This study examined socio-economic factors affecting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) e-commerce adoption, focusing on gender, income, and education. Using the 2022 National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas) data, a logistic regression model was employed to analyze key determinants of e-commerce utilization. Additionally, an online survey of 550 MSMEs across 29 provinces was conducted to assess the impact of digitalization on business performance. In comparison, an offline study of 42 MSMEs with low digital adoption provided insights into the barriers hindering digital transformation. A natural experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in promoting the adoption of e-payments and e-commerce. The main contribution of this study lies in integrating large-scale national survey data with experimental approaches to provide a deeper understanding of digital adoption among MSMEs. Unlike previous studies focusing solely on socio-economic determinants, this research incorporated a digital nudging experiment to examine how targeted incentives influenced e-commerce participation. The findings revealed that digital transformation significantly enhanced MSME performance, particularly in turnover, product volume, customer base, and worker productivity. Socio-economic factors such as gender, household head status, and social media access significantly influenced digital adoption decisions. Behavioral nudging proved effective in increasing MSME participation in e-commerce. Although this study was limited to Susenas 2022 data and survey responses, it bridges a critical research gap by linking socio-economic factors with behavioral interventions in MSME digitalization. The findings offer key insights for policymakers in formulating evidence-based strategies to drive MSME digital transformation and e-commerce growth in Indonesia.
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Purple Line project is part of the Thai government’s energy- and transportation-related greenhouse gas reduction plan. The number of passengers estimated during the feasibility study period was used to calculate the greenhouse gas reduction effect of project implementation. Most of the estimated numbers exceed the actual number of passengers, resulting in errors in estimating greenhouse gas emissions. This study employed a direct demand ridership model (DDRM) to accurately predict MRT Purple Line ridership. The variables affecting the number of passengers were the population in the vicinity of stations, offices, and shopping malls, the number of bus lines that serve the area, and the length of the road. The DDRM accurately predicted the number of passengers within 10% of the observed change and, therefore, the project can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1289 tCO2 in 2023 and 2059 tCO2 in 2030.
The sustainable development of Madeira Island necessitates the implementation of more precise and targeted planning strategies to address its regional challenges. Given the urgency of this issue within the context of sustainability, planning approaches must be grounded in and reinforced by a comprehensive array of thematic studies to fully grasp the complexities involved. This research leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze land use and occupancy patterns and their evolution within the municipality of Machico on Madeira Island. The study provides a nuanced perspective on the urban structure’s stagnation in the region, while concurrently highlighting the dynamic shifts in agricultural practices. Furthermore, it elucidates the transformation of predominant native vegetation within the municipality from 1990 to 2018. Notably, the research underscores the alarming decline in native vegetation due to anthropogenic activities, emphasizing the need for more rigorous monitoring by regional authorities to safeguard and preserve these valuable landscapes, habitats, and ecosystems.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved, transforming industries and addressing societal challenges across sectors such as healthcare and education. This study provides a state-of-the-art overview of AI research up to 2023 through a bibliometric analysis of the 50 most influential papers, identified using Scopus citation metrics. The selected works, averaging 74 citations each, encompass original research, reviews, and editorials, demonstrating a diversity of impactful contributions. Over 300 contributing authors and significant international collaboration highlight AI’s global and multidisciplinary nature. Our analysis reveals that research is concentrated in core journals, as described by Bradford’s Law, with leading contributions from institutions in the United States, China, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Trends in authorship underscore the growing role of generative AI systems in advancing knowledge dissemination. The findings illustrate AI’s transformative potential in practical applications, such as enabling early disease detection and precision medicine in healthcare and fostering adaptive learning systems and accessibility in education. By examining the dynamics of collaboration, geographic productivity, and institutional influence, this study sheds light on the innovation drivers shaping the AI field. The results emphasize the need for responsible AI development to maximize societal benefits and mitigate risks. This research provides an evidence-based understanding of AI’s progress and sets the stage for future advancements. It aims to inform stakeholders and contribute to the ongoing scientific discourse, offering insights into AI’s impact at a time of unprecedented global interest and investment.
The global adoption of sustainable development practices is gaining momentum, with an increasing emphasis on balancing the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainability. This study aims to assess the current state of these pillars within the uMlalazi Local Municipality, South Africa, and evaluate the initiatives in place to address related challenges. The purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of how effectively these three pillars are being addressed in the context of local governance. Using qualitative research methods, the study gathered data from a sample of five key informants, including three local government officials, one councillor, and one chief information officer from the local police. Data was collected through open-ended interview questions, with responses recorded, transcribed, and analysed for thematic content. The findings reveal significant gaps in the municipality’s approach to sustainability, including the absence of formalized trading areas, limited community input in planning and decision-making, high crime rates, and persistent unemployment. These issues were found to be interlinked with other challenges, such as inefficiencies in solid waste management. Additionally, the study confirms that the three pillars of sustainability are not treated equally, with economic and social aspects often receiving less attention compared to environmental concerns. This highlights the need for the municipality to focus on formalizing trading areas, encouraging local economic growth, and enhancing public participation in governance. By implementing incentives for greater community involvement and addressing the imbalances between the sustainability pillars, uMlalazi can make significant progress toward achieving more sustainable development.
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