This study aims to identify gaps in Indonesia’s national social health insurance scheme (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional or JKN) in meeting the right to health for disabled persons in the country and to propose strategies to mitigate the gaps. This study employed descriptive qualitative methodologies. A questionnaire survey and structured interviews were undertaken from the period of October to December 2021, with a purposive sample of 317 disabled persons at their working age. Data collection also included on-site observations to sample of healthcare providers in six provinces and focused group discussions with key stakeholders. This study found that JKN is the primary source of hope for disabled persons. Nevertheless, approximately ten percent of disabled persons have been omitted from the scheme. Moreover, respondents of the survey expressed notably lower satisfaction level compared to the national average. Meanwhile, 25% of them also reported that JKN did not cover certain disability-specific benefits. The findings suggest that the national social health insurance scheme is not well prepared to offer disability-inclusive services. Thereby, policymakers should implement various interventions to improve the admission processes for disabled persons and to develop a system to identify disabled members based on their specific disabilities. Additionally, stipulating standards for disability-friendly minimum services for healthcare providers and incorporating the standards into the credentialing systems, providing regular training on disability-friendly services for healthcare personnel, also enhancing benefits coverage for disabled members in the Indonesian Case Base Groups (INA-CBGs) are the necessary strategies to mitigate the gaps.
This research delves into the urgent requirement for innovative agricultural methodologies amid growing concerns over sustainable development and food security. By employing machine learning strategies, particularly focusing on non-parametric learning algorithms, we explore the assessment of soil suitability for agricultural use under conditions of drought stress. Through the detailed examination of varied datasets, which include parameters like soil toxicity, terrain characteristics, and quality scores, our study offers new insights into the complexities of predicting soil suitability for crops. Our findings underline the effectiveness of various machine learning models, with the decision tree approach standing out for its accuracy, despite the need for comprehensive data gathering. Moreover, the research emphasizes the promise of merging machine learning techniques with conventional practices in soil science, paving the way for novel contributions to agricultural studies and practical implementations.
High-quality development in China requires higher vocational education, scientific and technological innovation, and sustainable economic development. The spatial distribution patterns of these factors show higher levels in the east and coastal areas compared to the west and inland regions, emphasizing the need for coupling coordination with the social economy. This study examines the impact of sustainable economic development on the coupling coordination degree using the spatial Durbin model. The results show a positive promotion and spillover effect, with regional variations. The main factors affecting the difference in coupling coordination are the amount of technology market contracts, fiscal expenditure on science and technology, patent application authorizations, tertiary industry output value, and the number of R&D institutions. According to the grey prediction model, the coupling coordination degree is expected to increase from 2022 to 2025, but achieving primary coordination may still be challenging in some areas. Therefore, strategies that utilize regional characteristics for coordinated development should be developed to improve the level of coupling coordination and create a mutually beneficial environment.
This case study employs the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) theory as a conceptual framework, utilizing semi-structured interviews combined with focus group discussions to uncover the driving forces influencing rural revitalization and sustainable development within communities. ABCD is considered a transformative approach that emphasizes achieving sustainable development by mobilizing existing resources within the community. Conducted against the backdrop of rural revitalization in China, the study conducts on-site investigations in Yucun, Zhejiang Province. Through the analysis of Yucun’s community development and asset utilization practices, the study reveals successful experiences in various aspects, including community construction, industrial development, cultural heritage preservation, ecological conservation, organizational management, and open economic thinking. The results indicate that Yucun’s sustainable development benefits from its unique resources, leveraging policy advantages, collective financial organizations, and open economic thinking, among other factors. These elements collectively drive rural revitalization in Yucun, leading to sustainable development.
In response to the challenges of climate change, this study explores the use of moringa pod powder as reinforcement in the manufacture of compressed earth bricks to promote sustainable building materials. The objective is to evaluate the impact of African locust bean pod powder on the mechanical properties of the bricks. Two types of soils from Togo were characterized according to geotechnical standards. Mixtures containing 8% African locust bean pod powder at various particle sizes (0.08 mm, 2 mm, and between 2 and 5 mm) were formulated and tested for compression and tensile strength. The results show that the addition of African locust bean pod reduces the mechanical strength of the bricks compared to the control sample without pods, with strengths ranging from 0.697 to 0.767 MPa, compared to 0.967 to 1.060 MPa for the control. However, the best performances for the mixtures were obtained with a fineness of less than 2 mm. This decrease in performance is attributed to several factors, including inadequate water content and suboptimal preparation and compaction methods. Optimizing formulation parameters is necessary to maximize the effectiveness of African locust bean pods. This work highlights the valorization of agro-industrial waste, paving the way for a better understanding of bio-based materials and future research for sustainable construction.
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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