Large Investments Research Articles

Room for Sea-Level Rise: Conceptual Perspectives to Keep The Netherlands Safe and Livable in the Long Term as Sea Level Rises

An accelerated sea-level rise (SLR) may threaten the future livability of the Netherlands. Three perspectives to anticipate this SLR are elaborated here regarding technical, physical, and spatial aspects: Protect, Advance, and Accommodate. The overall objective was to explore the tools and measures that are available for adaptation, assess their spatial impacts, and identify dos and don’ts in current spatial issues like housing, climate adaptation, infrastructure, and the energy transition. Each elaboration was performed by a consortium consisting of representatives from private parties (engineering consultancy, project contractors, (landscape) architects, economists), knowledge institutes (including universities), and government, using an iterative process of model computations and design workshops. The elaborations made clear that a realistic and livable future perspective for the Dutch Delta continues to exist, even with a maximum analyzed SLR of 5 m, and will consist of a combination of elements from all three perspectives. This will require large investments and space for new and upgraded water infrastructure and will have large impacts on land use, water availability, agriculture, nature, residential buildings, shipping, and regional water systems. There is still a significant degree of uncertainty regarding future SLR; therefore, it is not advisable to make major investment decisions at this time. Nevertheless, some no-regret measures are already clear: continuation of the protection of the Randstad agglomeration (Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht) and its economic earning potential for future generations, adaptation of agriculture to more brackish and saline conditions, designation of space for additional future flood protection, extra storage capacity (for river discharge and increased precipitation), river discharge, and sand extraction (for future coastal maintenance). The research identified concrete actions for today’s decision-making processes, even though the time horizon of the analysis captures centuries. Including the perspectives in long term, policy planning is already necessary because the transition processes will take decades, if not more than a century, to be implemented.

The Disease and Economic Burden of HBV and HCV in Ethiopia.

As the second most populated country in Africa, Ethiopia needs public health measures to control diseases that impact its population. The goal of this study is to analyse disease burdens of HBV and HCV, while also highlighting their estimated associated costs for the country. A literature review and a Delphi process reflecting input of Ethiopian experts and the National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group were used to complement mathematical modelling to estimate HBV and HCV disease and economic burdens. Two scenarios were created for HCV: 2023 base and WHO elimination. For HBV, three scenarios were created: 2023 base, WHO elimination and universal birth dose. Using current country costs, each scenario was also examined through an economic lens. There were an estimated 7.6 million HBV infections in 2023. To impact transmission, a universal birth dose and pregnant women screening program would allow Ethiopia to vaccinate approximately 3.9 million infants annually, with a budget of $4.68 million USD, meeting the WHO prevalence elimination target (≤ 0.1% in ≤ 5-year-olds) by 2043. Ethiopia had an estimated 690,000 HCV infections in 2023. To achieve HCV elimination, the country would need to expand screening and treatment to 74,000 individuals annually with a peak budget of $12 million USD per year until 2032, decreasing to less than $2 million USD in 2035. Ethiopia can begin making steps towards elimination of HBV through expansion of birth dose vaccination. However, larger investments will be needed to scale-up treatment and diagnosis interventions for both diseases.

A Systematic Literature Review: Business Feasibility Analysis Using Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) Methods in the Automotive Industry

This research evaluates business feasibility in the manufacturing sector using the Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) methods. Both of these methods are financial analysis tools that play an important role in making investment decisions, especially in projects that require large capital investments and face market uncertainty. The NPV method assesses the potential profit of a project based on the time value of money, while the IRR identifies the minimum rate of return required for the investment to be viable. This study uses the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to compile and analyze various studies that discuss the application of NPV and IRR in the manufacturing industry. By comprehensively understanding the application of these two methods, it is hoped that manufacturing companies can conduct more accurate investment assessments and maximize the sustainability of business projects.

