bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pod Yield Stability of Best Groundnut Varieties from National Agricultural Research Stations Program in West Africa
Authors: Mahamane Abdoul-Razak , Mamadou Coulibaly , Gounga Mahamadou , Tidjani Halidou
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to evaluate different varieties of groundnut introduced from four breeding programs in West Africa for their stability and adaptability in agro-ecological zones of Niger. The study used a randomized complete block design with three replicates at three locations. Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among varieties and the effect of environment on pod yield was highly significant (P<0.001). GGE biplot analysis was used to identify the best varieties for each environment and assess the stability of the newly introduced varieties. The GGE biplot described all the observed variations and explained 98.42% of the total variation, indicating a strong genotype by environment interaction effect. The evaluation of varietal performance indicated that Pyr-370 and Rafeet Car thrived exceptionally well in Bengou and Magaria, respectively, while El_Tarna exhibited the highest performance at Tarna. Variety SH470P was the most stable and productive among the introduced varieties in the different environments, while ICGV86124 was stable but low yielding. On the other hand, the introduced varieties ICGV86024, ICGV-IS14857 and Pyr-370 demonstrated superior productivity, yet their performance inconsistency underscored inherent instability.
Local Perceptions of Forest-Based Ecosystem Services in Benin, West Africa
Authors: Sourokou Robert , Vodouhe Fifanou
Published: April 2024

Ecosystem services are closely linked to the daily lives of local communities, particularly those living near forests. The study of the local perceptions of these services is relevant because they vary depending on the community, the study period, and the environment. So beyond the inventorying of ecosystem services, understanding the perceptions of local communities regarding these services remains a necessity. Our study aims to analyze how local communities perceive the ecosystem services provided by forests and the factors that determine these perceptions. We collected data from 232 heads of households across 23 villages bordering the forest and analyzed them using descriptive statistics and ordered Probit analysis. The results showed that provisioning services (such as plant-derived medicines, rafters and planks, livestock feed, crops, and firewood) were the most important, followed by regulating and supporting services (including soil formation, erosion control, and climate regulation) are the most important. Finally, cultural services (encompassing cultural practices, heritage, and spirituality) were perceived as important. However, communities did not perceive the value of ecotourism. Factors influencing these perceptions included gender (male), age (young individuals), occupation in farming, household size, level of education, Bariba ethnicity and income. To ensure the sustainable utilization of forest resources in the region, it is necessary to encourage young people to adopt environmentally friendly agricultural practices, to use improved stoves that require less wood and promote cultural services to diversify their sources of income.
Exposure to Trace Elements Through Rauwolfia vomitoria and Argemone Mexicana, Two Medicinal Plants at Hahotoé-Kpogamé, a Polluted Area in Southern Togo
Authors: Satchi Kouévi , Mafulul Simon , Melila Mamatchi , Longdet Ishaya
Published: April 2024

Background: Herbal drugs and mineral elements are well established for their therapeutic benefits against diseases and nutritional importance in human health. Medicinal plants contain toxic metabolites which, once consumed, become a formidable source of disease. Accumulation of toxic industrial effluents in soil, air and water is continuously increasing due to fast urbanization and intensive environmental pollution. Elements like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), uranium (U), arsenic (As) which are not used by the plants directly but accumulate in the plants are detrimental to human health when consumed. This study aims to investigate the level of trace elements through the use of two medicinal plants in a polluted area in southern Togo. The trace elements analysis in the powder of the Rauwolfia vomitoria and Argemone Mexicana leaves, was carried out by the method and protocol described by Acme Laboratory using PerkinElmer ELAN 9000 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP- MS). The result of trace elements concentrations (ppm) ranges revealed, as follows: Cadmium (0.8-1.5), Antimony (0.17-0.9), Arsenic (10.85-15.25), Lead (11.31-13.33), Iron (21.02-25.13), Manganese (84.5-140), Calcium (22.39-31.81), Zinc (73.1-82.6), Uranium (0.01-0.04) and Thorium (0.15-1.05) are significantly higher than the World Health Organization maximum permissible limit. These results suggested that the leaves of the two medicinal plants have contaminated by the trace elements. More toxicological activities need to be conduct in the area to find out the toxicity level of contaminants in herbal raw materials in the area.
Evaluation of the Coverage of Iron Requirements in Young Children Aged 6 to 59 Months from Basic Foods in Two Localities in North Togo: Awandjelo and Lama (Kara)
Authors: Tossavi Dandonougbo , Mamatchi Melila , Novignon Dandonougbo , Mawabena Kadanga , Koffi Dandonougbo , Komlan Mensah , Kou’santa Amouzou
Published: April 2024

