Infrastructure Issues Research Articles

Low-carbon technologies and just energy transition: Prospects for electric vehicles

The impacts of low-carbon technologies are spread across countries and lifecycle stages in ways that can compromise the achievement of an inclusive and equitable energy transition. Based on an exploratory review, this paper identifies the main activities of the electric vehicles (EVs) life cycle, where they occur, and potentially associated injustices. Through a whole systems approach, energy justice tenets are extended to the EV technology, highlighting how it might fail to fully support a low-carbon and just energy transition. Results provide insights into how EVs can contribute to flexibility justice through smart grids and vehicle-to-grid developments, cosmopolitan justice as a consequence of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global resource depletion, and restorative justice through laws and standards that demand environmental restoration and social compensation over affected communities. However, reviewed documents indicate that efforts must be directed toward reducing distributional, procedural, and recognition injustices across the North-South divide, especially those related to mining activities in the resource extraction and processing stage. EVs upfront costs and charging infrastructure issues may also exclude poor and rural communities during its operational stage. Recommendations for future research include technical aspects such as battery composition and recycling, which will determine the overall impact of EVs on resource extraction and end of life stages, and social aspects of EV-technology such as social innovations that can promote its inclusiveness, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and the quantification of social impacts of low-carbon technologies.

Study of The Efficiency of A Drip Irrigation System Model Based on the Internet of Things (IoT)

Farmers have used drip irrigation technology extensively, particularly for fruit and vegetable crops. However, investigations on the effectiveness of this irrigation system have not been widely conducted. IoT (Internet of Things)-based drip irrigation is a drip irrigation network design that can be employed automatically with remote control. The effectiveness of the IoT-based drip irrigation system model will therefore be investigated in this study using two distinct types of pipes with various widths. The study’s goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of an IoT-based drip irrigation system model with various diameters. Direct observation was employed as the study method in the lab, and the data collected were examined using the Minitab 18 program to get the ANOVA regression value. The findings indicated that the average headloss on ½-inch pipes was 0.7657 m, and the average headloss on 1-inch pipes was 0.6126787 m, indicating that the headloss decreased with increasing pipe diameter. On a 1-inch pipe, the correlation between discharge and headloss is 0.998. It is envisaged that a productive drip irrigation system can assist farmers in resolving infrastructural issues in water-scarce regions.

Factors Contributing to the Presence of Depression in an Online Distance Learner: A systematic review

Studies show that online learners are depressed when committing themselves to online learning. However, little data are available about the factors that contribute to the presence of depression. This study aims to reveal the factors by conducting a systematic literature review on six online databases. Based on the review, this study has found that the factors could be categorised into poor perception of online learning mode, infrastructure, resources and support issues, personal weakness and problem, and the COVID-19 phenomenon. Given the findings, the COVID-19 phenomenon interestingly seemed to be the main factor and should be further investigated in the future. Keywords: Depression; Online learner; COVID-19; eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by E-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer-review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behavior Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioral Researchers on Asians), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behavior Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

Factors Contributing to the Presence of Depression in an Online Distance Learner: A systematic review

Studies show that online learners are depressed when committing themselves to online learning. However, little data are available about the factors that contribute to the presence of depression. This study aims to reveal the factors by conducting a systematic literature review on six online databases. Based on the review, this study has found that the factors could be categorised into poor perception of online learning mode, infrastructure, resources and support issues, personal weakness and problem, and the COVID-19 phenomenon. Given the findings, the COVID-19 phenomenon interestingly seemed to be the main factor and should be further investigated in the future. Keywords: Depression; Online learner; COVID-19; eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by E-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer-review under the responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behavior Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioral Researchers on Asians), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behavior Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

Nitrogen loads in urban surface runoff from a major, cold-region North American city in 1991–2021

