Local Infrastructure Research Articles

Effectiveness evaluation of cooling measures for express highway construction in permafrost regions based on GPR and ERT

Global warming and human activities are accelerating the degradation of permafrost on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), leading to significant settlement and cracking issues in the local express highway infrastructures. In response, the Gonghe-Yushu Express Highway (GYE) on the east edge of the QTP incorporated extensive cooling measures during its construction to enhance embankment stability. Despite these efforts, field investigations have disclosed that embankment diseases persist across various sections, including those with implemented cooling measures. This study focuses on a specific test and demonstration section of the GYE, employing a suite of cooling measures to assess their engineering effectiveness. Utilizing a combination of multi-time ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) detection, alongside on-site disease investigations and temperature monitoring, this research comprehensively evaluates the efficacy of different cooling interventions. Findings indicate that although cooling measures generally curb permafrost degradation in areas with ice-rich and ice-saturated soils, they fall short in sections with massive ground ice. Of the six cooling measures examined in the demonstration section, ventilation duct embankments emerge as the most effective, whereas crushed-rock layer embankments rank as the least. The study further reveals that the combined use of XPS insulation boards and two-phase closed thermosyphons inadequately addresses the issue of central heat accumulation in broad-width express highways, reducing uneven settlement issues but aggravating longitudinal cracking. Comparative analysis of on-site surveys and monitoring data suggests that regular application of GPR and ERT techniques can proficiently assess the performance of cooling measures.

The Potentials of Strong Earthquakes in Sub-Sahara Africa and the Neighbouring Regions: A Concept Study

This review article provides an overview of the potential locations of strong earthquakes in Sub-Saharan Africa and its neighboring regions. The study examines the geological factors contributing to seismic activity in the region and discusses the potential impact of earthquakes on the local population and infrastructure. Statistical analysis shows that the East African Rift Zone has experienced the highest seismic activity over the last two decades, with an average earthquake magnitude of 5.2 and 350 recorded seismic events of magnitude greater than 4, leading to an estimated economic loss of $850 million. Cities like Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, with urban infrastructure preparedness indices of 4.2 and 5.1 respectively, are at high risk due to their proximity to seismic zones and high population densities. The paper highlights the need for further research and preparedness measures to mitigate these risks and foster seismic resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Reaching national Covid-19 vaccination targets whilst decreasing inequalities in vaccine uptake: Public health teams' challenges in supporting disadvantaged populations

BackgroundUK local authority public health teams (LAPHT) supported delivery of the Covid-19 vaccination programme, particularly to disadvantaged populations. We explored the challenges encountered and lessons learnt by LAPHTs in tackling low Covid-19 vaccine uptake. The aim of this study was to understand what works, and how, in addressing local inequalities in relation to uptake of the Covid-19 vaccination with a view to generalising insights to building back fairer after the pandemic and into the future. Study designQualitative. MethodWe conducted in-depth on-line interviews with Directors of Public Health or their representatives from 21 English local authorities covering a total population of over 8 million people. Data were analysed thematically. ResultsAccessing the requisite (and accurate) data, engaging with communities, and working with National Health Service (NHS) organisations presented challenges in delivering initiatives to improve vaccine uptake, particularly for disadvantaged groups. LAPHT’s assets beneficial to the programme - in-depth knowledge and experience of their communities and locality - were not considered in the national vaccination programme. Community engagement and relationships with local NHS featured heavily in the majority of LAPHTs responses to improving vaccine uptake rates. ConclusionsIncorporating local public health infrastructure, expertise and existing relationships into national vaccination planning during epidemics or pandemics is crucial. Community engagement and good relationships with NHS staff help to reach and serve disadvantaged populations. How these can be developed and maintained in the longer term without future investment was a concern. Future research should explore the design and implementation of PH and NHS joint service delivery models to tackle health inequalities, informed by experiences of the Covid-19 vaccination programme and with input from community partners.

