State Of Infrastructure Research Articles

Clinico-pathological characteristics and treatment outcome in non-small cell lung cancer in Greenland 2015-2020 - a comparison with the cohort from 2004 to 2010.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Greenland. Since 2004, medical treatment of lung cancer has been available in Greenland. However, both diagnostic work-up and treatment logistics are hampered by the lack of medical services in smaller settlements, the infrastructure, and extreme arctic weather conditions. Clinico-pathological data and assessment of treatment outcome in lung cancer in Greenland have not been carried out since 2015. This study aims to provide an analysis of Greenlandic patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from 2015 to 2020, compared to the cohort from the 2015 study. We focus on diagnostics, patient and treatment characteristics, and survival rates. Additionally, we include new data on treatment-related factors and diagnostic delays. Patients/material: Clinical-, pathological-, genomic data, tuberculosis status and survival were retrieved from the medical journal. A total of 163 patients were identified. Survival had improved in stage I, III, and IV, and early-stage disease was more often diagnosed as compared to the 2015 cohort. Molecular alterations and PD-L1 expressing tumors were comparable between Greenlandic and Danish patients. Diagnostic delay was a major concern. While NSCLC survival in Greenland has improved over the past decade, significant challenges remain. The trend towards diagnosing more stage IA-IIIA patients and the recent improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic options in Greenland are expected to translate into a better prognosis in the coming years. Addressing diagnostic delays and enhancing treatment options are crucial steps toward improving outcomes for NSCLC patients in Greenland.

Challenges of regional hospice and palliative care networks: A group discussion study with coordinators and network experts.

Within hospice and palliative care, professionals from various disciplines collaborate to deliver comprehensive care to terminal patients and their relatives. Regional hospice and palliative care networks exist in various countries, aimed at facilitating cooperation among health care providers at a local level. To date, little is known about the challenges faced by these networks. This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by regional hospice and palliative care networks in Germany. A qualitative study with n = 6 group discussions was conducted. Group discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Participants were n = 19 coordinators or leaders of regional hospice and palliative care networks in Germany or persons with theoretical expertise about these structures. Regional hospice and palliative care networks face numerous challenges relating to: (1) establishment and development, (2) infrastructure, (3) moderation, (4) public relations and information exchange, (5) education and training and (6) the development of regional care services and practices. Network moderation appears crucial for network success and is highly dependent on infrastructural conditions. A key challenge is gaining network acceptance and support from potential network partners. Specifically, this includes securing the commitment of network partners to agree on common goals, develop joint actions and standards and allocate resources effectively. Sustainable infrastructure, competent network governance and adequate resources for network members are essential for the success of regional hospice and palliative care networks. To improve networking, funding conditions should be simplified, the involvement of network partners should be improved and network coordinators should receive training in network management.

Predictive Model for School Dropout in Chimborazo Province, Ecuador

Introduction: School dropout is a complex problem influenced by various factors, including disparities in educational quality, inadequate infrastructure, and adverse socio-cultural conditions. This phenomenon negatively impacts the social and economic development of the country. Despite the recent decrease in dropout rates in Ecuador, the problem remains significant. Objective: To develop predictive models, including linear regression and generalized linear models in R-studio, to forecast dropout rates and identify significant institutional and demographic factors. Method: A quantitative approach was adopted to analyze data from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education for the periods 2009-2010 to 2023-2024. Data on enrollments, approvals, non-approvals, and dropouts were reviewed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Results: The results showed a decrease in dropout rates starting from the 2013-2014 academic year, although with significant fluctuations. Higher dropout rates were identified in public institutions and rural areas in the Sierra region, specifically in public institutions in Chimborazo province, accounting for 97.47% of the total dropouts, in contrast to students from the Coastal región. Additionally, a p-value of 0.073 was obtained in the linear models, so the null hypothesis was not rejected, suggesting that the residuals are approximately normal. Conclusions: The predictive models (LM and GLM) effectively estimated dropout rates in Chimborazo, with the GLM showing a slightly better fit. The type of institution and geographic location were significantly associated with dropout rates, highlighting the need for interventions targeting public institutions and rural areas. Strategies to reduce dropout rates should focus on improving conditions in these specific areas