Iron deficiency is one of the most widespread nutritional disorders in the world. It affects almost 60% of the population in developing countries, i.e. 3.5 billion people. Women of childbearing age and young children are the most vulnerable. Iron deficiency occurs when the intake and absorption of iron cannot compensate physiological needs, which are particularly high in young children because of their growth. Due to its impact on children's health, iron deficiency remains a major public health problem in Togo, with 70% of children aged between 6 and 59 months suffering from anaemia. In the face of this problem, the present study aims to establish the adequacy between dietary iron intake and physiological needs in order to contribute to strategies for handling this nutritional deficiency. To achieve this, 479 children (243 urban and 236 rural) aged 6-59 months from 447 households were the subject of this study. Food consumption was assessed using the 24-hour recall method; the nutritional value of the rations was assessed using the food composition table available in Africa. The results showed that 62% of the children studied had dietary iron intakes below the recommended levels and only 38% were able to cover their iron requirements. In fact, the mother's level of school education and the mother's economic activity were found to be strongly correlated with iron status in children. In the light of these data, it would seem wise to consider better nutritional intervention strategies, including nutritional education for women of childbearing age. The introduction of nutritional counselling through Information, Education and Communication (IEC), mobilisation and social marketing campaigns should therefore be promoted.
A Comparative Study of Rectangular Beam Depth Effects Under EBCS-1995 and ES EN-2015 Codes
Authors: Yimer Adal
Published: April 2024

To achieve structural integrity, serviceability, and economy of buildings, national and international building standards are used for dimensioning and proportioning of structural members. Building codes may be amended due to, the existence of new construction materials, technologies, and structures, and to improve earlier gaps. Ethiopia has experienced three building codes in the last 40 years. Those codes were the Ethiopian Standard Code of Practice, ESCP 1983-1995, Ethiopian Building Code of Standard, EBCS-1995, and the Ethiopian Standard, ES EN 2015. Design code compliance design and supervision of buildings is one of the major ways to achieve the planning, design, construction, service life as well as overall performance of projects. This study is conducted on the depth determination of an interior RC beam with different span and steel grades under EBCS-1995 and ES EN-2015 design codes. The result of this study proves that EBCS 1995 is uneconomical for shear and moment design for longer spans, and preferable for smaller spans, while ES EN 2015 provides smaller serviceable depth and deflection and maintains economical design for longer spans. Construction professionals need to understand the basic purpose of code amendment and should use the new design code as a major design reference and the earlier code accordingly.
Enhancing Real-Time Pyramid Holographic Display Through Iterative Algorithm Optimization for 3D Image Reconstruction
Authors: Iano Randrianasoa , Mahandrisoa Randriamaroson
Published: April 2024