The path to sustainable cardiac surgery in Rwanda: analysis of costs for consumables used during cardiac surgery for a non-governmental organization

BackgroundUntil local healthcare infrastructure is strengthened, cardiac surgical care in low- and middle-income countries is often provided by non-governmental organizations by way of visiting healthcare teams. This is generally considered to be a cost-effective alternative to transporting patients to high income countries for surgical care, but the costs of cardiac surgery consumables under this model are poorly understood. Our objective was to identify the per-patient cost of cardiac surgery consumables used in single and double valve replacements performed by a non-governmental organization in Rwanda.MethodsFinancial data from 2020 were collected from Team Heart, a non-governmental organization that supports cardiac surgical care in Rwanda. A comprehensive list of consumables was generated, including surgical, perfusion, anesthesia, and inpatient supplies and medications. Acknowledging the variability in perioperative needs, the quantities of consumables were calculated from an average of six patients who underwent single or double-valve replacement in 2020. Total costs were calculated by multiplying purchasing price by average quantity per patient. Costs absorbed by the local hospital were excluded from the calculations.ResultsThe total cost per patient was estimated at $9,450. Surgical supplies comprised the majority of costs ($6,140 per patient), with the most substantial cost being that of replacement valves ($3,500 per valve), followed by surgical supplies ($1,590 per patient).ConclusionsThis preliminary analysis identifies a cost of just over $9,000 per patient for consumables used in cardiac valve surgery in Rwanda, which is lower than the estimated costs of transporting patients to centers in high income countries. This work highlights the relative cost effectiveness of cardiac surgical care in low- and middle- income countries under this model and will be instrumental in guiding the allocation of local and international resources in the future.

Surface-derived groundwater contamination in Gulu District, Uganda: Chemical and microbial tracers

Groundwater is consumed by over 2 billion people globally, though it can be impacted by microbial and chemical contamination in both rural and (peri-)urban areas. This issue is particularly pertinent in regions like East Africa, where rapid urbanisation has strained local infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems. We use selected tracers of human and animal waste to assess the quality of community drinking sources with regards to surface-derived groundwater inputs and to compare urban versus rural water quality, under the rapidly developing urban area of Gulu, Northern Uganda. Specifically, we examine bulk and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (DOM), microorganisms (total coliforms, E.coli) and inorganic tracers of anthropogenic waste (NO3−, SO42−, Cl/Br) from various sources: boreholes (12–76 m depth; n = 90), protected springs (n = 11) and municipal taps (n = 4). Our results show that NO3− and SO42− were elevated in groundwater sources in the Gulu city urban area and the Cl/Br ratio was elevated in springs, compared to concentrations in the more rural Aswa and Omoro County area (p < 0.05). Interestingly, human and animal waste indicators E.coli and Tryp:FA (the ratio of tryptophan-like to fulvic-like fluorescence) displayed no significant difference between rural and urban settings (p > 0.05), though total coliforms were significantly higher in rural boreholes (p < 0.05). The presence of a pollution source, pollution carrier and a breakdown of a sanitary barrier at the borehole, as spot-checked by a visual sanitary risk assessment, was significantly associated with groundwater E.coli abundances. Evidence suggests monitoring and mitigation should be improved for all water types in Gulu District to meet WHO and Uganda Standard guidelines for potable water. This study offers valuable insights for water management planning and risk assessment of community water sources particularly in the context of East Africa and similar settings.

