Infrastructure Improvements Research Articles

Adoption Dynamics of Digital Payments: An Urban Case Study on E-Money Using the Technology Acceptance Model

The utilization of e-money in Indonesia has surged, propelled by the expansion of digital payment platforms. Despite their growing prevalence, the dynamics of e-money acceptance within urban environments remain underexplored. This study innovatively extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by incorporating Perceived Security as a new variable, alongside traditional factors such as Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Attitude Toward Using, Behavioral Intention to Use, and Facilitating Condition. The research focuses on Padang City, a representative urban landscape, where data was collected from 201 valid respondents through online platforms. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The integration of Perceived Security is a novel aspect of this study, reflecting its crucial role in the contemporary urban context of e-money utilization. Results reveal significant relationships among the studied variables, although the impacts of Facilitating Condition on Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness on Behavioral Intention to Use were not supported. The findings underscore that positive attitude toward e-money significantly boost behavioral intentions to use it, primarily influenced by security perceptions and ease of use. These insights have substantial implications for policymakers and businesses focused on enhancing e-money adoption in urban settings. The study highlights the necessity of addressing user perceptions, particularly security, to foster broader acceptance. The limited influence of Facilitating Conditions suggests that improvements in infrastructure must be coupled with efforts to enhance user trust and ease of interaction with e-money platforms. This research contributes to the field by providing a deeper understanding of the factors driving e-money acceptance in urban areas, guiding targeted strategies for digital financial inclusion.

Biomimetic anisotropic hydrogel as a smart self-healing agent of sustainable cement-based infrastructure

The durability improvement of cement-based infrastructure is an effective strategy to achieve sustainable development and reduce the carbon footprint. In this work, a biomimetic anisotropic hydrogel, alginate/polyacrylamide/halloysite nanotubes hybrid hydrogel (SA/AM/HNTs-RDC), was fabricated as a self-healing agent to enhance the self-healing ability and extend the service life of cement-based infrastructure. The effects of SA/AM/HNTs-RDC hydrogel on the formation and deposition of healing products and the self-healing behavior of cement in the different conditions (water condition and CO2-rich condition) were investigated. Compared with the matrix hydrogel (alginate/polyacrylamide, SA/AM), the crosslinking ions and anisotropic microstructure of SA/AM/HNTs-RDC hydrogel can stimulate the massive formation and dense deposition of healing products (ettringite (AFt) and monosulfo aluminate (AFm) in the simulated water condition, calcite and AFt in CO2-rich condition) to accelerate the performance recovery of the damaged construction. The self-healing measurements exhibited that the cracks around 200 μm in the cement paste with 1 % anisotropic hydrogel (RDC1) can be sealed completely after 14-day-curing in water, and its recovery ratio of the compressive strength increased by about 10 % compared with control samples. In CO2-rich condition, the closure rate of cracks was accelerated and the complete healing of cracks with similar width only needed 7 days. The compressive strength recovery increased by 13.7 % over control samples.

Navigating the Curriculum Landscape: The Impact of Curriculum 2013 and Merdeka Curriculum on Teachers' and Students' Learning Outcomes in Indonesia

This study explores the impact of implementing the 2013 Curriculum and the Independent Curriculum on teachers and student learning outcomes in Indonesia. The 2013 curriculum is designed to improve the competencies of 21st century students through a scientific approach and project-based learning. However, its implementation is limited, including the lack of teacher readiness and adequate infrastructure. On the other hand, the Independent Curriculum offers a more flexible and student-centered approach, focusing on character development and life skills. This study uses a mixed approach, involving surveys and in-depth interviews to analyze the perceptions of teachers and students from different regions. The study results show that the Independent Curriculum significantly increases student motivation and engagement, especially through a project-based learning approach. And more than 50% of teachers agree that the integration in independent curriculum is is more effective in helping teachers to design more effective in learning.. However, the main challenge in implementing this curriculum is the resource gap, especially in remote areas. Many teachers also have difficulty adjusting to more innovative teaching methods, although they welcome the flexibility offered by this curriculum. The study concludes that while the Independent Curriculum has the potential to improve the quality of learning, its success is highly dependent on the support of more intensive teacher training and the improvement of educational infrastructure. The main recommendation is the need for more focused efforts to ensure equal access to education and increase teacher capacity throughout Indonesia.

