Future Investment Research Articles

Generativni modeli veštačke inteligencije - zauzdati još jednu tehnološku revoluciju

Generative AI promises to revolutionize many industries (entertainment, marketing, healthcare, finance, and research) by empowering machines to create new data content inspired by existing data. It experienced exponential growth in recent years. In 2023 breakout year Gen AI impact reached 2.6-4.4 trillion USD (2.5-4.2% of global GDP). The development of modern LLM-based models has been facilitated by improvements in computing power, data availability, and algorithms. These models have diverse applications in text, visual, audio, and code generation across various domains. Leading companies are rapidly deploying Gen AI for strategic decision-making at corporate executive levels. While AI-related risks have been identified, mitigation measures are still in early stages. Leaders in Gen AI adoption anticipate workforce changes and re-skilling needs. Gen AI is primarily used for text functions, big data analysis, and customer services, with the strongest impact in knowledge-based sectors. High-performing AI companies prioritize revenue generation over cost reduction, rapidly expand the use of Gen AI across various business functions, and link business value to organizational performance and structure. There is a notable lack of attention to addressing broader societal risks and the impact on the labor force. Gen AI creates new job opportunities and improves productivity in key areas. Future investment in AI is expected to rise. Concerns about the potential AI singularity, where machines surpass human intelligence, are subject to debate. Some view singularity as a risk, others are more optimistic based on human control and societal constraints. Leading experts in Gen AI predict that the coming decade can be the most prosperous in history if we manage to harness the benefits of Gen AI and control its downside.

Analyzing accessibility to urban services for new residential buildings. A case study of Craiova city

The present study uses methods based on Geographic Information System (GIS) to investigate the distribution of new residential buildings in Craiova (Romania) and assess their accessibility to key urban services. The focus is on collective housing developments constructed after 2015, encompassing both completed and ongoing projects. The research evaluates accessibility at the neighborhood level, considering key facilities and services such as banking services, pharmacies, kindergartens, primary schools, supermarkets, sport facilities, and green urban areas. Data for urban services were collected from opensource databases (OpenStreetMap, Copernicus Land Monitoring?Urban Atlas) and completed by field investigations. Isochrones, representing travel time from each residential building to the selected services, are used to measure the residents' accessibility by multiple travel modes. Additionally, the study considers the proximity of new residential buildings to the old historical city center, as a hub for shopping and leisure activities, and the walkability of the neighborhoods where the collective residences are located. The findings shed light on the spatial distribution of new residential developments in relation to essential urban services, providing valuable insights for urban planning and development strategies in Craiova, as well as for future residential investments.

Survival Strategies of Local SMTEs in Covid-19 Pandemic in Heritage Tourism Sites in Turkey

Covid‑19 pandemic has been a multi‑dimensional challenge for tourism industry globally for more than 15 months now, but even so, there is a lack of information about the impacts of pandemic on different destinations and tourism enterprises. To contribute to the scientific endeavors to understand, explain, and explore the impacts of this disease on tourism, this research investigates the impacts of the pandemic on local small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs) in Cappadocia Region, a globally well‑known Heritage Tourism destination in Turkey, and their survival strategies. Primary data was collected through structured interviews conducted with 97 respondents from two participant groups including respondents from small and medium accommodation facilities and tourism enterprises including auxiliary tourism services. We found that heritage tourism destinations and SMTEs located in these destinations seem to be much vulnerable to the impacts of Covid‑19 owing to destination characteristics. Findings show that great majority of the SMTEs has established solidarity based new business relations for survival but they also have spent their resources for future growth and investment which seem to jeopardize the recovery efforts

Construction and enhancement of a prototype for a medical-hospital equipment for hypodermoclysis: a qualitative study.

to construct a Subcutaneous Hydration Device semi-functional prototype and gather initial information to improve this prototype design and realize its acceptance potential. a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, which used focus group, following the Technology Acceptance Model. The group was held at the Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, Portugal, in December 2022, composed of nine participants from six different disciplinary areas, and followed thematic analysis. four topics emerged associated with the device components: elastomeric infusion pump; needle/access device; clamp; administration set. From these topics, topics were triggered that highlighted: characteristics about the target population; ease of use and accessories; patient comfort and safety; and device application context. the Subcutaneous Hydration Device semi-functional prototype is viable and interesting for the clinic. The results support its improvement and direct future investments for experimental studies.

