Sondu-Miriu hydropower （SMHP） project experienced delay for about five years and one of the contributing factors was delayed payment of the contractor, with ripples effect extending down the contractual hierarchy. T...Sondu-Miriu hydropower （SMHP） project experienced delay for about five years and one of the contributing factors was delayed payment of the contractor, with ripples effect extending down the contractual hierarchy. This study assessed the effects of delayed payment of the contractor on the completion of SMHP project in Kisumu County, Kenya. More specifically, the study addressed two research questions： What is the relative importance of delayed payment of the contractor compared to other forms of contractual delays？ What is the perceived effect of delayed payment of the contractor on the project＇s completion？ A causal-comparative design was adopted and primary data sourced in May 2011 from 39 senior management staff of contractual parties. Relative importance index （RII） was used to determine the relative importance of perceived effects of delayed payment of the contractor on the project＇s completion; while Kendell＇s coefficient of concordance was applied to determine the degree of agreement among participants regarding their perceived effects of delayed payment. The study found that delayed payment of the contractor affected the project by causing： loss of productivity and efficiency （71.8%）; increase in time-related costs （71.8%）; re-scheduling and re-sequencing of works （69.2%）; extension of time and acceleration （69.2%）; as well as prevention of early completion （53.8%）. The study concludes that timely payment of contractors is crucial for ensuring the continuity of works and completion of infrastructural projects within time, budget, and quality specifications. The study recommends the need for appropriate mitigative measures against potential risks, such as delayed disbursement of funds by external financiers, delayed approval of contractors＇ payment requests, as well as community participation and involvement of civil society to influence accountability in the management of project funds and expedite disbursement of funds for subsequent project phases.展开更多
Financial pressure of multifactorial etiology promises to create new obstacles for academic anesthesia departments. Integrating the priorities of the academic and clinical mission of the anesthesia department, the med...Financial pressure of multifactorial etiology promises to create new obstacles for academic anesthesia departments. Integrating the priorities of the academic and clinical mission of the anesthesia department, the medical school, and the university hospital will require that anesthesia departments operate with maximal operational efficiency. Maintenance or expansion of institutional infrastructural support of the university anesthesia department will be necessary to achieve operational efficiencies, and to ensure that the safety of our patients is in no way compromised by financial concerns. Previous studies have documented increasing need for monetary institutional supports of academic anesthesia departments [1]. The purpose of this study is to delineate non-monetary institutional support afforded to academic anesthesia departments by their University Hospitals. After IRB approval, we electronically solicited the response to a 63 question survey (43 of which were used for the present study) from all 133 chairpersons of academic anesthesia departments in the United States. The remaining 20 questions were unrelated to the topics presented in this manuscript. 62 responded electronically, for an overall response rate of 46.6%. This study establishes the current state of infrastructural support afforded to academic anesthesia departments in the United States.展开更多
A number of studies conducted in Kenya </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">internationally indicate</span>...A number of studies conducted in Kenya </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">internationally indicate</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">d</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> that most of the construction firms and contractors do not seem to strictly observe safety administration in construction industry, hence compromised performance at implementation stage of projects and even later in the post implementation or post-delivery stage. The study aimed to examine the influence of contractors’ safety record on road performance. This is to create better understanding of how the safety record of contractors could either positively or negatively influence performance of roads during post-delivery stage. The study used both descriptive survey research design and correlation design based on a pragmatic mixed method approach. Through stratified sampling and proportionate sampling, a sample of 210 was drawn from a population of 460 comprising of registered contractors and Public Service Vehicles (PSV) drivers within Nairobi County in Kenya. Questionnaires were distributed using simple random sampling. The questionnaires returned were 153 in total representing 72.8% of all questionnaires distributed to the respondents. Data was descriptively analyzed using percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviations for measuring central tendency and variability. Inferential analysis was done by use of correlation and regression. The descriptive analysis revealed that safety policy management system, insurance policy, and adequacy of standards in addressing safety outcome are to some extent practiced and adhered to. However, compliance behavior to safety procedures is still weak and requires improvement. The null hypothesis was tested and the results obtained from a simple linear regression indicated that, R = 0.657, R</span><sup><span style="font-size:12px;font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 0.431, B = 0.359, t = 10.703, F (1,151) = 114.558, p = 0.000 < 0.05. This means that contractors’ safety record has a strong positive and significant relationship with road performance and that 43.1% of variation in performance is explained by safety record. This study recommends that contractors’ safety record should be part</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and parcel of the evaluation criteria used in selection of a suitable road contractor to ensure road performance is achieved even after construction is completed. The study is significant in that it contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical data on the need for safety procedures in urban road construction and beyond.展开更多