Crowdsourcing and digitization as a tool for creating sustainable development - a case study of public administration

Goal: Building stable infrastructure and promoting innovation is the ninth goal of sustainable development. It is implemented, among others, by increasing access to information and communication technologies and providing affordable and universal access to the Internet. The aim of the article is to assess the current level of access to broadband Internet and the possibility of its faster dissemination using a crowdsourcing platform, a new solution used by public administration in Poland. The platform involves the public and shows public administration's experience in using it to ensure wide public access to broadband Internet, which translates into the implementation of sustainable development goals thanks to the digitisation of socio-economic processes. Research method: The study used a comparative analysis of indicators in the area of information and communication technologies collected by the Central Statistical Office and a case study of the use of a crowdsourcing (internet) platform called SIDUSIS (Information System on Access to Fixed Broadband Internet Services) to optimise the implementation of investments in the development of broadband Internet in Poland. The analysis of the implementation effects and the indication of the impact of digitalisation on sustainable development goals allowed us to indicate the validity of using the concept of crowdsourcing and crowdsourcing platforms not only in the activities of enterprises but also in the activities of public administration in Poland. Conclusions: The analysis of literature and quantitative data allowed us to indicate that the development of access to broadband Internet is one of the factors accelerating the implementation of sustainable development goals and to indicate the effective use of the idea of crowdsourcing to modernise infrastructure. Originality/value/implications/recommendations: So far, the idea of crowdsourcing, as well as crowdsourcing platforms, has been used mainly in the enterprise sector and in public administration to promote the idea of citizen budgets. The experience gained has shown that it is justified to involve society in increasing the availability of broadband Internet. This does not require large investment outlays and allows decision-makers to quickly identify problems with this accessibility and optimise work in this area.

INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS OF UKRAINE AND EU SUPPORT DURING CRISIS PERIODS

The study of Ukraine’s investment attractiveness during periods of crisis highlights the significant influence of external factors on the investment situation in the country, particularly regarding the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In the context of global and local crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s military invasion, Ukraine’s economic situation has experienced significant fluctuations, which have reflected on the investment climate. European Union countries play a key role in providing financial support, which is an important factor in stabilizing Ukraine’s economy during this period. The aim of this research is to assess investment flows from EU countries and the investment attractiveness of Ukraine during crisis times. One of the key aspects of the study is analyzing the dynamics of FDI from EU countries. During the analyzed period, the volume of investments fluctuated significantly, indicating the instability of the investment environment. The largest investments in Ukraine come from the Netherlands and Germany, indicating the long-term interest of these countries in the Ukrainian market despite the crisis periods. Despite difficulties, 57% of companies already operating in Ukraine plan to continue their investments, and 79% are ready to contribute to the country’s reconstruction after the war. This emphasizes the potential for economic recovery in the future, particularly due to international support. The methodology of the research includes both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis, particularly statistical and comparative analysis. The practical value of the article lies in identifying the main factors affecting changes in the investment situation in Ukraine during crisis periods, as well as in developing recommendations to improve the investment climate. To enhance investment attractiveness and stabilize Ukraine’s economy, it is crucial to continue reforms in the legal system, combat corruption, and improve the business climate through deregulation and simplification of administrative procedures. Additionally, Ukraine needs to actively work on infrastructure recovery plans, which will create new investment opportunities. The success of these measures depends on achieving stability and security, which form the basis for Ukraine’s economic development in the future.

Bonos verdes para financiar la inversión socialmente responsable: un análisis bibliométrico

Sustainable finance has grown in importance in recent years due to its close relationship with sustainable development and the estimated large investment needs. After a long period of near-zero interest rates, we have witnessed a change in the scenario in the last two years, so it is important to know how this may affect the transition to a sustainable economy. To approach this object of study and contextualize it, a bibliometric analysis is carried out, using the Web of Science database, on: sustainable finance, Socially Responsible Investment and green bonds. The evolution of publications, the most active countries, the most relevant institutions and authors, the most researched topics, the most cited articles and the relationship of these three areas with the Sustainable Development Goals have been analyzed, in order to try to detect trends, omissions and research opportunities. The analysis reveals that sustainable finance is highly associated with climate aspects and green bonds, that the performance of green bond portfolios and other sustainable financial assets is a widely researched issue, and that the European Union is very active in knowledge generation, also having a long history in this object of study, supported by both the regulatory and institutional framework, and driven by the European Green Deal presented by the European Commission in 2019 and the Action Plan against Climate Change of the European Central Bank in 2021.