The Impact of Sustainable Trade Practices on Economic Transformation in Saudi Arabia: Lessons for Developing Economies

The trade practices in Saudi Arabia include farming, date exports, and trade generated by pilgrims. There was less economic growth. However, the oil exports and earnings from the oil sector generated funds for economic development, which helped international trade to flourish in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The present study sheds light on the economic transformation of the KSA due to its sustainable trade practices. A qualitative methodology approach of the resource-based view was carried out in the international context. The present study discussed KSA’s initiatives to boost international business, including the Future Investment Initiative and the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study will evaluate the international business practices and economic transformation in KSA. This study will present the Saudi business environment and the government’s contribution to the country’s economic transformation.

РОЛЬ ТУРИСТИЧНИХ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИХ ЦЕНТРІВ В ФОРМУВАННІ ПОЗИТИВНОГО ІМІДЖУ ТА ПОПУЛЯРИЗАЦІЇ ТУРИСТИЧНИХ ДЕСТИНАЦІЙ

The article examines and substantiates the role of tourist information centers in the formation of a positive image and popularization of tourist destinations in Ukraine. Today, the formation of a network of urban tourist information centers has become an effective tool for managing the sphere of tourism and resorts in the regions, which really contributes to increasing the tourist attractiveness of the city, the activation of tourist and excursion activities on its territory and the implementation of regional policy in the field of tourism. It is noted that tourism information centers are created precisely for the provision of information and communication services in the tourism industry. At the request of interested organizations, the tourist information center can conduct marketing and sociological surveys; carry out work on the collection and systematization of statistical and other information on the results of tourist and excursion activities on the territory of the city; analysis of service sales markets for future investment projects; quality control of tourist services provided in the city. The main purpose and main functions of tourist information centers are clarified. Which consists in advising residents and guests of the city on up-to-date tourist information for easy, safe and interesting trips both in individual cities or regions, and throughout Ukraine. The experience of the Tourist Information Center of the city of Zaporizhzhia before and during the full-scale invasion of the territory of Ukraine was considered. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Tourist Information Centers of the city of Zaporizhzhia have been reformatted from tourism to helping people from the temporarily occupied territories. From April 13, 2023, the Tourist Information Centers of the city of Zaporizhzhia returned to the cultural life of the city in the following format: holding exhibitions and events inside the premises; sale of souvenir products with Zaporizhzhia identity; organization of excursions with the participation of local guides. The main tourist products provided in the Tourist Information Center of the city of Zaporizhzhia are specified. Among the main tourist products of the Zaporizhzhia Tourist Information Center: excursion "Getting to know Ukrainian culture"; "Coffee traditions from ISLA" gastronomic excursion; "Coffee traditions from ISLA and Urozhai bakery" gastronomic excursion; "Excursion to the Private Cheese Factory"; "French Weekend" and others. It was determined that the activity of the Tourist Information Center of the city of Zaporizhzhia has a positive effect on the development of regional tourism, popularization of the tourist brand of the city in general and the event direction, respectively. It was found that there are currently not enough tourist information centers in the most developed tourist areas in Ukraine. In Ukraine, tourist information centers function only in 13 cities, as they lack proper support from the State. The number of tourist information centers in Ukraine was analyzed in 2023 compared to 2022 and 2021. The analysis showed that the largest number of tourist information centers is in Zakarpattia Oblast. The largest number of TICs operate in the western regions of the country – 47. In particular, 17 TICs operate in Zakarpattia Oblast, nine in Lviv Region, of which four are located in Lviv, seven in Ivano-Frankivsk Region, and four TICs each in Ternopil and Khmelnytskyi Oblasts. in Volynska – three, in Rivne – two, in Bukovyna – one. It is noted that, according to the State Tourism Development Agency of Ukraine, the Lviv Region has been the leader in tax revenues from the tourism industry for the second year in a row. It was determined which aspects include the activities and services of the tourist information center, namely: provision of information; route planning; booking and support; promotion: information centers can act as promoters of the region's tourism potential. They can organize events, exhibitions, presentations, festivals aimed at attracting tourists and popularizing the region; assistance and consultations; selling souvenirs.