The enlargementof government’sinvestmentinto infrastructural construction is both a help medicinecuring economiccontraction and an effective measureto accumulatelong-termeconomicgrowth..How-ever,the investmentby fina...The enlargementof government’sinvestmentinto infrastructural construction is both a help medicinecuring economiccontraction and an effective measureto accumulatelong-termeconomicgrowth..How-ever,the investmentby finance into infrastructure also has a problemof optimization and reasonable selec-tion.In view of marketeconomicrequirements,the policy direction of financial investmentinto infrastruc-tural industries must be doing somethingat the expense of some other things.In the process of the adjust-mentand optimizationof economicstructure,state financial investmentinto infrastructural facilities has to first of all solve the problemof delimitating the best fields and selecting trades.As to the infrastructure facilities producingand selling pure public products,the developmentmust be madeby financial investment;As to the productionfields of subpublicproducts,finance should ensure reasonable investment;As to the in-frastructural facilities of pure privite production,finance should completely,in principle,pull out and let marketsupply.Onthis basis,selections should be madeon best capital soureces and investmentways.The capital sources should be mainly from tax and regulational incomeand direct investmentmay be made.As to the productionfields of most subpublicproduction,the best capital sources are national debt incomeand in-direct investmentmaybe made.In addition,the optimization of financial investmentinto infrastructural fa-cilities must reform the managerialsystem of infrastructural facilities and raise investmentefficiency.On-ly by scientifically selecting and arranging the financing ways and managerialsystem in investmentfields,can the maximumeconomicefficiency and social welfare results be realized in carrying out financial invest-mentinto infrastructural facilities. [展开更多
Cloud infrastructural resource optimization is the process of precisely selecting the allocating the correct resources either to a workload or application.When workload execution,accuracy,and cost are accurately stabi...Cloud infrastructural resource optimization is the process of precisely selecting the allocating the correct resources either to a workload or application.When workload execution,accuracy,and cost are accurately stabilized in opposition to the best possible framework in real-time,efficiency is attained.In addition,every workload or application required for the framework is characteristic and these essentials change over time.But,the existing method was failed to ensure the high Quality of Service(QoS).In order to address this issue,a Tricube Weighted Linear Regression-based Inter Quartile(TWLR-IQ)for Cloud Infrastructural Resource Optimization is introduced.A Tricube Weighted Linear Regression is presented in the proposed method to estimate the resources(i.e.,CPU,RAM,and network bandwidth utilization)based on the usage history in each cloud server.Then,Inter Quartile Range is applied to efficiently predict the overload hosts for ensuring a smooth migration.Experimental results show that our proposed method is better than the approach in Cloudsim under various performance metrics.The results clearly showed that the proposed method can reduce the energy consumption and provide a high level of commitment with ensuring the minimum number of Virtual Machine(VM)Migrations as compared to the state-of-the-art methods.展开更多
Infrastructure development in Nigeria has attracted the attention of researchers in view of the attitudes of contractors and government lead-lag role playing. These attitudes led to the enactment of Fiscal Responsibil...Infrastructure development in Nigeria has attracted the attention of researchers in view of the attitudes of contractors and government lead-lag role playing. These attitudes led to the enactment of Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and Public Procurement Act 2007 to reduce internal control system deficiencies and budget indiscipline in the Nigerian public sector fiscal matters and procurement process. Ironically, despite these efforts, infrastructure development is still a problem affecting the lives of Nigerians as their poverty level is on the increase. This paper tests the effects of internal control system deficiency on contractors＇ capability in infrastructure development in the Nigerian public sector. Data drawn from a sample of 228 infrastructures were used for analysis. Two research questions on contractors＇ fiduciary obligation to government and capacity were analysed. Kendall＇s Tau-br correlation of coefficient and Chi-square X^2 statistics were employed for data analysis. Findings show that deficient internal control system strongly and directly breeds deficiency in the contractors＇ capability for infrastructure development. The paper recommends that oath of bribery should complement oath of secrecy to ensure that contractors and government agencies that are responsible for execution of infrastructure play to the rules of the ＂games＂, especially the provisions of Public Procurement Act 2007 and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. Public-private-partnership-initiative, such as build-operate and transfer method of contracting, should be encouraged to improve on contractors＇ capability and stewardship.展开更多
This paper explores a fuzzy analytic network process(FANP)approach in identifying the content of manufacturing strategy infrastructural decisions that integrates sustainability and classical manufacturing strategy fra...This paper explores a fuzzy analytic network process(FANP)approach in identifying the content of manufacturing strategy infrastructural decisions that integrates sustainability and classical manufacturing strategy framework with firm size component.The findings are as follows:(1)firms must ensure highquality product requirements with a make-to-order production system;(2)large firms must prioritize decentralization of functional areas but they must also provide higher systems integration of all production-related information to mobilize better communication channels;(3)large firms must employ highly skilled human resources in order to provide strong support on functional areas;and(4)small and medium enterprises must focus on product introduction to the market as a strategy priority area.The main contribution of this paper is the decision-making framework under uncertainty that holistically identifies the decisions that comprise a sustainable manufacturing strategy which may serve as guidelines in improving existing sustainable manufacturing practices or in creating new ones.展开更多
The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.It also marks the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.At this pivotal...The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.It also marks the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.At this pivotal juncture linking past achievements with future development,Wang Yi,member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and foreign minister,continued the longstanding diplomatic tradition under which the Chinese foreign minister makes Africa the destination of the first overseas visit of the year,a practice upheld for 36 consecutive years,underscoring the stability,continuity and sincerity of China’s policy towards Africa.展开更多
As an Indian journalist who has lived and worked in China for more than a decade,I have witnessed firsthand the astounding pace of China’s urban transformation-high-speed rail networks linking megacities,digital paym...As an Indian journalist who has lived and worked in China for more than a decade,I have witnessed firsthand the astounding pace of China’s urban transformation-high-speed rail networks linking megacities,digital payment systems reshaping daily life,smart manufacturing emerging across industrial zones,and modern infrastructure spreading nationwide.Yet,my recent eight-day media tour to Zhejiang Province o!ered a new and deeply thought-provoking perspective.展开更多