Study on Urban Growth of Pakse City

This research has considered the growth and important changes of Pakse city in Lao PDR from 2005 to 2020. The city is strategically located as a commercial and tourism center in the Mekong sub-region. In addition, Pakse's rapid urban growth is fueled by economic development, infrastructure improvements, demographic changes and strategic geographic location, all of which contribute to making it an important urban center in the south. The research aims to study the growth of the city of Pakse to create an understanding of the phenomenon, the driving force as well as the factors that lead to the growth of the city as a way to plan and control the development of the city for sustainable growth using the integrated research method of spatial analysis, quantitative analysis and document survey which analyzes the growth of the population and households, economic growth and the growth of the urban area. The analysis results show a population increase of 32.30 percent (from 78,669 people in 2005 to 116,200 people in 2020). Economic growth is also clear GDP per capita increased by 56.86 percent (from 1,097 dollars in 2005 to 2,543 dollars in 2020). The growth of the construction area of the city increased by 47.03 percent (from 285 hectares in 2005 to 538 hectares in 2020) and in Pakse city municipality, there is a growth of 46.35 percent (from 279 hectares to 520 hectares in 2020). Most of the built-up area is concentrated in the city center, covering 96.65 percent, and the number of buildings has increased by 45.18 percent (from 17,262 to 30,870 in 2020). These findings indicate the growth of Pakse city during the study period.

Water and the Urban Metabolism: Essays on the Remaking of Urban Water Regimes since the Eighteenth Century—Introduction

This introductory article explores the concept of urban metabolism, through which cities’ need for water transforms inputs into biomass and waste products, and its influence on urban water regimes. It provides a summary of existing literature, and explains how a cross-disciplinary approach, drawing on a range of urban experiences, can add value to current policy debates about the costs of urban water management, and environmental problems in general. The case studies presented here examine urban water regimes in Britain, Europe, Asia, and the United States since the eighteenth century. Using methods from a range of historical disciplinary approaches, this special issue identifies the diverse forces that generate a variety of outcomes, with non-linear improvements in urban water infrastructure shaped by contemporary technology and medical knowledge, social inequality, local politics, and path-dependent impact of previous planning and construction decisions.

Youth migration as a challenge to the socio-economic development of the Russian Far East: Evidence from the Amur Oblast

Subject. This article discusses the areas of regional policy to create conditions for improving the migration attractiveness of the Russian Far East. Objectives. The article aims to assess the scale and factors of migration activity of young people, and analyze its impact on the socio-economic development of the Russian Far East. Methods. For the study, we used a statistical analysis. Results. The article finds that young people of the Amur Oblast are inclined to migrate to receive quality education, employment, and improve living conditions. This trend has a significant impact on the demographic situation and economic prospects of the Oblast, leading to a brain drain and reduction in the labor force in key sectors of the economy. The article offers recommendations for regional authorities related to the social infrastructure's improvement, development of educational programmes, and the creation of jobs for young people. Conclusions. The study confirms the need to develop and implement a targeted migration policy that takes into account the specifics of socio-economic transformations in the Russian Far East regions.

