Provision Of Infrastructure Research Articles

Towards the interoperability of scholarly repository registries

The enactment of Open Science relies on scholarly repositories that make research products findable and accessible, while scholarly repository registries maintain authoritative metadata and persistent identifiers (PIDs) to help researchers and infrastructure providers discover and access needed repositories. However, the proliferation of repositories targeting different research products (e.g., publications, data, and software) or serving specific disciplines has led to the creation of multiple registries whose scope is not mutually exclusive. Such a fragmented landscape poses significant concerns regarding authoritativeness, disambiguation, and coverage for scholarly communication service and infrastructure providers who consume content from these registries. These providers must either limit their focus to a single registry or manage complex data fusion strategies to integrate diverse repository profiles from various sources. While favouring the existence of a plurality of registries, this paper advocates for their interoperability, which is essential to eliminate the aforementioned barriers and enable their full, unambiguous utilisation. We analyse the data models of four prominent registries—FAIRsharing, re3data, OpenDOAR, and ROAR—and classify their properties and overlap. We provide a crosswalk between their data models and suggest a common data model shared across the examined registries to pave the way toward interoperability. As a means of validation, we include a coverage evaluation of the proposed data model.The paper adopts a pragmatic approach towards scholarly registry interoperability and suggests a common metadata model to foster the exchange of information across these platforms. The purpose of the paper is to serve as a cornerstone, initiating and engaging the community in discussions surrounding the interoperability of scholarly repository registries.

Cash management practices and financial performance of livestock marketing cooperative societies in Marsabit County, Kenya

An objective evaluation of the performance of livestock cooperative societies is imperative in order to ascertain whether they fully reward members for the use of their equity fund. The evaluation of agricultural cooperatives using the conventional measures of financial performance like return on asset, return on equity, return on operating equity net margins on sales etc do no yield unequivocal results. Livestock marketing cooperatives societies in Marsabit County have continuously used these conventional measures giving mixed results but failing to indicate whether they create value for member producers. The objective of this study therefore sought to establish the effect of cash management practices on the performance of livestock marketing cooperative societies in Marsabit County. The key theories anchoring the study are; Keynesian theory of money, free cash flow theory and stakeholder theory. The current study adopted quantitative research design. The target population was twelve livestock marketing cooperative societies in Marsabit County that have been operational in the period 2019-2023. The unit of observation was the 110 employees in the finance departments. The study used stratified random sampling technique to arrive at a sample size of 86.. The study utilized both primary and secondary data where primary data was obtained from questionnaires that was presented to respondents and secondary data collection tool was used to obtain secondary data from audited financial reports accessible from society’s offices and ministry of cooperatives and micro-small and medium enterprises development. Diagnostic tests including multicollinearity test, normality test and reliability were conducted to confirm the model fitness. Data was analyzed using descriptive and regression analysis. The regression results showed that periodic cash plan (p=0.003, <0.05), investing of surplus cash (p=0.19, <0.05), managing cash flows (p=0.00, <0.05) had positive statistically significant effect on financial performance. Bank credit line had positive effect on financial performance even though the change was not significant. The study therefore recommends that managers of Marsabit county livestock marketing cooperative societies should enhance effective use and preparation of cash budgets and consistent investment of surplus cash. Further, there should be more decentralization of receipts and application of accounting packages. For policy, the study recommends that policy makers and regulators should concentrate on creating regulations that will allow marketing societies to thrive through provision of appropriate infrastructure for wider market.

The Post-Networked Condition in the Urbanized Periphery: Transforming Water Supply and Sanitation Services in a Southern European Metropolis

ABSTRACT Urbanized peripheries are frequently regarded as unsustainable due to the high costs of infrastructure provision, escalating resource demands, and low social cohesion stemming from unequal access to services. In an increasingly suburbanized world, addressing this complex infrastructural crisis is crucial. Meanwhile, in consideration of these challenges, the European Union introduced the New Green Deal, promoting a strategy of hybrid investment in both networked and alternative forms of infrastructure development. However, there is limited understanding of how current suburban infrastructures are (re)produced and how interventions should be designed to support a more sustainable and progressive approach to service provision. This article proposes a conceptual and methodological framework centered on the “post-networked condition” to examine the heterogenous socio-technical foundations of Southern European metropolises. I argue that through the operationalization of this framework we can better integrate the characterization, diagnosis, and transformation of these socio-technical landscapes, bridging gaps in the traditional siloed debates of infrastructure transition studies. I conclude by calling for a shift in suburban studies beyond the prevailing neoliberal emphasis on densification and compaction as the main drivers of urban periphery transformation. Extending the concept of the post-networked condition beyond city centers and into urbanized peripheries offers a more comprehensive framework for addressing these transformation challenges.

Determinants of construction project delay and its effect on project beneficiaries: evidence from the Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

Construction projects play a vital role in improving socio-economic development through infrastructure provision, job creation, and facilitation of economic growth. However, delays in the implementation of these projects are a common problem that works against these benefits. In Ethiopia in general, and the Gurage zone in particular, project delays have become a significant problem that needs a careful investigation of its root causes and effective policy responses. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of project delay and assess its socioeconomic effect on project beneficiaries in the Gurage zone, of Central Ethiopia. While regression analysis and relative importance index were used to identify project delay determinants, Key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussions (FGD) were used to assess its socioeconomic effect on project beneficiaries. Poorly defined project scope, project control, and management, an incorrect estimate of project cost and schedule, bad economic conditions, political instability, lack of construction inputs, and inadequate communication have contributed to project delays. Project delays limit transport access, and increase unemployment, migration, disputes among project stakeholders, congestion on public service delivery, and health and health-related problems. Before approving a project, the soundness of the feasibility study should be properly checked. Project monitoring, follow-up, and control should be improved as a project implementation strategy. Beyond cost and time overruns, project sponsors consider the broader social and economic implications of project delays. This study contributes valuable insights that can inform project planning and management practices to mitigate delays and maximize socio-economic benefits for project beneficiaries.

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

Spatial Disparity in Social Infrastructural Provision in Etim Ekpo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Spatial Disparity in Social Infrastructural Provision in Etim Ekpo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

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

Probing the production of quantum technologies to imagine its legal framework

Abstract Quantum technologies (QT) are being awaited with excitement. They are supported by many governments, the corporate sector, international bodies and technology forecasters. There is discursive investment as well in terms of creating expectations and laying down a vision for the ‘Second Quantum Revolution’. Science and technology studies are also playing their part to think of the quantum future along with philosophical discussions around it. These visions and expectations perform an implicit and latent function of steering policy proposals and governance. At the current stage of development of quantum technologies, a comprehensive and cogent legal framework is hard to envisage. As it is difficult to foresee the final shape of these technologies, a way to proceed can be to focus on the legal enquiry related to economic, political and policy factors which contribute to its material emergence. This can broaden the focus from thinking about its impact to contextualizing its production and development. Further, it allows a way of determining the extent to which social science and ethical frames can apply to the governance of QT, given the legal and practical realities of technology production and use. This article maps the myriad governance frameworks being envisaged to think about the future of QT. It zooms onto the discussion related to the access divide being framed for QT to understand the points of legal intervention. It uses the case of quantum computing to understand the way legal and practical policy solutions have been ideated. It highlights the way these solutions entrench power of digital infrastructure providers further. This seeks to motivate further work to expand the scope of a legal framework for QT.