Purpose-This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Brazilian freight railway system,examining the efficacy of the current concession renewal model in light of persistent structural problems such as market con...Purpose-This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Brazilian freight railway system,examining the efficacy of the current concession renewal model in light of persistent structural problems such as market concentration,cargo dependence on export commodities and underutilization of the network.Situating Brazil within the broader international debate on railway reforms,the paper evaluates whether the ongoing early renewal of concessions can deliver a more diversified and competitive freight system.Design/methodology/approach-The study adopts a sequential mixed-methods research design that integrates longitudinal quantitative analysis with qualitative institutional and policy evaluation.The quantitative component examines time-series indicators published by ANTT,DNIT and INFRA S.A.from 1999 to 2023 to identify structural patterns in traffic growth,investment,safety and market concentration.The qualitative component employs a process-tracing logic to reconstruct the evolution of concession renewals and the implementation of Railway Law 14.273/2021,drawing on concepts from regulatory economics,institutional theory and industrial organization.These empirical streams are synthesized through an analytical framework that connects three dimensions-regulatory design,market structure and system performance-allowing for a systematic assessment of how Brazil’s institutional configuration shapes incentives,competitive dynamics and network utilization.Findings-The analysis confirms that the early renewal of concessions has successfully secured substantial private investment for capacity expansion on existing trunk lines.However,it has perpetuated the vertically integrated model,reinforcing the market power of incumbent operators and failing to significantly promote intramodal competition or cargo diversification.The system remains dominated by iron ore and agricultural commodities,with general cargo representing a minuscule share.The new authorization regime and short-line railway policies present a viable pathway for market opening but face significant operational and institutional barriers to implementation.Originality/value-This research offers a timely and critical assessment of a pivotal moment in Brazilian railway policy.It moves beyond a simplistic evaluation of volume growth to a structural analysis of market failures and the interplay between concession renewal and regulatory innovation.The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers in Brazil and other emerging economies seeking to balance private investment with public interest goals in railway infrastructure,highlighting the necessity of complementary,pro-competitive measures alongside financial investment.展开更多
In a first for the African continent,Senegal will host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games(YOG)from 31 October to 13 November.The Dakar 2026 YOG carry a strong symbolic ambition,embodied by their motto“Africa welcomes...In a first for the African continent,Senegal will host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games(YOG)from 31 October to 13 November.The Dakar 2026 YOG carry a strong symbolic ambition,embodied by their motto“Africa welcomes,Dakar celebrates.”Host Senegal sees the event as a catalyst for its influence,the modernisation of its infrastructure,and the mobilisation of its youth.展开更多
Hainan is transforming into a world-class hub,with expanded free trade policies,robust infrastructure and global business opportunities The Hainan Free Trade Port(FTP)officially launched island-wide special customs op...Hainan is transforming into a world-class hub,with expanded free trade policies,robust infrastructure and global business opportunities The Hainan Free Trade Port(FTP)officially launched island-wide special customs operations on 18 December 2025.One month in,reporters from China International Communications Group(CICG)conducted an exclusive interview with Feng Fei,secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China(CPC)and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress.展开更多
The evolution of cities into digitally managed environments requires computational systems that can operate in real time while supporting predictive and adaptive infrastructure management.Earlier approaches have often...The evolution of cities into digitally managed environments requires computational systems that can operate in real time while supporting predictive and adaptive infrastructure management.Earlier approaches have often advanced one dimension—such as Internet of Things(IoT)-based data acquisition,Artificial Intelligence(AI)-driven analytics,or digital twin visualization—without fully integrating these strands into a single operational loop.As a result,many existing solutions encounter bottlenecks in responsiveness,interoperability,and scalability,while also leaving concerns about data privacy unresolved.This research introduces a hybrid AI–IoT–Digital Twin framework that combines continuous sensing,distributed intelligence,and simulation-based decision support.The design incorporates multi-source sensor data,lightweight edge inference through Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN)and Long ShortTerm Memory(LSTM)models,and federated learning enhanced with secure aggregation and differential privacy to maintain confidentiality.A digital twin layer extends these capabilities by simulating city assets such as traffic flows and water networks,generating what-if scenarios,and issuing actionable control signals.Complementary modules,including model compression and synchronization protocols,are embedded to ensure reliability in bandwidth-constrained and heterogeneous urban environments.The framework is validated in two urban domains:traffic management,where it adapts signal cycles based on real-time congestion patterns,and pipeline monitoring,where it anticipates leaks through pressure and vibration data.Experimental results show a 28%reduction in response time,a 35%decrease in maintenance costs,and a marked reduction in false positives relative to conventional baselines.The architecture also demonstrates stability across 50+edge devices under federated training and resilience to uneven node participation.The proposed system provides a scalable and privacy-aware foundation for predictive urban infrastructure management.By closing the loop between sensing,learning,and control,it reduces operator dependence,enhances resource efficiency,and supports transparent governance models for emerging smart cities.展开更多
In view of the present situation thatthe construction of urban drainage facili-ties lags behind urban development,Chinais determined to quicken the constructionof water drainage facilities.According tostatistics,by th...In view of the present situation thatthe construction of urban drainage facili-ties lags behind urban development,Chinais determined to quicken the constructionof water drainage facilities.According tostatistics,by the end of 1990,467 citiesacross the country had a total of 58,000km-long sewage/pipe network。展开更多
While China pioneers a revolutionary model of ecological civilization,some Western nations,faltering under fragmented policies and infrastructural inertia,should catch up,reconciling prosperity with planetary survival.