A Reservoir Dam Monitoring Technology Integrating Improved ABC Algorithm and SVM Algorithm

A reservoir dam is a water conservancy project with large investment and high social and economic benefits, which plays an irreplaceable role in flood control, power generation, water storage, and urban water supply. There is a risk of accidents in the process of reservoir dams, so dam monitoring is an important means to achieve the safe operation of reservoirs. In this paper, taking advantage of the high-dimensional and nonlinear characteristics of dam monitoring data samples, the fusion-improved ABC (artificial bee colony) algorithm is introduced, and the SVM (support vector machine) algorithm is used to optimize the penalty factor and kernel function parameters. The test results of the ABC and SVM algorithm are relatively stable, with small fluctuation amplitude, which can continuously monitor water level, pore water pressure, dam deformation, temperature, humidity, vibration, and other indicators is less than 10%, which is significantly lower than the standard ABC algorithm, the standard ANN algorithm, and the standard SVM algorithm. The independence and characteristics of the ABC–SVM algorithm are significantly higher, and the correlation is 0.03, the RMS (root mean square) is 0.2334, which is lower than that of the standard ABC algorithm of 0.09, and the standard ANN algorithm of 0.8. The stability of the results and performance stability are analyzed, which is greater than 90%. The ABC and SVM is used to predict the displacement and deformation law of the reservoir dam.

Characteristics of security risks of large industrial investments and their management principles

Aim: Major construction and investment security is important if order to be done successfully. The aim of this article is to describe and analyses security relations of these kind of projects. Analyzing several part of security they affect the result of construction activities, risk assessment and risk mitigation, and of course to protect stake holders interests are the main directions of security activity. Secured environment also a base of achieve the expected results and activity of loss protection. Transparency, finalized workflows and tactics also can guarantee of a stable background during planning, implementation and later on final operation. Methodology: The author carried out qualitative research, using secondary data, and conducted a document analysis in order to provide a comprehensive picture of the security-related connections of major industrial investments. Empirical experience also helped the work, as the author himself participated in the management of a priority industrial investment project as a security manager. Findings: The success of priority industrial investments is significantly influenced by its level of security. Effective security activities require the active cooperation of several organizations. Transparency, meticulous security processes and methods are a kind of guarantee for ensuring a stable framework in the phases of planning, implementation and then operation. Value: Emphasizing the security risks arising during the preparation of industrial investments, involving interested organizations in the security activity, a kind of preventive security activity in order to prevent the loss of property and help the success of the project.

Transformasi Digital dan Pertumbuhan E-Commerce: Dampak, Peluang, dan Tantangan di Era Modern

Digital transformation has brought changes in the business world, especially in the e-commerce sector which is experiencing rapid growth. The existence of e-commerce supports operational efficiency, accelerates transactions, and expands market access. By 2022, this sector will contribute 64.5% to Indonesia's total digital economy. However, digital transformation also poses challenges. This study aims to explore the impact, opportunities and challenges commonly faced by businesses in facing this modern era of digitalization. This research uses a qualitative approach, secondary data obtained from various sources such as scientific journals, industry reports, and publications and then analyzed inductively with content analysis techniques. The results show that digitalization provides great opportunities for businesses to reach a wider market, optimize operational efficiency, and increase customer engagement. However, there are also challenges such as data security issues, intensified competition, and the need for large technology investments. This research is expected to provide insights for businesses and relevant stakeholders in adopting the right strategies to maximize digital opportunities while overcoming various challenges.

Investigating the Construction Procedure and Safety Oversight of the Mechanical Shaft Technique: Insights Gained from the Guangzhou Intercity Railway Project

