Healthcare delivery in Senegal is hindered by a limited, unequally distributed healthcare workforce, and by inadequate infrastructure which negatively impacts access to quality care and good health outcomes. Despite efforts to improve healthcare delivery through Universal Health Coverage (UHC), progress remains insufficient. We investigated the living and working conditions of Senegalese healthcare workers (HWs), specifically their representations and experiences of the implementation of UHC programs. The ANRS-12399 Soignants Senegal study focused on HWs, including community HWs, working in health posts, health centers, regional and national hospitals, located in urban and rural areas. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with doctors and with new (preceding 12months) arrivals (any HR type). Instead, separate semi-structured focus groups were conducted for non-doctor HWs who had graduated in a chosen technical field (e.g., nurses) and non-graduate HWs (e.g., community HWs). The sample comprised 60 HWs; median age was 34years (IQR [29.5-37.5]). Those with administrative responsibility were more likely to have an understanding of the UHC's various programs. UHC implementation had led to debt for care structures, poorer working conditions because of a deterioration of the patient-HW relationship through unexpected out-of-pocket costs for supposedly free services, delayed salary payment, and drug stock-outs. Moreover, job tenure was shorter in rural areas and for doctors, indicating the attractiveness of urban workplaces and greater doctor mobility, respectively. Reasons for leaving rural positions included dissatisfaction because of poor recognition, limited opportunities for career development, equipment and training infrastructure shortages, distance from one's family, and the absence of financial incentives. HWs working in urban settings faced more equipment maintenance issues, but were less likely to leave their position. Different knowledge acquisition desires drove mobility to and from rural areas; seeking stable contracts motivated HWs to work in rural areas. HWs working in rural Senegal face greater challenges. Deciding whether to work there entails more than financial considerations. Although UHC is not the origin of HWs' poor working conditions in the country, it exacerbates them. Addressing the difficulties HWs face in rural Senegal is essential to ensure retention and better implementation of UHC's various programs.

Purpose Large organizations receive numerous daily maintenance requests that must be assessed efficiently. Facility managers need rapid support to detect critical conditions and reduce functionality losses. A key performance indicators (KPIs)-based approach is introduced to quantify the relevance of intervention requests from a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). This work aims to develop quick metrics to help facility managers monitor relative impacts across different locations and activity types. Design/methodology/approach A data set of about 17,000 maintenance requests from an Italian university was analyzed. Each request was categorized by activity type (based on Omniclass classification), priority and programmability. This information is combined through the analytical hierarchy process to define a Relevance Index (RI) measuring the impact of different building clusters on the overall health status of facilities. Findings RI provides a rapid overview of corrective maintenance needs and performance levels. Critical conditions are identified and compared, quantifying that the larger and most crowded buildings cluster (i.e. engineering faculty buildings) has the highest impact. Practical implications RI can be integrated within CMMS (and customized for other large organizations) to provide facility managers with a data-driven tool for evaluating requests relevance and facilities health status, ultimately contributing to safer and more functional workplaces. Originality/value The proposed methodology fills the current gap in rapid metric for automatically assessing the relevance of maintenance issues across building stocks. By translating unstructured maintenance requests into a quantifiable RI, the framework strengthens facility managers decision-making and benchmarking within and between assets.

High-altitude border infrastructure warrants consideration as an instrument of critical force multiplier that increases the ability of the military to be mobile, sustaining and ready to act. This paper discusses the strategic value of a road network, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), road network within Himachal Pradesh, an important industry of the Indian northern frontier. It adopts a qualitative mixed-methods approach, drawing on secondary literature, policy reports, and case study analysis. The paper assesses the role of the road and tunnel infrastructure in the military logistics under the extreme terrain condition. The problem of the research is the conflict between the deepening of the strategic continuity and the limitations of weak Himalayan geography, such as landslides, avalanches, and seasonal destabilization. Results show that the BRO infrastructure has a great impact on cutting response time by a huge margin, improvement of accessing it all year long and increasing logistical efficiency thus intensifying force projection. But long-standing resilience weak spots, including vulnerability of infrastructure, maintenance issues and incompetence in governance, constrain its performance as a continuously enhancing force multiplier. The paper goes on to point out socio-environmental trade-offs that are coupled with infrastructure development at a high-speed. The policy implications have included the idea that the engineering solutions should be resilient; the civil-military planning undertakings should be combined with the infrastructure governance based on the life-cycle to guarantee the existence of the high-altitude environments in operational terms.

