Provision Of Infrastructure Research Articles

ANP-MEAT-based evaluation of the performance of rural infrastructure provision in Mainland China

PurposeIt is a complex and dynamic process to provide high-quality rural infrastructure. However, there lacks a holistic performance evaluation method for rural infrastructure provision that reflects changing rural social needs and takes a village as a whole. This study aims to develop a holistic and dynamic performance evaluation model for rural infrastructure in Mainland China.Design/methodology/approachThis study established an evaluation index system by combining the lifecycle theory and the economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity (4E) theory. This study developed an evaluation model by using the analytic network process (ANP) and matter-element analysis theory (MEAT). The model was validated by two representative villages in Mainland China.FindingsThe developed model can reflect dynamic social needs and effectively evaluate the overall infrastructure provision performance of a village. The weight of indicators reflects the changes in Mainland China’s contemporary rural social needs, with particular emphasis on the impact and output performance. The evaluation result shows that the overall performance of the representative villages was excellent but had a tendency toward good. Although the output performance was excellent, different input, process and impact performances resulted in different downgrade trends.Originality/valueThis study provides a theoretical basis for disaggregating the complex issue of the performance of rural infrastructure provision. The results can be used by relevant authorities to make a holistic and dynamic evaluation of the performance of rural infrastructure provision and timely revise planning and management policies.

Strategy of Management of Village-Owned Enterprises (Bumdes) Batu Bini, Padang Batung District, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency

Villages, with all their natural and human potential, play an important role in increasing national income. Therefore, development must be directed at the sustainable use of resources in rural areas. The New Generation BUMDes is part of the process of utilizing existing resources. This study aims to (1) identify the obstacles faced in managing the New Generation BUMDes and (2) formulate a management strategy for the New Generation BUMDes in Batu Bini Village, Padang Batung District. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach, with the research subject being the New Generation BUMDes in Batu Bini Village, South Hulu Sungai Regency. The study results show that: (1) there are still several obstacles in BUMDes management, including budget constraints, insufficient capacity of human resources among managers, and a lack of participation from the community and private sector. (2) The management strategy of the New Generation BUMDes is carried out based on applicable regulations, including the process of institutional formation and the provision of facilities and infrastructure, as well as managing BUMDes with the continued use of the Village Government Budget. The study concludes that the management of the New Generation BUMDes in Batu Bini Village has been carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations. However, challenges such as limited budgets, inadequate human resource capacity, and minimal participation from the community and private sector must be addressed to ensure more effective BUMDes management, ultimately achieving the goals of its establishment.

Strategies to reduce costs and increase revenue in hospitals: a mixed methods investigation in Iran

IntroductionThe financial stability of hospitals directly impacts their ability to fulfill their primary mission of enhancing healthcare. This study identifies and prioritizes cost reduction and revenue enhancement strategies for Iranian hospitals.MethodThis investigation employed a mixed-methods design, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A systematic review of scholarly articles was initially conducted to identify key strategies for cost reduction and revenue enhancement in hospitals. Insights from hospital administrators regarding successful practices and recommended financial improvement measures were subsequently collected through surveys. The combined strategies from these phases were then assessed and ranked using the TOPSIS technique.FindingsThis study identified 12 primary strategies and 71 sub-strategies across four dimensions. Notably, strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of care (0.9030), refining process quality (0.7926), and bolstering care provision infrastructure (0.7910) were deemed the most critical. Among the sub-strategies, priority was given to implementing a comprehensive health information system (HIS) (0.7926), identifying and reducing the causes of cancelled surgeries and visit appointments (0.7919), and developing strategies to decrease hospital infection rates (0.7854).ConclusionEnhancing the quality of care and upgrading service delivery processes are crucial for improving hospitals' economic performance. Elevating service quality not only improves the economic performance of hospitals but also enhances their financial metrics.

Home care program for high-risk pregnancies: a qualitative study of care providers perspectives from Iran