Long-term monitoring of pollutant loads in urban surface runoff is important but uncommon. In this study, we examined nitrogen loads in stormwater and snowmelt runoff from four urban catchments of a major, cold-region North American city over the past 31 years (1991–2021). Temporal variability of total organic nitrogen (TON), nitrate and nitrite nitrogen (NOx-N), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), and total nitrogen (TN) were similar in the four catchments, which had an increasing trend from 1992 (TN: 1.3–3.4 kg/ha/year) to 2006–2011 (TN: 5.5–19.3 kg/ha/year) and a decreasing trend afterward. Trends and change points in the four urban catchments were influenced by storm/snowmelt events, land use, urban drainage infrastructure issues, and stormwater management facilities. The maximum monthly fluctuation occurred in March/April and July due to high variations of snowmelt and storm events. The ratios of monthly loads during the storm season (April to October) to the snow season (November to March) for TON, NOx-N, and TN were 1.31, 1.12, and 1.15, respectively; whereas it was 0.95 for TAN. TKN, TAN, and TN event mean concentrations (EMCs) in snowmelt were higher (18.0%, 94.0%, and 10.8%, respectively) than those in stormwater. However, the NOx-N EMC in snowmelt was lower (9.3%) than in stormwater.

Risk Mitigation Strategies in the Tomato Supply Chain

Tomatoes produced by smallholders in the summer season in Uzbekistan provide a significant part of the population’s demand for tomato products. However, tomato production in smallholders is based on the principles of the free market economy and is operating at high risk. The paper aims to assess and reduce the level of risks associated with infrastructure, financial, natural and environmental, farm management and political changes among entities in the smallholder tomato supply chain. Uncertainties related to producer, buyer, infrastructure, finance, natural and environmental, management and political changes are taken into account in the assessment of risk levels. These threats were assessed using Fuzzy Linguistic Quantifier Order Weighted Aggregation (FLQOWA) model. The obtained results showed that the level of risk arising in production, cooperation, infrastructure and financial issues was high. At the same time, measures to reduce risk levels were taken in the study. According to the results, application “written contract” and “insurance” to collaborative relationships to reduce risk levels has been shown to reduce risks until 0.6 coefficients. The results obtained from this investigation will have a positive effect if policy makers use the applications to increase the economic cooperation between the subjects in STSC.

Modeling the Barriers Surrounding Digital Government Implementation: Revealing Prospect Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Digital government (DG) is key to more efficient, transparent, and successful governance processes in meeting beneficiaries’ demands. However, its implementation challenges traditional conceptions. This research study aims at modeling barriers surrounding DG implementation in Saudi Arabia. The interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach was followed. Thirteen barriers to DG implementation were identified and used to collect DG experts’ opinions on the barriers. The developed model classifies the barriers based on their dependence and driving powers and reveals interrelationships among them on multiple levels. Key findings showed that institutional habits are a foundational barrier affecting political coordination. Both, in turn, lead to ethical concerns and perceived barriers related to law, organizational practice, finances, and technological resources, which all lead to risk aversion and capacity and skills barriers, consequently resulting in a lack of engagement with and demand from users/citizens, a lack of awareness/strategic thinking, and legal framework issues, thereby resulting in technological infrastructure issues, difficulty articulating benefits to beneficiaries, and political management support and leadership barriers. Implications of the developed model include providing a better understanding of the contextual interrelationships between the barriers, which will, in turn, assist in fostering current implementation successes and opening prospects for future opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

What women identify as positive aspects and areas for improvement of maternity care and services in Ireland: An online survey

