Infrastructure Factors Research Articles

Application of Loose Part Media to Improve Numeracy Development of Children Aged 5-6 Years

The lack of motivation of children to learn numeracy is due to the tools used in delivering material that are not interesting, teachers always use worksheets, the methods used by teachers are less varied, teachers' creativity in utilizing the materials around them is still lacking so that children feel bored and tend to play alone without paying attention to the material presented by the teacher. Therefore, researchers will use loosepart media to improve children's numeracy development. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach that aims to determine the level of numeracy development through loose part media in children aged 5-6 years in kindergarten. The subjects of this study are teachers and students of class B6 and the informants of this research are principals and teachers. Data collection techniques use observation, interviews, and documentation. The data validity technique uses source triangulation and triangulation techniques. Data analysis techniques use data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that the application of loose part media to improve the numeracy development of children aged 5-6 years in kindergarten has been carried out through learning activities. Factors that support the application of loosepart media to improve children's numeracy development include natural factors, cognitive development factors, social background factors, learning motivation factors, teacher development factors, facilities and infrastructure factors, while the factors that hinder are environmental factors and teacher development factors.

Developing Women-Friendly and Child-Caring Villages in Indonesia: A Comprehensive Model for Sustainable Community Empowerment Aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

Objective: The development of Women-Friendly and Child-Caring Villages (DRPPA) in Indonesia has not been implemented optimally. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the success of DRPPA development in Indonesia, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) on Gender Equality, which emphasizes the importance of empowering women and promoting their rights in order to achieve equitable and inclusive community development. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in the understanding that various interrelated factors contribute to the effectiveness of community empowerment initiatives, particularly in the context of developing women-friendly and child-caring environments. Method: This study employs a quantitative approach using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to identify the main factors that influence the success of DRPPA development, specifically in the provinces of West Java, Yogyakarta, and Bali, which are the pilot project areas for DRPPA. Results and Discussion: From the analysis of 30 tested indicators, five dominant factors were identified that significantly impact the implementation of DRPPA: Village Social Infrastructure, Stakeholders, Culture, Policy, and Resources. Village Social Infrastructure factors encompass efforts to enhance community capacity and access to services. Stakeholders reflect the role of relevant parties in supporting the program. Culture illustrates the influence of local values on the program's success. Policy emphasizes the necessity of inclusive and empowering policies, while Resources refer to the availability of funds, labor, and facilities that support DRPPA implementation. Research Implications: The findings indicate the need for a multi-faceted approach to successfully implement DRPPA, highlighting the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, cultural sensitivity, and resource allocation. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature on community empowerment and development by providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing DRPPA success in Indonesia, which can inform policy and practice in similar contexts.

In-Depth Analysis of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents—Case Study in Slovenia

Motorcyclists remain a disproportionately large group of vulnerable road users, with fatality rates significantly higher than that in other road groups. Additionally, fatal accidents involving motorcyclists have a more slowly decreasing trend in comparison to that of other road users, while the number of this kind of users is growing fast. For all these reasons, there is a need to understand what the key factors leading to fatal accidents are in order to identify the possible measures to minimize the accidents themselves or at least their consequences. This would permit, indeed, to positively impact the road traffic system, leading to the creation of the safest road traffic system possible, as it is the goal of the Sustainable Safety approach. The aim of this study is to dive into the mentioned problem, analyzing fatal motorcycle accidents in Slovenia over a decade, highlighting the key factors contributing to these incidents. By integrating data from four databases, the study evaluated accident trends, infrastructural elements, and rider behavior through a multi-stage analysis. Firstly, data were collected from four national, up-to-date databases that contain information about road accidents themselves, the road infrastructure, additional police data, and media descriptions. After merging this information into one comprehensive database, where each row represents all the data available for one accident, a general analysis of accidents’ trends over the considered 10-year period was developed, considering at first all fatal road accidents, then deepening it to accidents caused by a motorcyclist, and finally to single-vehicle accidents. A statistical analysis followed, aimed at identifying a statistical correlation between the accidents and the factors leading to them. The results of the first accident analysis indicated that excessive speed, incorrect driving direction, and overtaking maneuvers are the primary causes of fatal accidents, especially on non-urban roads preferred by motorcyclists. Single-vehicle accidents frequently involve collisions with roadside objects, including safety barriers and poles, underscoring the need for targeted infrastructural improvements. The following correlation analysis revealed that a total of seven factors were statistically significant: three human factors (age, gender, experience)—which were the ones with the strongest correlations—one infrastructural factor (pavement width), and three factors belonging to external conditions (accident type, cause, and location). Of these, four were positively correlated to the causer, while three, i.e., pavement width, causes, and road location, were negatively correlated. This study provides a foundation for future research on less severe accidents and proactive risk behavior analysis, aiming to improve motorcyclist safety comprehensively.