The preservation of heritage buildings while maintaining structural integrity and functional usability presents a challenge in protecting cultural and historical value. This research examines old timber mosques in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, which are increasingly threatened by decaying materials and insufficient safety protocols. The main objectives are to evaluate the safety conditions and determine possible preservation methods for these valuable heritage structures. Five (5) mosques have been qualitatively examined via field observations, systematic safety assessments and semi-structured interview protocols with related parties. Maintenance issues such as timber degradation, fire hazards, outdated electrical systems, and limited access to emergency exits are the lead causes of safety issues. The findings relate to the absence of conservation initiatives and compliance with safety regulations. This study focuses on the necessity of systematic safety assessments in historic conservation frameworks. It outlines a strategic approach to maintaining traditional authenticity while complying with contemporary safety standards, highlighting the need for community involvement in targeting sustainable heritage management.

ABSTRACT This research examined the plant of an anonymous aggregate production company, hereafter called Quarry X, focusing on how to reduce failures and improve crushing efficiency. The plant has faced unplanned downtime and decreased production capacity, necessitating an assessment and proactive maintenance strategy. Key performance indicators were calculated, revealing an efficiency of 43.9%, a production availability of 61% (and therefore downtime of 39%), and mean time between failures of approximately 10 hours. This result highlighted ore, equipment, and maintenance issues as the main causes. Using Bruno simulation software, we devised solutions, such as replacing the pan feeder with a grizzly feeder, to increase capacity and enhance efficiency, ultimately boosting Quarry X’s production and industry competitiveness.

ABSTRACT This study examines the lived experiences of tenants residing in corporate-owned rentals (CORs) in Charlotte, North Carolina. As corporate investors increasingly dominate the single- and multi-family rental markets in Sunbelt cities, there is growing concern about how these trends affect tenants’ access to stable, affordable, and dignified housing. Drawing on 30 in-depth interviews, participant observation, and media analysis, this community-engaged qualitative research study explores why tenants move into CORs, what challenges they face, and what leads them to remain. While proximity to amenities, quality schools, and transit options initially attract residents to these properties, our findings show that the benefits are often short-lived. Many tenants frequently experience unresolved maintenance issues, poor communication with property management, rising rents, and limited housing alternatives creating a sense of entrapment. These findings highlight how corporate landlords exacerbate housing precarity and constrain broader housing goals related to affordability, choice, and long-term economic mobility. The study contributes to the housing literature by providing qualitative insights that deepen our understanding of tenant experiences in CORs and offers practical insights for policy makers and community organisations working to address housing affordability and tenant protections at the local level.