BackgroundAn important aspect of achieving the provision of woman-centred maternity services is to seek women’s experiences of maternity care. AimTo explore women’s experiences of the care received within the Irish maternity system and to identify aspects of positive care and areas requiring improvement. MethodsThe Babies Born Better pan-European online survey asked open-ended questions on positive aspects of care and aspects of care that could be improved. Data from women who birthed in Ireland within the previous five years were included. Socio-demographic data were analysed descriptively, and descriptive content analysis was conducted for the qualitative comments. FindingsData from 736 participants were included. Four categories were generated from the analysis: Women’s interactions with healthcare professionals included five sub-categories of competence and expertise, continuity and consistency, respectful care, communication, and shared decision-making; Interventions and procedures included the five sub-categories of medical interventions, breastfeeding support, pain relief, birth partner’s presence and involvement, and facilitating mother and baby attachment; Organisational and infrastructural issues contained three sub-categories of facilities and services, environment and atmosphere, and staffing levels; and the fourth category, Overall evaluations and specific statements, showed the diversity of women’s experiences within the services. ConclusionsSeveral positive aspects of care within the Irish maternity services were identified, many of which related to interpersonal factors and interactions with healthcare professionals. The findings also revealed what could be changed, some of which would require minimal resources or effort, so that women would experience positive care.

Environmental Impacts of Hurricane Harvey on the Neches-Brakes Bayou River System in Beaumont, Texas.

Hurricane Harvey caused unprecedented floods across large regions of Southeast Texas resulting in several infrastructural issues. One of the notable failures was of a drinking water source pump in Beaumont, Texas, that necessitated the emergency use of a temporary pump intake station in the Neches River system. This study examines the environmental consequences of Harvey-induced flooding in the Neches River system by focusing on sensitive locations, including a Superfund site (International Creosoting, IC) and adjacent to the temporary pump intake. Post-Harvey water samples showed greater than two orders of magnitude increase in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) about 3 weeks after Harvey (350-420 µg L-1 on September 22) at locations adjacent to IC and the temporary water pump intake, which by that time was no longer in use. The organic carbon normalized PAH measurements in the heavily contaminated water samples from both locations (~3% w/w) agreed well with surficial soil/sediment samples collected at the east bank adjacent to the IC site (0.7-5.2% w/w). Furthermore, molecular diagnostic ratios of select PAHs supported the contribution of PAHs from the IC site into the surface waters. PAH measurements were consistent with sediment resuspension by floodwaters that were initially diluted by large flows but became more significant as the flood subsided. Overall, our data showed that flooding can cause high levels of contamination weeks after the initial flooding event, with potential for cascading risks through mobilization of pollutants from source areas and impacts to critical water infrastructure systems.

Gender and the COVID-19 pandemic: Multinational research indicate that we must support and compensate LMIC women's leadership in crises.

Gender and the COVID-19 pandemic: Multinational research indicate that we must support and compensate LMIC women's leadership in crises.

Implementasi Peraturan Daerah Kabupaten Lampung Selatan Nomor 3 Tahun 2020 tentang Ketenteraman, Ketertiban Umum, dan Perlindungan Masyarakat

The type of research used by the author is a normative-empirical type of research. This article was published to find out and analyze the implementation of the South Lampung Regency Regional Regulation Number 3 of 2020 concerning Peace, Order, and Community Protection. Research shows that the inhibiting factors for the implementation of the South Lampung Regency Regional Regulation Number 3 of 2020 concerning Public Order and Community Protection include human resources, facilities and infrastructure issues, as well as budget issues. Second, the factor of obedience and public awareness in complying with local regulations. In addition, the South Lampung Regency Regional Regulation Number 3 of 2020 concerning Public Order and Community Protection has been implemented, but not optimally—especially regarding the guidance, control, and supervision carried out by the Regional Regulation Enforcement Agency or the State Civil Apparatus or ASN.

PARTNERSHIP OF THE STATE AND BUSINESS CORPORATIONS AS A BASIS FOR LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE CREATION OF SYSTEM-FORMING INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES OF PRIMORSKY KRAI)

The article presents the results of the analysis of the interaction of the state and business corporations in the formation and implementation of system-forming infrastructure projects in the Primorsky Krai. The importance of infrastructure development, as the results of the study show, is reflected in the position of heads of State, the international community, scientists and the public. This is evidenced by the creation of the UN Sustainable Development Concept, which pays great attention to infrastructure issues (within the framework of this concept, infrastructure should be socially oriented, environmentally friendly). When identifying the features of interaction between the state and business corporations within the framework of creating infrastructure system-forming objects (on the example of Primorsky Krai), research methods were used: content analysis; methods of economic analysis; general empirical research methods (analysis, synthesis, classification, comparison).