Urgency of Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS) for Spatial Planning of Permanent Storage Activities of Radioactive Associated Minerals

By Presidential Regulation Number 60 of 2019 concerning the National Policy and Strategy for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, BAPETEN has a role in preparing a Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS) for national nuclear policies, plans, and programs. One of the KLHS prepared is for storing Radioactive Associated Minerals (MIR). However, because radioactive mixed mineral products are by-products of mineral operations and extraction, with the authority of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the preparation of the KLHS must be integrated into the regional government KLHS at the time of opening the mining area. This review proposes reasons for the importance of preparing a KLHS to determine the permanent location of MIR. The review research methodology consists of identifying regulations, screening for gaps in obstacles to current infrastructure conditions, and determining recommendations in preparing a KLHS in permanent storage. From the stages of identifying rules, it is known that determining spatial planning is required to prepare a KLHS. The screening gaps in infrastructure conditions show that the regional government still needs to gain knowledge capacity regarding the permanent storage of MIR. The results of this study recommend that BAPETEN can propose guidance and assistance in preparing KLHS to determine the spatial layout of the permanent storage location of MIR. BAPETEN must coordinate with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Environment to integrate KLHS for permanent storage spatial layout and identify the contents in the KLHS related to environmental carrying capacity and capacity. Keywords: Permanent Storage, Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS), Spatial KLHS, Radioactive Associated Minerals (MIR)

Application of geospatial technology and decision model in the development of improved food security index

Most developing countries are currently experiencing a severe food security crisis. A good policy to mitigate food insecurity is dependent on accurate assessment. Therefore, an improved assessment of food situation is important in implementing food security measures. Existing food security assessments are limited in integrating localized variables, often needing more context-specific information. This study proposes a new food security index (Hybrid Food Security Index-HFSI), the Nigerian state was used as a case study. Data used include; food consumption, poverty levels, variability in food prices, inflation, climate variability data and the status of road infrastructure. The study also integrated a hybrid Multi-criteria Criteria Decision Model (MCDM) and geo-spatial technology. The geo-spatial presentation of food security across Nigeria shows that food security is generally better in the Southern part of the country than in the Northern region. Broadly, indicators’ performance primarily improves from the country’s North to South, which suggests that Northern states tend to be less food secure than Southern states. According to the Fuzzy-DEMATEL-ANP model, the Poverty level indicator significantly impacts the food security situation in all focused states, as it received the highest priority weight of 0.1487. The study recommends intensifying poverty alleviation programs to improve food security, and women’s development programs should be prioritized. This study provides policymakers and stakeholders with evidence-based assessments to address food security challenges in Nigeria.

STAIR DESIGN AND FLOOR HEIGHT DIFFERENCES IN RELATION TO SAFETY CONCEPTS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

STAIR DESIGN AND FLOOR HEIGHT DIFFERENCES IN RELATION TO SAFETY CONCEPTS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

FENCING AND INFRASTRUCTURE CONDITIONS OF AGRICULTURAL SETTLEMENTS: THE CASE OF THE IRMÃ ADELAIDE SETTLEMENT IN MIRACEMA DO TOCANTINS

The objective of this text is to analyze the fencing and the conditions of the housing, water, health and transportation infrastructure in the agrarian settlement of Irmã Adelaide in Miracema do Tocantins. The time frame of the analysis is from the year 2000, when the expropriation of the Boa Nova Farm, with an area of ​​4,766.2740 ha and approximately 106 families in the settlement, was already underway. The article is the result of theoretical and empirical research for a master's dissertation. The methodology applied to prepare the text was initially based on a bibliographic review on the topic under discussion and, secondly, on empirical research through fieldwork with the application of interviews. Agrarian settlements are created based on public policies due to the need to implement agrarian reform to meet the social and economic demands of rural workers. In practice, the agrarian reform policy creates agrarian settlement projects from the National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (INCRA). However, during empirical research it was found that the physical and social infrastructure conditions are precarious and do not fully meet the social demands of the settlers.