This study shows how artificial intelligence helps fix maintenance issues in oil and gas factories, tackling problems like frequent breakdowns, wasted time, or rising repair bills. Instead of guessing when machines fail, it uses smart systems - like random forest models and combined learning methods - that learn from past records, live signals from IoT gadgets, plus advice from makers to plan fixes just in time. In harsh areas where gear such as spinning pumps or heat changers runs nonstop under heavy stress, the tech checks movement shifts, heat changes, rust levels - linking these clues to predict malfunctions correctly more than 85 times out of 100, according to field tests. Results include slashing surprise halts by nearly one-seventh while boosting output efficiency by a fifth, seen at firms like Shell after they adopted AI tools that cut unexpected stoppages by a full fifth. This method cuts upkeep costs by using resources smarter - maybe saving big sites millions every year - while boosting dependability, cutting pollution risks from leaks, yet staying aligned with tough rules like OSHA’s and EPA’s. Its ability to fit different oil-based setups shows it could spread widely - even helping industries run tougher, smoother.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming medical diagnosis worldwide, but its adoption remains limited in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This narrative review aims to analyze the contributions, challenges, and prospects for integrating AI into medical diagnosis in the DRC. A comprehensive literature review was conducted in February 2025 in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, as well as reports from international organizations. Studies on the use of AI in medical diagnosis in resource-limited countries, particularly in Africa, were included without language restrictions. The selection followed a two-step process (title/abstract then full text); 103 articles were retained for qualitative synthesis. Studies show that AI enables a 12%-15% improvement in diagnostic accuracy in radiology and a 20% reduction in exam interpretation time. It also helps accelerate epidemic detection (30%-50% faster than conventional methods) and overcome the shortage of specialists in rural areas. However, its implementation in the DRC is hampered by the lack of digital infrastructure, insufficient training, and the absence of an appropriate regulatory framework. Maintenance and financing issues still limit the effective use of available systems. AI represents a major opportunity to strengthen medical diagnosis in the DRC, improving the speed and quality of care. However, effective integration requires targeted investments in infrastructure, training, and regulation. The development of national pilot projects and a solid ethical framework are essential steps for gradual and sustainable adoption.

This study shows how artificial intelligence helps fix maintenance issues in oil and gas factories, tackling problems like frequent breakdowns, wasted time, or rising repair bills. Instead of guessing when machines fail, it uses smart systems - like random forest models and combined learning methods - that learn from past records, live signals from IoT gadgets, plus advice from makers to plan fixes just in time. In harsh areas where gear such as spinning pumps or heat changers runs nonstop under heavy stress, the tech checks movement shifts, heat changes, rust levels - linking these clues to predict malfunctions correctly more than 85 times out of 100, according to field tests. Results include slashing surprise halts by nearly one-seventh while boosting output efficiency by a fifth, seen at firms like Shell after they adopted AI tools that cut unexpected stoppages by a full fifth. This method cuts upkeep costs by using resources smarter - maybe saving big sites millions every year - while boosting dependability, cutting pollution risks from leaks, yet staying aligned with tough rules like OSHA’s and EPA’s. Its ability to fit different oil-based setups shows it could spread widely - even helping industries run tougher, smoother.

On the other hand, road infrastructure has been recognized as a fundamental aspect of development, especially in developing economies where roads have been identified as a major mode of transport. Therefore, this paper seeks to discuss how effective road infrastructure contributes to the development of a country’s socio-economics, using Kenya as a case study. More specifically, this paper seeks to discuss how effective road infrastructure contributes to the development of a country’s socioeconomics in Kirinyaga County. This has been done using existing empirical evidence on the contribution of road infrastructure to economic activities, employment, agriculture, education, healthcare, and security. The findings illustrate that the development of infrastructures in the region has helped to reduce costs of transport, improve access to markets by farmers, enhance business growth, and increase household incomes. It has helped in the development of agriculture from a subsistent to a commercial sector by enhancing access to farm inputs, markets, cooperatives, and agroprocessing facilities. Additionally, it has helped in enhancing access to education and healthcare services by reducing travel time and absenteeism. Aside from the social and economic advantages, the study also emphasizes the importance of road infrastructure in relation to security concerns. Roads that are well-developed have helped to facilitate the mobility of law enforcement officers, community policing efforts, emergencies, fewer road accidents, and the protection of goods and lives. Nevertheless, the sustainability of these achievements faces challenges from concerns such as road maintenance issues, financial constraints, environmental concerns, community involvement, and the integration of security concerns. The paper reveals that road infrastructure is not just a physical entity but rather a catalyst for socio-economic growth, social development, transformation of agriculture, and security. In this respect, there is a need to plan strategically, finance adequately, and involve people while ensuring that road infrastructure is sustainable and secure to remain a catalyst for socioeconomic growth and development of regions such as Kirinyaga.