Internship and Coaching of Fresh Female Engineers in Development Programmes of Nepal: Promoting Gender Inclusion for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is providing Technical Assistance (TA) to the Government of Nepal through the Department of Local Infrastructure (DoLI) under the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development, later restructured into the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration that is responsible for local development in Nepal, in the implementation of Rural Roads, Trail (foot) Bridge, and Motorable Bridge programmes. The DoLI has now been readjusted within the Federal Ministry of Urban Development recently, which is responsible for providing technical support and grants to implement infrastructure programmes for local and provincial governments. While the SDC tries to promote workforce diversity in the programmes, it struggled to bring female engineers into its infrastructure sector technical programmes in early 2009. Only a handful of female engineers were involved in the programmes. Therefore, the internship programme targeted at female engineers was started to train young fresh female civil engineering graduates to work in the rural roads programme initially in 2009. With its success, it continued in the trail and motorable bridge programmes from 2011 onwards to date. So far, over a hundred female civil engineering graduates have been trained in Nepal and are working in different organizations within the country and abroad, the government systems, and the private sector. They contribute their skills and knowledge in project design, implementation, management, and supervision.

Assessing Business Viability for a Production Joint Venture in the Indonesian Medical Device Industry

Research Aims: This study examines the viability of a joint venture between Daenamic Health Inc., a South Korean medical device manufacturer, and PT. Kenari Jaya Perkasa, an Indonesian medical device importer, to establish a local production facility for high-end medical devices in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach: The research follows a structured approach involving the analysis of business model compatibility, external market dynamics, and the financial and operational viability of the joint venture. Employing qualitative analysis from discussions, VRIO Framework, and quantitative analysis from Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study evaluates market conditions and strategic fit between the partners. Research Findings: Findings indicate that Daenamic Health Inc. and PT. Kenari possess complementary strengths, forming a synergistic partnership poised to become a leading local brand for high end medical technology, as well as enabling access to more export market. Motivated by the need to reduce Indonesia's dependency on import, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this venture aligns with government policies to enhance local manufacturing and healthcare infrastructure. However, challenges such as navigating regulatory landscapes, managing a layered cost structure, and training local human capital must be addressed. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: Preliminary assessment for the joint venture’s establishment helps the partners to comprehensively assess their internal situation both as individual business and as future partners, prior to capitalizing the opportunity that comes with Indonesia’s vision towards healthcare self-sufficiency. As a result, partners’ synergistic strengths and aligned individual business needs positions the venture for competitive pricing and expansion in Southeast Asia and beyond. Keywords: Medical Devices; Joint Venture; Local Manufacturing; Market Dynamics; Strategic Fit

Urban Water Crisis in Kabul City: Key Challenges and Solutions

Water is an essential human need for survival. However, billions globally wake up daily with accessible and affordable clean water. Rapid population growth, urbanization, climate change, precipitation regime changes, industrial development, and environmental degradation increase pressure on urban water resources. As a result, water demand is continuously rising, leading to prominent shortages in many cities in developing and developed countries, regardless of their developmental condition. One such city facing significant water scarcity is Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, where rapid urbanization has outpaced local water supply infrastructure, resulting in unsustainable exploitation of groundwater resources. This directly threatens the well-being of millions of residents in this city. In anticipation of the exhaustion of local water sources, Kabul will soon need to explore alternative water supply methods, such as inter-basin water transfers, to meet the growing demand. This paper aims to offer a broad overview of urban water crises, evaluating the key drivers of water shortages, exploring the specific water crisis facing Kabul, and analyzing previous research, reports, papers, flow data, groundwater data, maps/charts, field observations, surveys, GIS data, and statistical analysis as the methods for this work. So, to combat declining groundwater levels, a sustainable groundwater management approach is crucial. The approach includes water conservation methods, the implementation of efficient irrigation techniques, and the adoption of water pricing mechanisms.