Maintenance Costs Optimization Of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Facilities And Infrastructure Based On Life Cycle Cost Analysis (Case Study: South Sumatra LRT)

The construction of the South Sumatra Light Rail Transit (LRT) requires a huge development cost, besides that it has quite a large annual operational and maintenance cost. In order for South Sumatra LRT maintenance costs to run efficiently and effectively, it is necessary to optimize maintenance costs for South Sumatra LRT facilities and infrastructure based on Life Cycle Cost Analysis. Life Cycle Cost is an economic analysis method that refers to all costs associated with development, operating and maintaining a construction project over a certain period of time (Heralova, 2017). The research objectives were to analyze the physical condition of Facilities and Infrastructure South Sumatra LRT, evaluate South Sumatra LRT maintenance strategies and develop maintenance cost scenarios based on Life Cycle Cost. Based on data processing using the combined condition index method, the total value of the South Sumatra LRT infrastructure components reached 5,718. The physical condition of the South Sumatra LRT infrastructure reviewed is on a good scale with minor damage so that the option of preventive or time-based maintenance activities can be used. For the Life Cycle Cost of South Sumatra LRT infrastructure, the value obtained is IDR 2,080,482,508,541,480.

Understanding the Culture of Science Research Teachers with Winning Science Investigatory Projects

ABSTRACT The government, in collaboration with other institutions and organizations, has implemented several initiatives to develop a culture of research and innovation in the Philippines and help appease the demands of STEM experts in the country. Science, technology, and engineering (STE) curricular programs are offered in basic education which requires students to produce a scientific research paper. However, the ailing conditions of infrastructure and scarce resources in the country affected the practices and operations of public schools. Nevertheless, these challenges do not hamper select STE-implementing schools from winning science research competitions which is a manifestation of quality research outputs. Thus, this study explored the culture of science research teachers (SRTs) using Charmaz’s Constructivist Grounded Theory framework which would be of optimum benefit to the education system by leveraging the practices of winning STE-implementing schools. Data were gathered through ethnographic interviews and observations (online and face-to-face) from 16 teacher and school head participants from one region following selection criteria. A total of 84 initial codes emerged which resulted in 14 focused codes. Upon analyzing the focused codes, four conceptual categories were drawn. Theoretical codes emerged after identifying connections between categories that explained the culture of SRTs—competition as drivers; competition as enablers; competition as amplifiers; competition as student formators; and competition as bridgers. Overall, the study illustrated a ripple effect of competition-driven culture as a means and end in mind that winning STE-implementing schools starts to emanate from SRTs.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for Ethiopian Educators: Evaluating MOOCs as a global development tool

This study examines how global educational technologies interact with local development priorities through the lens of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in Ethiopian higher education teacher training. While digital learning platforms promise to democratize education globally, their effectiveness depends critically on alignment with local institutional contexts and development needs. Using survey data from 164 educators across 15 public universities, we investigate how institutional contexts shape technology integration patterns. Our analysis, integrating development theory with technology acceptance models, reveals three critical dimensions: the gap between awareness and participation reflects broader implementation challenges; previous experiences with development initiatives significantly influence adoption patterns; and state support proves crucial for enabling participation. While MOOCs offer potential for professional development in resource-constrained contexts, their effectiveness depends on complex interactions among infrastructure quality, institutional capacity, and material conditions. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of how global technological innovations interact with local institutional contexts to produce varied development outcomes, while offering practical insights for educational technology implementation in the Global South.