BackgroundHigh-risk pregnancies are accompanied by significant complications for the mother, fetus, and baby if not controlled and received timely care. During home antenatal care, high-risk pregnant women can receive non-medical interventions by a home visitor.ObjectiveThis study’s main aim was to explore care providers’ perspectives regarding the home care program for high-risk pregnancies.Materials and methodsThis qualitative study was conducted in a university hospital and 5 comprehensive health centers in Ahvaz (Iran) from February 2023 to July 2023. The sampling method used was purposive sampling considering the maximum possible diversity, which continued until data saturation. There were 13 in-depth and semi-structured interviews with care providers. Data were simultaneously analysed using Graneheim and Lundman content analysis by MAXQDA version 20 software.ResultsData analysis led to the extraction of 3 main categories, 10 subcategories, and 24 main codes. The main categories and subcategories were “support dimension (family and community support for high-risk pregnant women),” “education dimension (empowerment of high-risk pregnant women and care providers),” and “infrastructures of the program (acculturalization, provision of program budget and care tariff, means and equipment, security and ethical issues, manpower, and the necessary arrangements for the home care).”ConclusionsProviding home care services for high-risk pregnant women plays a vital role in expanding health justice and ensuring maximum access for high-risk pregnant women to perinatal care. Implementing the home care program requires family and community support, educational empowerment of care providers, and the provision of the necessary infrastructure for the program for high-risk pregnant mothers and their families.

Spatial Reconstruction and Determinants of Industrial Land in China’s Urban Expansion: A Theoretical Framework

The evolution of industrial land layout is a significant feature of changes in urban land use types during rapid urbanization. However, the theoretical studies investigating the evolution mechanism behind industrial land are scarce. This study developed a dynamic theoretical framework examining the relationship between government and market forces. Furthermore, this study examined the determinants of industrial land evolution in Xi’an from 1994 to 2019 by using a logistic regression model. The results showed that industrial land area increased from 55.02 km2 to 126.63 km2 from 1994 to 2013 but later rapidly reduced to 106.61 km2 in 2019. The spatial distribution of industrial land exhibited significant deindustrialization and suburbanization during park-orientated agglomeration and showed a shift from large-area small-patch to multi-center large-patch agglomeration. Factors such as development zone policies, land prices, agglomeration benefits, land supply, and transportation infrastructure are key determinants of suburbanization, while land prices and agglomeration benefits are key determinants of deindustrialization. This study reveals the mechanisms driving industrial land evolution and offers guidance in improving the rationality of urban land layout and achieving industry–city integration.

Reformulating theories of ‘accumulation by dispossession’: ‘Contested accumulations through displacement’ in postcolonial Punjab, Pakistan

The reformulation of Harvey’s seminal theory of ‘accumulation by dispossession’ (ABD) has sparked a robust debate within the heterodox political economy literature. On one hand, there’s an argument that ‘extra-economic’ coercion should be the defining characteristic of ABD. On the other hand, Leitner and Sheppard have demonstrated that both forced evictions and consensual sales of land rights are integral processes of ABD. This paper contributes to this debate by expanding Leitner and Sheppard’s framework of ‘contested accumulations through displacement’ in two key ways. Firstly, the paper unbundles the postcolonial state and illustrates that its role is more nuanced than merely the ‘expropriation’ of land within the process of ABD. Based on theoretically grounded empirical research in the context of Sheikhupura, Punjab (Pakistan), the paper shows that the postcolonial state engineers new ground rents and facilitates land speculation through selective provision of road infrastructure, favouring certain areas while excluding others. In Sheikhupura, the uneven provision of road networks has enhanced the connectivity and accessibility of some places (connected villages) over others (isolated villages). Consequently, large landholders in ‘connected villages’ have been incentivized to extract high ground rents by converting farmland to gated housing enclaves (real estate development). This process has resulted in the loss of farm-based livelihoods and displacement for landless and small peasants. This illustrates that ABD does not necessarily require violent forms of expropriation in the age of neoliberal capitalism, as infrastructural development can lead to changes in land use, causing displacement and further marginalization of historically disadvantaged groups like landless and small peasants. Secondly, the paper introduces the concept-phenomenon of ‘economic-hybridity’ in the context of ABD which makes visible the dual and often contradictory nature of socio-economic and legal impulses in postcolonial social formations. Further, economic-hybridity helps in unravelling the intricate connections between place, property and power within processes of ABD.

Understanding Islandness Effects Through the Challenges of Water Infrastructure: A Case Study on the Kinmen Islands

On Taiwan’s offshore islands of Kinmen, the water supply infrastructure has experienced various challenges stemming from the physical and social conditions of islands. These conditions are related to islands’ distinct characteristics, such as smallness, boundedness, and remoteness, collectively referred to as islandness. This paper combines perspectives from infrastructure and island studies to examine how islandness-related effects have contributed to infrastructure failures. Drawing from interviews and document analysis, it explores the issues faced by the reservoirs and the desalination plant in Kinmen, including small storage and poor water quality, lack of energy and technical capacities, high production and maintenance costs, and poor seawater quality. Then, based on the above case study and a document analysis of water supply technical reports on Taiwan’s offshore islands, some shared islandness-related conditions are identified and categorized in relation to smallness, remoteness and peripherality, and ocean materiality. While offering generalizability, it is crucial to note that these conditions are not seen as determined but rather as relational and contingent upon other factors. Through such examination, the paper contributes to the discussion surrounding islandness and infrastructure breakdowns, shedding lights on the relational effects of islandness on water supply infrastructure.