Holography, a crucial technology for 3D visualization, strives to create realistic relief images. This research aims to enhance hologram quality and viewer experience by optimizing the image-processing pipeline. Conventional holographic displays face challenges due to their bulkiness and limited viewing angles. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a novel approach that integrates digital holography with holographic pyramid technology. Digital holography uses computer algorithms for hologram generation, while holographic pyramid technology projects images onto a reflective pyramid for 3D display. The drawback of holographic pyramid displays in low-light environments is addressed through increased diffraction to enhance image resolution. This integrated approach involves comprehensive research, including an examination of existing methods. The anticipated outcome is holograms with improved visibility and resolution from multiple angles. The research presents an initial image preprocessing phase, succeeded by sophisticated processing employing iterative algorithms. This aims to diminish the image size while upholding its quality, thereby achieving an image suitable for pyramidal display. The fusion of digital holography and holographic pyramid display shows promise for immersive visual experiences. However, advancements in processing techniques may lead to increased material complexity, posing a challenge. Through this research, the system aims to unlock creative potentials and pave the way for enhanced holographic displays in various applications.
Endoscopic Repair of Refractory Tracheoesophageal Fistula with a Cardiac Septal Occluder Device in a 12 Years-Old Patient
Authors: Alfredo Castañeda-Ortiz , Antonio Salgado-Sandoval , Jesús Gutiérrez-Escobedo , Alejandro Rodríguez-Izaguirre , Servando Gallardo-Luna , Analí Meza-Gallegos , Alejandro Flores-Arizmendi , Francisco Montalvo-Aguilar , Sergio Terriquez-Rodríguez
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) are rare anomalies in neonates that must be surgically repaired by esophageal reconstruction with or without ligation of the fistula. Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (rTEF) occurs in 3-15% of primary surgical repairs in esophageal atresia; it is associated with recurrent hospital admissions and up to 27% short term mortality. Dependable reparation very often proves difficult by standard surgical techniques. Using oesophageal fully covered self-expandable metal stents in adult patients yields a <50% efficacy and other endoscopic techniques such as occlusion by clips or glue show no better results. A minimally invasive alternative is the use of vascular plug septal occluders. We report the efficacy of endoscopic placement of a cardiac septal occluder (CSO) in a paediatric patient. Clinical case: A 12-year-old female with recurrent (rTEF) and refractory tracheoesophageal fistula (refTEF) was subjected to an refTEF closure procedure via endoscopic placement of a cardiac septal occlusion device. Conclusion: Debate regarding the gold standard of rTEF treatment closure a hot debate but flexible endoscopy is an accepted alternative. This report describes the successful fixing of a refTEF using a cardiac septal occluder. After four weeks follow up, no re-incidence of the tracheoesophageal fistula was detected. The results advocate for the endoscopic closure of refractory tracheoesophageal fistula with cardiac occluders in children thus establishing a promising therapeutical alternative in refTEF in paediatric population patients.
Complete Versus Incomplete Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy and Number of Doses of Surfactant Used Posnatally: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Mansour Suzi , Harb Rami , Michel Philippe , Raymond Sarah , Borrhomée Suzanne
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Antenatal corticosteroid therapy reduces the risk of developing RDS in premature infants. A single complete course of two doses of betamethasone is recommended between 24 weeks and 34 weeks. There are few data on the neonatal effects of an incomplete course of antenatal corticosteroid therapy. The main objective of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a complete versus incomplete course of antenatal corticosteroid therapy on the number of doses of surfactant received postnatally. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study, including 145 newborns with RDS, divided into 2 groups according to the number of doses of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (1 dose; n = 23 and 2 doses; n = 95). Results: The clinical characteristics of the newborns were similar in the 2 groups. The number of doses of surfactants received postnatally and the severity of RDS are not influenced by the number of doses of antenatal corticosteroid therapy. On the other hand, the number of doses of surfactants received is influenced by the term of birth, the presence of an neonatal sepsis and by resuscitation in the delivery room. The severity of RDS is not influenced either by the interval between the last dose of antenatal corticosteroid therapy and delivery, nor by the cause of prematurity. We did not note any statistically significant difference in clinical improvement (duration of intubation, duration of non-invasive ventilation), the need for postnatal corticosteroid therapy and the risk of occurrence of morbidity and mortality (mortality rate, occurrence of BPD, IVH, severe NEC) between the two groups. Conclusion: just like a complete course, an incomplete course of antenatal corticosteroid therapy can also act on the severity of RDS. Prospective randomized studies should be considered for a formal determination of the neonatal effects of a complete versus incomplete course of antenatal corticosteroid therapy, including the trial BETADOSE.
Development of Blind Campus Navigation System with Obstacle Detection Device
Authors: Babatunde Olaleye , Adekunle Adebiyi , Aminat Abdulsalaam , Chika Nwosu , Olayinka Adeyanju , Mamman Ambi , Clement Omolayo
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on integrating Text-To-Speech software, Global Positioning System (GPS) and other technologies attached to existing white cane to create a robust navigation system that provides real-time feedback and assistance to Students with Visual Impairment (SVI) using Nigerian accent. It uses the design science research methodology for the development and validation of the GPS based mobility into object detection white cane for orientation and mobility of SVI. A speech-corpus database was created to serve as a dictionary for the Text-To-Speech and synthesized through machine learning and artificial intelligence to enable the object detection white cane to detect objects and identify common places at 30 meters in Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo campus, Oyo state, Nigeria. The developed object detection white cane was evaluated with 20 SVI selected for the study using the purposive sampling technique and data were collected through interviews and questionnaires. Two research questions were raised for the study. Data collected were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively, using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Atlas.ti. The results revealed that the mean response of the participants to all the items on the integration of Text-To-Speech software into object detection white cane is “1” an indication that Text-To-Speech software enhances the independent navigation of students with visual impairment. The study recommended that the components used were imported and expensive, hence the need for locally source components that can be used in producing the devices in large quantities and at reduced cost.
Performance Assessment of Commercial Building for Symmetric and Asymmetric Plan Configurations in Different Seismic Zones of Bangladesh Using ETABS
Authors: Rana Md. , Kabir Syed , Sami Samiha , Shahriar Md.
Published: April 2024