Public-Private Partnership for Local Economic Development in the Kintampo Municipality of Ghana

Local governments are regarded as the primary stakeholders in Local Economic Development (LED) yet, they do not have adequate resources to execute their mandate (Ghana National Policy on PPP, 2011). Public-Private Partnership (PPP) presents a viable option for the delivery of local infrastructure and services for LED. The general objective of the study was to assess the contributions and opportunities of PPPs for LED in the Kintampo Municipal Assembly. A descriptive and exploratory study design was used for the study. According to the findings, the only documented PPP projects identified were public toilets and an enterprise development initiative with REP-BAC. There was another ‘loose’ arrangement of PPP between the KMA and the garages at the ‘magazine’. The PPP initiatives contributed to employment creation and income for the local people and internally generated funds for the KMA. Some identified projects were worth the consideration for investment under PPP e.g. Construction of a Lorry station under B.O.T/ Concession and the Upgrading of Kintampo Waterfalls under Concession. However, the low capacity of local partners to raise funds for investment, bad previous experiences of the KMA, poor service delivery by partners, and weak formalization processes by partners were challenging to PPPs in the Municipality. Despite the challenges, PPPs hold great potential for LED in the KMA. As such it is recommended that the KMA should increase awareness of the local people on PPP as an alternative strategy for funding projects for LED, create the enabling environment, and engage the necessary contractual instruments that commit both partners in all PPPs while maintaining proper documentation.

The Road User Perception of Municipal Road Deterioration: A Case Majalengka West Java

Municipal Roads are local infrastructure and serve as global routes for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Damage to roads is a topic of much urgent discussion in Indonesia. The aim of research on road damage in municipal roads, Majalengka, is to investigate the causes and impacts of road damage in the area. The research location to be carried out is Jalan Baribis in the Majalengka district. This research uses qualitative methods with perception analysis to study the various factors that cause damage to roads in the city of Majalengka and their Impact on society. When passing through Jalan Baribis, Majalengka, the respondents' data was divided into gender, vehicle used, and age. Based on the questionnaire results, the variable that received the highest importance value was the effect of road damage on two-wheeled vehicles and pedestrians, with an average value of 4.8. The variable that received the lowest importance value was road damage to public facility services, with an average value of 4.2. Meanwhile, the variable that received the highest satisfaction score was the effect of road damage on two-wheeled vehicles and pedestrians, with an average value of 2.6. On the other hand, the variable that got the lowest satisfaction score was the effect of road damage on heavy vehicles, with an average value of 2.14. From the research results, the level of importance of damage to road sections to road users has an average value of 4.48, which shows that repairing damaged road sections is very important.

“Periphery-Centric” Approach as a Tactic for Everyday Digital In- and Exclusion of Indonesian Villages

Much has been said about the importance of digital inclusion in reducing the digital divide and ensuring equal access and use of ICTs for all. Generally, inclusivity has a positive connotation, meaning that no one should be left behind by digitalization processes. However, the inclusion of marginalized communities into the digital system could lead to new exclusions within the new system because it amplifies the pre-existing social inequalities that these communities face, creating digital inequality. By observing the implementation of School of Community Networks in 10 Indonesian villages, this article attempts to describe those inequalities and explain how rural communities actively design a strategy to make their involvement in Indonesia’s digitalization more meaningful. The conceptual framework developed in this study adopts a “periphery-centric” approach, aligning with the user-centric approach, as it examines from the perspective of marginalized communities how they perceive, understand, and utilize digital technology by generating new forms of innovation that have real impacts on their community, such as tailored applications for public services and local internet infrastructure to reach remote areas. The approach poses the problem and strategic dimension of the issue and puts forward the ownership and locality of these innovations to overcome digital inequality. With the meaningful use of digital technology, the inclusiveness of socially less-advantaged groups into the digital system does not immediately create new inequality; rather, they make themselves the center of their respective bottom-up innovation projects.

