Infrastructure Deficiencies Research Articles

When disaster strikes a smart tourism city: tourists narratives of Dubai’s recent flooding

ABSTRACT This study addresses a significant gap in tourism disaster management by analyzing the firsthand experience of international tourists during the unprecedented recent flooding in Dubai, a smart tourism city. The study uses narrative inquiry to capture tourists’ personal accounts, perceptions of the disaster's impact, and observations of local response efforts. The goal is to assess the resilience of smart tourism cities and the effectiveness of their disaster management strategies. Employing semi-structured interviews, the research collected detailed narratives from 26 tourists impacted by the flooding, offering an in-depth understanding of their experiences and the operational responses from disaster management teams. The findings reveal substantial disruptions in travel and communication, highlighting deficiencies in the current infrastructure and disaster management systems for handling large-scale emergencies. Tourists’ narratives indicate a blend of preparedness and oversight, with some infrastructure elements functioning well while others, especially in safety and timely communication, fell short. This study emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive disaster management resilience strategies that enhance infrastructure robustness, improve communication systems, and actively involve all stakeholders to boost the resilience and safety of smart tourism cities.

Impact of the Cooperative Health Insurance System in Saudi Arabia on Universal Health Coverage-A Systematic Literature Review.

This systematic review assesses the role of the Cooperative Health Insurance System (CHIS) in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Saudi Arabia's evolving healthcare system by consolidating and analyzing findings from diverse studies to provide a comprehensive overview of CHIS's impact and also identifies contextual challenges and practical insights that can inform similar reforms globally. We report results following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following six databases were searched for relevant studies: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Business Source Complete, APA PsycINFO, and SocIndex. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining the impact of CHIS on the UHC dimensions based on the following themes: population covered, affordability, quality, efficiency, access, services covered, and financial coverage. The initial search identified 1316 publications. A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. Our synthesis indicates that CHIS has significantly improved healthcare access and quality, particularly in the private sector. CHIS was also associated with increased healthcare efficiency through standardized benefit packages and reduced out-of-pocket expenditures. However, these studies noted challenges such as rising insurance premiums, infrastructural deficiencies, and cultural barriers. CHIS is integral to Saudi Arabia's healthcare reform, substantially contributing to UHC's objectives. Despite notable advances, continuous efforts are needed to address existing challenges and expand coverage. The findings suggest that enhanced government support and public awareness are crucial for advancing UHC goals in Saudi Arabia.

PENGEMBANGAN KAWASAN EKOWISATA KEBUN RAYA MANGROVE GUNUNG ANYAR DENGAN PENDEKATAN PENTAHELIX

Surabaya's Mangrove Botanical Garden, with an area of 25 hectares, offers views of the mangrove forest, jogging trails, a monitoring tower, boat docks and picnic areas. Despite its great tourism potential, visitor numbers are still relatively low and there are deficiencies in facilities and services. Data shows the destruction of mangrove ecosystems in Indonesia and the need for more attention to the management and promotion of this destination. Data shows that Indonesia's mangrove ecosystems, which cover 4.25 million hectares, are significantly damaged, with 48% moderately damaged and 23% severely damaged. Several Google Reviews cite deficiencies in infrastructure and management that affect visitor satisfaction. This study involved 25 respondents from pentahelix stakeholders (government, academia, business, community, media) and used qualitative descriptive analysis to identify ecotourism development patterns and strategies. This study aims to identify efforts to develop the Mangrove Botanical Garden ecotourism area through a pentahelix perspective, which involves the government, academics, business people, the community, and the media. Data analysis uses qualitative descriptive analysis. This analysis includes organising, simplifying and synthesising data to identify patterns and main themes, as well as formulating working hypotheses. Overall, the Gunung Anyar Surabaya Mangrove Botanical Garden shows positive developments in environmental conservation efforts and ecotourism development. The botanical garden manager has planned various strategic steps to improve the attractiveness and quality of services, which are expected to have a positive impact on both visitors and the surrounding environment.