Bangladesh is among the nations most vulnerable to earthquakes worldwide. Being a developing country, it has been a challenging issue to ensure commercial prosperity along with safety against seismic hazards. Structural engineers also face difficulties in accurately designing buildings with maximum economy and efficiency. ETABS, a leading global engineering software with BNBC 2020 guidelines plays a vital role in these cases. In this study, analysis of a B+G+6 storied building for Symmetric & Asymmetric Plan configuration has been performed using ETABS software. Both kinds of structures have experienced a range of loads for example- dead loads, live loads, partition loads, wind loads, and seismic loads, as well as load combinations that have been pursued following BNBC 2020 requirements. The objective of this work is to evaluate the seismic impact resulting from varying seismic coefficients for four seismic zones in Bangladesh, given identical symmetric and asymmetric plan arrangements. Four required metrics were evaluated between the structural performances of symmetric and asymmetric structures: storey drift, overturning moment, storey shear, and storey stiffness. The structural software provided the analytical results and parameter computations. The comparison's result demonstrates that the asymmetric structure exhibits greater storey rigidity and less storey drift over the longer axis.
Determinants of Viewing Kana Television Program on Students' Academic Performance in Jigjiga Town Preparatory School
Authors: Mekonen Aychew , Delie Amare , Kefelegn Ermyas
Published: April 2024

Globalization gave rise to television, a significant source of instructional enrichment. It offers more comprehensive, advanced, and varied knowledge and instruction. Television has received a lot of flak for having a detrimental effect on secondary school pupils' academic achievement. Watching television could start to compete with studying time and eventually lead to poorer academic achievement. In this study, our aim was to identify the determinants of viewing Kana television programs on academic performance. To meet the objective, of the 1658 students, 138 were selected as a sample by using stratified random sampling. We gathered information from the sample of students by using primary and secondary data collection methods. Multiple linear regressions were used for data analysis, considering academic performance (the average mark after watching Kana TV) as the response variable. According to the descriptive statistic, 46.4% of students are males, and the remaining 53.6% are females because the total population of females is higher than males. 51.4% of students live in urban areas, and the remaining 48.6% live in rural area. 60.9% of students have access of satellite television and 39.1% of students have no access to satellite television. The major significant factors that affect the academic performance of students are age, religion, income, parent’s follow-up (father’s follow-up), access to satellite television, addiction to Kana television programs, and time spent.
Review of Road Traffic Accident Burdens in Transportation Sector of Ethiopia
Authors: Bulcha Jilo
Published: April 2024

The transportation sector has a very immense role in the economic development of a given country. Because human beings' day-to-day activities re highly depends on the transport service. But this sector has its own drawbacks, like road traffic crashes and environmental pollution. In Ethiopia, the road transport sector is poor in terms of quality and service delivery systems. Due to this, the frequent occurrence of road traffic crashes has been recorded in the country continuously. To that end, this paper was mainly intended to review road traffic accident burdens in the transportation sector of Ethiopia. In detail, reviewing the costs of road traffic accidents, the causing factors of road traffic accidents, the types of vehicles highly involved in road traffic accidents, and the victim groups of communities affected by road traffic accidents at the national level were the specific objectives of this paper. Meanwhile, all road traffic accident data found in Ethiopia from the federal police commission report papers, journal articles, and dissertation papers were used for analysis purposes. Besides, the collected data is presented in tables and figures. Furthermore, the data was analyzed and interpreted based on a descriptive research design. Finally, the result of this review shows that trends of road traffic accidents in Ethiopia have been increasing over time by killing, injuring people and damaging resources. Drivers’ bad behaviors, low know-how of road users, poor road infrastructure, old vehicle conditions, and environmental factors are aggravating the occurrence of road traffic accidents in the country. Thus, to tackle this problem, educating people, enforcing traffic laws, enhancing engineering measures, and giving emergency responses were the recommendations given in this paper.
Prospects and Challenges of E-Rickshaws in Urban Transportation Systems of Bangladesh: A Case Study of Rangpur City Corporation
Authors: Pramanik Md. , Rahman M. , Fahim Ashraf , Rahman Mohammad
Published: April 2024