Sustainability of access to electricity through 17 functional off-grid solar photovoltaic systems after 20 years of operation in a remote wildlife sanctuary of India -a case study

As the global demand for sustainable energy intensifies in response to climate change and energy insecurity, renewable energy has become a vital component of development strategies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, where a significant portion of the population remains either unconnected to the national grid or faces unreliable electricity access, the shift toward renewable energy is not just a matter of environmental sustainability but also of economic necessity. Zambia, despite its vast hydroelectric potential, faces challenges in energy distribution and affordability, particularly in low-income urban communities. Consequently, many households are exploring renewable alternatives such as solar power to meet their energy needs. This study assessed the effectiveness of household renewable energy adoption in reducing energy-related costs within the Munali community. Specifically, the study aimed to evaluate the effects of renewable energy adoption on household energy expenditure, examined the types of renewable energy sources adopted, identified socio-economic factors associated with renewable energy adoption, established the limitations households face in transitioning from traditional to renewable energy sources and evaluated the impact of adoption on household energy costs. The study embraced an exploratory case study design, employing a mixed method approach consisting of both qualitative and quantitative methods of gathering primary data. The study employed a simple random sampling approach to ensure that every household in Munali constituency has an equal chance of being selected. Data was collected through structured surveys and interviews, utilizing standardized questionnaires. Data entry and analysis was done using STATA. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and means, were used to summarize data. Chi-square was used to determine associations between variables. The study found that renewable energy adoption in Munali Constituency was influenced by socio-economic factors such as income levels, employment status, household size, and expenditure patterns, with unreliable ZESCO supply as the main driver. Solar was the most widely adopted source, mainly for lighting, with financing largely through household savings and limited subsidies. Adoption significantly reduced household energy expenditure, enabling savings for food security, education, healthcare, and assets, though challenges of high upfront costs, limited technical support, poor product accessibility, and maintenance issues persisted. Despite these barriers, most households expressed strong willingness to fully transition if affordability, accessibility, and technical assistance were improved. The study recommends enhancing affordability of renewable energy through subsidies, low-interest loans, and flexible payment schemes while strengthening technical support by training local technicians and establishing service centers. Improving product accessibility through local manufacturing and stronger distribution networks, coupled with awareness campaigns and demonstration projects, can address knowledge gaps. Policies should encourage diverse use of renewable energy beyond lighting, supported by public–private partnerships to expand access through innovative financing models. Finally, clear regulatory frameworks and quality standards are needed to promote trust, affordability, and sustainable adoption.

The increasing adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has created a strong demand for advanced, safe, and user-friendly charging solutions. Conventional plug-in charging methods require physical connectors, which may result in inconvenience, mechanical wear, electrical hazards, and maintenance issues. To overcome these limitations, this project proposes a Smart IoT-Based EV Wireless Charging Station that enables contactless power transfer using wireless charging technology based on electromagnetic induction. The proposed system consists of a wireless power transmitter embedded in the charging station and a receiver coil mounted on the EV. When the vehicle is properly aligned over the charging pad, electrical energy is transferred wirelessly to charge the EV battery. An ESP32 microcontroller is used for system control, monitoring, and communication. Charging parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and charging status are continuously monitored and displayed locally on an LCD screen. The system is integrated with an IoT platform that allows users and administrators to remotely monitor charging status in real time through a web or mobile dashboard. Alerts are generated when abnormal conditions such as overheating, misalignment, or overcurrent are detected. The proposed system is cost-effective, safe, efficient, and suitable for smart city and future EV infrastructure applications

Abstract A plethora of factors have been identified as contributing to the current deficit in energy production and supply. These include power outages, transmission line overloads, discrepancies between energy production and demand, errors in load forecasting, meteorological phenomena, maintenance issues, cyber-attacks, and terrorist or criminal acts. The unpredictability in the production of renewable energy sources, aggravating the problem of consistently matching supply to demand in electricity grids. This article considers the possibility of a power outage over a large area of the interconnected electricity transmission system. It also presents how to prevent such a possibility, as well as the remedial actions to follow to prevent a catastrophic event such as a power outage. The safety criteria of the transmission system, the defense plans and the remedial actions that the system operator should prepare to prevent a major power outage are described. First, the major power outages that have occurred in recent years are presented and their causes are examined. In addition, it has been tried to find similarities between the past power cuts in Turkey and the state of the European electricity grid. A transmission failure simulation test environment has been developed to understand the characteristics of realistic transmission level disturbances propagated to the power system and the effects of such disturbances on the performance of conventional conservation and restoration technologies. By using both Black Start units and connection lines from neighboring system operators, it was ensured that restoration time was minimized by creating separate islands that would eventually be synchronized. In the study, a restoration strategy was presented. The proposed strategy has been tested and validated in the IEEE-39 bus system. The results proved the efficiency of the restoration strategy, as the total restoration time was sufficiently short depending on the complexity of each system, and critical loads were primarily fed.