KAJIAN EFEKTIFITAS POLA SIRKULASI KAWASAN WISATA DESA TRADISONAL PENGLIPURAN

Bali, as one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia, has a variety of attractions, including the Penglipuran Traditional Tourism Village in Bangli Regency. The popularity of this tourist village has led to a significant increase in vehicle flow, especially on weekends and holidays, resulting in congestion around tourist areas. Vehicles parked carelessly on the side of the road interfere with mobility for both locals and other tourists. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of current circulation patterns and identify potential solutions. Using a qualitative method with a naturalistic approach, this study will observe and analyze vehicle movement patterns, parking behavior, and their impact on traffic and visitor comfort. The results of this study are expected to provide recommendations for more effective circulation pattern arrangement, including parking management, alternative routes, and road infrastructure improvements. With the implementation of the right solutions, it is hoped that the comfort and experience of tourists in the Penglipuran Traditional Tourism Village can be significantly improved, while maintaining smooth traffic for local residents.

Determinants of Petroleum Products Export from Niger

This paper aims to define the main determinants of petroleum products export from Niger in the light of the specificity of the country, in order to make recommendations to policy-makers for improving oil revenues. To carry out this work, we started by interviewing stakeholders in the Niger trade using an interview guide. This was followed by a literature review and exploration of previous empirical work on various studies devoted to the determinants of exports. Finally, statistical data from a number of sources were processed. The main results, derived from the estimation of the OLS gravity model, show that the factors that strongly influence Niger's exports are transport distance and its economic weight when put in relation to that of trading partners. The main recommendations towards policy-makers arising from our research are: the creation of a new refinery close to Burkina Faso and Mali, increased oil production and the ongoing improvement of road transport infrastructure.

A collaborative cybersecurity framework for higher education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the educational computer emergency response team (EduCERT) framework, an integrated response mechanism to bolster national cybersecurity through collaborative efforts in the higher education sector. The EduCERT framework addresses this gap by enhancing cyber security and mitigating cybercrime through collaborative incident management, knowledge sharing and university awareness campaigns. Design/methodology/approach The authors propose an EduCERT framework following the design science methodology. The framework is developed based on literature and input from focus group experts. Moreover, it is grounded in the principles of the technology-organization-environment framework, organizational learning and diffusion of innovations theory. Findings The EduCERT has eight components: infrastructure, governance, knowledge development, awareness, incident management, evaluation and continuous improvement. The framework reinforces national cybersecurity through cooperation between universities and the National Computer Emergency Response Team. The framework has been implemented in Jordan to generate a cybersecurity foundation for higher education. Evaluating the EduCERT framework’s influence on national cybersecurity highlights the importance of adopting comprehensive cyber-security policies and controls. The framework application shows its relevance, effectiveness, adaptability and alignment with best practices. Research limitations/implications Despite the impact of applying the framework in the Jordanian context, it is essential to acknowledge that the proposed EduCERT framework’s practical implementation may encounter challenges specific to diverse international educational environment sectors. However, framework customization for global applicability could address varied educational institutions in other countries. Practical implications Furthermore, the proposed EduCERT framework is designed with universal applicability that extends beyond the specific country’s context. The principles and components presented in the framework can serve as valuable design advice for establishing collaborative and resilient cybersecurity frameworks in educational settings worldwide. Therefore, the research enhances the proposed framework’s practical utility and positions it as an invaluable contribution to the broader discourse on global cybersecurity in academia. Originality/value This paper enhances national cybersecurity in the higher education sector, addressing the need for a more integrated response mechanism. The EduCERT framework demonstrates its effectiveness, adaptability and alignment with best practices, offering valuable guidance for global educational institutions.

A Stochastic Model to Predict Road Accidents in Albania

The importance of predicting accident rates lies in the improvement of road infrastructure and the effective implementation of laws and traffic regulations. The statistical change of many phenomena over time is described by time series. This paper aims to forecast the number of individuals involved in road accidents in Albania by applying SARIMA model approach. This study used monthly number of individuals involved in road traffic accidents in Albania from 2016 to 2023. Using forecasting techniques for the number of traffic accidents can serve as a valuable strategy for achieving various objectives including the implementation of traffic safety campaigns, strategies, and action plans outlined in traffic safety initiatives. The model was found to be effective in capturing the underlying patterns and trends in the data, providing valuable insights for understanding and forecasting traffic accident occurrences in Albania.