The availability of public transportation is frequently insufficient and the quality of the services is quite low in many cities of developing country. This is mostly because of the growing discrepancy between the supply and demand for transportation infrastructure and the provision of services. As a result, E-rickshaws (battery-operated electric three-wheelers locally termed as Auto/Easy bike) have emerged as a form of para-transit/informal public transport in many developing country cities and providing flexible and demand-responsive services to users. E-rickshaws are becoming one of the main travel modes and playing a crucial role in urban mobility because bus-based or formal public transportation is lacking in many medium- and small-sized cities in Bangladesh. This study made an effort to answer how E-rickshaws might function in the future when public bus service will be launched in a mixed traffic situation of Bangladesh. Rangpur in Bangladesh was selected as the representative of developing country cities for conducting the case study. This study is generally based on primary survey because the E-rickshaw is a new concept in urban transport. Primary data were collected at different road intersections and some temporary E-rickshaw stands in Rangpur City (as no permanent E-rickshaw stand in the city). Basically, the data was collected by Questionnaires Survey with E-rickshaw Drivers and Users; Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with E-rickshaw union members and Key Informants Interview (KII) with local authorities who are concerned with E-rickshaws. The driver-owned, operational E-rickshaw has an income-investment ratio of 1.45 and generates an average daily income of BDT 850. According to the survey, 81% of the drivers of E-rickshaws agreed that their current financial situation or income is better than it was when they worked in another or previous occupation. Compared with other travel modes, commuters are very satisfied with the quality of E-rickshaw services. Based on study findings it may be concluded that the E-rickshaw is a potential future-proof means of transportation. Public transport planning should include E-rickshaw in providing services which may not be catered by the formal public transport. The conclusions drawn from this case study is that locations may be applied to other places in the country or cities where rickshaws are a significant source of informal public transportation.
The Major Potential of Non-Conventional Feed Resources in Poultry Nutrition in Ethiopia: A Review
Authors: Muleta Chala
Published: April 2024

This review was conducted with the objective of assessing the major potential of non-conventional feed resources in poultry nutrition in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has a vast array of non-conventional feed resources that can be utilized in poultry nutrition. These resources have the potential to significantly contribute This review was conducted with the objective of assessing the major potential of non-conventional feed resources to the growth and development of the poultry industry in the country. Potentially available of non-conventional feed resources (NCFR) include plant materials, such as the leaves and seeds of Moringa, Cassava, Taro leaf, Mango seed kernels, Pigeon pea, potato peel and leaf and agro-industrial by-products like, Rice bran, Filter sugar cake and brewery grain. Most of these feedstuff materials are low in energy, protein and minerals. These feed resource contain high amounts of anti-nutritional component. Appropriate processing methods like soaking, boiling, or fermenting can help reduce these anti-nutritional factors, enhancing the digestibility and utilization of NCFR in poultry diets. There are also several challenges and limitations that need to be addressed in order to fully exploit the potential of these feed resources. Some of the common problems are like limited knowledge and awareness, lack of processing and preservation techniques, limited availability and seasonal variations, lack of infrastructure and storage facilities and limited research and data. To addressing these challenges through research, extension services, and policy support can help unlock the full potential of non-conventional feed resources in poultry nutrition in Ethiopia. This would not only contribute to improved productivity and profitability in the poultry sector but also enhance food security and sustainable agricultural practices in the country.
Tanshinone IIA Regulate Inflammatory Response and Promote Functional Recovery in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Lin Bin , Lin Aini , Chen Weiting
Published: April 2024

Purpose: The treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) is a clinical challenge. The study attempted to investigate the effects of Tanshinone IIA on SCI in rats. Methods: The SCI model of rat was established based on Allen's animal model. The rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Control, Sham, SCI model, SCI + Tanshinone IIA. Rats were administrated with Tanshinone IIA (30mg/kg) respectively daily within one week after establishment of SCI model. Scores of Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) was evaluated on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day after operation. Rats were sacrificed seven days after SCI, and the pathological injury of spinal cord tissue was assessed by HE staining. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) were detected by ELISA. Results: On the 7th day after operation, the BBB score of SCI + Tanshinone IIA group was significantly better than that of SCI group (P<0.01). Compared with SCI group, the pathological changes, neuronal pyknosis, hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltration, and white matter cavity formation in SCI + Tanshinone IIA group were reduced. Compared with SCI group, the level of IL-1 β and TNF-α in SCI+ Tanshinone IIA group were significantly lower (P<0.01). Conclusion: Tanshinone IIA can significantly improve motor function inhibit inflammation and repair spinal cord function after SCI.
Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Versus Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Akbar Hamaida , Yasir Muhammad , Masood Daniyal , Gardezi Farha , Khalid Hareem , Hameed Muddsar , Hassan Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Hydrocephalus, characterized by abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulation, presents significant challenges requiring timely intervention to prevent neurological complications. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) are primary surgical options, yet their relative efficacy and safety remain debated. This meta-analysis aims to compare ETV and VPS for hydrocephalus treatment, providing evidence-based insights to guide clinical decision-making. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of ETV and VPS in achieving symptom relief and radiological resolution of hydrocephalus. To evaluate the safety profiles of ETV and VPS by assessing perioperative and postoperative complication rates. To examine long-term outcomes following ETV or VPS placement. To conduct subgroup analyses based on patient characteristics influencing treatment effectiveness and safety. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies comparing ETV and VPS for hydrocephalus treatment. Inclusion criteria encompassed comparative studies reporting efficacy and safety outcomes in pediatric and adult populations. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using standardized protocols. Meta-analysis was conducted using appropriate statistical methods, with sensitivity and subgroup analyses conducted to assess robustness and variability. Results: Symptom improvement was comparable between ETV and VPS, with lower major complications associated with ETV. Mortality and postoperative complications favored ETV, although VPS exhibited lower CSF leakage risk. Overall success rates were similar, but ETV demonstrated superior safety profiles. Subgroup analyses revealed variations based on patient characteristics. Conclusion: ETV and VPS are effective in achieving symptomatic relief and radiological resolution of hydrocephalus, with ETV demonstrating superior safety profiles. Shared decision-making considering patient factors is crucial in selecting the most appropriate treatment approach. Further research is warranted to refine treatment algorithms and optimize outcomes for hydrocephalus patients.
Issues of Improving the Implementation of Tax Control when Managing Tax Risks and Tax Audits
Authors: Jumagulovich Musagaliev
Published: April 2024