Scientific and technological advancements are rapidly transforming underground engineering,shifting from labor-intensive,time-consuming methods to automated,real-time systems.This timely and comprehensive review cover...Scientific and technological advancements are rapidly transforming underground engineering,shifting from labor-intensive,time-consuming methods to automated,real-time systems.This timely and comprehensive review covers in-situ testing,intelligent monitoring,and geophysical testing methods,highlighting fundamental principles,testing apparatuses,data processing techniques,and engineering applications.The state-of-the-art summary emphasizes not only cutting-edge innovations for complex and harsh environments but also the transformative role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in data interpretations.The integration of big data and advanced algorithms is particularly impactful,enabling the identification,prediction,and mitigation of potential risks in underground projects.Key aspects of the discussion include detection capabilities,method integration,and data convergence of intelligent technologies to drive enhanced safety,operational efficiency,and predictive reliability.The review also examines future trends in intelligent technologies,emphasizing unified platforms that combine multiple methods,real-time data,and predictive analytics.These advancements are shaping the evolution of underground construction and maintenance,aiming for risk-free,high-efficiency underground engineering.展开更多
Marine infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions that accelerate the degradation of traditional materials such as Portland cement concrete and carbon steel.This review systematically ...Marine infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions that accelerate the degradation of traditional materials such as Portland cement concrete and carbon steel.This review systematically investigates recent advancements in sustainable alternatives,including geopolymer concrete,engineered innovacementitious composites(ECC),bio-concrete,fiber-reinforced polymers(FRPs),and bamboo,stainless steel,and steel-CFRP hybrid bars.Each material is evaluated based on marine durability,mechanical performance,environmental impact,and cost feasibility using life cycle assessment,durability modelling,and a multi-criteria decisionsupport framework.The results reveal that geopolymer concrete and FRP reinforcement’s exhibit superior corrosion resistance and environmental benefits,while ECC and steel-CFRP composites offer structural resilience with moderate environmental trade-offs.However,challenges remain in long-term performance validation,standardization,and market integration.The review concludes that a combined approach involving innovative materials,computational tools,and sustainability assessment is essential for advancing marine infrastructure.Outlook recommendations include focused field studies,development of regulatory guidelines,and interdisciplinary collaboration to drive the practical adoption of eco-efficient materials in coastal and offshore construction.展开更多
The national grid and other life-sustaining critical infrastructures face an unprecedented threat from prolonged blackouts,which could last over a year and pose a severe risk to national security.Whether caused by phy...The national grid and other life-sustaining critical infrastructures face an unprecedented threat from prolonged blackouts,which could last over a year and pose a severe risk to national security.Whether caused by physical attacks,EMP(electromagnetic pulse)events,or cyberattacks,such disruptions could cripple essential services like water supply,healthcare,communication,and transportation.Research indicates that an attack on just nine key substations could result in a coast-to-coast blackout lasting up to 18 months,leading to economic collapse,civil unrest,and a breakdown of public order.This paper explores the key vulnerabilities of the grid,the potential impacts of prolonged blackouts,and the role of AI(artificial intelligence)and ML(machine learning)in mitigating these threats.AI-driven cybersecurity measures,predictive maintenance,automated threat response,and EMP resilience strategies are discussed as essential solutions to bolster grid security.Policy recommendations emphasize the need for hardened infrastructure,enhanced cybersecurity,redundant power systems,and AI-based grid management to ensure national resilience.Without proactive measures,the nation remains exposed to a catastrophic power grid failure that could have dire consequences for society and the economy.展开更多
Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)technology is rapidly advancing,offering innovative solutions for various industries,including the critical task of oil and gas pipeline surveillance.However,the limited flight time of co...Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)technology is rapidly advancing,offering innovative solutions for various industries,including the critical task of oil and gas pipeline surveillance.However,the limited flight time of conventional UAVs presents a significant challenge to comprehensive and continuous monitoring,which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of pipeline infrastructure.This review paper evaluates methods for extending UAV flight endurance,focusing on their potential application in pipeline inspection.Through an extensive literature review,this study identifies the latest advancements in UAV technology,evaluates their effectiveness,and highlights the existing gaps in achieving prolonged flight operations.Advanced techniques,including artificial intelligence(AI),machine learning(ML),and deep learning(DL),are reviewed for their roles in pipeline monitoring.Notably,DL algorithms like You Only Look Once(YOLO)are explored for autonomous flight in UAV-based inspections,real-time defect detection,such as cracks,corrosion,and leaks,enhancing reliability and accuracy.A vital aspect of this research is the proposed deployment of a hybrid drone design combining lighter-than-air(LTA)and heavier-than-air(HTA)principles,achieving a balance of endurance and maneuverability.LTA vehicles utilize buoyancy to reduce energy consumption,thereby extending flight durations.The paper details the methodology for designing LTA vehicles,presenting an analysis of design parameters that align with the requirements for effective pipeline surveillance.The ongoing work is currently at Technology Readiness Level(TRL)4,where key components have been validated in laboratory conditions,with fabrication and flight testing planned for the next phase.Initial design analysis indicates that LTA configurations could offer significant advantages in flight endurance compared to traditional UAV designs.These findings lay the groundwork for future fabrication and testing phases,which will be critical in validating and assessing the proposed approach’s real-world applicability.By outlining the technical complexities and proposing specialized techniques tailored for pipeline monitoring,this paper provides a foundational framework for advancing UAV capabilities in the oil and gas sector.Researchers and industry practitioners can use this roadmap to further develop UAV-enabled surveillance solutions,aiming to improve the reliability,efficiency,and safety of pipeline monitoring.展开更多