Sociocultural and Digital Communication Challenges in AI Adoption for Classroom Communication: Insights from Nigerian Colleges of Education

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education offers transformative possibilities, particularly in enhancing classroom communication. However, its adoption remains uneven, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where sociocultural, linguistic, and infrastructural barriers persist. This study investigates the adoption of AI-mediated communication among academic staff at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data from 200 respondents with qualitative insights to explore the extent of adoption, challenges encountered, and sociocultural influences. Results indicate that while 19.2% of respondents extensively use AI tools, a significant portion faces challenges such as inadequate funding (42.3%), limited technical expertise (15.4%), and infrastructural deficiencies (25%). Moreover, sociolinguistic issues, including the mismatch between AI tools and local languages, hinder effective communication. Resistance to change, rooted in traditional teaching norms, further complicates adoption. The study contributes by highlighting the interplay between sociocultural norms and technological resistance, offering a multidisciplinary perspective on AI integration in education. Recommendations include targeted professional development, infrastructure improvements, and the creation of culturally adaptive AI tools. These findings provide a replicable framework for enhancing AI adoption in similar educational contexts globally. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of AI integration on teaching outcomes and develop policies addressing ethical considerations in AI usage. This study underscores the critical need for inclusive and localized AI solutions to bridge the technological gap in education.

A Qualitative Study on Digital Transformation and Digital Leadership in Higher Education

Digital transformation is a critical continuum that significantly reshapes the management processes, operational functions, and educational methods of higher education institutions (HEIs). As such, effectively managing digital transformation processes in these institutions is crucial. This study aims to investigate the challenges faced during digital transformation in higher education and the role of digital leadership in addressing these challenges. Data for this research were collected from articles focused on digital leadership and digital transformation in higher education, indexed in the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases, and analyzed using the systematic literature review method. The findings reveal that the main obstacles to digital transformation in higher education include deficiencies in technological infrastructure, lack of digital skills and competencies, financial limitations, and resistance to change. Moreover, it was found that digital leadership plays an essential role in navigating the digital transformation process. The study also highlights several strategies that can be employed to overcome these challenges, such as improving internal communication, fostering a culture of innovation, and enhancing digital literacy training. By providing insights into the effective management of digital transformation in higher education, this study aims to assist educational institutions in adapting more effectively to emerging technological, managerial, and educational needs.

A Review towards Enhancing Geospatial Technologies in South African Rural Education

This study investigates the geospatial technologies in the South African rural schools. Despite the increasing importance of geospatial technologies, there is inadequate research examining their integration into rural education curricula. This gap in the literature raises questions about the effectiveness of current pedagogical practices in fostering proficiency in utilizing geospatial technologies among students preparing for careers in this field. The rationale behind this study lies in recognizing the critical role that geospatial literacy plays in contemporary professional practice. By identifying effective pedagogical practices, educators can enhance teaching and learning experiences, ultimately improving student outcomes, and the study addresses the broader societal need for skilled geospatial professionals in South African rural schools. The study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on geospatial technologies in South African rural schools. In addition, the inclusion and exclusion research design were adopted for the study, while the social constructivism theory guided the study. The review process resulted in a detailed analysis of 54 relevant articles utilized for the study. The findings reveal that the challenges to utilizing GIS in South African rural education curricula are multifaceted, encompassing infrastructural deficiencies, limited access to technology and resources, lack of teacher training, curriculum integration issues, The findings contribute to understanding how proficiency in geospatial technologies can be enhanced through innovative teaching methods, addressing the growing demand for geospatial skills in various professional domains. This study recommends the enhancement of geospatial technologies rural education programs and standardizing geospatial curriculum frameworks, hands-on learning experiences, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

DOES COMPANIES’ INCOME TAX AND FINANCIAL LEVERAGE AFFECT PROFITABILITY OF QUOTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN NIGERIA?

Researchers have continued to debate on the possibility of companies’ income tax affecting the earnings of companies without much concern for its link with financial leverage. This research evaluated the influence of companies’ income tax and financial leverage on manufacturing companies listed in Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design and population of 41 Nigerian manufacturing companies quoted on Nigerian Exchange (NGX) (2021) were adopted for the study. The sample size was 20 companies using stratified sampling and secondary data from audited published financial statements for ten years covering 2012 to 2021. Descriptive and inferential (regression) statistics were employed for the analyses of data. The findings revealed that companies’ income tax (CIT) had no significant effect on profitability with t-stat p=0.61, p>0.05 therefore accepting the null hypothesis; but financial leverage had significant effect on profitability with t-stat of 5.217 and p=0.000, p<0.05, hence null hypothesis is rejected; also both companies’ income tax and financial leverage had significant effect on profitability of quoted manufacturing companies in Nigeria with F-stat value of 18.96 and p=0.000; p<0.05; therefore null hypothesis is rejected. The study concluded that majority of the listed Nigerian manufacturing companies are operating on loan and companies’ income tax alone cannot significantly influence their profitability but it was possible with the inclusion of financial leverage. It recommended that government should review the tax policy so that companies’ income tax rate can be reduced, and improve infrastructural facilities deficiency. Key Words: Companies’ Income Tax; Financial Leverage; Profitability; Tax Rates; Tax policy and revenue