The Use of Technology and Novel Developments in Positive Welfare Assessment for Housed Dairy Cows

Abstract The experience of dairy cows in housed conditions is an important topic both internally and externally for the dairy industry. The term positive welfare is becoming more commonly used but is a complex subject. The environment an animal inhabits will have a direct impact on health, well-being and production. Living space, the baseline metric for space provision, is highly variable across dairy farms. Current positive welfare initiatives include the use of environmental enrichment, novel stimuli and choice. A method to objectively measure welfare is urgently required to aid the evaluation of a cow’s environment. It can be extremely challenging for vets and farmers to monitor behaviours associated with positive affective states continuously and objectively. The main research areas of focus for exploration of how to improve welfare for housed dairy cows are described in detail. These are assessment (split between the ‘-omics’ and computer vision) and infrastructure provision (living space and environmental enrichment in housing). This key research area has the potential to significantly improve cow health, production and welfare through optimisation of their living conditions. The utilisation of novel technological advancements in artificial intelligence alongside similar step changes in gene expression assessment, provides the potential to revolutionise management practices for livestock. Information © The Authors 2025

A Stakeholder-Centric Approach to Advancing the Circular Economy in the Building Sector

Since the Industrial Revolution, climate change has intensified due to rising greenhouse gas emissions, leading to severe environmental impacts. Given the building sector’s significant contribution to climate change, the circular economy has emerged as a key mitigation strategy. Despite political support and some advancements, significant barriers persist in the building sector’s transition to the circular economy. This article explores the pivotal role of stakeholders as essential agents of change, highlighting the necessity of a concentrated effort on stakeholder engagement in the building sector’s circular economy transition. Using an online questionnaire, this article evaluated the current status of the building sector, as well as stakeholders’ awareness, roles, and perspectives on the transition. The results revealed that while stakeholders are aware of their environmental impacts, knowledge gaps persist, particularly in waste management and circular economy practices. The stakeholders recognize that the transition is happening, but there is a sense of uncertainty about its effectiveness due to substantial barriers. Despite these barriers, there is an increasing commitment toward the practices of the circular economy, underscoring the need for policy development, infrastructure provision, and training programs to support the transition. This article contributes to the literature by providing insights into key stakeholders’ perspectives and offering actionable strategies to enhance engagement for a more effective transition to the circular economy in the building sector.

Toward mass adoption of electric vehicles: policy optimisation under different infrastructure investment scenarios

Mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is seen as a key solution for environmental degradation and a low-carbon economy. To promote EV adoption, the government's should choose the most efficient subsidy scheme from three options: a pure purchase subsidy for consumers, a pure infrastructure subsidy for automakers, or a combination of both. This study models the interactions among the government, automakers, and consumers using a Stackelberg game to identify the optimal subsidy structure, considering supply chain structures and infrastructure investments. Our findings show that a pure subsidy is optimal only when the supplier invests in charging infrastructure. However, if the automaker invests in infrastructure, a combination of both subsidies becomes beneficial. The government’s subsidy strategy depends on the adoption target and infrastructure investment costs. A combined policy is optimal when both the target and costs are high; otherwise, a pure subsidy is more cost-effective. Additionally, we find a complementary relationship between government subsidies and competition. Competition within the EV supply chain reduces the need for large subsidies, helping alleviate the government’s financial burden. Finally, while the most cost-effective subsidy scheme may be efficient in reducing costs, it can lead to poor economic performance and lower profits in certain cases.

Features and organizational forms of youth participation in scientific activity in modern Russia

The article is focused on the study of the features and main organizational forms of youth participation in scientific activity in modern Russia. The study aims to identify key factors driving young people’s engagement in research activities. The author proposes a structured approach to research and development at universities and research institutes. The article highlights the importance of an integrated approach, involving the provision of infrastructure, support by educational institutions and the state, mentorship, and access to information resources. Special emphasis is placed on developing educational programs that integrate academic and practical elements and introducing innovative learning methods such as scientific debate. In addition, the article discusses measures to promote student involvement in research, including access to scientific libraries and data analysis tools. The main findings of the study indicate the importance of continuous updating the information base and greater youth participation in scientific events, contributing to a more efficient distribution of resources and efforts

The effect of digital infrastructure development on household energy consumption expenditure--taking broadband China strategy as an example.