文摘Sondu-Miriu hydropower （SMHP） project experienced delay for about five years and one of the contributing factors was delayed payment of the contractor, with ripples effect extending down the contractual hierarchy. This study assessed the effects of delayed payment of the contractor on the completion of SMHP project in Kisumu County, Kenya. More specifically, the study addressed two research questions： What is the relative importance of delayed payment of the contractor compared to other forms of contractual delays？ What is the perceived effect of delayed payment of the contractor on the project＇s completion？ A causal-comparative design was adopted and primary data sourced in May 2011 from 39 senior management staff of contractual parties. Relative importance index （RII） was used to determine the relative importance of perceived effects of delayed payment of the contractor on the project＇s completion; while Kendell＇s coefficient of concordance was applied to determine the degree of agreement among participants regarding their perceived effects of delayed payment. The study found that delayed payment of the contractor affected the project by causing： loss of productivity and efficiency （71.8%）; increase in time-related costs （71.8%）; re-scheduling and re-sequencing of works （69.2%）; extension of time and acceleration （69.2%）; as well as prevention of early completion （53.8%）. The study concludes that timely payment of contractors is crucial for ensuring the continuity of works and completion of infrastructural projects within time, budget, and quality specifications. The study recommends the need for appropriate mitigative measures against potential risks, such as delayed disbursement of funds by external financiers, delayed approval of contractors＇ payment requests, as well as community participation and involvement of civil society to influence accountability in the management of project funds and expedite disbursement of funds for subsequent project phases.
文摘Financial pressure of multifactorial etiology promises to create new obstacles for academic anesthesia departments. Integrating the priorities of the academic and clinical mission of the anesthesia department, the medical school, and the university hospital will require that anesthesia departments operate with maximal operational efficiency. Maintenance or expansion of institutional infrastructural support of the university anesthesia department will be necessary to achieve operational efficiencies, and to ensure that the safety of our patients is in no way compromised by financial concerns. Previous studies have documented increasing need for monetary institutional supports of academic anesthesia departments [1]. The purpose of this study is to delineate non-monetary institutional support afforded to academic anesthesia departments by their University Hospitals. After IRB approval, we electronically solicited the response to a 63 question survey (43 of which were used for the present study) from all 133 chairpersons of academic anesthesia departments in the United States. The remaining 20 questions were unrelated to the topics presented in this manuscript. 62 responded electronically, for an overall response rate of 46.6%. This study establishes the current state of infrastructural support afforded to academic anesthesia departments in the United States.
文摘A number of studies conducted in Kenya </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">internationally indicate</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">d</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> that most of the construction firms and contractors do not seem to strictly observe safety administration in construction industry, hence compromised performance at implementation stage of projects and even later in the post implementation or post-delivery stage. The study aimed to examine the influence of contractors’ safety record on road performance. This is to create better understanding of how the safety record of contractors could either positively or negatively influence performance of roads during post-delivery stage. The study used both descriptive survey research design and correlation design based on a pragmatic mixed method approach. Through stratified sampling and proportionate sampling, a sample of 210 was drawn from a population of 460 comprising of registered contractors and Public Service Vehicles (PSV) drivers within Nairobi County in Kenya. Questionnaires were distributed using simple random sampling. The questionnaires returned were 153 in total representing 72.8% of all questionnaires distributed to the respondents. Data was descriptively analyzed using percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviations for measuring central tendency and variability. Inferential analysis was done by use of correlation and regression. The descriptive analysis revealed that safety policy management system, insurance policy, and adequacy of standards in addressing safety outcome are to some extent practiced and adhered to. However, compliance behavior to safety procedures is still weak and requires improvement. The null hypothesis was tested and the results obtained from a simple linear regression indicated that, R = 0.657, R</span><sup><span style="font-size:12px;font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 0.431, B = 0.359, t = 10.703, F (1,151) = 114.558, p = 0.000 < 0.05. This means that contractors’ safety record has a strong positive and significant relationship with road performance and that 43.1% of variation in performance is explained by safety record. This study recommends that contractors’ safety record should be part</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and parcel of the evaluation criteria used in selection of a suitable road contractor to ensure road performance is achieved even after construction is completed. The study is significant in that it contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical data on the need for safety procedures in urban road construction and beyond.
