The paper proposes a methodology for the analysis and evaluation of the traffic scheme of Bulgarian cities. The authors combine spatial, network, and socio-economic analyses of cities with transport operators’ financial-economic evaluation, sociological studies of transport habits, and the possibilities of new information technologies for transport modeling (such as geographic information systems). The model proposes several approaches to optimize the municipality’s transport scheme. It results from a new need to improve urban traffic, the quality of transport services, and the integration of urban transport into the regional economy of Stara Zagora municipality. It presents a description, analysis, and outline of the opportunities for developing urban transport connectivity and mobility in Stara Zagora municipality. The research results show a deficit of transport connectivity between the different parts of the city, reflecting on the regional economy’s development and the efficiency of the environment and the population.
The Bini people of Edo State, located in the Edo South senatorial district, have been the focus of a study investigating the impact of international migration on Nigerian infrastructure. The study employed a descriptive-qualitative approach, using a survey research methodology and structured questionnaires to gather data from 401 respondents. The study used regression and thematic analysis to examine the collected data, focusing on the connection between migration and the advancement of infrastructure. The findings suggest that low incomes, job insecurity, and the development of domestic infrastructure contribute to the momentum behind international migration movements. The study suggests that remittances from migrants and investments are needed to alleviate the situation, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to addressing the challenges faced by the Bini people in Edo State.
Purpose: Kindergartens are an important educational environment for the development of children at an early age, and they also play a crucial role in developing the values of sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to investigate kindergarten teachers’ perceptions of observable and sustainable development practices. Design, methodology, approach: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 302 Saudi kindergarten teachers. Additionally, observation cards were utilized to collect data on actual practices of sustainable development in kindergartens. Data were analyzed using Nvivo12, a qualitative data analysis software, and descriptive analysis methods. The main themes were produced first, and then the perspectives were organized around them. Finding: The impact of social and cultural factors on the development of values, the lack of resources available to implement educational activities, and teacher awareness and training gaps were found to be the main barriers to the development of sustainable development values in kindergartens. Originality, value: To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study in Saudi Arabia that has looked into the environmental and social perceptions of early childhood teachers about sustainable development practices, so the study’s findings can highlight the importance of reorienting teacher education programs toward sustainability in order to bridge knowledge and practice gaps.
Malaria is an infectious disease that poses a significant global health threat, particularly to children and pregnant women. Specifically, in 2020, Rampah Village, Kutambaru sub-district, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, reported 22 malaria cases, accounting for 84% of the local cases. This study aims to develop a malaria prevention model by leveraging community capital in Rampah Village. A mixed-method sequential explanatory approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, was employed. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires from a sample of 200 respondents and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS (Partial Least Squares) software. The qualitative component utilized a phenomenological design, gathering data through interviews. Quantitative findings indicate that natural capital significantly influences malaria prevention principles. There is also a positive and significant relationship between developmental capital and malaria prevention. Cultural capital shows a positive correlation with malaria prevention, as does social capital. The qualitative phase identified cultural capital within the Karo tribe, such as ‘Rakut si Telu,’ which signifies familial bonds fostering mutual aid and respect. The results of this study are crucial for formulating policies and redesigning community-capital-based malaria prevention programs. These programs can be effectively implemented through cross-sectoral collaboration among health departments, local government, and community members. Malaria is a communicable disease threatening global health, particularly affecting children and pregnant women. In 2020, there were 229 million cases of Malaria worldwide, resulting in 409,000 deaths. In Indonesia, specifically in North Sumatra’s Langkat Regency, Kutambaru District, Rampah Village had 22 cases (84%). The purpose of this research is to formulate a Malaria prevention model using community resources in Rampah Village, Kutambaru District, Langkat Regency. The study employed a mixed-methods sequential explanatory approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaires, with 200 respondents, and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis using smart PLS (Partial Least Squares) software. Qualitative data was gathered through interviews. The research findings showed a positive relationship between cultural modalities and Malaria prevention (p = 0.000) with a path coefficient T-value of 12.500. The cultural modality and Malaria prevention relationship were significantly positive (p = 0.000) with a path coefficient T-value of 3.603. A positive and significant correlation also exists between development modalities and Malaria prevention (p = 0.011) with a path coefficient T-value of 2.555. Qualitative research revealed the Rakut si Telu cultural modality of the Karo tribe, meaning that family-based social connections create a sense of helping and respecting one another. The Orat si Waluh cultural modality represents daily life practices in the Karo tribe as a form of community-based Malaria prevention.
Tourism experiences are inherently multisensory, engaging visitors’ senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. This study addresses the gap in literature by investigating the impact of visual and auditory landscapes on tourist emotions and behaviors within coastal tourism settings, using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model. Data collected from tourists in Sanya, China, were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that both visualscape and soundscape significantly influence tourist emotions (pleasure and arousal) and subsequent loyalty. Pleasure and arousal mediate the relationships between environmental stimuli and tourist loyalty, emphasizing their roles as emotional bridges between the environment and behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of integrating local cultural and community elements into tourism to enhance socio-economic benefits and ensure sustainable development. By fostering a deep connection between tourists and the local environment, these sensory experiences support the preservation of cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism practices, aligning with the goals of economic development and public policy. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of multisensory tourism by integrating the SOR model in coastal tourism and emphasizes the roles of visual and auditory stimuli. Practically, it provides insights for tourism managers to improve tourist experiences and loyalty through careful management of sensory elements. This has implications for infrastructure development, particularly in enhancing the quality of soft infrastructure such as cultural and social systems, which are crucial for sustainable tourism and community well-being. Future research could include additional sensory dimensions and diverse destinations for a comprehensive understanding of sensory influences on tourist behaviors and emotions. This research aligns with the broader goals of the policy and development by addressing critical aspects of infrastructure and socio-economic development within the tourism sector.
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