Infrastructure Factors Research Articles

Dual perspectives: a remote sensing- and survey-based exploration of the determinants of irrigation use in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract This study addresses the need to improve agricultural productivity and enhance the resilience of small-holder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa through irrigation. Using Amhara and Tigray regions in Ethiopia as a case study, we investigate the factors that impact farmers' use of irrigation through two distinct analytical approaches: a survey-based approach that leverages Ethiopia's 2018/2019 Socioeconomic Survey, and a remote sensing-based approach that integrates multiple remote sensing products. While previous research has relied primarily on surveys to understand technology adoption in agriculture, we demonstrate how nighttime light imagery for electrification detection and multispectral imagery for irrigation mapping can complement survey data. We examine infrastructure factors (electricity access, road accessibility), environmental variables that influence irrigation costs and efficiency (soil salinity, slope, groundwater depth, topographic wetness index, proximity to surface water), and farming practices (crop type, fertilizer use). Despite the common assumption that infrastructure development will drive agricultural technology adoption, we found that access to electricity and all-weather roads are not strongly associated with farmers' irrigation decisions in these regions. We identified a cropland area of about 97,760 ha in Amhara and 28,830 ha in Tigray that is electrified but does not use the electricity for irrigation purposes. Instead, environmental variables emerged as significant determinants, with favorable physical conditions (proximity to surface water, gentle slopes, shallow groundwater) showing positive associations with irrigation use. Additionally, the cultivation of permanent crops and the application of fertilizers are found to be positively associated with irrigation use. By validating remote sensing results against survey data, we demonstrate the potential of remote sensing as a cost-effective technique for understanding agricultural technology adoption in data-scarce regions. We conclude by presenting strategies to facilitate the use of irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Construction of the SME Business Environment Index: The Case of Depok City in Indonesia

This study aims to identify key factors in the business environment and develop them into a business environment quality index for the SME segment. In building this index, the study considers several important factors as its constructs, namely (i) economic conditions, (ii) political and security, (iii) financing conditions, (iv) infrastructure conditions, and (v) competitive environment. This research is an explanatory study. SME actors were selected using a simple random sampling method. A total of 107 SME actors completed and returned the online questionnaire, resulting in a response rate of approximately 76%. The research findings show that the business environment condition index for SMEs in Depok City is 0.709, placing it in the moderate category. This indicates that the business environment conditions for SMEs, observed from economic condition, political and security, financing, infrastructure, and competitive environment factors, are sufficiently supportive of SME business development in Depok. Among the factors analyzed, infrastructure contributes the most to shaping the business environment in Depok. However, the business environment for SMEs in Depok City can be further improved by enhancing performance in the areas of economic, political and security, financing, and competitive environment factors.

Modelling impacts of infrastructure and climatic factors on reindeer forage availability in winter

Modelling impacts of infrastructure and climatic factors on reindeer forage availability in winter

ADDRESSING WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE (WASH) CHALLENGES IN YOBE STATE

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) challenges in Yobe State, Nigeria, remain a significant barrier to sustainable development, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure, climate change, and socio-economic factors. Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and effective hygiene practices is essential for public health and socio-economic progress. This study employs content analysis to examine existing reports, policy documents, and stakeholder perspectives to identify the root causes of WASH deficiencies in the region. By analyzing primary sources such as government publications, NGO reports, and media articles, the research uncovers key patterns in water governance, infrastructure, and community engagement. The analysis reveals that poor water governance and inadequate infrastructure are central to persistent WASH challenges, particularly in rural areas, leading to poor health outcomes and limited economic opportunities. The study concludes that addressing WASH challenges in Yobe State requires a comprehensive, integrated approach focused on both immediate interventions and long-term resilience. Recommendations include strengthening water governance through improved transparency, accountability, and enhanced community participation. Additionally, investing in climate-resilient WASH infrastructure and promoting community-driven hygiene education programs are crucial for ensuring equitable access to services. Collaborative efforts from the government, local communities, and international organizations are vital for achieving sustainable development in the region.

Formation of rural human capital infrastructure in contemporary conditions

In modern conditions, human capital is a priority factor in the development of rural areas of Belarus. The socio-economic character of its formation makes it necessary to study the specifics of human capital development in the territorial area. The conducted research, which is also based on a detailed study of sociological surveys, allows us to point out infrastructural factors that predetermine the concentration of human capital in rural areas. This fact actualizes the task of improving the methods of managing its development through the development of conceptual approaches to the formation of the concept of rural human capital development.

Are Electric Vehicles a Solution for Arctic Isolated Microgrid Communities?