文摘The enlargementof government’sinvestmentinto infrastructural construction is both a help medicinecuring economiccontraction and an effective measureto accumulatelong-termeconomicgrowth..How-ever,the investmentby finance into infrastructure also has a problemof optimization and reasonable selec-tion.In view of marketeconomicrequirements,the policy direction of financial investmentinto infrastruc-tural industries must be doing somethingat the expense of some other things.In the process of the adjust-mentand optimizationof economicstructure,state financial investmentinto infrastructural facilities has to first of all solve the problemof delimitating the best fields and selecting trades.As to the infrastructure facilities producingand selling pure public products,the developmentmust be madeby financial investment;As to the productionfields of subpublicproducts,finance should ensure reasonable investment;As to the in-frastructural facilities of pure privite production,finance should completely,in principle,pull out and let marketsupply.Onthis basis,selections should be madeon best capital soureces and investmentways.The capital sources should be mainly from tax and regulational incomeand direct investmentmay be made.As to the productionfields of most subpublicproduction,the best capital sources are national debt incomeand in-direct investmentmaybe made.In addition,the optimization of financial investmentinto infrastructural fa-cilities must reform the managerialsystem of infrastructural facilities and raise investmentefficiency.On-ly by scientifically selecting and arranging the financing ways and managerialsystem in investmentfields,can the maximumeconomicefficiency and social welfare results be realized in carrying out financial invest-mentinto infrastructural facilities. [
文摘Cloud infrastructural resource optimization is the process of precisely selecting the allocating the correct resources either to a workload or application.When workload execution,accuracy,and cost are accurately stabilized in opposition to the best possible framework in real-time,efficiency is attained.In addition,every workload or application required for the framework is characteristic and these essentials change over time.But,the existing method was failed to ensure the high Quality of Service(QoS).In order to address this issue,a Tricube Weighted Linear Regression-based Inter Quartile(TWLR-IQ)for Cloud Infrastructural Resource Optimization is introduced.A Tricube Weighted Linear Regression is presented in the proposed method to estimate the resources(i.e.,CPU,RAM,and network bandwidth utilization)based on the usage history in each cloud server.Then,Inter Quartile Range is applied to efficiently predict the overload hosts for ensuring a smooth migration.Experimental results show that our proposed method is better than the approach in Cloudsim under various performance metrics.The results clearly showed that the proposed method can reduce the energy consumption and provide a high level of commitment with ensuring the minimum number of Virtual Machine(VM)Migrations as compared to the state-of-the-art methods.
文摘Infrastructure development in Nigeria has attracted the attention of researchers in view of the attitudes of contractors and government lead-lag role playing. These attitudes led to the enactment of Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and Public Procurement Act 2007 to reduce internal control system deficiencies and budget indiscipline in the Nigerian public sector fiscal matters and procurement process. Ironically, despite these efforts, infrastructure development is still a problem affecting the lives of Nigerians as their poverty level is on the increase. This paper tests the effects of internal control system deficiency on contractors＇ capability in infrastructure development in the Nigerian public sector. Data drawn from a sample of 228 infrastructures were used for analysis. Two research questions on contractors＇ fiduciary obligation to government and capacity were analysed. Kendall＇s Tau-br correlation of coefficient and Chi-square X^2 statistics were employed for data analysis. Findings show that deficient internal control system strongly and directly breeds deficiency in the contractors＇ capability for infrastructure development. The paper recommends that oath of bribery should complement oath of secrecy to ensure that contractors and government agencies that are responsible for execution of infrastructure play to the rules of the ＂games＂, especially the provisions of Public Procurement Act 2007 and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. Public-private-partnership-initiative, such as build-operate and transfer method of contracting, should be encouraged to improve on contractors＇ capability and stewardship.
基金The support provided by the University of San Carlos in terms of resource use is also recognized.
文摘This paper explores a fuzzy analytic network process(FANP)approach in identifying the content of manufacturing strategy infrastructural decisions that integrates sustainability and classical manufacturing strategy framework with firm size component.The findings are as follows:(1)firms must ensure highquality product requirements with a make-to-order production system;(2)large firms must prioritize decentralization of functional areas but they must also provide higher systems integration of all production-related information to mobilize better communication channels;(3)large firms must employ highly skilled human resources in order to provide strong support on functional areas;and(4)small and medium enterprises must focus on product introduction to the market as a strategy priority area.The main contribution of this paper is the decision-making framework under uncertainty that holistically identifies the decisions that comprise a sustainable manufacturing strategy which may serve as guidelines in improving existing sustainable manufacturing practices or in creating new ones.
文摘The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.It also marks the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.At this pivotal juncture linking past achievements with future development,Wang Yi,member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and foreign minister,continued the longstanding diplomatic tradition under which the Chinese foreign minister makes Africa the destination of the first overseas visit of the year,a practice upheld for 36 consecutive years,underscoring the stability,continuity and sincerity of China’s policy towards Africa.