Reservoir Characterization of Jeribe and Euphrates Formations in Qaiyarah OilField

Three-dimensional static model is a crucial key for a reservoir heterogeneity representation and an initial evaluation of the hydrocarbon in place, thus for a success field development, an accurate reservoir characterization is a fingerprint for the decision making. The initial goal of this study is to generate a static model for Jeribe and Euphrates formations in Qaiyarah oil field to investigate the distribution of the discrete and continuous proprieties such as, permeability and water saturation, in sequence, recognizing the value of the reserve to identity the ability of developing this reservoir as a final decision for future investment. The sever hetrogeneity and complexity of Qaiyarah oil field were the main challenges confronted through the static model building, in consequence, this paper repesents a fingerprint for the future studies in this area. The conceptual methodology in this research includes the integration of the well log data and final well reports to construct the three-dimensional model through log interpretation, sequential simulators, and properties upscaling. Initial volumetric calculations were performed mainly based on the petrophysical properties distribution of eight wells and oil water contact level. Accordingly, the hydrocarbon volume in place were estimated in the two pay reservoirs under study Jeribe and Euphrates formations. The results showed that Euphrates Formation has dominated by the largest portion of reverse (554*106 Sm3), while Jeribe Formation has lower volume of oil initially in place about 194 *106 Sm3.

POLITICAL REFORM OF NATIONAL ECONOMIC LAW (Analysis of the Impact of Globalisation on National Investment Law)

<em>The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between investment law and state sovereignty, and subsequently formulate a framework for future national investment law policies aimed at promoting economic growth and safeguarding sovereignty. The present study is characterized as normative in its methodology, employing both a statutory and conceptual approach. The findings indicate that investment plays a significant role in enhancing both the economy and employment expansion. Governments globally are engaged in a competitive effort to establish an improved business climate that facilitates investment activities. However, it is imperative to restrict this endeavor and prioritize domestic capital, as evidenced by the 1966 MPRS Decree. This directive provides guidance to Indonesian policymakers that foreign investment or aid should not be disregarded for its role in developing the struggling Indonesian economy. Nevertheless, it is crucial to first rely on the potential of domestic resources as a means of generating development funds. This approach ensures that the availability of foreign funding sources does not lead to dependence on external parties. Furthermore, foreign sources of funds must be utilized for the benefit of the domestic economy. Foreign investment in Indonesia must also be subjected to limitations in this context</em>

Decoding financial choices: Investigating factors influencing the investment dynamics of the working women

The landscape of earnings has become commonplace with evolving social, cultural, personal, psychological, and environmental variables empowering women to earn on par with men. In response to the increasing economic factors, it has become imperative for women to invest, safeguarding against present and future uncertainties. This study aims to scrutinize, identify, and evaluate the investment behavior and decision-making processes of women investors. Traditionally, future investment decisions were exclusive to men, but in today’s world, women are gradually assuming this role. Recognizing the distinct financial habits of men and women, this study endeavors to explore the factors influencing the investment behavior of working women from their perspective. Data were gathered from 385 working women in Chennai City using the snowball sampling technique. The data were analyzed through exploratory factor analysis, and the investment behavior of working women was examined across five major dimensions: investment awareness, investment attributes, investment preference, investment decision, and investment satisfaction. The study findings indicate that sub-factors within each dimension significantly influence the investment behavior of working women.

