Infrastructure Investment Research Articles

The Impacts of AI on Student Academic Performance at the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Tanzania, (MNMA): A Comprehensive Study

This study explores the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on academic performance at MNMA (Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy) Karume Campus. AI technologies, including adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, automated grading, and generative tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity AI, have transformed education by enhancing personalized learning and accessibility. AI-driven systems like OSIM, PEPMIS and PIPMIS facilitate staff and student performance evaluation, ensuring data-driven decision-making. Using a mixed-method design, this study gathered primary data through surveys, interviews, and observations, while secondary data was sourced from academic journals and institutional reports. Stratified sampling ensured diverse perspectives from students, faculty, and administrative staff. The study also highlights the role of computer libraries, interactive projectors, and eBooks in enriching academic experiences. Although AI improves learning processes, reduces administrative burdens, and accelerates research, challenges such as limited technological resources and insufficient training hinder full adoption. Addressing these challenges through infrastructure investment and ethical integration can maximize AI’s positive impact. This study provides insights into AI's role in education and recommends strategies for its balanced and effective use in academia

Examining the Effect of Macroeconomic, Institutional, and Capital Market Drivers on Infrastructure Investment

Examining the Effect of Macroeconomic, Institutional, and Capital Market Drivers on Infrastructure Investment

A Study on the Current Status of the Real Estate Sector in Bihar

The real estate sector in Bihar has undergone significant transformation during the period 2020 to 2025, reflecting broader economic and urban development trends within the state. This paper critically explores the current landscape of the sector, emphasizing growth centers such as Patna and Gaya. Drawing on data from recent government reports, policy documents, and market studies, the research examines key trends, including the influence of infrastructure development, demographic changes, investment patterns, and regulatory frameworks. The residential market has expanded, propelled by state and central housing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), yet remains challenged by affordability and limited access to formal housing finance. The commercial segment, though still emerging, is gradually gaining traction, especially in Patna’s retail and office markets. Meanwhile, industrial and logistics real estate has witnessed accelerated growth, supported by major infrastructure initiatives, including the Patna Metro, the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, and new warehousing hubs near Bihta and Hajipur. Government efforts such as the implementation of RERA and the promotion of smart city projects have contributed to a more structured and transparent market environment. Nevertheless, persistent obstacles such as inadequate infrastructure, land acquisition bottlenecks, limited private investment, and a predominantly rural economy continue to slow progress. Despite these challenges, emerging opportunities especially in affordable housing, logistics, and urban renewal offer a positive outlook. This study concludes that with continued policy support, improved governance, and strategic investments, Bihar’s real estate sector holds strong potential for sustainable and inclusive growth in the coming decade.

Children on wheels: Identifying crash determinants using cluster correspondence analysis.

Children on wheels: Identifying crash determinants using cluster correspondence analysis.

Association between environmental burden and cancer incidence rates across population subgroups in the United States (US).