Ecotourism for Coastal Slum Alleviation: A Strategic Approach to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Tangerang, Indonesia

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the potential of ecotourism as a strategic tool for transforming coastal slum areas in developing regions, with a focus on alleviating poverty, improving living conditions, and fostering sustainable development. Theoretical Framework: The research draws on theories of sustainable development, ecotourism, and community-based tourism. The study builds on frameworks that emphasize the role of local community involvement, environmental conservation, and socio-economic improvement in developing effective strategies for slum transformation. Method: This research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using R Studio to analyze relationships between ecotourism development, infrastructure investment, community participation, and sustainable tourism outcomes. Data were collected through surveys of 160 residents in a coastal slum area, complemented by direct observations of the region’s environmental and infrastructural conditions. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that investments in ecotourism infrastructure and active community engagement significantly improve the economic conditions and environmental sustainability of coastal slum areas. However, gaps in policy support and sustainable tourism principles were identified, which limit the full realization of ecotourism’s potential in alleviating slum conditions. Research Implications: This study highlights ecotourism's potential to alleviate poverty and transform coastal slum areas through infrastructure investment and community participation. It offers practical insights for policymakers and developers in sustainable tourism, emphasizing improved economic, social, and environmental outcomes. Theoretically, it enriches sustainable development literature by linking local governance with ecotourism-driven regional transformation. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by presenting a comprehensive framework that integrates ecotourism with poverty alleviation strategies, focusing on the transformation of coastal slums into sustainable tourism hubs. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners working on sustainable development initiatives in coastal regions.

Analysis of Variability of Water Quality Indicators in the Municipality Water Supply System—A Case Study

This study investigated the variability of water quality indicators in four municipal water distribution systems near a medium-sized city. Despite the proximity of water intakes, water quality in different distribution systems can vary significantly due to local factors such as infrastructure conditions, treatment technology, and specific environmental conditions affecting water in each water supply network. Water samples were collected from multiple points in each system and analyzed for physicochemical properties. The results showed significant differences in total carbon, dissolved organic carbon, and ammonium nitrogen, indicating variability in water quality between systems. These results emphasize the need for integrated management strategies, innovative technologies, and real-time monitoring to maintain water quality. The study also highlights challenges such as aging infrastructure, pollution, and financial constraints in managing water supplies.

Planning and Construction Strategies for Infrastructure in Traditional Villages of the Grand Canal from the Perspective of Villager Needs

The traditional villages along the Jiangsu section of the Grand Canal are facing the threat of decline and disappearance due to the decline of the canal transportation function and the advancement of urbanization, and it is urgent to study the protection and renewal of these villages. Based on the needs of villagers, this study aims to explore the planning and construction strategies of traditional village infrastructure in the Jiangsu section of the Grand Canal. Through a literature review, field investigation, and qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, this paper conducts in-depth research and data analysis on the status quo of six types of infrastructure in 29 traditional villages, including road traffic, water supply and drainage, garbage sanitation, energy utilization, postal communication, and ecological disaster prevention. The research results show that, although the infrastructure construction has made some progress, there are still problems such as unreasonable planning, low construction quality, and the lack of cultural characteristics, which cannot fully meet the actual needs of villagers. Through a regional comparative analysis, it is found that the infrastructure condition of the Jiangnan Canal section is better than that of the Huaiyang Canal section and Middle Canal section, but they all face challenges of protection and renewal. Based on the needs of villagers, this study puts forward corresponding protection and optimization strategies, which provide theoretical guidance and practical methods for the sustainable development of traditional village infrastructure, and it has important reference significance for the infrastructure protection and development of traditional villages in other regions.

Urban Transportation Data Research Overview: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on CiteSpace

Urban transportation data are crucial for smart city development, enhancing traffic management’s intelligence, accuracy, and efficiency. This paper conducts a comprehensive investigation encompassing policy analysis, a literature review, concept definition, and quantitative analysis using CiteSpace from both domestic and international perspectives. Urban transportation data comprise multiple dimensions, such as infrastructure status, real-time monitoring, policy planning, and environmental assessment, which originate from various sources and stakeholders. Highly influential authors and active institutions, particularly in the USA, China, Canada, and England, contribute significantly to extensive and collaborative research. Key areas include intelligent transportation, traffic flow prediction, data fusion, and deep learning. Domestic research focuses on practical applications, while international studies delve into interdisciplinary research areas. With advancements in intelligent systems and big data technology, research has evolved from basic data collection to sophisticated methodologies, such as deep learning and spatiotemporal analysis, driving substantial progress. This paper concludes by recommending enhanced data integration, improved privacy and security, fostering big data and AI applications, facilitating policy formulation, and exploring innovative transportation modes, thereby underscoring the importance of urban transportation data in shaping the future of smart cities. The findings provide theoretical and practical guidance for the future intelligence, efficiency, and sustainability of urban transportation systems.