This scientific article highlights current issues in the field of reforming tax administration in the Republic of Uzbekistan, on further improving the activities of state tax authorities and the formation of a “digital economy” with high efficiency and development of the system, as well as accelerating the implementation of generally recognized international norms and standards in the field of tax control in national legislation clarifies the essence of the issues and explains the procedural rules of these processes. In particular, the determination by the State Tax Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan of the strategy and tactics of the tax risk management system, collection and processing of information, analysis and assessment of tax risk, development and implementation of measures to manage tax risks is emphasized. The author provides a definition of the concepts, tax risk - that is, it is the possibility of non-fulfillment or incomplete fulfillment by the taxpayer (tax agent) of tax obligations, which can lead to non-payment or incomplete payment of taxes and fees to the budget system. At the same time, the level of tax risk is a state of risk, which is determined depending on the likelihood of the risk occurring and its possible consequences. From the above, the need to automate procedures for compliance with tax legislation and simplify its procedure is analyzed. The importance of introducing simplified mechanisms to extend the deadline for paying taxes or installments was emphasized. Here, every tax official, entrepreneur and taxpayer must thoroughly master the rules of the Tax Code, for which they need regular training. At the end, recommendations were developed for involving prestigious, influential foreign experts with extensive practical experience in this field in this process.
The Concept of Difference in Architecture: Transpositions Between Insides and Outsides
Authors: Pantelidou Charikleia
Published: April 2024

Postmodernity unhorsed the subject as powerful creator of life, showing not only that it is not in direct correspondence with the world, but furthermore that it is not even in control of itself. In this context, philosophy introduced an understanding of the world based on the concept of difference. Specifically, structuralism acknowledged difference as a poetics of ambiguity in the service of communication, while poststructulalism proclaimed difference as the impossibility of meaning. In this paper, we critically interpret these approaches in reference to the criterion of interiority/exteriority. Difference under structuralism introduces meaning as totally inside constructed, although towards outside operating. The figurative internalization of the postmodern architecture presents exactly the disconnection of meaning-making processes from the social context and their orientation towards consumption’s external experience. In addition, under the poststructuralist conception of difference the meaning lies exclusively outside and the corresponding trends of architectural creation, while in a way approximating freedom, seem also to contribute to a cultural disempowerment of critical ways of life and thinking. In distance both from the subject’s restriction inside and its abandonment in the tragedy of the outside, we suggest a Bakhtinian conception of difference which allows a creative continuous motion between interiority and exteriority, by both decomposing and producing meaning, always within the conflictual reality. In this direction, architecture may call for a spatial ethos of justice, a carnival polyphonic space of open boundaries between insides and outsides, which, although retaining their identities, they do not construct impenetrable territories as, in a sense, they are always at the critical limit.
Effects of Exchange Rate Variability on Coffee Export Growth in Tanzania
Authors: Mbunduki Raphael
Published: April 2024