11009 Background: With more than 2 million projected new cancer diagnoses in 2025 in the US alone, many studies have linked environmental pollutants to carcinogenesis. However, they often examine exposures in isolation, overlooking the complexity of real-world multi-exposure conditions. In this study, we investigate the impact of multiple simultaneous environmental exposures on cancer incidence rates at the county level. Methods: Data on environmental burden (for e.g. air and water pollution, toxic sites, built environment), measured using the Environmental Burden Module (EBM), were obtained from the CDC Environmental Justice Index. County-level cancer incidence rates for breast, pancreas, prostate, lung, colon, and all cancers combined were obtained from the CDC State Cancer Profiles. Multivariable linear regression models estimated the effects of EBM quartiles (Q1 as the reference, representing the lowest burden, and Q4 noting highest) on cancer incidence rates for the total population and stratified by urbanicity, sex, and age. Interaction terms between EBM quartiles and demographic variables (sex and age) were significant (p < 0.05). All results are presented as cases per 100,000 population. Results: Higher environmental burden was associated with increasing incidence rates for all cancers in Q3 (15.61 [9.45, 21.78]) and Q4 (7.87 [1.59, 14.15]) across all US counties. Breast (4.45; 95% CI [2.10, 6.80]) and prostate cancer (2.57 [1.00, 4.78]) noted strongest association in Q4. Similarly, rural counties too showed increased rates of all cancers with increasing environmental burden (Q3: 18.22 [10.56, 25.88]); Q4: 21.15 [7.41, 34.89]). In urban counties, prostate cancer incidence was higher in Q4 (4.65; [0.08, 9.22]). Among males, lung cancer incidence increased significantly in the most environmentally burdened counties (Q4: 0.45 [0.21, 0.89]). For colon cancer, while incidence rate for males decreased significantly (Q4: -0.45 [-0.91, -0.01]), it increased among females in the most environmentally burdened counties (Q4: 21.15 [14.21, 28.18]). For older individuals ( > 65y), Higher rates of all cancers combined were found in Q3 (125.70 [76.95, 174.44]) and Q4 (117.15 [68.04, 166.26]). Lung cancer incidence was especially sensitive to environmental burden – higher rates were observed in Q2 (3.99 [0.12, 7.87]), Q3 (4.88 [1.49, 8.28]), and Q4 (4.73 [1.56, 7.91]). Conclusions: Greater environmental burden was associated with increased cancer incidence rates across several cancer types with sociodemographic variation. These results indicate the need for regulatory policy and infrastructural investment aimed at mitigating these risks in targeted communities. Further research with higher-resolution data is needed to elucidate these associations and underlying etiologic mechanisms.

Application Prospects of Georgia’s Experience in the Development of Tourism in Azerbaijan

Tourism has emerged as a significant component of national economic growth and cultural diplomacy in the South Caucasus. Among the regional examples, Georgia stands out for its strategic and sustainable development of the tourism sector. This paper examines the key factors behind Georgia’s success and explores how Azerbaijan can adapt and apply similar approaches to enhance its own tourism industry. Through comparative analysis, the study highlights Georgia’s effective infrastructure investment, inclusive policy frameworks, dynamic marketing campaigns, and strong public-private partnerships. Azerbaijan, while possessing rich cultural and natural resources, faces challenges such as infrastructure gaps, policy discontinuity, and limited international visibility. The article proposes targeted solutions including regional development strategies, flexible pricing models, support for local entrepreneurs, and joint Caucasus tourism routes. The research underscores the importance of adapting Georgia’s experience to Azerbaijan’s unique context, with a focus on long-term planning and stakeholder engagement. By learning from Georgia’s tourism trajectory, Azerbaijan has the potential to become a leading regional tourism hub, diversify its economy, and strengthen its global cultural presence.

Debt by rules: Recrafting impact of infrastructure investments and business cycles on debt sustainability

Debt by rules: Recrafting impact of infrastructure investments and business cycles on debt sustainability

Development of a Holistic Wellbeing Framework and Conceptual Model for Infrastructure Investment: A Comprehensive Approach to Performance Monitoring for Intergenerational Wellbeing Outcomes in New Zealand

Development of a Holistic Wellbeing Framework and Conceptual Model for Infrastructure Investment: A Comprehensive Approach to Performance Monitoring for Intergenerational Wellbeing Outcomes in New Zealand

How do water utilities' decisions perpetuate theft in informal settlements? Collaborative systems analysis in Accra, Ghana.

How do water utilities' decisions perpetuate theft in informal settlements? Collaborative systems analysis in Accra, Ghana.