PENDAMPINGAN PENGAWASAN REHABILITASI RUANG KELAS DAN KANTOR MADRASAH IBTIDAIYAH TASRIHUL ISLAM KABUPATEN BANJAR

Infrastructure improvement through the allocation of funds from the government in order to improve community services is increasingly being carried out in each region. One of the funding provided is the improvement of school infrastructure. Along with these efforts, schools and their officials are expected to be an intermediary for the running of the infrastructure improvement program. They are required to have the ability to carry out technical activities in the implementation of development in the field. In school improvement/rehabilitation activities, supervision in the implementation of physical work is very important and must be mastered so that development can run according to cost, quality and time that is effective and efficient and can be accounted for. Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Tasrihul Islam, located in Sungai Kupang Village, Gambut Subdistrict, Banjar Regency, as a collaborating partner in this Community Service activity, has been assisted through supervision assistance activities for school building rehabilitation. The physical work carried out is the rehabilitation of classrooms and offices. The implementation of the activity was carried out using the method of the community service team going directly to the field to provide assistance to partners to plan and supervise the rehabilitation process of office and classroom buildings. Assistance activities were carried out from May to July 2024. The results of the mentoring activities were that the partners were able to

Integrated Geospatial and Geostatistical Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Urban Groundwater Quality Using Water Quality Indices

Groundwater contamination poses a severe public health risk in Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, where over-exploited aquifers are the primary municipal and domestic water supply source. This study presents the first comprehensive district-wide assessment of groundwater quality across Lahore using an innovative integrated approach combining geographic information systems (GIS), multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), and water quality indexing techniques. The core objectives were to map the spatial distributions of critical pollutants like arsenic, model their impacts on overall potability, and evaluate targeted remediation scenarios. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology was applied to derive weights for the relative importance of diverse water quality parameters based on expert judgments. Arsenic received the highest priority weight (0.28), followed by total dissolved solids (0.22) and hardness (0.15), reflecting their significance as health hazards. Weighted overlay analysis in GIS delineated localized quality hotspots, unveiling severely degraded areas with very poor index values (>150) in urban industrial zones like Lahore Cantt, Model Town, and parts of Lahore City. This corroborates reports of unregulated industrial effluent discharges contributing to aquifer pollution. Prospective improvement scenarios projected that reducing heavy metals like arsenic by 30% could enhance quality indices by up to 20.71% in critically degraded localities like Shalimar. Simulating advanced multi-barrier water treatment processes showcased an over 95% potential reduction in arsenic levels, indicating the requirement for deploying advanced oxidation and filtration infrastructure aligned with local contaminant profiles. The integrated decision support tool enables the visualization of complex contamination patterns, evaluation of remediation options, and prioritizing risk-mitigation investments based on the spatial distribution of hazard exposures. This framework equips urban planners and utilities with critical insights for developing targeted groundwater quality restoration policies through strategic interventions encompassing treatment facilities, drainage infrastructure improvements, and pollutant discharge regulations. Its replicability across other regions allows for tackling widespread groundwater contamination challenges through robust data synthesis and quantitative scenario modeling capabilities.

The future of green tourism in Bali: Challenges and opportunities

This research examines the future of green tourism in Bali, analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing the island in its sustainable tourism development efforts. The research adopts a multi-method qualitative approach, including a systematic literature review using the PRISMA method, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and participatory observation. Data were collected from key stakeholders in Bali's tourism industry, including experienced tourism operators, government officials, environmental experts, and community leaders representatives. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling, with the criteria of having a minimum of five years of experience in Bali's tourism industry or related fields. Their role was to provide insights into the current state of green tourism in Bali, challenges faced, and potential development opportunities. Key findings revealed significant challenges such as environmental damage from mass tourism, inadequate waste management, threats to biodiversity, cultural exploitation, and economic inequality. Nonetheless, Bali also shows great potential for green tourism development, including supportive government policies, community engagement opportunities, technological advances, and the growing global demand for sustainable tourism experiences. This research proposes a comprehensive strategy to boost green tourism in Bali, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, sustainable tourism standards, eco-friendly infrastructure improvements, and awareness-raising campaigns.