Currently, subway and underground engineering projects are vital for alleviating urban congestion and enhancing citizens’ quality of life. Among these, excavation engineering for foundation pits involves the most accidents in geotechnical engineering. Although there are various construction methods, most face issues such as a large footprint, high investments, resource waste, and low mechanization. Addressing these, this paper focuses on a subway foundation pit project in Guangzhou using mechanical shaft sinking technology. Using intelligent cloud monitoring, we analyzed the stress–strain patterns of the cutting edge and segments. The results showed significant improvements in construction efficiency, cost reduction, safety, and resource conservation. Based on this work, this paper makes the following conclusions: (1) The mechanical shaft sinking method offers advantages such as small footprint, high mechanization, minimal environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. The achievements include a 22.22% reduction in construction time, a 20.27% decrease in investment, and lower worker risk. (2) Monitoring confirmed that all cutting edge and segment values remained safe, demonstrating the method’s feasibility and rationality. (3) Analyzing shaft monitoring data and field uncertainties, this study proposes recommendations for future work, including precise segment lowering control and introducing high-precision total stations and GPS technology to mitigate tunneling and assembly inaccuracies. The research validates the mechanical shaft sinking scheme’s scientific and logical nature, ensuring safety and contributing to technological advancements. It offers practical insights, implementable suggestions, and significant economic benefits, reducing project investment by RMB 41,235,600. This sets a benchmark for subway excavation projects in South China and beyond, providing reliable reference values. Furthermore, the findings provide valuable insights and guidance for industry peers, enhancing overall efficiency and sustainable development in subway construction.

Transportation and production collaborative scheduling optimization with multi-layer coding genetic algorithm for non-pipelined wells.

The marginal wells in low-permeability oil fields are characterized by small storage size, scattered distribution, intermittent production, etc. The construction of large-scale gathering pipelines has large investment. So the current production mode is featured by single well tank oil storage, oil tank truck transportation and manual tank truck scheduling. At present, oil well production and crude oil transportation scheduling mainly rely on manual formulation, which has poor coordination and seriously restricts the release of oil well production capacity and the reduction of transportation cost. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model representation was proposed in our previous work. The scale of the built model variables is huge, and the model solution time is long. In this paper, a genetic algorithm based on multi-layer coding is proposed. The first layer of the design code is the driving path of the oil tanker, and the second layer is the crude oil loading and unloading amount and the cumulative time. The algorithm expands the search domain by flipping, exchanging and shifting the code. In the case analysis part, the exact algorithm and the genetic algorithm designed in this paper are used to solve cases of different scales (5, 10, 30 and 200 oil wells) respectively, and the correctness and effectiveness of the algorithm are verified. The results show that, compared with the exact algorithm, the genetic algorithm designed in this paper can quickly solve a feasible scheduling scheme under different oil well scales, especially in the case of large-scale (200 wells) oil well groups. The optimal one-time result in the calculation example (200 wells) takes 1062.3s to run, and the total driving distance of all tank trucks in the obtained feasible scheme is 11280km. This study can guide oilfields to quickly formulate dispatching plans and minimize travel distances in non-pipeline well tanker dispatching.

In Harm's Way? Infrastructure Investments and the Persistence of Coastal Cities

Coasts contain a disproportionate share of the world's population, reflecting historical advantages, but environmental change threatens a reversal of coastal fortune in the coming decades as natural disasters intensify and sea levels rise. This paper considers whether large infrastructure investments should continue to favor coastal areas. I estimate a dynamic spatial equilibrium framework using detailed geo-referenced data on road investments in Vietnam from 2000 to 2010 and find evidence that coastal favoritism has significant costs. The results highlight the importance of accounting for the dynamic effects of environmental change in deciding where to allocate infrastructure today. (JEL H54, O18, P25, Q54, R11, R42, R58)