Indonesia's Strategy Creating Halal Tourism for Sustainable Development Goals: Analytical Network Process Approach

Purpose: This study is to apply the Analytic Network Process (ANP) technique to analyse Indonesia's strategy for creating sustainable halal tourism. Given that Muslims make up the majority of the population, Indonesia has a lot of potential for developing halal tourism. Nonetheless, several impediments to its implementation exist, including a deficiency of human resources, infrastructure, and legislative frameworks. This study aims to improve the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of halal tourism by identifying these challenges and proposing strategic solutions grounded in ANP. Methodology: The methodology used is quantitative with an ANP study that allows a thorough examination of all variables that influence the growth of halal tourism. Participants in this research were 15 respondents including practitioners, regulators and academics specializing in Indonesian halal tourism. Data were analyzed using ANP software, paired questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. Findings: Inadequate infrastructure, subpar laws, and a dearth of knowledge and training for human resources continue to hinder the growth of halal tourism in Indonesia. Conversely, the measures that have been suggested entail enhancing the calibre of human capital, fortifying laws, and enhancing the promotion and advertising of halal travel locations. Originality: The ANP model has not been widely used in research related to halal tourism, this research applies the ANP technique to sustainable halal tourism in Indonesia. As a result, this research offers fresh insights in creating sustainable and more effective halal tourism strategies.

Artificial Intelligence in Education, Bridging Community Gap: A Phenomenological Approach

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education holds transformative potential for bridging community gaps, particularly in under-resourced and marginalized communities. This study explores the multifaceted ways AI technologies can enhance educational accessibility, quality, and equity, thereby fostering inclusive community development. The educational disparity between under-resourced and resourced communities in Nigeria is a pressing issue, primarily driven by unequal funding, insecurity, corruption, resource allocation, and teacher shortages. This gap affects academic performance and limits future opportunities for learners in the under-sourced communities. The study delves into AI-driven initiatives to reduce the digital divide, such as deploying AI-powered educational tools in underserved communities with limited access to quality education, which is imminent. By leveraging AI, this research underscores the potential to democratize education, offering tailored learning experiences that can adapt to students' diverse needs across different geographical locations in Nigeria. The study's core objective is to bridge the community gap via AI in education using a phenomenological approach. The qualitative study adopted a phenomenological approach. The population comprised all secondary school teachers in Nigeria. Fifteen public school teachers from under-resourced communities constituted the study's sample and drew purposively based on availability. The qualitative data were thematically evaluated, and three themes (i.e., learning assistance, quality education, and infrastructural deficiency) emerged from the research. This study's findings indicate that AI can provide learning assistance and improve quality education. While AI may potentially enhance learning experiences, stakeholders must quickly address the concerns about infrastructural deficiency, insecurity, corruption, and the impediment of social interaction in education. The study concluded that incorporating AI-based technology into under-resourced communities will bridge the community gap and enable all learners to compete favourably, regardless of where they reside.

Food Allergy in Children in China.

The prevalence of food allergies in China seems to be increasing, but there are limited studies describing the pattern of food allergies across the country. This review highlights regional variations observed across China, with data indicating a higher prevalence in the more economically developed eastern and southern coastal regions compared to inland areas. Egg and milk are the most common allergies among children under 3 years old; for children above 3 years old, specific food allergens also show regional differences, with shellfish allergies being more common in southern and eastern coastal areas, while wheat and fruit allergies are more prevalent in northern regions. Emerging peanut and tree nut allergies have also been observed in China's megacities, although the prevalence remains relatively low compared to Western countries. These geographic and environmental influences highlight the complexity of the food allergy landscape in China and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the underlying drivers. Despite the growing burden of food allergies, significant gaps exist in effectively managing these conditions in China. Lack of standardised diagnostic tools, limited access to oral food challenges and a shortage of trained allergists pose major challenges. Another critical gap is the limited availability and affordability of epinephrine autoinjectors, essential for managing life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Addressing these systemic deficiencies in China's food allergy management infrastructure will require concerted efforts from policymakers, healthcare systems and pharmaceutical companies. Investing in the development of standardised diagnostics, expanding the allergy speciality workforce and ensuring equitable access to emergency care and treatment options are crucial steps towards improving health outcomes for the millions of individuals affected by food allergies in China.