In this article, we analyze the possibility of enhancing photovoltaic (PV) grid systems using a specialized single‐phase multilevel inverter (SMLI). This work may solve the most serious challenges of large‐scale PV grid interconnection by reducing the number of switches and improving efficiency and cost. We need to ensure grid reliability and power quality and reduce costs in order for us to integrate various renewable energy sources like solar. A lot of PV inverters share their costs with the grid. Control and maintenance issues must be addressed to accelerate adoption. In this paper, an efficient SMLI called ATOP‐WM Strategies is presented. Performance is preserved on smaller switches. It can be seen that the proposed method generates multilayer voltages as outputs with much fewer switches, resulting from exploiting advanced modulation and network design optimization. This technology reduces switching losses, simplifies hardware, and increases system efficiency. This method is worthwhile for PV grid systems. In residential and commercial PV systems, it may improve grid integration efficiency, reduce PV component costs, and enhance power output reliability. The models account for demand, sun irradiation, and network outages. The technique improves switching losses, power quality, and grid stability. Its advantages over multilayer inverters are several.

Amid the continuous efforts of the Department of Education (DepEd) to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Philippine schools, the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) serves as a crucial initiative to promote digital literacy and technology-enhanced learning. This study assessed the implementation, utilization, and practices of the DepEd Computerization Program in the Division of Roxas City during the School Year 2025–2026. The study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-method design, involving 98 ICT coordinators from public elementary, secondary, and integrated schools in the Division of Roxas City. Quantitative data were collected using a validated and reliable researcher-made questionnaire and were statistically analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Spearman’s rho for inferential testing at a 0.05 level of significance. Meanwhile, qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis following the six-phase framework of Braun and Clarke (2006). Results revealed that the level of implementation, utilization, and practices was Very High. Strong, positive, and significant relationships were found among the level of implementation, utilization, and practices of the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP), indicating that effective implementation leads to greater utilization of ICT resources. Challenges experienced in the implementation of the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) included inadequate infrastructure, unreliable internet connectivity, limited ICT proficiency among teachers, and persistent issues in equipment maintenance and security. Adaptive solutions applied by schools to address these challenges were flexible scheduling and resource sharing, stakeholder and community support, capacity building and peer mentoring, and the utilization of offline and alternative learning tools. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) requires a combination of strategic planning, technical support, teacher capacity building, and infrastructure upgrades. The Department may implement regular maintenance and technical support systems, continuous ICT training and professional development, inclusion of ICT in school improvement plans, and enhanced connectivity and equipment upgrades.