TAHAP KESEDIAAN PELAJAR TERHADAP TEKNOLOGI HIJAU DI POLITEKNIK SULTAN AZLAN SHAH

This study aims to assess the level of student readiness in facing and adapting green technology at Sultan Azlan Shah Polytechnic. Green technology, which refers to technologies that minimize negative environmental impacts, is gaining attention as a solution to the challenges of climate change and the depletion of natural resources. However, the effectiveness of implementing this technology requires a high level of readiness from all parties, including students. Some of the main issues related to green technology that need attention include awareness, access, and institutional support. Although green technology is recognized as important, the level of awareness and understanding among students is still low. This is because students may not realize the importance of green technology in their daily lives or future careers. Moreover, students' attitudes towards green technology are sometimes mixed. Some students see it as difficult or require a large investment. Such attitudes may stem from a lack of emphasis on the long-term benefits of green technology to the economy, environment, and society. This study uses a quantitative approach through the distribution of questionnaires to 71 students from Semester Five (5) of the Diploma in Business Studies and Semester Four (4) of the Diploma in Material Measurement at Sultan Azlan Shah Polytechnic. The questionnaire covers aspects of students' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and awareness of green technology. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine the level of student readiness. The results show that students at Sultan Azlan Shah Polytechnic have good knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding green technology. However, there is a slight lack of actual practice of green technology in their daily lives. Therefore, this study suggests that higher education institutions strengthen curricula related to green technology, provide more opportunities for student involvement in green technology programs, and increase awareness through educational campaigns. It is hoped that this recommendation will increase the level of student readiness and facilitate the transition to the wider use of green technology in the future.

СОСТОЯНИЕ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ ХМЕЛЕВОДСТВА В ЧУВАШСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКЕ

The brewing industry of the Russian Federation at the present stage is characterized by a high level of raw material dependence on supplies of raw materials, in particular hops, from foreign countries. The Chuvash Republic is a region that not only produces the largest volume of hops in the country, but also a territory where conditions are formed for the intensification of this important industry. Based on the study of the period of formation and development of the hop-growing industry in the region, the authors identified the reasons for the decline in hop production, most of which are directly related to the activities of brewing industry enterprises. The breakdown of production and economic ties between agricultural producers and processors has become the main reason for the crisis in the hop-growing industry of the Russian Federation. The state of the current potential for the development of hop growing in the Chuvash Republic is assessed by experts as quite stable. The region has preserved scientific and educational competencies that are implemented both in the field of selection and seed production, and in engineering and technological support; a machine-building cluster is being formed to localize the production of machines, units and equipment for hop growing. Currently, the first large investment project in hop growing in the country is being implemented in the Chuvash Republic, initiated by the Baltika brewing company. The authors believe that this investment model is key to the development of hop growing in the country, since along with the production of hops, related industries are developing, as well as new points of generation of production capacities for hop processing are being formed. The most important direction for realizing the potential for the development of hop growing is state support for the development of the industry, which covers all production and technological processes of hop cultivation and processing. Intensification of hop growing in the region is the most important task of the socio-economic development of the Chuvash Republic, as well as ensuring technological sovereignty in this industry.

Investing in a New Role to Increase Timely Morning Discharges in the Inpatient Setting

OBJECTIVE Delays in discharges have a downstream effect on emergency department admissions, wait times, intensive care unit transfers, and elective admissions. This quality improvement project’s aim was to increase the percentage of discharges before noon from a hospital medicine service from 19% to 30% over a 6-month period and sustain the increase for 6 months. METHODS Interventions included introduction of a dedicated patient flow provider (PFP), optimization of workflow, technology assistance with discharge tasks, and multidisciplinary education on patient flow. The primary outcome was percentage of discharges before noon, and secondary outcome was length of stay (LOS). The process measure compared discharges before noon with and without the PFP. Additional equity and regression analyses were completed. The balancing measure was 7-day readmissions. RESULTS Discharges before noon rose from baseline 19% to 34%. On days the PFP was present, discharges before noon were 43% vs 22% when not present. Rational subgrouping showed an initial and persistent disparity in discharges before noon for racial and ethnic minority patients and patients who use a language other than English (LOE). LOS remained stable from baseline 2.74 to 2.54 days. There was no change in 7-day readmission rate. CONCLUSION Discharges before noon significantly increased after the addition of a staff member dedicated to discharge tasks. Additional staffing represents a large investment, and additional studies are needed to quantify the financial impact of this intervention. Future targeted work to address persistent disparities in discharges before noon for racial and ethnic minority patients and those who use an LOE is also needed.