文摘As an Indian journalist who has lived and worked in China for more than a decade,I have witnessed firsthand the astounding pace of China’s urban transformation-high-speed rail networks linking megacities,digital payment systems reshaping daily life,smart manufacturing emerging across industrial zones,and modern infrastructure spreading nationwide.Yet,my recent eight-day media tour to Zhejiang Province o!ered a new and deeply thought-provoking perspective.
文摘Purpose-This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Brazilian freight railway system,examining the efficacy of the current concession renewal model in light of persistent structural problems such as market concentration,cargo dependence on export commodities and underutilization of the network.Situating Brazil within the broader international debate on railway reforms,the paper evaluates whether the ongoing early renewal of concessions can deliver a more diversified and competitive freight system.Design/methodology/approach-The study adopts a sequential mixed-methods research design that integrates longitudinal quantitative analysis with qualitative institutional and policy evaluation.The quantitative component examines time-series indicators published by ANTT,DNIT and INFRA S.A.from 1999 to 2023 to identify structural patterns in traffic growth,investment,safety and market concentration.The qualitative component employs a process-tracing logic to reconstruct the evolution of concession renewals and the implementation of Railway Law 14.273/2021,drawing on concepts from regulatory economics,institutional theory and industrial organization.These empirical streams are synthesized through an analytical framework that connects three dimensions-regulatory design,market structure and system performance-allowing for a systematic assessment of how Brazil’s institutional configuration shapes incentives,competitive dynamics and network utilization.Findings-The analysis confirms that the early renewal of concessions has successfully secured substantial private investment for capacity expansion on existing trunk lines.However,it has perpetuated the vertically integrated model,reinforcing the market power of incumbent operators and failing to significantly promote intramodal competition or cargo diversification.The system remains dominated by iron ore and agricultural commodities,with general cargo representing a minuscule share.The new authorization regime and short-line railway policies present a viable pathway for market opening but face significant operational and institutional barriers to implementation.Originality/value-This research offers a timely and critical assessment of a pivotal moment in Brazilian railway policy.It moves beyond a simplistic evaluation of volume growth to a structural analysis of market failures and the interplay between concession renewal and regulatory innovation.The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers in Brazil and other emerging economies seeking to balance private investment with public interest goals in railway infrastructure,highlighting the necessity of complementary,pro-competitive measures alongside financial investment.
文摘In a first for the African continent,Senegal will host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games(YOG)from 31 October to 13 November.The Dakar 2026 YOG carry a strong symbolic ambition,embodied by their motto“Africa welcomes,Dakar celebrates.”Host Senegal sees the event as a catalyst for its influence,the modernisation of its infrastructure,and the mobilisation of its youth.
文摘Hainan is transforming into a world-class hub,with expanded free trade policies,robust infrastructure and global business opportunities The Hainan Free Trade Port(FTP)officially launched island-wide special customs operations on 18 December 2025.One month in,reporters from China International Communications Group(CICG)conducted an exclusive interview with Feng Fei,secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China(CPC)and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress.
基金The researchers would like to thank the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Qassim University for financial support(QU-APC-2025)。
文摘The evolution of cities into digitally managed environments requires computational systems that can operate in real time while supporting predictive and adaptive infrastructure management.Earlier approaches have often advanced one dimension—such as Internet of Things(IoT)-based data acquisition,Artificial Intelligence(AI)-driven analytics,or digital twin visualization—without fully integrating these strands into a single operational loop.As a result,many existing solutions encounter bottlenecks in responsiveness,interoperability,and scalability,while also leaving concerns about data privacy unresolved.This research introduces a hybrid AI–IoT–Digital Twin framework that combines continuous sensing,distributed intelligence,and simulation-based decision support.The design incorporates multi-source sensor data,lightweight edge inference through Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN)and Long ShortTerm Memory(LSTM)models,and federated learning enhanced with secure aggregation and differential privacy to maintain confidentiality.A digital twin layer extends these capabilities by simulating city assets such as traffic flows and water networks,generating what-if scenarios,and issuing actionable control signals.Complementary modules,including model compression and synchronization protocols,are embedded to ensure reliability in bandwidth-constrained and heterogeneous urban environments.The framework is validated in two urban domains:traffic management,where it adapts signal cycles based on real-time congestion patterns,and pipeline monitoring,where it anticipates leaks through pressure and vibration data.Experimental results show a 28%reduction in response time,a 35%decrease in maintenance costs,and a marked reduction in false positives relative to conventional baselines.The architecture also demonstrates stability across 50+edge devices under federated training and resilience to uneven node participation.The proposed system provides a scalable and privacy-aware foundation for predictive urban infrastructure management.By closing the loop between sensing,learning,and control,it reduces operator dependence,enhances resource efficiency,and supports transparent governance models for emerging smart cities.
文摘In view of the present situation thatthe construction of urban drainage facili-ties lags behind urban development,Chinais determined to quicken the constructionof water drainage facilities.According tostatistics,by the end of 1990,467 citiesacross the country had a total of 58,000km-long sewage/pipe network。
文摘While China pioneers a revolutionary model of ecological civilization,some Western nations,faltering under fragmented policies and infrastructural inertia,should catch up,reconciling prosperity with planetary survival.