Health and Education for All: Promoting Inclusive Development by Integration of Policies

In order to promote both individual and national advancement, the health and education sectors are essential foundations of societal growth. The synergies between these areas are examined in this article, along with how they contribute to sustainable development, equitable growth, and enhanced quality of life. This study finds issues such policy fragmentation, infrastructural deficiencies, and access discrepancy by examining budget allocations, legislation, and the effects of technological improvements. It also identifies creative approaches to improve results in both areas, such as community-driven projects and public-private collaborations. The results highlight the necessity of integrated approaches that capitalize on the reciprocal advantages of education and health in order to create robust, inclusive institutions that empower both individuals and communities. By offering doable suggestions to close gaps and increase group influence, this study adds to the conversation on accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals. Keywords Health Sector, Education Sector, Integrated Development.

Elementary school teachers views on digital content development processes

The aim of this study is to examine the views of elementary school teachers (ESTs) on digital content development (DCD) processes. In this regard, the difficulties faced by the ESTs in the process of DCD, their suggestions to tackle with these difficulties and their resources and opportunities in the process of qualified DCD were investigated. In addition, the suggestions of the ESTs in facilitating and enabling the DCD process were addressed. The present study is a qualitative research and designed in a case study design. Ten elementary school teachers working in the state schools in eight different provinces of Turkey participated in the study. The interviews were conducted online. The research data were collected through a semi-structured interview form. The interview form consists of 10 questions. The data of the study were analysed via content analysis method. As a result of the data analysis, a total of 221 coding were conducted in line with the two sub-problems. The research findings have shown that, regarding the first sub-problem, elementary school teachers faced the most difficulties in developing digital content such as cloud usage and lack of digital skills, fell behind receiving sufficient support, and preferred video platforms such as YouTube to solve these difficulties. The results concerning the second sub-problem reveal that elementary school teachers experience difficulties such as insufficient technological infrastructure, hardware and training deficiencies. In this regard, It is recommended that Turkish digital content development platforms should be developed, necessary software and expert support should be provided for digital content development, and free access to hardware should be provided.

An Ensemble Framework Augmenting Surveillance Cameras for Detecting Intruder Clusters as Potential Mobs

<p>Many developing nations around the world curtail crimes through video surveillance technology, but the crime rate is still high. This is compounded by short-staffed security operatives and a deficiency of security infrastructure to assist security operatives with knowledge-driven decision support systems in the low-resource constraint environment. In a public environment, it is challenging to detect intruder clusters accurately as potential mobs for early warning. Previous research investigated some classical techniques, but their recommendations were insufficient. This research develops a Machine Learning (ML) 3-tiers Ensemble framework, which integrates Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrices (GLCM) principles to enhance the capabilities of surveillance cameras and security operatives to effectively discern and respond to potential mob formations. The University of California San Diego (UCSD) pedestrian datasets that are publicly available were used for the experiments. With an improved overall average precision of 0.98, recall of 0.98, and accuracy of 98.52% on the UCSD dataset, the suggested framework outperforms the widely used methods for the detection of intruder clusters. The reduction in computational time on processors showcases the framework's significant advancements as a promising solution for robust real-time threat assessment applications.</p>

Healthcare workers' perspectives on Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Kashmir: Insights for policy and practice.