The Arctic presents various challenges for a transition to electric vehicles compared to other regions of the world, including environmental conditions such as colder temperatures, differences in infrastructure, and cultural and economic factors. For this study, academic researchers partnered with three rural communities: Kotzebue, Galena, and Bethel, Alaska, USA. The study followed a co-production process that actively involved community partners to identify 21 typical vehicle use cases that were then empirically modeled to determine changes in fueling costs and greenhouse gas emissions related to a switch from an internal combustion engine to an electric vehicle. While most use cases showed decreases in fueling costs and climate emissions from a transition to electric versions of the vehicles, some common use profiles did not. Specifically, the short distances of typical commutes, when combined with low idling and engine block heater use, led to an increase in both fueling costs and emissions. Arctic communities likely need public investment and additional innovation in incentives, vehicle types, and power systems to fully and equitably participate in the transition to electrified transportation. More research on electric vehicle integration, user behavior, and energy demand at the community level is needed.

Assessing the Distribution and Accessibility of Emergency Services in the Langat Basin, Malaysia: A GIS-Based Evaluation of Infrastructure and Risk Factors

Assessing the Distribution and Accessibility of Emergency Services in the Langat Basin, Malaysia: A GIS-Based Evaluation of Infrastructure and Risk Factors

Integrating design and system approaches for analyzing road traffic collisions in low-income settings.

Integrating design and system approaches for analyzing road traffic collisions in low-income settings.

Factors causing electric vehicles adoption in India: a regression and sentiment analysis approach

Purpose Based on the available literature, this paper aims to build a theoretical framework identifying the following five factors influencing electric vehicle (EV) adoption: 1) demographic factors, 2) environmental factors, 3) infrastructural factors, 4) economic factors and 5) fiscal policy factors. The authors then identified the variables representing these factors and built a linear regression model. The authors collected cross-sectional data of the identified variables of Indian states and estimated the regression model using the ordinary least squares method. Design/methodology/approach India has witnessed a rapid adoption of EVs in the two-wheelers and three-wheelers segment. The paper aims to identify the factors influencing EV adoption in India. Findings The estimated results indicate that EV adoption is significantly increasing in India due to the rising population and increasing number of power charging stations. The authors also found that government policy incentives have no significant impact on EV adoption. Practical implications The study’s findings and the recommended changes in India’s current EV policy aim to help policymakers achieve faster adoption of EVs in India. Originality/value The authors further conducted a sentiment analysis of the people’s comments on popular YouTube videos and found that most people have negative sentiments towards EV adoption because of battery-related problems and range anxiety.

A Review of Factors Influencing Routine Immunization Coverage and Vaccine Program Effectiveness in Africa

Immunization is a straightforward part of preventive health and has slashed incidences of some associated diseases spectacularly, especially in Africa where these diseases contribute predominantly to high mortality. Generally, vaccines are amongst the most cost-effective interventions in global health, yet achieving equitable immunization coverage in the continent is perennial. This is a comprehensive review of challenges that re-equate universal immunization coverage in Africa where social, economic, infrastructure, and cultural factors were discussed. Remote regions experience lack of healthcare services and struggle to access vaccines and those living in urban environments are exposed to misinformation and thus, doubting the trustworthiness of health care services. Also, individuals from low-income families who cannot afford the indirect costs of vaccination continually contribute the problem. Lack of political support, grossly underfunded health systems and weak surrogacy also weaken immunization programs through inadequate staffing, lack of adequate vaccine supply and cold chain maintenance embarrassment. The review also captures success stories of immunization including the introduction of the MenAfriVac, meningitis belt in Africa which rapidly has reduced cases of meningitis. Also, the vaccination campaigns in Ghana and Malawi showed high success as a result of political commitment coupled with funding and community ownership. The review recommends urgency of the promising call to surmount the barriers with a corresponding vaccine program monitoring and evaluation to preach the immunization progress across Africa. Keywords: Immunization coverage, vaccine hesitancy, vaccine-preventable diseases, Africa

Does a waiting room increase same-day treatment for sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women? A quality improvement study at South African primary healthcare facilities.

Same-day testing and treatment of curable sexually transmitted infections (STI) is a strategy to reduce infection duration and onward transmission. South African primary healthcare facilities often lack sufficient waiting spaces. This study aimed to assess the proportion of, and factors influencing, pregnant women waiting for on-site STI test results before and after the installation of clinic-based waiting rooms. We conducted an observational quality improvement study at 5 public primary healthcare facilities in South Africa from March 2021 to May 2023. The intervention was the installation of a waiting room in two clinics. Three clinics were used as comparators: two already had a waiting room in an existing building and one had access to a shared waiting area. The outcome was the percentage of women who waited for their STI test results. We conducted univariable and multivariable analyses and report marginal risk differences (with 95% confidence intervals, CI) of the proportions of women who waited for results. A subset of women answered structured questions about factors influencing their decision to wait for results. We analysed data from 624 women across the 5 facilities. Overall, 36% (95% CI 31, 40) waited for their test results (range 7% to 89%). In the two intervention clinics, 17% (95% CI 11, 24) waited for results before the introduction of a waiting room and 10% (95% CI 5, 18) after (crude absolute difference -7% (95% CI -16, +3), adjusted difference, -6% (95% CI -17, +5)). The percentages of pregnant women waiting for sexually transmitted infection test results were higher throughout the study period in 2 clinics which always had a dedicated waiting room than in 2 clinics where a waiting room was installed, or in 1 clinic, which only had access to a shared waiting area. Most women reported before testing that they did not intend to wait and none of the suggested factors would change their decision. Introduction of a waiting room did not increase the proportion of women who waited for their results in this observational study. Future studies should investigate infrastructure, individual and test-based factors that affect same-day STI testing and treatment.