Factores determinantes de la intención de compra de vehículos eléctricos en mujeres ecuatorianas

This study analyzed the determinants of the decision to purchase electric vehicles in Ecuadorian women, focusing on this market segment because of its relevance in the context of sustainability initiatives. A quantitative research, of explanatory scope, with a non-experimental cross-sectional design was used. Data collection was carried out by means of a questionnaire applied to a total of 103 women in various provinces of the country. The results highlight that the acquisition cost, maintenance costs, charging infrastructure, sociocultural and psychosocial factors, as well as regulatory policies, influence the EV purchase decision of the sample of women surveyed. The study provides valuable insights into the barriers and motivations that Ecuadorian women face when considering the purchase of an EV, offering guidelines for marketers and policy makers to encourage the adoption of EVs in this important market sector.

Informing Risk Hotspots and Critical Mitigations for Rainstorms Using Machine Learning: Evidence from 268 Chinese Cities.

Climate change is exacerbating rainstorms, increasing the risk of flooding and threatening urban sustainability, which could undermine climate action. Here, we propose a machine learning-based framework to assess heterogeneous risks and identify critical mitigation measures for rainstorms across 268 Chinese cities. Nighttime light serves as a proxy for urban functionality, and meteorological, socio-economic, and infrastructural factors are incorporated to uncover underlying impact mechanisms. The Causal Forest (CF) model identifies 150 and 250 mm monthly rainstorm totals as critical thresholds, with significant negative impacts in the risk hotspots of eastern and north-central China. Additionally, Random Forest and SHAP (RF-SHAP) analysis highlight effective mitigation strategies, including well-developed drainage and bridges, expanded road networks, and sufficient dams. The Fixed Effects (FE) model reveals that the greatest negative impacts of rainstorms occur in spring, particularly in April, followed by autumn and winter for both the 50 and 150 mm thresholds. Our results demonstrate that the three models complement and validate each other, enhancing the reliability of the estimates. This novel framework leverages machine learning model to inform evidence-based mitigation, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 13─building resilient cities and combating climate change.

What drives university students to cycle? An investigation of their motivations

The objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence the increase in the number of students cycling to university. An online questionnaire was administered to 2,130 students at the University of Trieste (Italy) to assess their stated preferences for cycling in the presence of various infrastructure and facilities, including cycle lanes, green infrastructure, secure parking, and e-bike charging stations. The findings indicate that students are responsive to the financial aspects of cycling, suggesting that subsidies for the purchase of bicycles or bike-share services could increase cycling rates. However, the study also highlights that infrastructure factors—such as the availability of dedicated cycle lanes, secure bicycle parking, and e-bike charging points on campus—are equally, if not more, important in determining the likelihood of students cycling to university. Additionally, linear green infrastructure, such as roads with greenery along the edges (e.g. grass verges, trees, or bushes), was found to be the second most important type of infrastructure for encouraging students residing in the urban area to cycle. Latent psychological factors, such as perceptions of urban safety for cycling and anticipated health and fatigue effects, were also significant in influencing the decision to cycle. Our findings will be useful to policy makers, local authorities and university mobility managers in the design, planning and implementation of policies that can effectively increase the uptake of cycling for commuting to university.

The Future Hospital in Global Health Systems: The Future Hospital Within the Healthcare System.

Future hospitals must be able to adapt in many ways to the changing demands on their roles and functions within evolving healthcare delivery infrastructures. These include changing population structures and needs, new models of healthcare provision, technological advances, and innovations in design, all while enhancing their environmental sustainability. This article sets out the issues that those determining healthcare policy and designing future hospitals must consider if they are to become and remain fit for purpose within the wider health and social care system. It also examines the need for, and challenges to, strategic healthcare planning, creating future hospitals that are sustainable, net-zero carbon organisations, and ensuring resilience in the face of a range of potential shocks. Future hospitals play a crucial role in healthcare worldwide, regardless of the country's income level. Hospitals cannot be viewed without broader health system changes, infrastructure, community and cultural factors, staffing and other considerations. We anticipate that future hospitals will enhance population health in all settings and support the move towards more consumer-centric healthcare. We urge clinical and policy planners to consider the factors discussed carefully to maximise the benefits.