In India, the Ayushman Bharat Program aims to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to underprivileged communities, guided by the 2017 National Health Policy and aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. This study explores healthcare workers' perspectives on the implementation, impact, and challenges of Ayushman Bharat Yojana (ABY) in Kashmir, focusing on primary care services. A mixed-methods study was conducted over ten months (October 2020 to August 2021) across ten districts in Kashmir. Fifty healthcare professionals, including 30 mid-level healthcare providers (MLHPs) and 20 medical officers, participated in semi-structured interviews and completed structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative data. Demographics: Among the respondents, 64% were under 30 years, and 56% were female. Positions included 40% medical officers and 60% MLHPs. Qualitative Findings: Both MLHPs and medical officers had varying levels of awareness about ABY. Key challenges included inadequate infrastructure, staffing shortages, additional duties, and long commutes. Effective communication and collaboration between MLHPs and medical officers were deemed crucial for successful implementation. Ongoing training and support were highlighted as essential needs. Quantitative Findings: Significant issues included irregular payments (66.6% MLHPs reported receiving regular incentives), staffing shortages (50% medical officers), and lack of training (35% medical officers). Common ailments managed included hypertension (33.33%) and infections (26.66%). The study highlights the challenges and insights from healthcare workers regarding the ABY program in Kashmir. Addressing infrastructure deficiencies, improving communication, and providing ongoing training and financial stability are essential for enhancing the program's effectiveness. Policymakers must consider these findings to improve healthcare delivery and ensure the sustained success of the Ayushman Bharat initiative.

Commerce and Management Education in India: 21st Century

Commerce and Management education in India has undergone significant transformations in the 21st century, driven by globalization, technological advancements, and changing market dynamics. This abstract provides a concise overview of the evolution, challenges, and prospects of commerce and management education in India during this era, Evolution: The 21st century witnessed a paradigm shift in commerce and management education in India. Traditional classroom teaching evolved into experiential learning methodologies, incorporating case studies, internships, and industry collaborations. The emergence of digital platforms facilitated distance learning, enabling access to quality education beyond geographical constraints. Additionally, interdisciplinary studies gained prominence, emphasizing holistic skill development among students. Challenges: Despite progress, commerce and management education in India face several challenges. Outdated curricula often fail to align with industry requirements, leading to a gap between academia and the corporate world. Quality assurance remains a concern, with issues like faculty shortages and infrastructure deficiencies affecting educational standards. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancements necessitates constant curriculum updates to ensure relevance and competitiveness. Prospects: The future of commerce and management education in India holds promising opportunities. Integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics into curriculum design can enhance students’ analytical and decision-making skills. Collaborations with industry players for skill-based training programs can bridge the gap between academia and industry expectations. Moreover, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation through incubation centres and startup initiatives can nurture a culture of creativity and enterprise among students. Conclusion: In conclusion, commerce and management education in 21st century India has evolved significantly to adapt to the dynamic global landscape. While challenges persist, such as outdated curricula and quality assurance issues, promising prospects lie ahead. By embracing technological advancements, fostering industry-academia collaborations, and promoting entrepreneurial spirit, India can further enhance the quality and relevance of commerce and management education, preparing students to thrive in the competitive global economy of the 21st century.

Exploring the Next Frontier in Wireless Communication: 5G and Beyond for Enhanced Reliability and Low Latency in IoT and Autonomous Technologies

This research focuses on how 5G and beyond technologies might be the game changers in the reliability, low latency, efficiency, and improvement of IoT and autonomous systems, such as electric vehicles. It addresses the advancements of 5G and 6G-based communication networks integrated with machine learning and edge computing to enhance vehicle performance, energy management, and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. Extensive experimentation conducted greatly led to the discovery of important improvements in response time. Latency was reduced by as much as 45 per cent when compared with 4G networks, and this meant that 6G enabled potential increases of up to 60 per cent over data throughput and reliability in high-density environments. In addition to that, AI application towards predictive maintenance and battery optimization led to an increase of up to 30 per cent for energy efficiency, and for applications of such intelligence in a more sustainable EV system. The results further reveal the promise of AI-based security and an ML-based 25% reduction in network vulnerabilities as compared with traditional security protocols. The results inform the transformative capability of the next generations of communication technologies to fulfil their scope in remodelling the future of electric vehicles and autonomous systems. Future research will focus on overcoming present infrastructure deficiencies and improving the algorithms behind real-time decision-making processes towards support of scalable, energy-efficient, and secure EV ecosystems.