Research on the Pension Investment Decision: Case of a Firefighter

As the worldwide phenomenon of ageing continues, retirees' spiritual and material requirements are receiving increasing attention. It is essential to utilize pensions, which serve as the most significant financial resource for retirees, in a reasonable manner to safeguard their later life's well-being. This study focuses on fire protection in Florida, USA, to investigate how different life expectancy groups should effectively invest their pensions. The investigation employs the FAMA three-factor model and incorporates the Sharpe ratio to simulate and appraise the investment outcomes. The investigation demonstrates that opting for an annual pension is the suitable option when a retiree has a lengthy life expectancy or aspires towards a dependable and cautious retirement. However, retirees with a pessimistic health status, those from regions with poor health conditions or those who want to lead a more adventurous lifestyle in their later years could benefit the most from taking a lump sum pension. This paper aims to provide individuals with references and advice on managing their pensions wisely and correctly to safeguard their financial security. Enterprises, government, and the state should consider providing sensible guidance to the vast retirement group. This paper requires some enhancements which include exploring specific occupations as well as the inadequate prediction of future investment portfolio returns by the FAMA three-factor model.

Crowdfunding as a socio-economic opportunity for state support

In the current economic environment, most enterprises have been affected by the political, economic, social situation in the country and the quarantine restrictions of 2019-2021. In the context of the development of computerization and informatization, the role of crowdfunding as an alternative way of financing creative ideas, startups, innovations, new technologies, and socially significant projects is growing. The purpose of the study is to reveal the essence of the concept of crowdfunding, its formation and development in Ukraine. The study is based on theoretical generalization, comparative analysis, methods of analysis and synthesis, which made it possible to argue the prerequisites for the successful development of crowdfunding in Ukraine and the directions of its state legislative management. It is found that crowdfunding is a tool for financing small or medium-sized business projects through an open call on the basis of social networks or the Internet, having a material or moral basis for the interest of potential investors. The principles that are characteristic of crowdfunding in terms of targeting, investor interest in the project, publicity, and the benefits of the future investor are outlined. Thanks to the SWOT analysis conducted in the study, the types of crowdfunding business models were revealed. The criteria for assessing the level of development of crowdfunding are proposed: the degree and timeliness of information support, the level of activity, diversification of platform types, interaction of the resource with the banking sector, the level of public awareness, the level of government influence. The state regulatory policy on crowdfunding in different countries is analyzed and its financial management in Ukraine is proposed. It is established that in the conditions of insufficient financial resources, crowdfunding is a qualitative alternative to standard investment methods, and its main environment of subjects in Ukraine is medium-sized enterprises. The practical value of the study is to identify the factors that impede the development of an alternative method of financing in Ukraine, as well as to provide recommendations for the further functioning of crowdfunding in the country

The Influence of Markov Chain and Properties of Principal Component Solutions in The Analysis of Share Price Movements for Stock Market

The stock market performance and operation has been widely recognized as a significantly viable investment field in financial markets. Therefore, this paper studied stochastic analysis of Markov chain and PCA in the closing share price data of Access and Fidelity banks (2016-2022) through Nigeria Stock Exchange. The share prices were transformed into 3-steps transition probability matrix solution to cover this number of years. The striking focus of this is on two merged banks where their transition probability matrix was considered. The future share prices changes were known. The criteria of obtaining four share prices which formed from the two merged banks 2x2 matrices were given and analytical solution of principal component were considered for future stock price changes. From the solution matrix of two merged banks showed that the has the best probability of price increasing in the near future: 12%, best probability of reducing in future by 22% and best probability of no-change in the near future by 21% which is a tool for proper decision making in the day-to-day management of the bank; which shows it is profit making organization and are hopeful for future investment plans both short or

ADRD: A REVIEW OF THE PATIENT-CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH INSTITUTE’S (PCORI) RESEARCH PORTFOLIO AND PRIORITIES