Laying the foundations for high-quality mortality surveillance in Sierra Leone: Early learnings from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network

Background More than four million child deaths occur annually; most are neither adequately documented nor investigated. The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) program was launched in Sierra Leone (SL) to generate high-quality data to determine definitive causes of stillbirths and under-five mortality (U5M) to inform decision-makers. Despite the multiple challenges of a greenfield research site, we highlight the experience of setting up a high-quality mortality surveillance (MS) system, including the viability of Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS). Methods To establish the MS program, we implemented qualitative research and community entry, a sensitive system for timely identification and notification of deaths and followed CHAMPS standard operating procedures for investigating deaths and assigning accurate and definitive causes of death. CHAMPS in SL was implemented in four phases during 2017-2019 by a consortium. Enrolled stillbirths and U5M underwent verbal autopsy, clinical-data-abstractions, MITS, microbiology, molecular and histopathological diagnoses, and Determination of Cause of Death (DeCoDe). Results CHAMPS achieved a 93% consent rate, capitalizing on existing Ministry of Health infrastructure, community involvement, and local ownership. As of December 2022, 3,433 deaths were registered, with 1,056 (31%) eligible for enrolment. Of 439 cases DeCoDed, 402 (92%) of case-families had received feedback on the cause of death. Using findings and recommendations from the DeCoDe experts, CHAMPS is implementing interventions to reduce stillbirths and U5M at CHAMPS SL, including clinical review meetings, provision of emergency drugs and routine child death audits. Conclusion Implementing innovative MS in a challenging context, such as SL, is possible. Building on local knowledge and infrastructure has enabled the CHAMPS project to achieve remarkably high consent rates, given the cultural, religious and sensitivity challenges surrounding seeking consent for MITS from caregivers who have just lost a child. The programme has invested significantly in upscaling local technical capacity for surveillance and laboratory diagnostics.

Popularity Paradox in Venice, Italy: A Battle of Priorities

Venice is facing significant challenges due to overtourism, with a high number of visitors straining local infrastructure and pushing residents out of their homes. To address this issue, local authorities are promoting longer-term visits to encourage tourists to adopt the local way of life. This case study aims to provide a detailed overview of the overtourism phenomenon in Venice and highlight the measures implemented to combat it. It emphasizes the global significance of Venice’s situation, illustrating the challenges faced by many tourist destinations worldwide. The study underscores the need for community-driven solutions to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage. Through exploring the issues, strategies, and lessons from Venice, other destinations can learn how to maintain their unique identities while meeting the demands of the tourism industry.

Measuring the sustainability of electric vehicles in Cyprus using PESTEL analysis

The high living standards and rapid urbanization have changed local infrastructure and transportation. Electric cars are introduced dynamically in the global and particularly the Cypriot market as they have lower carbon dioxide emissions during movement compared to combustion engines cars. However, a variety of obstacles to the development and acceptance of electric vehicles have emerged. To identify and overcome these obstacles, this paper applies the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (PESTEL) framework to analyse the macro-environment of the electric vehicle industry in Cyprus. The PESTEL factors in the electric car sector were assessed according to the local and European legislation and policies, the difficulties and concerns of the public and the environmental issues in an island where the main source of electricity is the burn of fossil fuels. Finally, a seven year analysis of the fuels prices has also assisted in the identification of the drawbacks and possibilities of this emerging market.

STRATEGI DAUR ULANG SAMPAH PLASTIK MENJADI PAVINGBLOK DENGAN TEKNOLOGI TEPAT GUNA: STUDI KASUS DI [DESA SUCI

The problem of waste management in Terumbu Village, Suci Village, Kasemen District, has become a significant issue with the accumulation of untreated waste and an inadequate burning system. Lack of public awareness and education regarding the negative impacts of waste has the potential to cause various health problems. This research proposes an appropriate technological solution in the form of making paving blocks from plastic waste as a more effective and sustainable waste management alternative. This technology aims to convert plastic waste that has been piling up into paving blocks, which not only helps reduce the volume of waste but also improves the quality of local infrastructure. This study involves analysis of the manufacturing process, environmental benefits, and implementation of technology in Suci Village, with the hope that it can become a model for other areas with similar problems.