Exchange rate movement is perceived as a very important factor in influencing the performance of the agriculture sector. When the currency of the exporting country depreciates against the trading partners’ currencies tends to stimulate demand and improve export earnings. An increase in value of the currency against the other trading partners’ currencies (e.g. USD) tend to affect the costs of production that may affect aggregate agricultural supply. However, the linkage of the exchange rate and agricultural export growth in particular traditional exports such as coffee has never been properly and intensively documented for appropriate decision-making in Tanzania. Therefore, this study was set to assess how exchange rate variability has affected coffee export growth in Tanzania. The study made use of time series data from 1991 to 2022 using the vector error collection model (VECM). Given the influences other than the real effective exchange rate on the export of coffee growth, we discriminately incorporated inflation rate, discount rate, and money supply, as the independent variables. Yearly data (1991-2022) obtained from the Bank of Tanzania and the International Coffee Organization were used for the analysis. The results from this study reveal that the real effective exchange rate has an enormous positive impact on coffee export growth in the long run. This implies that, the depreciation of the domestic currency against USD has advantage on coffee export growth when considering the demand side as it tends to stimulate coffee demand in the rest of the world, thus leading to an increase in export volume and revenue which helps to foster coffee export growth. However, in the supply side, this depreciation should be carefully monitored as excess depreciation may end up by rising inputs prices especially those inputs imported such as fertilizers, agrochemical, aggrotech and agro machineries that may intern affect the production level. The study ends by concluding, that it is imperative for the Central Bank to carefully observer exchange rate fluctuations and implement appropriate monetary policy strategies in favour of the agriculture sector in particular exportable crops such as coffee. This will help to manage the risks and opportunities that may arise in coffee export growth associated with currency movement.
Project Risk Analysis and Early Warning of Culture and Tourism Group Financial Leasing Company
Authors: Chunhua Zheng , Ke Gao , Yuhang Xing
Published: April 2024

Under the background of strict regulation, due to the cyclical adjustment of the financial leasing industry, some top companies have maintained a growth trend in asset size and net profit. Internal differentiation has emerged in the financial leasing industry, increasing operational pressure, and a slowing trend in asset size growth. Although the overall pressure on credit quality has eased, downward pressure on asset quality is widespread, and the recovery period for narrowing profit space is still long. With the continuous upgrading and iteration of digitization, intelligence, and specialization, Culture and Tourism Group Financial Leasing Company should strengthen its professional ethics, improve its risk analysis and prediction capabilities, design integrated business guidelines for due diligence information collection and risk analysis, rely on big data to build a leasing asset identification, evaluation, monitoring, and early warning system, and establish a comprehensive, multi angle, and lean risk analysis and early warning mechanism. Through case analysis, problems are identified in a timely manner, and continuous reflection and improvement are made. Business process diagrams are drawn according to different scenarios, crisis warning indicators are set up, and a lean risk management team is formed. Crisis warning signals are continuously tracked and released, and processes and asset quality management are continuously improved. A lean risk control system is established to reduce risk losses and create benefits for the enterprise.
An Assessment of the Challenges of Student Nursing Mothers of St. Ambrose College of Education in Ghana
Authors: Dorcas Amedorme , Adam Konadu , Kyereme George , Mensah Patrick
Published: April 2024

The study explored the challenges student mothers in St. Ambrose College of Education and its related impact on the education of these students. It also considered the various techniques employed by the student mothers in coping with the challenges. The researchers adopted the case study design to address the research questions, which to a larger extent explored a qualitative research design. This approach allowed the researchers to collect and analyze data, and presented results with much convenience. The instrument used for data collection was primarily an interview schedule. Data were analyzed based on themes in relation to the research questions. The study found out that majority of the respondents faced challenges such as lack of concentration in class, an inadequate time for personal studies which leads to poor academic performance. To cope with these challenges, the respondents relied on their family members, and the services of nannies. They also relied on their colleagues to help them academically. The study recommended among other things that there is the need to provide lactating rooms and counseling services for student nursing mothers of St. Ambrose College of Education.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Its Socio-Economic Drivers Nexus: Empirical Evidence from MENA Countries
Authors: Essadik Emna , Khalifa Jihene
Published: April 2024

Carbon dioxide emissions is one of the main climate change causes. Nowadays is considered as one of the most important environmental degradation and air pollution in the world. The relationship between CO2 emissions and their socio-economic determinants is investigated in this study. It uses empirical analysis of significant impact of the economic growth, the tourism development, the globalization, the population health, the population growth and the energy consumption on our interest variable. Thus, we're going to select an econometric model, an Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) applied to a sample of 10 MENA countries. Our aim is to measure, long-run and short-run impact of the number of arrivals, the Foreign Direct Investment, government health expenditures, the energy consumption and the population growth rate on the CO2 emissions. All variables are observed from 1995 to 2020. The methodology adopted in this work is as followed: First, the statistical indicators for the sample are calculated. Secondly, the temporal series stationarity is checked by realizing tests of first and second generation. The Pedroni ARDL and Pesaran cointegration tests are then applied. Finally, Granger causality for panel data is used. The causality analysis between variables is carried out using the Dumitrescu and Hurlin's test. Findings reveal that, in the long term, tourism sector and energy consumption have significant and positive impact on CO2. But the economic growth and population growth influenced it negatively and they are statistically significant. In the short term, the dependent variable is statistically impacted by economic growth. The degrees and magnitude of the individual effects of the various variables on the Carbone dioxide emissions vary from country to an other. There are bidirectional and unidirectional relationships causality between different variables. Our findings can be helpful for policy makers seeking to achieve the sustainable development goals in MENA region.
The Impact of Brand Value Factors on Online Booking Intention of Domestic Tourists in Nha Trang City, Vietnam
Authors: Anh Nguyen
Published: April 2024