Systematization of Nursing Care for the Elderly in Primary Health Care: An Integrative Literature Review

Background: The global increase in life expectancy has intensified the demand for qualified health services aimed at the elderly, particularly within Primary Health Care (PHC). In this context, the Systematization of Nursing Care (SNC) emerges as a fundamental strategy to guide professional practice, ensuring comprehensive, individualized, and continuous care. SNC enables structured nursing actions through standardized methodologies, contributing to the promotion, prevention, and management of health conditions in older adults. Despite its recognized importance, challenges in its application persist, especially in PHC settings, where resource limitations and professional training gaps can hinder its full implementation. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the evidence available in the literature on the Systematization of Nursing Care (SNC) aimed at caring for the elderly in Primary Health Care (PHC). Methods: This is an integrative bibliographic review, with a qualitative approach, carried out between March and April 2025, with searches in the SciELO, LILACS, BDENF and PubMed databases, using descriptors such as “elderly”, “primary health care” and “systematization of nursing care”. Were included 14 articles published between 2019 and 2024, in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Results: The results were organized into three categories: (1) systematized approaches in nursing consultations for the elderly, highlighting the importance of multidimensional assessment and the construction of a care plan; (2) instruments and technologies applied to SNC, such as the use of Electronic Medical Records, CIPE® and mobile applications, which promote standardization and continuity of care; and (3) challenges faced in implementing SNC, such as work overload, lack of specific protocols and deficiencies in professional training. Conclusion: It is concluded that SNC is an essential strategy to qualify care for the elderly in PHC, but its effective implementation still depends on investments in training, infrastructure and valorization of the nursing process. Strengthening these practices is essential for the construction of comprehensive, effective and humanized care, especially in view of the aging population.

Sustainable Supply Chain Mapping of Nipa Palm Products: Insights from Khanap Nak, Thailand

In Thailand, nipa palm (Nypa fruticans Wurmb) is considered a plant of great value to communities due to its social, environmental, and economic benefits. Effective management of the supply chain of products derived from nipa palm resources is essential to providing communities with suitable channels for selling each type of product and deriving maximum benefits. This study sought to map the supply chain structure of six different nipa palm products. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 farmers and 20 middlemen engaged in nipa palm cultivation and marketing. The analysis focused on the characteristics of the products, challenges associated with production and marketing, and the current supply chain dynamics. The findings revealed that among six products, palm sugar had the highest production volume. The most significant challenges identified were related to labor shortages and limited marketing channels. To achieve sustainable supply chain management, it is crucial to maintain a balance between the supply and demand of nipa palm products. This study recommends exploring appropriate marketing channels for each product, with particular emphasis on online platforms that allow communities to sell directly to consumers without intermediaries. Moreover, the findings underscore the importance of sustainable supply chain management at the community level, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency and income generation. They also highlight the need to expand knowledge and propose policy support for existing community enterprises through targeted investment in infrastructure, skill development, and the promotion of inclusive, community-based marketing strategies.

Leveraging AI for real-time sustainable supply chain visibility: Benefits and implementation barriers

This study explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing real-time sustainable supply chain visibility, addressing its benefits and implementation challenges. With supply chains becoming increasingly complex and globalized, the need for transparency, efficiency, and sustainability has never been greater. AI-powered systems offer transformative potential by enabling real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making, which improve operational efficiency and support sustainability goals. However, the adoption of AI in supply chains faces significant barriers, including high costs, data integration challenges, resistance to change, and ethical concerns. The research employs a comprehensive literature review to analyze existing studies on AI applications in supply chain management, focusing on demand forecasting, logistics optimization, waste reduction, and sustainability. The study identifies key benefits of AI, such as improved decision-making, enhanced transparency, cost reduction, and environmental impact mitigation. It also highlights critical implementation challenges, such as financial constraints, data quality issues, workforce upskilling needs, and cybersecurity risks. Key findings reveal that AI can significantly enhance supply chain visibility and sustainability but requires strategic planning, investment in infrastructure, and collaboration among stakeholders. The study concludes that while AI holds immense potential for transforming supply chains, addressing implementation barriers and ethical considerations is crucial for its successful adoption. Future research should focus on empirical studies, long-term sustainability impacts, and the integration of AI with emerging technologies like blockchain and IoT. This paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge on AI-driven supply chain management, offering practical insights for organizations aiming to leverage AI for sustainable and resilient operations.

