bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Mooring Integrity through Standardized Inspection Practices – A DeepStar® 19403 Project
Authors: Ma KT , Spong Robert , DeBroeck Daniel , L’Hostis Didier , Gabrielsen Øystein , Valeixo Loreta , Chen Yong , Roberts Craig , Gordon Robert , Byatt David
Published: August 2021

In-service inspection is a critical element in confirming the integrity of permanent floating production unit mooring systems. Over the unit's operating life, which will typically span 20 years or more, these inspections provide the majority of the condition information on the mooring components and overall system. This information enables operators to proactively address mooring issues caused by degradation mechanisms or deviations in mooring line tensions that could reduce the system capacity and potentially result in premature failure. However, detailed guidance on inspection intervals, and in particular inspection scope, is limited for permanent mooring systems. To address this identified industry need, the DeepStar® technology consortium initiated Project 19403, "Improving Mooring Integrity through Standardized Inspection and Fit-For-Service Assessment" to develop best inspection practice guidance for permanent mooring systems [1]. This paper describes the content and benefits of this new mooring inspection guidance document developed as part of the DeepStar® 19403 project [1] with the support of subject matter experts from major operator companies, Class societies and mooring consultancies. The paper will describe how this new guidance compliments and expands current industry Recommended Practice (RP) guidance. Key aspects related to in-service survey intervals, component inspection work scopes and inspection methods will be discussed as well as the execution planning of in-service mooring inspections. To facilitate inspection work, the predominate deterioration mechanisms are introduced which are corrosion, wear and fatigue. Other types of deteriorations are also summarized. Default in-service survey intervals (frequencies) and component inspections are recommended. In-service inspection methods are reviewed, from General Visual Inspection (GVI) and Close Visual Inspection (CVI) to advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Guidance on assessing the residual capacity of a damaged or flawed mooring component, known as fitness-for-service, is also covered within the new mooring inspection guidance.
Concrete Breakwater for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project for BP in Mauritania and Senegal
Authors: Replumaz Alexis , Julien Yann , Bellengier Damien
Published: August 2021

Objectives / Scope

During summer 2017, EIFFAGE GENIE CIVIL MARINE was invited by BP to bid for the construction of a concrete caisson breakwater protecting an offshore LNG liquefaction floating terminal which will be located 10 km west from Saint Louis, at 33 m water depth on the Mauritanian / Senegalese maritime border.

Methods, Procedures, Process

The basic design as originally proposed by BP was composed of 18 rectangular concrete caissons laying on an underwater rumble-mound foundation. Dimensions of the concrete boxes were approximatively 63,5 meters long, 32 meters wide and 30 meters high, on a design consisting of multi rectangular cells (128 units/caisson)

EIFFAGE GENIE CIVIL MARINE answered to the ITB by proposing under an EPC basis an alternate caisson shape optimizing drastically the concrete quantities.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

Alternate caisson dimensions were 54,5 m long, 28 m width, 35m height including a 3 m high crest wall at the top against extreme waves overtopping. The geometry of the caisson has been changed to a 10 lobes caisson. The weight of each caisson is around 16 000 tons.

As a result of the subsequent FEED studies performed from April 2018 to February 2019, including 3D model testing in basin, Eiffage was able to reduce the amount of concrete required by 40 % compared to the first design, leading to 124 200 cum of concrete and both financial as well as environmental benefits.

Novel/Additive Information

Execution plan involving Mauritania and Senegal

This infrastructure offers key local content components for this gas field development in each country, something Eiffage had key experience with thanks to an historical presence in the the region : Eiffage started its activities in Senegal more than 100 years ago.

The original execution plan as proposed by Eiffage for the EPC phase signed in February 2019 was to build the 21 concrete caissons in Dakar -Senegal. A dedicated yard of 15 hectares has been reclaimed besides the actual port of Dakar providing a safe direct access to the sea and the required water depth for the caissons towing.

As a result, at peak more than 600 jobs will be created in Senegal, with the reclaimed land for the fabrication yard left as a legacy for the port area.