Sustainable tourism and governance strategies in gentrification contexts: a bibliometric análisis

Introduction: Sustainable tourism can have significant impacts on gentrification processes, both positive and negative; the promotion of responsible tourism can contribute to the revitalization of deteriorated urban areas, attracting investments that improve local infrastructure and services. The objective of the research is to analyze the main lines of research related to sustainable tourism and governance strategies in gentrification contexts.Methods: A quantitative type of research was developed, based on a retrospective and descriptive study, with a bibliometric approach, in the SCOPUS database during the period from 2004 to 2024, with no language restriction, although priority was given to articles in English. The search formula was: TITLE-ABS-KEY (“gentrification” AND “Sustainable” AND “tourism”). A total of 65 research papers were collected.Results: The behavior of the research was heterogeneous with a tendency of the research was characterized by a polynomial function with a confidence level of 41.85%. Research articles in the area of social sciences predominated. The most productive country was Spain with 14 research papers. Four lines of scientific research were identified and developed that may constitute an agenda for future research.Conclusions: Sustainable tourism is presented as a powerful tool for the economic and cultural development of local communities, while promoting environmental conservation.

A new paradigm for local infrastructure to enhance the potential of Finiq and its surrounding

The main aim of this report is to promote an innovative approach for Municipalities, engineers and designers showing instruments and methodologies to envision a new paradigm for the future of those areas that area suffering emigration of population and lack of infrastructures. A specific case study has been identify in the village of Finiq, located in the South of Albania - and topic of the 8th International Workshop of Tirana – which, due to the isolation of its population, related to historical and geo-morphological characteristics, is registering a constant shrinking of the inhabitants in search of occupational and educational facilities. Within the development of the investigation Finiq has been first evaluated at local scale – estimating the needs of the inhabitants – and secondly it has been systemised with the sur- rounding villages: Aliko, Mesopotam, Vrion. This approach led to an implementation of the interconnection within the villages as necessary action to overcome the isolation of all the inhabitants. This analysis has been the starting point for the definition of the strategy to adopt as an opportunity to develop an innovative structure for the management of mobility, local resources and energy use, to increase the touristic attractiveness of the site and to provide the inhabit- ant with a strategic and widespread infrastructure. To be truly effective, the mentioned approach includes an active participation of the citizen/ user, who becomes the main actor and prosumer of his own infrastructure and whom, through an adequate information program, becomes able to modify and align his own behaviors to this new one paradigm. The outcome of this report has the characteristics to be implemented and replicated in other context with similar issues, not only by designers but also by public administrations or private stakeholders that have to confront with similar social and demographic issues, putting an end to the systematic abandonment of the areas and to unlock their economic and demographic development.

How Productivity, Capital Investment, Employment, Human Capital and Energy Are Affecting Economic Growth in Morocco? An ARDL, FMOLS, DOLS and CCR Approaches

Abstract This paper aims to scrutinize the effects of; productivity, capital investment, human capital, employment and energy intensity; on economic growth in Morocco under the Energy-augmented Cobb Douglas production function (CDPF) framework, using extended data from 1965 to 2022. The ADF unit root test confirmed the existence of cointegration among variables, then, the ARDL BTA/ECM model proved the presence of long-term relationship within, in which the explanatory variables progress all together positively and proportionally to generate economic growth, just as stipulate the standard CDPF. The outputs reliability was validated by FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR tests. Results implies that an additional unit in GDP corresponds, in terms of units to, 1.87 in productivity level, 0.12 in capital investment, 4.19 in of human capital, 0.98 in labor force and 2.52 in energy intensity, that Moroccan economy is human capital intensive unlike when it comes to physical capital. In the light of this findings, we think that Morocco should accelerate its industrial transition, proceed to a large modernization and mechanisation of its agriculture in order to inspire more productivity to its entire economy, keep acting in the sense of more structural reforms to improve the business environment, share out the public spending equitably following two dimensions, physical by upgrading local infrastructure to attract more investments, human by promoting human capital through education and social protection.