Unexpected investment boost: a climate stability perspective

ABSTRACT Social investment catalyzes inclusive and sustainable growth. This research investigates the effects of climate stability on private infrastructure investment (PII) with global panel data. We find that climate stability is of great significance for attracting PII. This finding holds up under a series of robustness tests, especially after treating the Green Climate Fund as an exogenous shock. We have further validated two mechanisms, including social conflict and a potentially opposite mechanism, the donation motives. Finally, we utilize the data at the firm level to prove that climate stability also has a positive impact on private sector investment. The results of this study are of particular relevance for policymakers who are provided with a novel perspective to attract infrastructure investment of climate stability.

Barriers to digital participation in developing countries: Identifying technological, social, and cultural obstacles to community involvement

Digital technologies hold significant promise for fostering inclusive development in low- and middle-income countries, yet many communities remain excluded due to persistent barriers to digital participation. This study investigates the technological, social, and cultural obstacles that prevent equitable access and engagement with digital tools. Key technological barriers include inadequate internet infrastructure, high costs of connectivity and devices, and unreliable electricity, which collectively hinder digital inclusion in rural and underserved areas. Social inequalities such as gender disparities, low income, advanced age, and disability further exacerbate exclusion, while cultural factors—including mistrust in digital systems, language barriers, and limited digital literacy—discourage meaningful engagement. Drawing on a review of relevant literature and case studies, the study finds that these barriers are often interlinked, creating a cycle of digital marginalization. Even where access is available, low usage rates are attributed to the lack of locally relevant content and support structures. The findings highlight that addressing digital exclusion requires more than infrastructure investment; it demands inclusive design, culturally appropriate digital education, and active collaboration among governments, civil society, and private actors. Ultimately, this research emphasizes that closing the digital divide is critical not only for individual empowerment but also for the broader goals of sustainable and equitable development.

Dead ends and new beginnings: emerging actors, competing interests, and development claims in the Eastern Nile Basin

ABSTRACT This study examines the evolving hydropolitics of the Eastern Nile Basin, where entrenched deadlocks are giving way to new dynamics shaped by emerging actors, competing interests, and ambitious development agendas. Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), South Sudan’s rise as a riparian state, and the increasing involvement of external powers—such as China and Gulf States—are collectively challenging Egypt and Sudan’s long-standing hydro-hegemony anchored in colonial-era treaties. Adopting a qualitative approach that integrates primary and secondary data, the study is grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Hydro-Hegemony, Hydropolitics, and Institutional Theory to explore the shifting balance of power, conflict, and cooperation in the basin. The findings underscore GERD’s significance in redefining upstream sovereignty and identify South Sudan’s development ambitions as a growing factor in regional water politics. The study critiques the continued reliance on the outdated 1929 and 1959 Nile Waters Agreements and exposes the limitations of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) in managing divergent interests. Moreover, it highlights how external investments in agriculture and infrastructure exacerbate competition, often sidelining equitable governance. The study concludes that sustainable water governance requires revitalizing the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), adopting adaptive and inclusive management strategies.

INFLUENCE OF HOSPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE ON QUALITY HEALTHCARE SERVICE PROVISION AT KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL

Quality healthcare service provision is pivotal for achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in national referral hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. This study aimed to identify determinants influencing quality healthcare provision at KNH, focusing on human resources, infrastructure, system optimization, and health financing. This paper focuses on the influence of hospital infrastructure on quality healthcare service provision at Kenyatta National Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, targeting 5,779 healthcare workers with a stratified random sample of 374. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires, achieving an 88.2% response rate (n=330). Reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s α=0.811. Descriptive statistics revealed a high level of agreement regarding the influence of infrastructure, with mean scores exceeding 3.0. Inferential analysis showed a significant positive relationship between hospital infrastructure and quality care (r=0.445, p<0.01). Furthermore, logistic regression identified infrastructure as the strongest predictor of quality healthcare service provision (β=0.593), with the model explaining 66.8% of the variance (Cox & Snell R²=0.668). The findings underscore the pivotal role of hospital infrastructure investment in enhancing service quality at KNH. The study recommends prioritizing infrastructure upgrades as a strategic pathway to improve patient care outcomes and operational efficiency. Keywords: Hospital Infrastructure, Quality Healthcare Service, Healthcare Workers