Exploring Teacher Job Satisfaction in Regular Basic Education: The Case of Peru

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of children and adolescents. This article endeavours to examine whether teacher satisfaction in Peru has seen consistent improvement over time, influenced by various factors such as salary increments, enhancements in infrastructure and working conditions, as well as changes in teaching and learning methodologies. This inquiry stems from the significant increase in government budget allocation to the education sector since 2000, with a notable 546.2% rise in student expenditure at the secondary level. We proposed as research question: “How has job satisfaction been for regular basic education teachers in Peru?” To address this, a qualitative, descriptive, non-experimental approach was adopted, drawing upon data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) and the Ministry of Education (MINEDU). We found that despite the increase in factors such as salary, budgetary allocation, and job stability within the public sector, teacher satisfaction has not seen the desired improvement. On the contrary, teachers express a sense of unrecognized contributions by their educational institutions. Received: 20 March 2024 / Accepted: 1 November 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Analysis of the Implementation of Standard Precautions in Preventing Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI's) at Wampu Norita General Hospital

Standard precautions are needed to implement the IPC program in hospitals. Implementation of Standard Precautions can be carried out because it is driven by the PPI Committee or Team. The PPI Committee or Team is formed based on needs, workload, and type of health service facilities. The eleven components of standard precautions can be implemented in every health service, especially in Indonesia which is trying to reduce HAIs. HAIs are known as nosocomial infections that occur in hospital patients, where infection has not occurred while the patient has been hospitalized for more than 48 hours. The large risk of infection in hospitals encourages the need to reduce the risk of infection through the PPI Program. A descriptive qualitative research method was chosen to obtain meaning from a number of individuals and social groups. The qualitative research process includes asking questions, collecting data, analyzing data, and interpreting the meaning of the data. The sample in this study was 8 informants, including Hospital Leaders, heads of Hospital Quality, Nurses in charge of the field, Daily Executive Officers, and Executive Nurses in service units. The results show that the PPI policy has been implemented well which includes the PPI Structure and Team, Infection Surveillance Manual, Standard Precautions and implementation of Hand Hygiene and PPE, as well as the budget. Meanwhile, the condition of facilities and infrastructure is not optimal, such as hand hygiene facilities and use of PPE, collection of HAI infection surveillance data, and training. Conclusion: The Standard Precautions Implementation Policy already exists and is based on Minister of Health Regulation No. 27 of 2017. The results of the Hand Hygiene and PPE compliance audit do not match the Quality Profile, facilities, and infrastructure are not optimal, namely below 100%, and stock in the premises is still limited

Cluster analysis of travel behaviour threats in chosen European functional urban areas during the economic crisis

Motives: Urban mobility models are constantly changing due to economic, social, infrastructural, and geographical factors. Preferences for transport modes vary by country, region, and city, and transport infrastructure and policy have a significant impact on residents’ choices. Additionally, economic factors such as economic crises, public policy decisions, and events such as armed conflicts have a significant impact on the dynamics of mobility in functional urban areas (FUAs).Aim: The main goal of the research was to create groups of countries (clusters) that have similar priorities regarding travel behaviour threats revealed as a result of the economic crisis resulting from the conflict in Ukraine.Results: The study shows that the main threats during the economic crisis (resulting from the war in Ukraine) are economic factors (e.g., ticket prices, an increase in fuel costs), legal factors (e.g., loss of a driving license or passenger transport license), and infrastructural factors (e.g., poor condition of infrastructure). The analysed countries were grouped based on the hierarchical prioritization of threats, using Ward’s hierarchical clustering method. Interestingly, the distance from the conflict epicentre did not significantly influence the prioritization of threat factors influencing transportation behaviour in FUAs. Instead, factors such as membership in international organizations, energy dependence on Russia, the level of economic growth, and transport infrastructure played a more key role in the priority-setting process.