A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria

BackgroundUmbilical cord care is an important aspect of newborn health, and different practices exist around the world, often influenced by cultural, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize current literature on umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria, with an emphasis on the impact of cultural beliefs, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors.MethodsA comprehensive search for literature was performed across PubMED, MEDLINE and Google scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2023. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was followed for the execution of this study. Eligibility criteria included only English studies investigating umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria, with outcomes connected to cultural, healthcare, or socioeconomic factors. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used to critically appraise the quality and rigor of selected studies. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies (qualitative and quantitative), qualitative narrative synthesis was used to synthesize the studies in a textual format for comprehensive understanding.ResultsA total of 11 included studies were found out of 1532 studies. The findings reveal a range of cord care practices, emphasizing the use of various methods such as methylated spirit, hot compresses, and indigenous substances. Cultural beliefs, a lack of healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic circumstances all have a big impact on cord care decisions. Disparities in knowledge and adherence to evidence-based procedures are noticeable, particularly in the use of chlorhexidine gel. Infections continue to be a problem, highlighting the significance of appropriate therapies.ConclusionThis systematic review offers a comprehensive perspective of Nigerian umbilical cord care practices, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive educational interventions, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and targeted legislative measures. Despite its limitations, the study is an important resource for guiding future research, policy creation, and interventions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Nigeria.

Detection and identification of Naegleria species along with Naegleria fowleri in the tap water samples

Naegleria fowleri, the causative agent of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), is commonly found in warm freshwater environments and can enter the brain through nasal passages during activities like swimming or ablution. PAM has a high fatality rate, raising concerns about its global health impact. In Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, a significant number of cases have been reported, often with no history of recreational water exposure, but with regular ablution using tap water. This study analyzed the physicochemical parameters, abundance of total and fecal coliforms, and detected N. fowleri and other Naegleria species in tap water samples from Karachi using PCR with ITS- and Naegl-primers. Almost all samples exhibited high temperatures, low chlorine levels, and a high presence of coliforms. N. fowleri and other Naegleria species were detected in 11 out of 39 samples. Sequence analysis identified N. fowleri in tap water from the Golimar and Lyari areas of Karachi, while the other nine samples revealed different Naegleria species. This study suggests that the combination of high temperatures, insufficient chlorination, and the presence of coliforms may create favorable conditions for N. fowleri growth. However, these factors are not exclusive to the Golimar and Lyari areas, indicating that other environmental or infrastructural factors, not detailed in this study, may have contributed to the presence of N. fowleri in that specific location.

Pattern design for capacity building of promoters in climate-smart agriculture environment

This study aimed to investigate the impact of agricultural environment, organisational, educational, economic, social, technical, cultural, and legal factors on the capacity building of extension experts in the development of climate smart agriculture. The research is applied in terms of its objective and descriptive survey in terms of its method. The results showed that infrastructural factors had the highest impact on climate-smart agriculture with 22%, followed by organisational factors with 21%, social factors with almost 17%, cultural factors with 16.5%, educational factors with 13%, legal factors with nearly 13%, technical factors with 11.4%, and, finally, economic factors with just over 10%. Overall, the factors under study explain more than 68% of the variance in climate-smart agriculture (R2 = 0.687), indicating the impact of the aforementioned factors on the development of climate-smart agriculture. Also, the design of this model made the promoters, by identifying and increasing the potential and capacities of themselves, villagers, and farmers, to be able to adapt themselves to climate change and drought and, by increasing resilience and adaptability, to have positive effects for the development of sustainable agriculture. Along with increasing the product, it will increase the income and reduce the costs for them.