Capacity building for road safety in LMICs: the need for a sustainable local knowledge and research infrastructure

Road crashes continue to be a major cause of death and serious injury for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). At the global level, 90% of traffic fatalities occur in these countries with a dramatic daily amount of 3 260 road deaths, many of whom are children. The first UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 was designed to develop a massive movement towards a decrease of these numbers. This resulted in many initiatives to introduce the safe system approach in LMICs, i.e. to implement road safety management, make roads, road users, and vehicles safer, and improve post-crash health care. International organisations together with NGOs and universities prepared road safety guides and manuals, gave courses and webinars, introduced auditing and inspection systems, with the overall intention to build capacity in LMICs. Together these actions contributed to a variety of road safety developments in LMICs but the overall results were still modest. At the third Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Stockholm, 2020, and in the Global Status report by the World Health Organization, 2023, the results of all efforts were presented and evaluated. Many countries made progress through road safety management and better legislation addressing risk factors such as speeding, drinking and driving, failing to use seatbelts, and poor infrastructure design. However, the reduction in road deaths strongly lagged behind the original goals. Continued implementation of programs and development of new approaches are needed to make a breakthrough, and to reach the goals of the 2nd Decade of Action, i.e. a 50% reduction in fatalities by 2030, and the same percentage reduction in injuries. The present position paper argues that despite the enormous amount of road safety information, which has been and is ‘sent’ to LMICs, and despite the quality and robustness of international organisations behind these programs, there is a shortfall in the scale of the knowledge and research infrastructure currently existing in LMICs, which is needed to ‘receive and transfer’ this knowledge. In order to develop evidence-based policy, LMICs need research programs that are able to transfer safe system principles to the local context and culture. Several literature overviews illustrate the lack of such research in LMICs, i.e. the limited number of programs at local universities and research institutes. Although recently initiatives have been taken in some countries, the implementation of such programs is urgently needed. Based on this observation we call on international organisations to establish a special program for the development of a sustainable road safety knowledge and research infrastructure in LMICs. Such structural local capacity is a prerequisite to translate international road safety knowledge into local guidelines and to develop an evidence-based road safety policy. Most importantly, this local infrastructure will give countries a national knowledge bank, thus providing them with an urgently needed sustainable road safety memory.

Employment and development levels in rural areas of the Russian Federation

The development of agro-industrial complex is important for ensuring national food security and national health. The development of rural areas is subject to the development of agriculture and local infrastructure, as well as the availability of various services. This study selected 15 indicators in 2021 to analyze the employment and development levels in rural areas of 71 regions of the Russian Federation using the analytical grouping method. The results indicated that 20 regions (Group 1) had the highest percentage of rural population (33.10%). The percentage of population engaged in agriculture had the highest value (12.40%) in 31 regions (Group 2). Moreover, 20 regions (Group 3) had the highest investments in fixed assets at the expense of municipal budget (11.80 USD/person). Increasing the investments in fixed assets carried out from the budget of the municipality can improve the employment level in rural areas. Then, we used cluster analysis to divide 14 regions of the Volga Federal District in the Russian Federation into 3 clusters. Cluster 1 covered Kirov Region and Republic of Mari El; Cluster 2 included Ulyanovsk Region, Saratov Region, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Perm Territory, Orenburg Region, Chuvash Region, and Republic of Mordovia; and Cluster 3 contained Republic of Tatarstan, Samara Region, Udmurtian Republic, Penza Region, and Republic of Bashkortostan. Results indicated that the 2 regions of Cluster 1 need to increase the availability of resources and natural gas and improve the investment attractiveness of rural areas. The 7 regions of Cluster 2 needed to develop infrastructure, public services, and agricultural production. We found the highest employment level in rural areas, the largest investments in fixed assets at the expense of municipal budget, the largest residential building area per 10,000 persons, and the largest individual residential building area in the 5 regions of Cluster 3. This study makes it possible to draw up a comprehensive regional development program and proves the need for the development of rural areas, which is especially important for the sustainable development of the Russian Federation.