The provision of digital infrastructure and affordable energy for households is an important direction for improving the living conditions of the population. The link between digital infrastructure development and affordable energy should be examined if multiple sustainable development goals are to be achieved simultaneously for the residential sector. This study employs a staggered difference-in-differences model to investigate the effect of digital infrastructure development on household energy consumption expenditure (HECE) by using the Broadband China Strategy as an example. The results indicate that: (1) The digital infrastructure development significantly reduced HECE; (2) digital infrastructure development significantly increased HECE as a share of total consumption, but did not have a significant effect on its share in subsistence consumption. Potential channel analysis shows that: (3) household per capita and subsistence consumption expenditure generate scale effects, and communication expenditure in developmental consumption expenditure generate complementary effects. Further heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that: (4) digital infrastructure development significantly reduced HECE of rural and fixed registration residents, and optimizes HECE and the share of subsistence consumption expenditures of residents with medium levels of consumption more significantly. The findings of this paper demonstrate the important role of improving digital infrastructure development in developing countries, especially in non-urban areas, which increases access to affordable energy for the general population and synchronize the achievement of multiple sustainable development goals.

Determination of bicycle service areas around metro stations for dedicated bicycling infrastructure provision in congested urban areas

Determination of bicycle service areas around metro stations for dedicated bicycling infrastructure provision in congested urban areas

Contribution of electric vehicle supply infrastructures based on DC microgrid to internal and grid-side resilience

Contribution of electric vehicle supply infrastructures based on DC microgrid to internal and grid-side resilience

Regional library infrastructure management for service improvement in Bangka Belitung Islands Province

The Archives and Library Service office of Bangka Belitung Islands (Babel) Province has a vital role in increasing literacy and reading interest in the community. Library users can access library services through the provision of infrastructure that suits the needs of library users. Infrastructure management is carried out to enhance services to library users. This study aims to determine the management of regional library infrastructure for service improvement in Babel Province through infrastructure analysis to enhance literacy and interest in reading, budget management, and human resource competency. This research method used was descriptive qualitative. The results indicated that the Archives and Library Service office of Babel Province had inadequate facilities and infrastructure, such as outdated book collections, poorly maintained shelves and reading tables, and less than optimal circulation facilities. The library has not prioritized budget management related to the procurement of facilities and infrastructure, and human resource competencies resources are not optimal in budget planning and management. The library has not conducted a comprehensive user survey, thus hindering the analysis of user needs and providing service facilities that have not met community expectations. The study concludes that infrastructure and budget planning at the Bangka Belitung Provincial Archives and Library Office has not been implemented optimally, thus obstructing the provision of library services and having an impact on low literacy and reading interest among people in the area.

An Investigation into Sugarcane Byproducts Management Practices in Ethiopian Sugar Factory

The expansion of sugar factory has played a vital role in transforming the life of the local community through job creation, provision infrastructures such as school, potable water, roads and health institutions. Beside the production of sugar, sugar factory produces different byproducts which are important as a raw material for various industries. In Ethiopia there is big potential to supply molasses, bagasse and cane top as a raw material. Byproducts of the sugarcane industry, if efficiently implemented, has the dual and important advantage of generating reasonable profits, not only for the sugar producers themselves but also for the national economy at large, as exemplified by cheap electricity, imports replacement, the efficient use of local fuels and forest preservation. Ethiopian sugar factory is not utilizing this raw material resource satisfactorily and there is little understanding of these byproducts of sugarcane. The aim of this thesis is to investigate management practices of sugarcane byproducts, utilization and sustainability in case of selected Sugar Factories in particular and the Ethiopian Sugar Factory in general. The collection of reviews was made from various studies undertaken and used as a milestone.