The societal impact of AI and big data in financial services

The financial services industry is experiencing profound transformation through artificial intelligence and big data technologies. This article examines how platforms like Cloudera enable financial institutions to harness vast data quantities, creating both opportunities and challenges for society. The integration of these technologies democratizes access to sophisticated financial tools previously limited to wealthy individuals and large corporations, with alternative data sources enabling more accurate credit scoring and personalized services for underserved populations. Simultaneously, AI-driven risk management systems strengthen market stability through enhanced predictive modeling, early warning capabilities, and network risk assessment. However, these advancements raise significant ethical considerations including algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and opacity in decision-making processes. The article explores policy implications across regulatory frameworks, international coordination, workforce development, and digital infrastructure investment, emphasizing the need for balanced approaches that foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection and market stability.

Real-time stream processing engines: Architectural analysis and implementation considerations

This article provides an in-depth architectural analysis of three leading stream processing engines: Apache Spark Streaming, Apache Flink, and Kafka Streams. As organizations increasingly rely on real-time data processing capabilities to drive decision-making, understanding the fundamental architectural differences between these technologies has become crucial for successful implementation. The analysis explores how Spark Streaming's micro-batch approach prioritizes throughput and integration with the Spark ecosystem, while Flink's true streaming design enables minimal latency and sophisticated event-time processing. Kafka Streams represents a distinctly different architectural approach as a client-side library rather than a cluster computing framework, offering significant operational simplicity for Kafka-centric environments. Through examination of performance characteristics, fault tolerance mechanisms, state management approaches, and real-world applications, this article provides a conceptual framework for technology selection based on specific use case requirements, existing infrastructure investments, and operational constraints. The findings highlight that no single framework optimally addresses all streaming requirements, with organizations increasingly adopting multi-architecture approaches tailored to specific data processing needs.

Dietary, Financial, and Bioethical Analysis of The New Brazilian National Basic Food Basket

Objective: To compare the former and the new Brazilian basic food basket, considering cultural, nutritional, and economic aspects. Theoretical Framework: The research was grounded in the principles of intervention bioethics, particularly the 4 Ps (prudence, prevention, precaution, and participation). It also addresses themes such as healthy eating, food culture, environment, and public policies aimed at health and food security. Method: A quantitative approach was used, with data collection carried out in supermarkets in the city of Caçador, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The items in the basic food basket were evaluated in terms of cost and nutritional value. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and interpreted through the lens of bioethics based on the 4 Ps. Results and Discussion: The new basic food basket showed important advancements in public health by including a greater variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while excluding foods containing trans fats. These changes reflect a growing concern with the rise of chronic diseases in Brazil, such as diabetes and obesity, and promote the consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods. Research Implications: The findings suggest that the reformulated food basket has the potential to improve public health indicators, provided it is supported by effective public policies. Investments in infrastructure, support for local production, and greater transparency in the management of social programs are needed to ensure equitable and continuous access to the new food basket. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the ongoing debate on the reformulation of the basic food basket from the perspective of bioethics and public health. It provides empirical data that highlight the importance of promoting healthier, culturally appropriate, and sustainable diets within the scope of Brazilian food policy.

Sustainable budgeting and financial planning for SDG 4 on quality education in India

This research aims to identify what financial practices are followed in Indian educational institutions to promote SDG 4 for quality education. The study employed mixed methods approaches by looking into budget allocations and stakeholder perceptions, as well as the challenges faced in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The research presents both quantitative data extracted from an extensive review of budget documents and major education indicators, as well as qualitative insights from 200 stakeholders (administrators, teachers, and policymakers) representing all five states. The study shows a very high divergence in state effectiveness of the budget, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu leading most states. It mentions challenges such as official ineptitude, exploitation, and the inequitable allocation of resources, along with recommendations that include decentralized budgeting, improved transparency, and targeted investments in training and infrastructure for teachers. The study assesses that it would require systemic reforms and context-tailored approaches to align financial planning with SDG 4.