigating traffic noise as well as the benefits of relaxing the demand pressure of public infrastructures such as road and parking spaces. The research results indicate that self-service EVs are currently more popular in the market than ride-sourcing EVs; from the perspective of the overall external benefit, the significant part is reflected in the aspect of reducing urban road demand.