The underwater rumble mound requires 2 million tons of quarry material. EIFFAGE's proposal was to produce, transport and load from Mauritania those materials. A specific logistics scheme between the quarry and vessels loading point has been developed including a bypass road around Nouakchott. The transport of the quarry materials requires the mobilization of 170 trucks. A special safety mitigation plan including dedicated training is being implemented in order to reduce identified risks linked to road transportation.
Replacing the Piled Foundations of the Houphouët-Boigny Bridge in Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire
Authors: Ameri Ashkan , Mercer Adrian
Published: August 2021

Due to historical ground movement, increased traffic levels, and general degradation, this important road and rail bridge which provides an essential link between the interior of the country and the Port of Abidjan, required significant repair and reinforcement. This included strengthening the pre-stressed concrete box girders and replacement of the piled foundations. Replacement piles had to be adjacent to, and no longer than, the existing piles to not compromise the stability of the operational bridge during the works. The underlying geology, however, meant that the pile loads had to be predominantly transferred into the ground through end bearing. Rather than installing a greater number of piles or larger diameter piles, innovative thinking changed the usual mind-set of designing the piles to the prevailing ground conditions, to designing the ground conditions to suit the piles. Jet grouted columns were installed beneath the toes of the new piles to increase the bearing capacity of the ground. This significantly contributed to the sustainability of the project and reduced carbon emissions through saving concrete, steel, plus transportation and disposal of spoil.
Acoustic Evaluation of Annulus B Barriers Through Tubing for Plug and Abandonment Job Planning
Authors: Bose Sandip , Zhu Lingchen , Zeroug Smaine , Merciu Ioan Alexandru , Constable Kevin , Hemmingsen Pål Viggo , Berg Eirik , Wielemaker Erik , Govil Amit , Kalyanaraman Ram Sunder
Published: August 2021

The need to evaluate cement behind multiple casing strings has become critical in the context of well plug and abandonment (P&A) or slot recovery. A particularly important case, addressed in this work, is the application to optimize P&A operations in offshore wells where the capability to evaluate barriers behind casing using tools deployed inside an inner tubing would reduce the costs associated with rig time and potentially (in case the presence of barriers outside the casing is confirmed) the unnecessary removal of casing strings. We present an approach using a combination of sonic and ultrasonic tools deployed inside tubing to characterize the near well bore environment and in particular, the annular fill and bond behind the outer casing, i.e. in annulus B. Extensive modeling and experiments were used to characterize the sonic response in a dual string geometry and identify features that inform on the state of annulus B. Some of the complexities and ambiguities in this complex scenario are addressed by using the ultrasonic tool to characterize the annulus behind the tubing (annulus A) as well as the tubing location inside the casing. Additionally, we combine the single feature answers with those using deep machine learning to learn the complex relationship of the subtle features in the through tubing sonic response to the finer variations of the annulus B state as indicated by ultrasonic cement maps acquired in the outer casing. We test and validate these answers on a number of field jobs and show the results of the through-tubing logging answers with the reference cement evaluation maps obtained after removing the tubing.
Qualification of Wax Control System
Authors: Stangeland Øivind , Daasvatn Sigbjørn , Novoseltsev Yuri
Published: August 2021

A cold flow plant consists of a Water Management System (WMS) for separation and treatment of produced water, and a Wax Control System (WCS) for making solid wax particles that can travel through the long tieback line without further deposition on the pipe wall. Pre-conditioning to a level of 1-2% remaining water implies that avoidance of hydrate formation can be handled by reasonable volumes and traditional chemical methods.