Existing Policies/Guidelines on the Environmental Dimension of Antimicrobial Resistance in India: An Insight into the Key Facets through Review and SWOT Analysis.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a multidimensional phenomenon. The environment acts as a mixing pot of drug-resistant bacteria from many sources such as pharmaceutical, biomedical, veterinary, and agricultural sectors. In this study, we analysed the existing AMR-related policies/guidelines/legislations in India in the above domains and how the current practices are being guided by them. We used a convergent parallel mix method design. Quantitative data were collected through a review of policies/guidelines/legislations in the said domains and analysed using the SWOT tool parallelly supported by key informant interviews of domain-specific stakeholders. Altogether, 19 existing AMR policies/guidelines/legislations were identified. The existence of few policies/guidelines in each domain indicated the evolving environment for policy interventions. However, the lack of capacity among farmers, inadequate provision for structured capacity building, high cost of alternatives to antimicrobials, and lack of provision of incentivisation in case of crop failure were identified as the major weaknesses prevalent across the domains. Opportunities for policy refinements/the introduction of new policies are ample. However, easy access to antimicrobials and injudicious use imposes threats to AMR containment in all sectors. Despite having a few policies for the containment of AMR, their implementation witnesses challenge due to the lack of collaborative approaches, the existence of policies disjointed from ground reality, infrastructural issues, and the lack of capacity and resources.

Developing Customer-Based Measures of Overall Transportation Service Quality in Colorado: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

Measurement of customers’ perceptions of service quality is crucial to successful service management This article focuses on the measurement of service quality in Colorado’s transportation system, including all transportation modes, transportation infrastructure issues, and special emphasis on public transportation in metropolitan areas. It discusses quantitative and qualitative approaches to transportation service quality measurement. The study also contrasts the results of quantitative and qualitative measurements and methodologies for assessing transportation service quality. Finally, the paper offers recommendations for the use of these methodologies by transportation planners, especially those operating in the public transportation sphere.

A literature survey of security issues in Cloud, Fog, and Edge IT infrastructure

A literature survey of security issues in Cloud, Fog, and Edge IT infrastructure

Evaluating Compact City Model Implementation as a Sustainable Urban Development Tool to Control Urban Sprawl in the City of Jeddah

Urban sprawl is one of the most challenging urban phenomena. Many urban planners believe that it is difficult to achieve sustainable development without managing undesired urban growth. Since the 1960s, a wide range of urban planning policies have been introduced to manage urban sprawl. The concepts of New Urbanism, smart growth, and compact city started to be discussed and implemented in developed countries. Jeddah, as the second largest city in Saudi Arabia, is no exception. The planning authority has attempted to apply a compact city model to control urban sprawl. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the compact city model in Jeddah by comparing the outcomes to what was expected. It presents the historical urban growth pattern and discusses in detail the effect of the policy implementation on both district and city growth level. The main study findings are as follows: (i) While the compact city model depends on encouraging people to live in high-density districts and mixed-use development to reduce commuting time and increase the efficiency of public transport, Jeddah failed to provide an efficient public transportation system to encourage investments in mixed-use real-estate projects. (ii) A higher population density was achieved (from 44 to 155 person per hectare), but it came with many other infrastructure, social, and economic issues. (iii) The implementation failed to control the sprawl as was anticipated. The city grew within the study area by about 20% and the price per square m was increased by 300%. Thus, the main finding of the study shows that to achieve noticeable sustainable urban development—in the case of Jeddah—the planning authority should aim for more regulation of flat urban development and promote a more realistic and sustainable intensification policy. A well-designed approach to guide future development and provide functional open spaces to enhance the sense of community, reducing automobile dependency and respecting all other local social, economic, and environmental aspects, could be more effective in reducing and controlling the rate of urban sprawl.