Epilepsy in low- to middle-income countries.

Epilepsy disproportionately affects those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where diagnostic and treatment gaps persist.We highlight key recent developments and showcase practical opportunities to improve epilepsy care in resource limited settings. In LMICs, cultural, socioeconomic and infrastructural factors drive the epilepsy treatment gap. Robust implementation of the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan (WHO IGAP) and Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP), for example, will reduce the epilepsy education gap. Engaging traditional healers and other key community leaders should lessen stigma. The Epilepsy Diagnostic Companion, a culture specific tool that helps identify convulsive seizures, can expedite epilepsy diagnosis at primary care level. Novel, robust 3-D printable EEG headsets prototypes that can be deployed in remote rural communities have been piloted with encouraging results. Levetiracetam has been added to the WHO Essential Medicines List (EML), paving way to safer, less teratogenic antiseizure medications (ASMs). Epilepsy surgery programs in carefully selected patients potentially offer cheap, effective and potentially curative treatments, including in LMICs. Apps, EEG prototypes, better access to ASMs and implementation of WHO iGAP offer current, tangible opportunities to improve epilepsy care in LMICs. Bidirectional learning must be facilitated to also help hard to reach communities in high-income settings.

Demographic Oases in Shrinking Rural Areas: Exploring Trends in Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal

Despite their similar characteristics and shared challenges, Galicia and Northern Portugal are integrated into distinct national urban systems and have followed different territorial cohesion approaches. This study compares these regions to analyze their demographic dynamics and identify territories that exhibit resilience towards severe rural depopulation. Our findings reveal that both regions are intersected by the same Atlantic Urban Axis, where the highest population volumes and densities are concentrated. In contrast, the rural interior of the study area is experiencing strong and continuous demographic loss. However, upon examining demographic trends, alongside key socioeconomic indicators at a fine scale, we identify areas within predominantly rural regions that demonstrate resilience to decline. We termed them demographic oases. Our results indicate that the origins of these demographic oases are diverse —stemming from economic, administrative, and infrastructural factors— and, collectively, they play a crucial role in supporting their surrounding communities. Political approaches to territorial cohesion must acknowledge the significance of these oases, as their numbers are declining and they are essential for the sustainability of rural areas in both regions.

Naturalistic driving study data applied to road infrastructure: A systematic review.

Naturalistic driving studies (NDS) have great potential to characterize the road infrastructure factors influencing everyday driving. A systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the objectives, data processing, and analyses in best-practice applications of NDS data to road infrastructure. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search of seven databases was conducted on 27 June 2023 (PROSPERO CRD42023434948). Fifty-three English-language, peer-reviewed studies were analyzed on the basis of the primary infrastructure category reflected in the research aims. Studies described curves (14), turns at intersections (8), intersections (6), multi-modal treatments (6), ramps (4), work zones (4), charging (2), and other factors (9). Each study was assessed for the risk of methodological bias using amended National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute templates for Quality Assurance. 74% of studies were assessed to be of 'Good' quality, 13% of 'Fair' quality, and 13% of 'Poor' quality. Road infrastructure was characterized by external video (38%) complemented by non-NDS sources including satellite imagery (21%) and government data (19%). Data preparation was required in 91% of studies to extract meaningful variables (e.g. manual video coding) and/or link multiple datasets. Analysis predominantly determined correlations between aspects of driver behavior (speed, trajectory, etc.) and infrastructure factors (geometry, lane configuration, etc.). The methods employed were broadly applicable, but required considerable subject-specific adaptation for non-NDS datasets and/or time-consuming video coding. The incorporation of road infrastructure factors in NDS research can continue to be improved by reducing the computational cost of sample processing. Encouraged by the adaptability of the identified methods, NDS research has the potential to benefit from the consideration of road infrastructure factors in a Safe System context. The analytical requirements for all components of the Safe System should be considered when planning future NDS data collections and/or analysis.

The Future of Technology-Based Kidney Replacement Therapies: An Update on Portable, Wearable and Implantable Artificial Kidneys.

The Future of Technology-Based Kidney Replacement Therapies: An Update on Portable, Wearable and Implantable Artificial Kidneys.

Dumbbell Shaped Bi-Paddled Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap (PMMF) for Composite Commissural Defects: A Defect Driven Modification

Dumbbell Shaped Bi-Paddled Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap (PMMF) for Composite Commissural Defects: A Defect Driven Modification

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.

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.