This exploratory study aims to identify the main characteristics and relationships between artificial intelligence (AI) and broadband development in Asia and the Pacific. Broadband networks are the foundation and prerequisite for the development of AI. But what types of broadband networks would be conducive are not adequately discussed so far. Furthermore, in addition to broadband networks, other factors, such as income level, broadband quality, and investment, are expected to influence the uptake of AI in the region. The findings are synthesized into a set of policy recommendations at the end of the article, which highlights the need for regional cooperation through an initiative, such as the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (AP-IS). 

Heavy metal contaminated soil due to industrial, agricultural and municipal activities is becoming a global concern. Heavy metals severely affect plants, animals and human health. A suitable technology is necessary for heavy metals removal because it cannot self-decomposition as organic compounds. Among the various technologies surveyed, phytoremediation is one of the safest, most innovative, environmental friendly and cost-effective approach for heavy metals removal. Nevertheless, traditional phytoremediation practices pose some limitations such as long processing time, unstable treatment efficiency and limited application at large scale. In many methods proposed to improve phytoremediation, integrated phytoremediation has been studied in the recent years. Integrated phytoremediation use chelating agents and phytohormones to enhance phytoremediation. This is an environmentally safe, saving time and relative high effective method. Results showed that the association of a metal ion and a chelating agent to form chelates helps to maintain the availability of metals in the soil for the uptake of plants. Phytohormones supply nutrients for the soil to support vegetable growth. Therefore, integrated phytoremediation is a promising solution to overcome the disadvantages of conventional phytoremediation. It should be taken commercialization and need more applied projects in this field to demonstrate and clarify the real potential of this technology. In view of above, this manuscript reviews the mechanism and the efficiency of integrated phytoremediation for heavy metals in contaminated soil to give an overview of this technology.

We analyzed the relationship between nutrient (N and K) parceling and population density on the severity of onion downy mildew under no-tillage fertigation cultivation in the conditions of Alto Vale do Itajaí (Barzil). For this purpose, field trials were conducted in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, in Ituporanga (Barzil). The treatments corresponded to four population densities (300, 400, 500 and 600 mil plants ha^-1) subjected to applications of nitrogen (150 kg N ha^-1) and potassium (127.5 kg K₂O ha^-1) distributed throughout the vegetative cycle of the crop via fertigation on a weekly, biweekly and monthly basis, based on the absorption curve of these nutrients for the cultivar Empasc 352-Bola Precoce. In fertigated no-tillage systems, nutrient (N and K) tranches do not influence the severity of downy mildew. The severity of downy mildew increases linearly with increasing population density, especially from 500 mil plants per ha^-1.

This study aims to identify key strategies and tactics necessary to effectively implement national social security in a democratic Indonesia. Indonesia established the Law on the National Social Security System in 2004. However, the national social security programs did not commence until 2014. The national social security implementation has faced significant obstacles. These challenges include recurring delays, legal disputes, appeals, judicial reviews, and deviations from the original policy objectives, all threatening the long-term viability of the national social security programs. This article applies a qualitative approach by critically analyzing regulations, government reports, and publicly available data and observing open public meetings and hearings concerning implementing national social security programs. Our findings indicate that implementing national social security policies in a democratic Indonesia depends on effectively managing the dynamic processes involved in policy formulation and adoption. We propose a risk-based decision-making model to assist policymakers in mitigating policy-related risks and enhance the effectiveness of future policy agendas in social security.