The study clarifies the relationship between brand value and domestic tourists' online booking behavior. There were 450 surveys sent out and 412 surveys were collected. During the data entry and data cleaning process, there were 22 invalid answer sheets. As a result, 390 surveys met the requirements to be used for data analysis. Convenience sampling was used to gather data from 390 visitors who stayed at 15 1 to 2 star accommodations in the city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam. SPSS 22.0 is used to analyze to find the optimal research model and determine the level of impact between the variables in the model. The researcher conducted Cronbach's alpha reliability analysis and EFA exploratory factor analysis to measure and test the convergence of variables. Besides, the researcher conducted regression analysis to test research hypotheses and research models. Finally, there is the T-test and Anova test. The research’s results show that brand awareness, brand image, perceived quality and brand loyalty have, from high to low, impacts on the online booking intention of domestic tourists. In particular, brand awareness has the most positive impact on the online booking intention of domestic tourists, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. The results contribute to help hotels better understand the components that impact online booking intentions of domestic tourists in Nha Trang through tourists' perception and behaviors when booking online. Simultaneously, the research propose managerial implications and solutions to improve business efficiency of accommodation establishments.
Domestic Violence Experienced by Women: Construction and Validation of a Measurement Method
Authors: Mouafo Achille
Published: April 2024

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, constitutes a major social scourge recorded in virtually every country in the world. Despite the fact that previous studies investigating this societal phenomenon have evaluated it from various perspectives, little is known about how it is experienced by victims. However, the lack of knowledge of this experience prevents us from understanding that despite the fact that they are involved in relationships marked by violence, many women do not leave them, thus putting their physical and psychological health at risk. To help fill this gap, this research constructs and validates a new scale specific to experienced domestic violence. After formulating and verifying its items, a validation study was conducted with a sample of 406 female participants, aged between 18 and 61 years (M=29.63; SD=8,688). Factor analyses report that this measure has a one-dimensional factor structure with 12 items. The reliability indices are satisfactory (α=.95). The same goes for convergent, discriminant and predictive validity. The scale of experienced domestic violence has a general scope which will allow researchers to carry out an in depth investigation into the psychological, social, economic and political causes and consequences of experienced domestic violence with a view, in particular, to considering interventions for the recovery of the victims.
Basic Characteristics and Demographic Data in Patients with Chronic Vulvar Discomfort: A Detailed Analysis of DATRIV Study
Authors: Harni Vesna , Babic Damir , Hadzavdic Suzana , Barisic Dubravko
Published: April 2024

This study aims to provide a descriptive analysis of the essential characteristics and demographic profiles, including age, weight, height, body mass index, marital status, and educational background in patients with chronic vulvar discomfort. The data were collected from the study DATRIV (Diagnostic Accuracy of Three Rings Vulvoscopy), which included 328 participants divided into four groups: normal vulva, impaired vulvar skin, primary vulvar distress/vulvodynia, and secondary discomfort caused by vulvar dermatoses. The clinical data collected from the study questionnaire were analyzed using statistical software such as StatSoft (Dell, Austin, TX, USA), Statistica 12 (TIBCO®, Palo Alto, CA, USA), and SPSS 20 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The study was conducted with the approval of the Institutional Review Board of Polyclinic Harni, and all participants provided written informed consent. The findings from the DATRIV study shed light on several important aspects of chronic vulvar discomfort. They offered valuable insights into the demographic and reproductive characteristics of patients with chronic vulvar pain, specifically vulvar dermatosis. The study revealed that patients with vulvar dermatosis tended to be older, with a peak incidence in the 45-65 age range. They also had higher weight and BMI compared to other groups. There was a significant difference in the proportion of patients of reproductive age between the vulvar dermatosis group and other groups. Additionally, the vulvar dermatosis group had higher rates of marriage, births, and abortions and lower educational levels. The study's limitations included lacking patients younger than 16 years. Future research should aim to include a broader age range, including pediatric populations, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of vulvar dermatosis across different age groups. Further investigation is needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms and establish causal relationships, enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals affected by vulvar dermatosis.