STRUCTURAL DISPARITIES OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN ROMANIA

This study analyzes the structural disparities of human resources in Romania's hospitality industry during the period 2008–2023, offering a comprehensive perspective on employment dynamics, salary evolution, and productivity across different regions and gender categories. The research highlights the central importance of human resources in ensuring service quality and customer satisfaction, emphasizing the significant contribution of well-trained personnel to maintaining the sector’s competitiveness. Although the industry was profoundly affected by the global economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, it demonstrated remarkable resilience, quickly recovering losses and adapting to new economic and social conditions. The analysis reveals significant disparities between Romania’s regions, influenc ed by economic, demographic, and infrastructural factors. Developed regions, such as Bucharest-Ilfov, North-West, and Center, experienced faster growth in employee numbers and salaries, supported by substantial investments and consistent demand for tourism services. In contrast, less developed areas, such as South-West Oltenia and North-East, recorded modest growth, constrained by deficient infrastructure and limited access to tourist markets. The upward trend in nominal net wages within the hospitality sec tor reflects a gradual professionalization of the workforce and an effort to attract and retain qualified employees. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an abrupt decline in employee numbers and productivity in 2020, but the sector demonstrated remarkable recovery capabilities. By 2023, both the number of employees and productivity levels had surpassed pre -pandemic values, underscoring the adaptability of hospitality companies through service diversification, the use of modern technologies, and the implementation of policies aimed at reducing employee turnover. The study also highlights the predominance of women in this industry, who accounted for over 60% of the workforce throughout the analyzed period. However, recent trends indicate a slight increase in male participation in roles associated with flexibility and physical effort, suggesting a gradual diversification of gender structure within the sector. Based on these findings, the paper recommends continued investments in professional training, retention policies such as creating attractive working conditions, and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Additionally, the importance of leveraging human resource analysis for crisis management and implementing adaptive strategies to support sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness is emphasized.

Explore the drivers of e-commerce adoption by SMEs

This study investigates the impact of e-commerce on the performance of SMEs in Taiwan, focusing on key factors that drive successful adoption. The analysis considers management support, IT infrastructure, organizational readiness, and external environment factors. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses. Findings indicate that management support is the primary driver of e-commerce adoption, followed by IT infrastructure and organizational readiness, while the external environment has a smaller effect. Positive managerial attitudes, technological improvements, and organizational resource readiness are essential for e-commerce adoption. Government policies, socio-cultural alignment, and an effective legal framework also play significant roles. These findings provide insights for business managers and recommendations for policymakers to support SME growth in the digital economy.

The Epidemiology of Dengue Fever: Comparative Analysis of Urban and Rural Transmission Dynamics

Background: Dengue fever poses a significant public health challenge, with over 3 billion individuals at risk globally. Traditionally, urban environments have been associated with higher dengue transmission rates, primarily due to dense populations and favorable conditions for Aedes aegypti proliferation. However, recent studies indicate a notable increase in dengue prevalence in rural areas. Methods: This study conducted a comprehensive literature review, employing Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keyword searches across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The analysis focused on defining rurality, examining transmission mechanisms, and comparing dengue incidence between urban and rural settings. Results: The findings reveal that dengue transmission risk in rural regions often equals or exceeds that in urban areas. Variability in definitions of rurality complicates the assessment of dengue dynamics. Many rural areas exhibit characteristics traditionally linked to urban settings, such as increased human mobility and altered land use patterns, which can enhance vector breeding sites and transmission rates. Conclusion: The study underscores the necessity for enhanced surveillance and understanding of dengue transmission in rural contexts. It emphasizes that while population size is relevant, environmental and infrastructural factors significantly influence dengue risk. Effective public health interventions must address these complexities, especially as rural areas increasingly contribute to dengue epidemiology.

Business Mobile Application Using Technology Acceptance Model (Tam) for Hospitality Industry