Abstract Given the aging of the U.S. population, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) is projected to reach 13 million by 2050. There is an urgent need for research efforts to advance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for ADRD. Furthermore, caregivers of individuals with ADRD often face distinct challenges and experience significant caregiving burden that has an impact on their well-being. To address unmet needs of individuals with ADRD and their caregivers, PCORI has invested nearly $85 million in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) focused on ADRD and has initiated several stakeholder convenings to identify future research priorities. PCORI’s ADRD portfolio of 15 CER studies includes interventions focused on caregiving, polypharmacy, telehealth, care models, and palliative care. Additionally, PCORI has funded engagement awards, dissemination & implementation initiatives, and research infrastructure projects to help facilitate the conduct and awareness of research on persons living with ADRD and their caregivers. To support continued research in this area, PCORI plans to re-issue a $50 million funding initiative on Healthy Aging with a special area of emphasis on interventions for caregivers of older adults living with ADRD. By systematically synthesizing PCORI’s portfolio and themes from stakeholder convenings in ADRD, we can identify the strengths of current investments and understand evidence gaps to guide PCORI’s future investments. This will enable us to holistically address future real-world, decisional dilemmas most important to patients, caregivers, and other stakeholders.

Behavioral Intentions of Prospective Investors in Islamic Securities Crowdfunding: Insights from the Indonesian Market

The community's and the MSMEs' need for Islamic investment instruments to expand their business has urged an innovation in Islamic finance. Islamic Securities Crowdfunding (iSCF) was first licensed to operate in Indonesia on August 19, 2021. iSCF's users continue to increase rapidly, however, the growth of investors for this instruments have not yet followed the growth of users. This study aims to analyze the characteristics and factors that influence the behavioral intention of future investors of the iSCF. UTAUT 2 was used as reference model. The results of this study indicate that only facilitating conditions and price value variables have captured a positive and significant effect on investment intention. Furthermore, the habit and investment intention show positive and significant effect on investment behavior. Therefore, these results encourage the provider of ISC to continue maintaining service to the platform users as their potential future investors, and promoting periodically the ISC products.

Improving Financial Literacy and Supporting Financial Decisions: Developing a Personalized Configurator

AbstractFinancial literacy is vital for individuals to understand their economic life cycles and make suitable financial decisions. Due to the increasing complexities, the available financial systems lack the capacity to better educate individuals to facilitate informed financial decision-making. In this study, we capitalize on the configuration principles for creating customized products and services and develop a personalized financial configurator, aiming to better educate individuals for their pension-related decision-making. The personalized financial configurator is developed based on a three-tier distributed system architecture and can generate diverse personalized outputs, e.g., future financial asset changes, future investment potentials for retirement, and recommendations. The outputs together with recommendations facilitate individuals to make informed pension-related decisions, e.g., suitable retirement ages and suitable investment strategies. Hence, the results demonstrated that the personalized financial configurator can better educate individuals by providing personalized data and information, thus facilitating their informed pension-related decision-making.

The revitalization of endangered heritage buildings:A decision-making framework for investment and determining the highest and best use in Egypt.

Egypt's major cities have been losing heritage and historical buildings due to neglect and misuse, prompting non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and researchers to advocate for adaptive reuse strategies to preserve the cities' heritage and identity. Adaptive reuse involves changing, modifying, or reusing a space based on community needs, business model, location, and proximity to facilities and services. Heritage buildings offer many tangible and intangible benefits that enhance financial returns, making them challenging but feasible and attractive for investors who value authenticity, uniqueness, and sustainability. This study examines how market value, acquisition opportunities, target clients, age groups, and socioeconomic status affect decision-making. A comparative analysis of three buildings in the Egyptian cities of Alexandria and Cairo is utilized to establish development guidelines and decision-making parameters that significantly impact project design and building functions to determine the highest and best use. In order to complete this study, AutoCAD by Autodesk was used for 2D drawings, SketchUp by Trimble for 3D models, Adobe Photoshop for diagram presentation, and Microsoft Office for tables and diagrams. The comparative analysis provided valuable insights into the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in developing countries. Findings highlighted how cultural heritage preservation could foster socioeconomic development. Key success factors included stakeholder and community engagement, financial viability, and architectural compatibility. The decision-making framework provides a practical tool for evaluating heritage building reuse. The analysis illustrates successful reuse strategies and considerations. Decision-making frameworks and tools offer practical guidance for future investments and decisions. These findings affect heritage conservation and urban development policymakers, planners, and investors. Stakeholders can make informed decisions and implement strategies to preserve cultural and environmental value by realizing challenges and opportunities. This study hopes to inspire more research and help preserve and revitalize heritage buildings in developing countries, preserving their cultural and socioeconomic value.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ НОВОЇ СИСТЕМИ ЦІНОУТВОРЕННЯ В ДОРОЖНІЙ ГАЛУЗІ ТА ШЛЯХИ ЇЇ УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ

ntroduction. The new approach to determining the cost of road works and services is adapted to international standards of costs formation in the road sector, and the changes provided by the pricing system will be implemented by all participants of the road sector. Problem Statement. The necessary conditions for new construction, reconstruction, repair and maintenance of public roads financed from the budget are to ensure that their cost is determined in accordance with the principles of market pricing and using free prices, timely and correct settlements, as well as meeting all deadlines and high-quality road works and services. That is why the pricing model, taking into account its peculiarities, needed to be improved and brought in line with modern European norms and standards. At the same time, the approach to determining the cost of future investment projects for new construction, reconstruction, repair and maintenance of public roads should be based on uniform rules and methods that are formed taking into account state, territorial, public and private interests.

The real estate time-stamping and registration system based on Ethereum blockchain

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in real estate investments that utilize blockchain technology. Traditional real estate investments usually involve third-party intermediaries for verifying and recording informal real estate transactions. This paper proposes a blockchain-based real estate investment model and presents a detailed description of the real estate register authentication aspect of the model. The model uses blockchain technology to create tamper-evident records of real estate transactions and provide secure authentication and verification for informal real estate transactions. Meanwhile, each real estate transaction is recorded in a block, and all transaction records are kept on the blockchain. This means that inventors can access these transaction records and verify their authenticity and validity. The system can also use smart contracts to automate the process of real estate transactions, which further improves transaction efficiency and reduces costs. Furthermore, the model's timestamp and authentication mechanism can eliminate third-party intermediaries and ensure the authenticity and validity of real estate transactions through distributed ledgers and verification mechanisms. Overall, blockchain-based real estate systems offer advantages of security, transparency, efficiency, and cost reduction. With ongoing blockchain advancements, these systems are expected to play a crucial role in future real estate investment transactions.

Using broadband infrastructure as a social sensor to detect inequities in unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explores the potential of using physical infrastructure as a “social sensor” for identifying marginalized communities. Prior work tends to explore biases in infrastructure as a retrospective “social autopsy”. Instead, our study aims to create an introspective “social biopsy”, using existing infrastructure gaps to inform how future policy and investment can address existing inequities more sharply and proactively. Specifically, this work explores the possibility of using U.S. county-level broadband penetration rates as a social sensor to predict rates of unemployment amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The result is a 2 × 2 typology of where broadband as a social sensor is sharper (or coarser), as well as prone to error (either false positives or false negatives). We further explore combining broadband with other forms of physical infrastructure (i.e., bridges, buildings, and WiFi-enabled libraries) to create a sensor “array” to further enhance detection. Overall, this work proposes an “infrastructure-as-sensor” approach to better detect social vulnerability during times of crises in hopes of enhancing resilience through providing services more quickly and precisely to those who most need it.

Future climate impacts of sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their promising performance in terms of battery cycle lifetime, safety, operating in wider temperature range, as well as the abundant and low-cost of sodium resources. This study evaluated the climate impacts of three SIBs, and compared to two LIBs under four scenarios with considering potential changes in battery performance and background productions between 2020 and 2050. To ensure a fair comparison, all batteries were modeled in the 21,700 form, and a battery dimensioning model was developed to calculate the required amount of components for each battery. We found that equal to lower GHG emissions result from the use of SIBs compared to LIBs under optimal performance scenarios. From 2020 to 2050, the climate impacts of SIBs decreased by 43–57 %. The relative contribution of the battery manufacturing process decreases from 18–32 % to 2–4 % due to the increasingly share of clean energy in the electricity grid, while the relative contribution of key battery component materials increases over time, especially for cathode active materials. These results emphasize the significance of decarbonizing the electric grid, and suggest that future investment in SIBs is promising from an environmental point of view.