Exploring Refugee School Teachers’ Roles in Culturally Diverse Adult Classrooms in Greece

This study examined the experiences of 15 refugee school teachers in Athens, focusing on their strategies for working with culturally diverse adult students. Through semi-structured interviews, the research investigated the evaluation of intercultural education that is imparted to adult refugees, the challenges in the program’s implementation for adult refugees, the importance and the necessity of intercultural competence for instructors when working within refugee structures, and the possible ways of influencing the ethnic diversity of adult refugee immigrants that affect teachers’ perspectives regarding their education and social integration. The findings reveal a mix of progress and challenges in cultural education, exacerbated by the global financial crisis and infrastructure deficiencies. Intercultural competence emerges as vital for fostering inclusive learning environments, while embracing ethnic diversity shifts the focus from assimilation to celebration. Success indicators include cultivating a collective consciousness, promoting interaction between cultures, fostering empathy, and providing adequate resources. These insights offer valuable implications for enhancing refugee education and integration efforts in Athens and beyond.

Evaluation of the Rural Tourism Potential of a Taurus Highland: The Case of Ağla, Köyceğiz

Tourism is among the key sectors prioritised in both developed and developing countries due to its positive economic impact. However, the adverse environmental and socio-cultural impacts of mass tourism led to a growing interest in alternative forms of tourism. In this context, rural tourism, which is well suited to rural areas and offers various advantages in terms of environmental sustainability, is one of the most outstanding types of tourism. Located at an altitude of 800 meters, Ağla is a highland that maintains traditional rural characteristics in the Taurus Mountains in Türkiye. Alongside its natural beauty, Ağla stands out as an authentic rural area in Muğla due to its socio-cultural attributes dating back to ancient times. This study aims to evaluate the current status and potential of rural tourism in the Ağla Plateau in Muğla. Employing a qualitative research design, data were gathered through on-site observation and interviews. The data were subsequently analyzed using a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in relation to rural tourism. The findings were assessed with a focus on sustainable rural tourism development. It has been evaluated that the limitation of rural tourism entrepreneurship of the local people is one of the weaknesses, while original cultural events, especially the Mahya festival held in Ağla Highland, have the potential to create significant opportunities for the development of rural tourism. The study was concluded with the suggestion to similar destinations and practioners who give importance the sustainable development of rural tourism. In conclusion, it is recommended to give importance to rural tourism throughout the year by eliminating infrastructure deficiency, improving transportation facilities, improving accommodation and social facilities in Ağla, Köyceğiz.

Challenges and Constraints in the Economic Development of Rural Areas in Afghanistan and Solutions for Development

This study aims to investigate the challenges and constraints of economic development in Afghanistan's rural areas and to propose solutions to overcome these obstacles. Rural economic development in Afghanistan faces significant challenges due to infrastructure deficiencies, financial and social limitations, and high rates of labor migration to urban areas. In this regard, the study seeks to analyze these inhibiting factors and provide practical, policy-oriented solutions to improve the economic conditions of Afghanistan’s rural communities. This research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and quantitative surveys from various groups, including farmers, small business owners, and local officials in several rural regions of Afghanistan. The data were analyzed through content analysis and statistical methods. Findings indicate that the primary challenges to economic development in these areas include a lack of infrastructure, insufficient financial facilities, and limited access to technical and vocational training. Additionally, the results suggest that support for small businesses, infrastructure development, and vocational training could significantly improve rural economic conditions. This research not only offers policy recommendations for government institutions and development organizations but also adds to the theoretical literature on rural economic development in Afghanistan, potentially serving as a guide for effective, localized policymaking.

Systematic Analysis of Commuting Behavior in Italy Using K-Means Clustering and Spatial Analysis: Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Transport Solutions

Transport Demand Management (TDM) is crucial in shaping travel behavior and enhancing urban mobility by promoting sustainable transport options. This study represents a comprehensive analysis of employee commuting behavior across seventy-seven cities in Italy, with a focus on Rome as a case study. It investigates some requirements of the workplace travel plan as a TDM strategy for promoting sustainable commuting. An online survey conducted in June 2022 yielded 2314 valid responses, including 1320 from private car drivers. K-means clustering was used to identify distinct behavioral patterns among commuters, revealing four clusters based on demographic factors and transport preferences, such as age, gender, family circumstances, vehicle ownership, willingness to walk, ride bicycles, or e-scooters, and reasons for mode choice. This study analyzed Rome’s public transport network, land use, and private car use. Results underscore the need for tailored transport policies that enhance inclusivity and accessibility, especially for employees with family members who cannot commute independently. A spatial analysis of Rome reveals significant infrastructure deficiencies, such as complicated transfers and inaccessible stations, which discourage PT use. Future research should explore the impact of remote work and psychological factors and conduct in-depth subgroup analyses to inform inclusive transport policy development.