This study explores the social functioning of persons with disabilities who use modified three wheeled motorcycles as a means of mobility and daily activity support. Using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological perspective, the research examines lived experiences related to independence, social participation, and role fulfillment within the community. Data were collected through in depth interviews and observations, then analyzed thematically to identify recurring meanings and patterns. The findings indicate that the use of three wheeled motorcycles contributes positively to mobility autonomy, access to social interaction, and the ability to perform economic and social roles. The vehicle functions not only as a transportation tool but also as a symbol of independence and self confidence. However, several challenges remain, including technical limitations, environmental barriers, maintenance issues, and social perceptions. Overall, the study highlights the importance of accessible transportation in strengthening social functioning and emphasizes the need for supportive policies, inclusive infrastructure, and community awareness to enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of Europe's inland waterways as a sustainable transport solution, focusing on the modernization of infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and operational practices to enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in the face of climate change. The research addresses several key questions: What are the current challenges facing inland waterway transport in Europe, particularly in relation to climate change? How can infrastructure modernization improve the navigability and operational efficiency of inland waterways? What role does regulatory harmonization play in facilitating cross-border cooperation among stakeholders in inland waterway transport? How can digital technologies be integrated into inland waterway operations to enhance sustainability and resilience? Finally, what best practices and innovative technologies can be adopted to support the transition to greener inland waterway transport? The study identifies significant infrastructure bottlenecks and maintenance issues that hinder the efficiency of inland waterways, exacerbated by climate-induced hydrological variability. Fragmented governance structures and inconsistent regulations across member states create barriers to effective cross-border operations and stakeholder collaboration. The integration of digital technologies, such as real-time traffic management systems and predictive analytics, is crucial for optimizing operational efficiency and reducing delays. Transitioning to low-emission vessel technologies and implementing climate-resilient infrastructure can significantly reduce the environmental impact of inland waterway transport. Enhanced participation from various stakeholders, including environmental organizations and local communities, is essential for developing adaptive governance frameworks that balance economic and ecological priorities. The research concludes that Europe's inland waterways hold significant potential as a sustainable transport solution, provided that comprehensive modernization efforts are undertaken. By addressing infrastructure deficiencies, harmonizing regulations, and leveraging digital technologies, inland waterways can enhance their operational efficiency and resilience against climate change. The study emphasizes the importance of collaborative governance and stakeholder engagement in achieving these goals, ultimately positioning inland waterways as a viable alternative to traditional road and rail transport systems in the European Union's decarbonization and sustainable mobility agenda. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how inland waterways can be revitalized to meet the growing demands for sustainable transport while addressing pressing environmental concerns.

This study examines the effectiveness of Village Fund policies in promoting economic development and infrastructure improvement in Bonto Jai Village, Bissappu District, Bantaeng Regency, Indonesia, during the 2020–2024 period. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative and qualitative analyses to provide a comprehensive evaluation of policy outcomes. Quantitative data were obtained from village budget realization reports and analyzed using an effectiveness ratio comparing planned and realized expenditures. Qualitative data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews with village officials, community leaders, and beneficiaries, as well as documentation review, to capture stakeholder perceptions and implementation dynamics. The findings indicate that Village Fund utilization in Bonto Jai Village was generally effective, with effectiveness levels ranging from 90% to 98% over the study period. Infrastructure development, particularly in agricultural support facilities such as farm roads and irrigation systems, significantly improved accessibility, mobility, and productivity. In terms of economic development, Village Fund–supported programs, including the establishment of village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), microenterprise assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, contributed to local economic activity and employment creation. Furthermore, increased community participation in village deliberation forums strengthened transparency and accountability in fund management. Despite these positive outcomes, the study identifies challenges related to unequal benefit distribution, limited community involvement in BUMDes management, and infrastructure maintenance issues. Overall, the study concludes that Village Fund policies have effectively supported local development in Bonto Jai Village, while highlighting the need for improved governance capacity, inclusive participation, and sustainability-oriented planning to enhance long-term policy impact.

The airline crew scheduling problem has received extensive attention, particularly in the last 60 years. This problem is frequently divided into crew pairing and crew assignments because of its large size and the complex safety agreements and contractual rules. Several solution methodologies have been developed, but many objectives and constraints are treated approximately and research is ongoing. The process integrates crew qualifications, duty and rest limitations, aircraft types, base assignments, and seniority rules to construct legal and cost-effective schedules. Modern crew scheduling systems must also support dynamic re-optimization in response to disruptions such as weather events, aircraft maintenance issues, and crew unavailability. Advanced algorithms, including integer programming, heuristics, and real-time decision support, are increasingly used to balance operational reliability, crew satisfaction, and cost efficiency. As airlines scale operations and regulatory complexity grows, robust crew scheduling solutions play a critical role in maintaining safety, compliance, and on-time performance.