Beyond Oil Spill Cleanup, Abandoned Infrastructures Affect the Environment Too – A case study of the Lived Experiences of the Niger Delta People

Spills by multinational petroleum corporations have scarred the Niger Delta and as a result, many residents are relocating, hence, the rise of abandoned idled, and neglected infrastructures. The purpose of this study is to understand how neglected infrastructures have shaped the living conditions of people in the Niger Delta communities. Employing a phenomenological case study approach, this paper focuses on the lived experiences of the Niger Delta people of Nigeria to explain the correlation between oil exploration activities and abandoned or neglected infrastructures. Contributing to the theoretical perspective on sustainability, development, and infrastructural issues, this study finds that corruption, poor governance, lack of accountability, laws, finances, resources, and education are also factors promoting the rise of abandoned infrastructures in the Niger Delta. The findings of this study provide crucial insights to government, policymakers, and environmental justice advocates who may consider using the discussions to address socio-economic issues in developing countries.

Adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in healthcare systems

Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR) are the cutting-edge technological innovations that is going to shape how members of the society live and interact in future. In recent years, such technologies have been successfully implemented in various sectors including, military, education, healthcare, gaming among others. In the same way, its explosion more so in healthcare sector has resulted to various research being done that have revealed potential benefits and challenges in its adoption. This paper aimed at researching and providing an understanding of the role of VR and AR in healthcare systems as well as investigating its applications, potential benefits and challenges. The article applied exploratory research design to review the future applications, benefits and provide solutions to the challenges of VR and AR in healthcare. The review revealed that despite the tremendous growth and potential of such technologies, challenges resulting from cost implication of the technologies, technical capabilities of devices, infrastructural issues have all impacted on adoption of VR and AR in healthcare sector. As a result of advancement in technology over years, most of the challenges have been addressed due to invention of computers with more processing power and screens with better resolution. However, the issues of data privacy and security of both healthcare professionals and patients need to be addressed. This can be achieved by stakeholders developing and implementing universally acceptable standards and procedures that will guide research, development, and implementation of such technologies. This calls for parties involved in the development and usage of this devices to be assured of data privacy and security in healthcare sector.

Teachers Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Graphical Communication Concept: A Case of Four Selected Township Schools

This study investigated Grade 8 teachers’ challenges in Graphical Communication. The study made use of a qualitative research approach to conduct. A total of 10 Grade 8 teachers were planned to be purposively sampled for the study. However, due to COVID 19 restrictions, we ended up having eight Grade 8 teachers offering Technology subject. The Pedagogical Content Knowledge notion that was coined by Shulman was used to underpin the study as a framework. Data was collected through face to face interviews with the teachers as well as classroom observation during Graphical Communication concept teaching. Interview data was analysed using verbatim quotes whereas classroom observation was analysed descriptively. Findings of the study revealed that teachers are not adequately trained to teach Technology subject. Issues of classroom overcrowding and poor infrastructure also was a challenge. Teachers’ instructional strategies were also a concern and the use of traditional method is still widely employed in the teaching of the said concept. The study recommends that models be sought for abstract concepts to be learnt with ease. Schools need to secure qualified teachers for the subject in order for teaching and learning to be effective. Technology integration is also advised as a resource that would stimulate learning.

A blockchain-based IoT data marketplace

The (IoT) is growing steadily, and so is the number of data that is generated by (IoT) devices. This makes it difficult to find and leverage relevant data (and data sources) without a data marketplace. Such a marketplace provides a platform to enable different parties, e.g., sensor operators and service providers, to trade their data. Today, most data marketplaces are based on centralized solutions, which may become a single point of failure and come with expensive infrastructure, trust problems, and privacy issues. Therefore, we propose the application of blockchain technology to implement a data marketplace for the IoT. Within the proposed marketplace, smart contracts are used to implement various functionalities and enforce the rules of the data exchange. The marketplace also includes a proxy, a broker, and (GUIs) to enable data trading. To show the applicability of the proposed data marketplace, we analyze the costs arising from the utilization of smart contracts.