Optimalisasi Pelayanan Perizinan dengan Sistem Online Single Submission (OSS) dalam Mempercepat Pembangunan di Kota Bima

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Online Single Submission (OSS) system in enhancing licensing services and accelerating development in Bima City. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the research collected data through interviews, observations, and documentation, analyzing the implementation of OSS at the Investment and Integrated One-Stop Service Office (DPMPTSP). The results indicate that the implementation of OSS has improved the speed, accuracy, transparency, and accessibility of licensing services. The licensing process, which previously took a long time, can now be completed within a maximum of one week. Digital socialization and real-time tracking features have also improved public understanding and reduced misuse of authority. However, the effectiveness of OSS is still hindered by several challenges, such as limited staff, inadequate budget, technical disruptions, and digital divides. Technical issues like system and network disruptions, along with resistance to change, further obstruct the process. To address these challenges, improvements in technology infrastructure, competency training, and increased transparency are required. Overall, although OSS has had a positive impact, further efforts are needed to overcome existing challenges to ensure the system's optimization in supporting the acceleration of development in Bima City.

Factors affecting foreign direct investment in ASEAN

This study examines the changes in trade openness, gross domestic product (GDP), and foreign direct investment (FDI) in ASEAN from 1999-2022, analyzing how trade openness and GDP impact FDI. Using geographic data and descriptive statistics, the study employs the Panel Fully Modified Least Squares (FMOLS) method. The analysis reveals that since 1999, trade openness in ASEAN has generally increased, driven by trade liberalization, international trade agreements, and infrastructure development. However, there have been occasional declines due to specific events. GDP has also consistently risen due to increased FDI, trade openness, and infrastructure improvements, transitioning the ASEAN economies from agriculture to manufacturing and services, leading to more global exports. FDI has shown continuous growth, supported by trade openness and infrastructure development, which have enhanced the region's attractiveness for investment. The study finds a positive relationship between trade openness, GDP, and FDI in ASEAN. A 1% increase in GDP leads to a 5.27% rise in FDI at a 1% significance level, while a 1% increase in trade openness results in a 2.62% increase in FDI at a 5% significance level.

Unlocking Pakistan’s digital potential: A roadmap for workforce digitalization and economic transformation

This paper explores the various aspects of workforce digitalization in Pakistan. Through an exploratory case study, it examines key trends of workforce digitalization, and the multifaceted impact of digitalization on the workforce in Pakistan, highlighting the opportunities, challenges, and economic benefits. Moreover, it analyzes the government policies and initiatives for the promotion of digitalization in Pakistan. Finally, it suggests a roadmap for workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan. Workforce digitalization and economic transformation entail a multifaceted approach to modernizing labor practices, leveraging digital technologies, and fostering economic growth. The digitalization of the workforce in Pakistan reflects the country’s evolving socio-economic landscape and technological advancements. However, workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan present significant opportunities and challenges. Embracing digitalization can enhance productivity, create new job opportunities, and drive economic growth. Further, modernizing government services through digitalization initiatives, including e-governance platforms for improved efficiency, transparency, and accountability fosters a more conducive environment and accelerates digital transformation across different sectors. However, addressing challenges related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and access to digital infrastructure is essential to ensure that all segments of the population can benefit from the digital economy. As Pakistan seeks to strengthen its economy, digitalization is key to unlocking new opportunities, driving sustainable development, and becoming a digital nation in the future. Workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan require a comprehensive strategy that addresses digital skills development, infrastructure improvement, entrepreneurship support, government digitization, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, industry collaboration, and international partnerships. By prioritizing these areas, Pakistan can unlock its digital potential and drive sustainable economic growth in the digital age.