基金supported by Ministry of Education of Singapore,under Academic Research Fund Tier 1(Grant Number RG143/23).
文摘Scientific and technological advancements are rapidly transforming underground engineering,shifting from labor-intensive,time-consuming methods to automated,real-time systems.This timely and comprehensive review covers in-situ testing,intelligent monitoring,and geophysical testing methods,highlighting fundamental principles,testing apparatuses,data processing techniques,and engineering applications.The state-of-the-art summary emphasizes not only cutting-edge innovations for complex and harsh environments but also the transformative role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in data interpretations.The integration of big data and advanced algorithms is particularly impactful,enabling the identification,prediction,and mitigation of potential risks in underground projects.Key aspects of the discussion include detection capabilities,method integration,and data convergence of intelligent technologies to drive enhanced safety,operational efficiency,and predictive reliability.The review also examines future trends in intelligent technologies,emphasizing unified platforms that combine multiple methods,real-time data,and predictive analytics.These advancements are shaping the evolution of underground construction and maintenance,aiming for risk-free,high-efficiency underground engineering.
文摘Marine infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions that accelerate the degradation of traditional materials such as Portland cement concrete and carbon steel.This review systematically investigates recent advancements in sustainable alternatives,including geopolymer concrete,engineered innovacementitious composites(ECC),bio-concrete,fiber-reinforced polymers(FRPs),and bamboo,stainless steel,and steel-CFRP hybrid bars.Each material is evaluated based on marine durability,mechanical performance,environmental impact,and cost feasibility using life cycle assessment,durability modelling,and a multi-criteria decisionsupport framework.The results reveal that geopolymer concrete and FRP reinforcement’s exhibit superior corrosion resistance and environmental benefits,while ECC and steel-CFRP composites offer structural resilience with moderate environmental trade-offs.However,challenges remain in long-term performance validation,standardization,and market integration.The review concludes that a combined approach involving innovative materials,computational tools,and sustainability assessment is essential for advancing marine infrastructure.Outlook recommendations include focused field studies,development of regulatory guidelines,and interdisciplinary collaboration to drive the practical adoption of eco-efficient materials in coastal and offshore construction.
文摘The national grid and other life-sustaining critical infrastructures face an unprecedented threat from prolonged blackouts,which could last over a year and pose a severe risk to national security.Whether caused by physical attacks,EMP(electromagnetic pulse)events,or cyberattacks,such disruptions could cripple essential services like water supply,healthcare,communication,and transportation.Research indicates that an attack on just nine key substations could result in a coast-to-coast blackout lasting up to 18 months,leading to economic collapse,civil unrest,and a breakdown of public order.This paper explores the key vulnerabilities of the grid,the potential impacts of prolonged blackouts,and the role of AI(artificial intelligence)and ML(machine learning)in mitigating these threats.AI-driven cybersecurity measures,predictive maintenance,automated threat response,and EMP resilience strategies are discussed as essential solutions to bolster grid security.Policy recommendations emphasize the need for hardened infrastructure,enhanced cybersecurity,redundant power systems,and AI-based grid management to ensure national resilience.Without proactive measures,the nation remains exposed to a catastrophic power grid failure that could have dire consequences for society and the economy.
基金supported by the Yayasan Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS(YUTP)under Cost Center 015LC0-485.
文摘Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)technology is rapidly advancing,offering innovative solutions for various industries,including the critical task of oil and gas pipeline surveillance.However,the limited flight time of conventional UAVs presents a significant challenge to comprehensive and continuous monitoring,which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of pipeline infrastructure.This review paper evaluates methods for extending UAV flight endurance,focusing on their potential application in pipeline inspection.Through an extensive literature review,this study identifies the latest advancements in UAV technology,evaluates their effectiveness,and highlights the existing gaps in achieving prolonged flight operations.Advanced techniques,including artificial intelligence(AI),machine learning(ML),and deep learning(DL),are reviewed for their roles in pipeline monitoring.Notably,DL algorithms like You Only Look Once(YOLO)are explored for autonomous flight in UAV-based inspections,real-time defect detection,such as cracks,corrosion,and leaks,enhancing reliability and accuracy.A vital aspect of this research is the proposed deployment of a hybrid drone design combining lighter-than-air(LTA)and heavier-than-air(HTA)principles,achieving a balance of endurance and maneuverability.LTA vehicles utilize buoyancy to reduce energy consumption,thereby extending flight durations.The paper details the methodology for designing LTA vehicles,presenting an analysis of design parameters that align with the requirements for effective pipeline surveillance.The ongoing work is currently at Technology Readiness Level(TRL)4,where key components have been validated in laboratory conditions,with fabrication and flight testing planned for the next phase.Initial design analysis indicates that LTA configurations could offer significant advantages in flight endurance compared to traditional UAV designs.These findings lay the groundwork for future fabrication and testing phases,which will be critical in validating and assessing the proposed approach’s real-world applicability.By outlining the technical complexities and proposing specialized techniques tailored for pipeline monitoring,this paper provides a foundational framework for advancing UAV capabilities in the oil and gas sector.Researchers and industry practitioners can use this roadmap to further develop UAV-enabled surveillance solutions,aiming to improve the reliability,efficiency,and safety of pipeline monitoring.