Assessing Renewable Energy Development Potential in Polish Voivodeships: A Comparative Regional Analysis

This work evaluates the renewable energy development potential of Polish voivodeships based on the TOPSIS method and spatial autocorrelation analysis. Data were obtained from the Polish Local Data Bank, covering 22 indicators in the field of economic, social, environmental, and energy related to renewable energy initiatives. The TOPSIS method was applied to construct a synthetic indicator for each voivodeship, facilitating a hierarchical ranking based on their proximity to an ideal solution representing optimal conditions. The results indicate that the Mazowiecki voivodeship leads the list in terms of renewable energy development potential, followed by Małopolskie i Pomorskie, and that this is mainly due to good economic conditions and large investments in renewable energy projects. Spatial autocorrelation analysis yielded a Moran’s I value of –0.1137 with a Z score of 0.303 and a p value of 0.752, suggesting a weak negative spatial autocorrelation that is not statistically significant. This implies that the distribution of renewable energy potential across voivodeships is largely random and is not influenced by spatial proximity. The study concludes that non-spatial factors play a more significant role in renewable energy development potential, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to allow them to focus on economic and social variables when promoting renewable energy initiatives in Poland.

The importance of the electric sector: a national and regional input-output analysis

This paper analyzes the structural evolution of the electric sector in Brazil between 2010 and 2019 using the Input-Output framework. National results show that the industry has above average production multipliers that follow Brazilian economic performance and is considered a key sector – especially due to its supply –, having linkages with all other activities that exceed the economy’s average. Given its importance, the paper analyzes the regional gains and spillovers from larger investments in the sector, revealing that the Northeast is the region with the most significant impact on production, taxes, employment, and salaries.

Renewables in Countries of North Africa: Problems and Prospects of Use

The article examines the approach of the North African countries to the development of renewable energy sources (RES). It is shown that there are a number of factors that reinforce the need for the development of renewable energy in the region, including the unstable macroeconomic situation, population growth and urbanization, climate change, the EU policy on geographical diversification of energy suppliers, and the EU’s reorientation to alternative energy sources. At the same time, energy transfer carries significant risks both for the functioning of energy systems and for the economy. The development of green energy requires large investments, often inaccessible to African countries, and access to technology; at the same time, the inclusion of renewable energy in energy systems makes the latter less stable due to the emergence of dependence on weather changes. In addition, the countries of North Africa have their own hydrocarbon resources, and the refusal to use them is simply illogical. When it comes to costs, green energy is more expensive than traditional energy. In this regard, unconditional adherence to the EU’s energy policy and climate agenda cannot be considered an optimal scenario for the countries of the region. The study showed that the countries of North Africa, having announced overly ambitious goals for the development of renewable energy, faced the inability to implement plans. In this regard, the task of developing green energy should not be more significant than the task of maintaining the functioning of the energy industry as a whole, and renewable energy sources should not replace but only complement traditional energy.

The Changing Landscape of Materials Discovery.

In this perspective, we will discuss the impact of some of the most recent advancements in materials discovery, particularly focusing on the role of robotics, artificial intelligence, and self-driving laboratories, as well as their implications for the Swiss research landscape. While it seems timely to aim for broad, revolutionary breakthroughs in this field, we argue that more incremental steps - such as, for example, fully automatic grinding of solid powders or fully automated Rietveld refinements - may have a more significant impact on materials discovery, at least in the short run. In the center of these considerations is how small, interdisciplinary groups can drive significant progress by contributing targeted innovations, such as e.g.robotic sample preparation or computational predictions. Additionally, given the large investments that are necessary for future infrastructures in materials discovery, we discuss the potential case for the establishment - in the long run - of a national infrastructure, a Swiss Materials Discovery Lab, to support automated material synthesis and advanced characterization, ultimately accelerating innovation in both academic and industrial settings.

ANALISIS PENGARUH LITERASI KEUANGAN, INKLUSI KEUANGAN, DAN PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN INVESTASI GENERASI Z DI KOTA KENDARI

Generation Z is one of the groups of society with the largest number and workforce. Based on data from the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI), Southeast Sulawesi Province shows a positive trend in people investing. The number of investors will increase by 43.3% in 2022-2023 and the largest investors are those belonging to Generation Z. This is due to financial literacy and financial inclusion so that they are more aware of managing their finances to invest in safer and better places. This research uses a quantitative approach with a causal associative method. The number of respondents in the research was 97 respondents. The results in this study show that all variables (exogenous and endogenous) have a significant influence.