Identify the policy weaknesses in China's electric vehicle development

The electric vehicle industry is currently undergoing a profound transformation. We conducted two surveys, respectively, in 2016 and 2022, to investigate whether these changes are perceived by consumers and to identify the key limitations of policy implementation. Our primary findings are as follows: a) The improvement in air quality has led to a gradual weakening of the influence of smog-related concerns on consumers' purchase intentions, rendering this factor no longer significant; b) Network externalities have been found to have the most substantial cumulative impact on enhancing consumers' purchase intentions, with this positive effect expected to expand further in the future; c) The decline in subsidies has had a relatively weak negative impact, resulting in a relatively minimal cumulative negative effect from 2016 to 2022; d) The perceived inadequacy of charging infrastructure improvements has a comparatively modest cumulative effect on consumers' purchase intentions, thereby emerging as a key limitation of policy implementation.

Impacts of Sanitation Practices on Human Development: A Decade-Long Analysis of the Malang District

This study explores the influence of various sanitation practices on the Human Development Index (HDI) in the Malang District from 2011 to 2020. Employing a multiple linear regression analysis, the research examines the relationship between the HDI and five critical sanitation practices: access to wastewater treatment plants, open defecation prevalence, septic tank usage, and direct waste disposal into water bodies and onto land. Secondary data was sourced from the Badan Pusat Statistika of Malang District, ensuring robust and authoritative information spanning over a decade. Preliminary diagnostics were performed to affirm the data's suitability for regression analysis. The results indicated a significant negative impact of direct disposal into water bodies on HDI, emphasizing the critical role of effective waste management practices in promoting human development. The study underscores the need for integrated policy approaches that address sanitation infrastructure improvements, environmental protection, and education on public health practices. This paper contributes to the literature by quantifying the effects of sanitation on human development over an extended period. It offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers to support sustainable development goals in the region.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT THROUGH COLLABORATION AND BUSINESS INNOVATION IN IMBI VILLAGE, JAYAPURA

This study aims to empower the economy of the community in Kelurahan Imbi, Jayapura, through collaboration and business innovation using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method. The PAR approach involves active community participation in every stage of the research, from problem identification to solution implementation and evaluation. Problem identification was carried out through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, revealing various challenges such as limited access to capital, low levels of education and skills, poor infrastructure, and a lack of collaboration among stakeholders. Based on these findings, an action plan was formulated, including business financing programs, skills training and business mentoring, infrastructure improvements, and strengthening collaboration. The program implementation was conducted with active community involvement. The research results showed an increase in business actors' access to capital through low-interest loan schemes and savings and loan cooperatives. Training and business mentoring successfully enhanced community knowledge and skills, and encouraged product innovation and digital marketing. Infrastructure improvements increased mobility and market access, while the collaborative forum among stakeholders strengthened synergy and the effectiveness of economic empowerment programs. In conclusion, the PAR approach is effective in empowering the economy of the Kelurahan Imbi community, creating targeted and sustainable solutions, and building community capacity to develop local economic potential. This success underscores the importance of community participation and stakeholder collaboration in creating sustainable socio-economic change.

Research on Key Issues and Pathways to Address Agriculture, Rural, and Farmers under the Background of the Rural Revitalization Strategy

The rural revitalization strategy is crucial for addressing the Agriculture, Rural, and Farmers in China, which encompass agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. This paper explores the key issues and pathways to effectively solve these challenges under the framework of the rural revitalization strategy. It highlights the importance of agricultural modernization, improvement of rural infrastructure, enhancement of education and healthcare services, diversification of farmers income, and the establishment of a modern rural governance system. By integrating resources, policy support, and technological innovation, this strategy aims to create an ecological, prosperous, and harmonious rural environment. The comprehensive implementation of these measures will bring new hope and opportunities to rural areas.