Frequency, Etiology and Risk Factors of Infant Burn Injuries

Background: Pediatric population in Pakistan is exposed to alarming consequences of burn injuries. Infants have a higher risk of fatality from burns than adolescents and adults. Merely few burn centers across the country are equipped with the resources and trained doctors/paramedical staff who can cater well to the neonatal and infant burn patients. We studied the frequency, etiology and risk factors of infant burn injuries to call attention and bring in public policy for its prevention and awareness among public. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Burn Unit, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from September 2023 to August 2024. All patients being admitted with burn injuries who were 12 months old or younger were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was filled by the duty doctor after interviewing the parents/guardians. Results: Total 2638 children presented with burns. Out of 867 admissions 75 were infants with male predominance. Mean age was 9.4+3.4 months ranging from 11 days to 12 months. 62 were scalds, 12 flame burns and one electric burn. Mothers were primary caretakers in 89% cases and 97% mothers were house wives. 71% lived in nuclear families. 64 out of 75 were kitchen accidents. All families faced major disruption in natural gas supply in their homes. Majority accidents occurred in winters and 62.6% in January and February alone. Conclusion: Infant burns can be prevented by close surveillance, keeping infants away from kitchen, support system for mothers at home and keeping stove and hot items on shelves away from reach. Provision of hot running water and infrastructure for adequate power and gas supply along with awareness/prevention campaigns by government bodies are needed to save vulnerable infants from this adversity.

STRATEGIC GAMIFICATION FOR RELIGIOUS LEARNING: AN EMPIRICAL LITERATURE REVIEW

This study aims to empirically examine the effectiveness of gamification strategies in religious learning as well as identify the challenges and opportunities that exist in efforts to enrich the learning experience of students under the Dini Integrated Curriculum known as Kurikulum Bersepadu Dini (KBD). Through a comprehensive and detailed literature review, this study analyzes the use of innovative gamification elements such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and advanced multimedia support in increasing students' motivation and interest in learning religion in Arabic Language. The results of the study show that the integration of this technology with traditional gamification elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards can trigger deeper student engagement and improve learning effectiveness. Students show a higher interest in learning activities and the ability to understand and remember religious concepts more deeply and effectively. However, this study also identified several challenges in the implementation of gamification, including the urgent need for comprehensive training and professional development for teachers as well as the provision of sound technological infrastructure and technical support in schools. By providing practical guidance and detailed recommendations for teachers, this study aims to assist in the application of effective gamification techniques in religious teaching, particularly in the context of KBD. This study concludes that gamification, if applied with the right strategy, has great potential to enrich the religious learning experience and achieve comprehensive and holistic educational goals under KBD, further fostering a generation of more knowledgeable and highly motivated students. With this, it is hoped that religious teaching can become more dynamic, interesting and relevant to today's young generation, as well as fulfilling the aspirations of the National Education Philosophy, the Islamic Education Philosophy and the Malaysian Education Development Plan.

Sustainable strategies for cost-effective temporary infrastructure management: insights from fairs in West Midnapore District, India

ABSTRACT Efficient management of temporary infrastructure is pivotal for the success and sustainability of periodic fairs and festivals. Coordination among stakeholders involved in procurement, supply, and timely delivery is essential. The involvement of multiple stakeholders results in varying cost engagements at different levels. This study proposes a centralised operational framework for infrastructure distribution, potentially reducing overall costs. Focusing on West Midnapore district, India, the research aims to introduce a sustainable and cost-effective strategy for temporary infrastructure management. Recognising the significance of transportation in managing temporary infrastructures, the study emphasises reducing travel distances and minimising site occupancy time to enhance cost efficiency. Using a linear regression model, the required infrastructural goods for fairs in the district are quantified. A delivery schedule is devised, employing vehicle route planning techniques to determine reduced truck travel distances. Comparing different distribution frameworks, the study finds that a centralised approach utilising three trucks is the most sustainable and cost-effective solution. Moreover, it examines and quantifies the social cost incurred when infrastructure items exceed the allowed fair duration in the current system. Implementing this proposed approach enables stakeholders to balance sustainability cost-effectiveness and build an efficient infrastructure supply chain management.

Healthcare Services and its Impact on Women's Health: A Study of Chitral District

The present study was about healthcare services and their impacts on women's health. This study explored the problem faced by women in accessing healthcare services, and the reasons for their poor health. The research was carried out in the Istangol Valley of District Chitral by married women. The primary objective of this research was to unveil the major health problems of women and how healthcare facilities affect women's health in their daily lives. This study was conducted under a quantitative research design by using social survey method. Data was collected through a detailed questionnaire. A sample size of 103 respondents was selected from the targeted population through simple random sampling. The researcher then analyzed the data by employing a statistical package for social science (SPSS). Through the results, the researcher found that the unavailability of female specialties was a major reason that became a hurdle for women to access healthcare services. The situation of the poor basic health of women showed the failure of health ministries/departments to provide basic healthcare in rural areas. It is recommended that the government take action to upgrade facilities, supply infrastructure, and hire physicians to address women's health concerns in rural regions in order to enhance the health of women there. It is also suggested that non-governmental organizations should spread awareness about healthy diets and the importance of better health.