The adoption of business mobile applications (BMAs) in the hospitality industry has surged globally, facilitated by the rapid growth of smartphones and mobile technologies. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical lens, this study examines the factors influencing the adoption of BMAs in Nigeria and South Africa's hospitality sectors. TAM posits that perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) are critical factors that determine user acceptance of technology. In the context of the hospitality industry, BMAs enhance customer experience by streamlining booking processes, improving customer service, and offering tailored services through personalized applications. In Nigeria, the increasing penetration of mobile devices and digital payment platforms like Flutterwave and Paystack has driven BMA adoption, though infrastructural challenges and data privacy concerns remain. South Africa, on the other hand, has seen a rapid adoption of BMAs due to government initiatives promoting the digital hospitality industry despite language and cultural barriers affecting user engagement. In South Africa, high internet penetration and an established digital ecosystem have accelerated BMA adoption in hospitality, with an emphasis on enhancing customer engagement through artificial intelligence and data analytics, leading to mobile technology adoption, driven by innovations in mobile payment systems like Alipay and ChatPay, enabling seamless integration of BMAs into the hospitality sector. However, government regulations around data security pose significant challenges. Across these diverse regions, the study concludes that cultural, infrastructural, and regulatory factors play pivotal roles in shaping BMA adoption. Despite contextual differences, TAM remains a useful model to understand the adoption patterns of BMAs, suggesting that improving PEOU and PU will drive further technological integration in the hospitality industry. The adoption of business mobile applications (BMAs) in the hospitality industry has surged globally, facilitated by the rapid growth of smartphones and mobile technologies. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a study, examines the factors influencing the adoption of BMAs in the hospitality sectors of Nigeria and South Africa. TAM posits that perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) are critical factors that determine user acceptance of technology. In the context of the hospitality industry, BMAs enhance customer experience by streamlining booking processes, improving customer service, and offering tailored services through personalized applications. In Nigeria, the increasing penetration of mobile devices and digital payment platforms like Flutterwave and Paystack has driven BMA adoption, though infrastructural challenges and data privacy concerns remain. South Africa, on the other hand, has seen a rapid adoption of BMAs due to government initiatives promoting the digital hospitality industry despite language and cultural barriers affecting user engagement. In South Africa, high internet penetration and an established digital ecosystem have accelerated BMA adoption in hospitality, with an emphasis on enhancing customer engagement through AI and data analytics. However, government regulations around data security pose significant challenges. Across these diverse regions, the study concludes that cultural, infrastructural, and regulatory factors play pivotal roles in shaping BMA adoption. Despite contextual differences, TAM remains a useful model to understand the adoption patterns of BMAs, suggesting that improving PEOU and PU will drive further technological integration in the hospitality industry.

Drivers of car driving: lessons on infrastructure, peer-group, habits and socio-demographics from a survey on car ownership and usage in Germany

AbstractCar ownership is the primary driver of car use, which in turn is the leading contributor to passenger transport sector emissions. Hence, understanding the key determinants of car ownership is crucial to designing a policy framework that will effectively reduce emissions. Based on a 2022 German mobility survey, this study utilizes multinomial logit models to analyse a range of influences on car ownership including socio-demographic and infrastructural factors, respondents’ stated policy responses, and their motives for car ownership. We find that car ownership increases with an individual’s age, income, the share of social contacts owning cars and with smaller towns of residence. Habits, measured as the number of years already spent as a car owner or non-owner emerges as a dominant factor. Our three main insights include: First, car ownership in rural Germany is particularly high and can be effectively reduced by public transport supply measures. Second, situations of radical change—when individuals overcome the force of routine to reflect on their car ownership status – present unique opportunities for policy intervention. And third, isolated or mild policy interventions may only have a limited impact. To significantly influence car ownership levels, policies will likely have to be very stringent.

DT-fuzzy DEMATEL: a new method for determining important factors for student satisfaction with e-course adoption in a Vietnamese university

PurposeAs emerging e-course providers after the COVID-19 crisis, universities (UNI) policymakers in the Mekong Delta region (MDR) have faced difficulties owing to limited clues about what factors improve student retention and recruitment. This study aims to determine important factors (IF) for student satisfaction with e-course adoption (e-satisfaction) for student retention and recruitment.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data collected from 850 students of the target UNI were analyzed using the DT-fuzzy DEMATEL method. Input factor dimensions included course design, technical infrastructure, interaction, teacher-related and student-related factors. Decision Trees (DT) confirmed the final factors; fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) was used to establish the cause-effect relationships among these factors.FindingsDT-fuzzy DEMATEL method can identify satisfied and dissatisfied students (accuracy = 94.95%) and determine IFs successfully. The most IFs included new and useful knowledge/information provided, various effective teaching methods and motivation to read provided learning materials.Originality/valueAlthough e-satisfaction has been the focus of theories and practices, e-satisfaction in an emerging region like MDR has been studied here for the first time. Most IFs can be used as predictors for e-satisfaction and serve as a primary reference for UNIs’ policymakers. Several practical suggestions were also provided for the sustainable and long-term development of e-programs.