Transportation Network Density, Domestic Market Integration and Excess Sensitivity of Household Consumption

Abstract From the perspective of domestic market integration, this paper systematically examines the impact of transportation infrastructure conditions on excess sensitivity of household consumption based on the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) and multi-level matching panel data of transportation network density. The results show that the fast-growing development of the transportation infrastructure network has a significant alleviating effect on excess sensitivity of household consumption along the route, and the conclusion is still robust after the use of the multi-dimensional instrumental variable method and a series of robustness tests. According to the heterogeneity tests, in terms of the alleviating effect of transportation infrastructure, railroads rank the first, highways the second, substandard roads the third, waterways the fourth, and roads of other grades at the bottom. The mechanism test reveals that the improvement of domestic market integration is an important channel for transportation infrastructure to alleviate excess sensitivity of household consumption. This paper confirms that improving the transportation infrustructure system is conducive to the construction of a unified national market, alleviating excess sensitivity of consumption and stimulating consumption.This paper provides suggestions for implementing the strategy of boosting domestic demand, and helps the government understand households’ consumption decision-making from a broader perspective. This study also provides a theoretical basis for the economic spillover effect of transportation infrastructure.

Productivity and Quality of Facilities and Infrastructure as Support for RRI Tolitoli Broadcasting

This research aims to answer the basic problems faced by Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Tolitoli in increasing the productivity and quality of broadcasting facilities and infrastructure. Using a qualitative approach and descriptive research methods, this research was conducted at the Republic of Indonesia Radio Public Broadcasting Institute (LPP RRI) Tolitoli over a three-month period. Primary data was obtained through direct observation and in-depth interviews with six informants selected purposively. The research results show that RRI Tolitoli faces a number of challenges in increasing productivity and broadcast quality, especially related to poor infrastructure conditions. Through analysis of productivity and quality variables, research findings highlight the need for improvements in technical and managerial aspects. Although RRI Tolitoli has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing quality broadcasting services, there is still room for significant improvement in terms of technical infrastructure and resource management. The recommendations resulting from this research can become the basis for continuous improvement efforts in public broadcasting in Indonesia, with the main aim of meeting public demands for broadcasting that is informative, high quality and has a positive impact.

Analisis Tingkat Risiko Penyebab Rel Patah pada Jalur Kereta Api Wilayah Divre IV Tanjung Karang

The increase in the volume of passengers and goods in rail transportation in Indonesia has an impact on the condition of railway infrastructure, especially railway infrastructure. The main focus of this condition is the risk of rail damage, especially broken rails. So a holistic assessment approach is needed to identify the root causes and formulate appropriate treatment and improvement strategies. The aim of the research is to identify the factors causing the rail to break and analyze the causes. This research uses a risk level value analysis method by multiplying the results of probability and impact, thus producing a risk value. Risk variables such as extreme rain events, expansion in the alignment area, and mud pumping are high level risks. This is followed by medium, low and very low risks, according to the classification of each risk variable analyzed. Therefore, the priority scale for handling broken rail repairs is grouped based on the risk level value starting from the highest risk to the lowest risk. The conclusion is that risk variables such as extreme rain produce a risk value of IDR 296,881,200 with a probability value of 0.99% and an impact of IDR 29,988,000,000, expansion in the straight area produces a risk value of IDR 376,992,000 with a probability value of 1.10% and impact IDR 34,272,000,000, and mud pumping produces a risk value of IDR 394,128,000 with a probability value of 1.15% and impact IDR 34,272,000,000, these three risk variables are classified as high risk.