Nonaka and Takeuchi knowledge management model based on institutional and infrastructure factors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze the knowledge management (KM) model of Nonaka and Takeuchi, focusing on institutional and infrastructure factors in a specific field of design offices in a product-oriented organization. In other words, this research does not intend to recreate the model of Nonaka and Takeuchi, but seeks to expand and modify this model according to the specific context and institutional and infrastructure factors that may specifically affect the effectiveness of the model. Design/methodology/approach This study used two distinct questionnaires, administered to the same set of respondents, to comprehensively address different dimensions of KM. The first questionnaire, focused on KM components, assessed aspects such as knowledge creation, sharing and utilization. The second questionnaire evaluated institutional and infrastructural factors critical to KM, covering dimensions like organizational culture, values, leadership, context, hardware, software and network systems. This dual-questionnaire approach is justified, as it allows for a detailed and differentiated analysis: one tool captures the operational aspects of KM, while the other explores the supporting infrastructure. This methodology ensures that the study accurately measures both the effectiveness of KM practices and the adequacy of the supporting environment, thus providing a robust assessment of the KM system. Findings This study identifies seven key factors influencing KM processes: organizational culture, values, leadership, context, hardware, software and network systems. These factors shape how knowledge is created, shared and used, and support proposed modifications to the Nonaka and Takeuchi KM model. Using the TOPSIS method, this study found that organizational context, culture and values rank above average, while KM policies are moderate, and information technology is below average in the design offices of a product-oriented organization in Tehran. Further research in different sectors could help validate these findings. Originality/value This study introduces a novel enhancement to the Nonaka and Takeuchi KM model by incorporating a comprehensive analysis of institutional and infrastructural factors. Unlike existing models, which primarily focus on generalized KM principles, this research uniquely integrates specific factors such as organizational culture, leadership and technological infrastructure. The originality of this work lies in its tailored approach for product-oriented organizations, offering a more precise and actionable framework for improving KM practices. This advancement not only deepens theoretical insights but also provides practical value by addressing the specific needs and dynamics of the target organizations.

Critical success factors in integrated tourism development projects: A thematic analysis of major tourism investors’ perspectives in the Red Sea, Egypt

Investment plays a critical role in the progress of the tourism industry. Understanding the perspectives of tourism real estate developers and major investors is essential, as their decisions and insights shape the success of tourism projects. This study analyzes the critical success factors for integrated tourism development projects from the viewpoints of real estate developers and investors in Egypt’s Red Sea region. By conducting thematic analysis of interviews with eight experts, the study identifies key factors influencing the success of integrated tourism development projects. The findings reveal that, according to the investors perspectives, the ranking of factor groups is as follows: regulatory and administrative factors, tourism development and urban planning factors, collaboration and market responsiveness factors, economic and financial factors, infrastructure and accessibility factors, and environmental factors. The results contribute to the literature on tourism investment and provide insights for future tourism development projects aiming to succeed in similar coastal environments.

Urban and Rural Disparities in COVID-19 Outcomes in the United States: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review investigates disparities in COVID-19 outcomes (infections, hospitalizations, and deaths) between urban and rural populations in the United States. Of the 3,091 articles screened, 55 were selected. Most studies (n = 43) conducted national analyses, using 2020 data, with some extending into 2021. Findings show urban areas had higher COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in 2020, while rural areas saw increased cases in 2021 and mixed hospitalization results. Urban areas also had higher mortality rates in 2020, with rural rates rising in 2021 and 2022. Most studies did not explore reasons for urban/rural differences. The few that did found that vulnerable groups, including racially and ethnically minoritized populations, older adults, and those with comorbidities and lower socioeconomic status and vaccination rates, experienced exacerbated disparities in rural regions. COVID-19 outcomes varied over time and by area due to population density, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. Tailored interventions are essential for health equity and effective policies.

Identifying the Determinants of Recycling Rates in the US: A Multi-Level Analysis

As sustainability challenges become more urgent, concerns about resource depletion and the need for material recovery have brought recycling to the forefront of circular economy discussions. Compared to other developed nations, the US has underperformed in recycling, with its rate remaining relatively unchanged over the last two decades. However, limited academic research has explored the factors influencing recycling rates, and little is understood about how various elements, such as infrastructure and policy measures, affect state-level recycling. Utilizing publicly available data and multivariate regression analysis that considers demographic, infrastructural, ecological, policy, and political factors, this study investigated the state-level variations that contribute to the overall US recycling rate. The findings indicate that states with a high number of landfill sites tend to recycle less, whereas those with a high number of Superfundsites are more likely to recycle more. Furthermore, states that restrict local governments from banning plastic bags and straws are negatively associated with increased recycling. This research provides important insights into how states can improve their recycling rates, which, in turn, would enhance national recycling outcomes.