The Wax Control System enable a temperature independent transport of oil dominated flows by continuous removal of deposited wax from the pipe wall, allowing the solid wax particles to travel with the flow in the export line without any risk of further deposition of wax along the export pipeline. The technical qualification work included design and operation of a Pigging Loop that allowed continuously removal / handling of wax within a bundled pipeline.
Satellite Observations for Better Characterization of Sea Surface Wind Field and Offshore Wind Energy Resource Assessment
Authors: Fragoso Mauricio , De Montera Louis , Husson Romain , Berger Henrick , Appelghem Pascal , Guerlou Laurent , Fabritius Gaetan
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a method to generate maps of offshore wind power at turbine hub height from spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. Two techniques based on machine learning are presented. The first can be trained with metocean buoys and the second one, more precise, requires on-site profiling Lidars. If Lidars are not available, SAR surface winds at 10m are improved with machine learning. They are then extrapolated at 40m with a classical power law, and then at higher altitudes with an atmospheric numerical model. If profiling Lidars are available, parameters from the numerical model are added as input to the machine learning algorithm and the training is performed directly at turbine hub height with the Lidar data. Once the wind at turbine hub height is obtained, the wind power is then calculated using a Weibull distribution. The resulting maps are compared with the outputs of the numerical model. The maps based on SAR data provide a much higher level of detail and a better estimation of the coastal gradient, which is important to optimize wind farm siting and estimate the potential energy production. The accuracy of the wind power is found to be in the range ±5% compared to the Lidars.
Using Third Interface Echo TIE Response Through Inner Casing to Enucleate the Outer Casing Geometry in 3D View
Authors: Kumar Apoorva , Bansal Palak , Agrawal Gaurav , Singh Kamaljeet , Dutta Shaktim
Published: August 2021

Casings can deform over the life of the well due to various reasons such as changing stress regimes, geological fault and fractures causing pinching, pressure differential created due to production, increased pressure due to injection, squeezing formations such as shale and salt, etc. A detailed casing deformation evaluation can provide insights to the operators in correlating the deformation to suitable reasons in their field.

There are various methods to evaluate the innermost casing or tubing using ultrasonic and mechanical caliper measurements but there is no technology available to evaluate outer or second casing deformation without first retrieving the inner casing or tubing. This work introduces and encapsulates the novel methodology of transforming the outer or second casing third interface echo (TIE) response, obtained by advanced ultrasonic and flexural measurement inside innermost casing or tubing, into a 3D wellbore view to suitably visualize and analyze the outer or second string deformations.

The work involves measuring the azimuthal radius and thickness of the innermost casing with the ultrasonic evaluation technique and computing the azimuthal annular distance between the two casings using the flexural wave TIE arrival time and its velocity in the annular fluid. The computed values are then combined to generate an array of azimuthal internal radius values of the outer or second casing and is finally converted into a 3D wellbore image for better and straight-forward visualization.

To validate the methodology, a shop inspection test (SIT) was carried out where the dimensions of the inner and the outer casing were precisely measured with a mechanical caliper tool. Following that, ultrasonic and flexural measurement tool was run inside the innermost casing to obtain the response of both casings.

The comparison showed a close match between the actual values and the measurements. Also, the 3D wellbore shape clearly showed the geometry of the outer string validating the methodology used in the creation of the 3D shape. The work can enable the operators to carry out time lapse outer string analysis on a periodic basis to give them early indications of any deformation in the outer or second string.

This novel technique or methodology also has valuable application in plug and abandonment (P&A) where the inner tubing and casing retrieval can be hindered due to outer casing deformation. This technique can also help in designing the right drilling BHA for sidetracking based on the minimum ID of the outer pipe through which slot recovery or side-track has to be performed.
Factors Associated with Lumbar Puncture Performance in Zambia
Authors: Saylor Deanna , Elafros Melissa , Bearden David , Dallah Ifunanya , Mathews Manoj , Mwenechanya Musaku , Siddiqi Omar K. , Sikazwe Izukanji , Birbeck Gretchen L.
Published: August 2021

In much of sub-Saharan Africa, lumbar punctures (LPs) are performed less frequently than indicated. This is often attributed to patient/family refusal; however, other factors have not been systematically evaluated. We investigated predictors of LP performance for a prospective cohort of people with HIV and new-onset seizures at three hospitals in Zambia. We enrolled 257 participants, including 184 (72%) adults and 144 (56%) urban participants. LPs were performed for 65% of adults and 33% of children, and for 69% of urban and 38% of rural participants. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, LP completion was significantly less likely at one rural site and among children compared to adults. The worst WHO HIV disease stage was associated with increased odds of undergoing LP. Low LP completion rates in Zambia are multifactorial and related to health system and provider factors and patient/family preferences. Further research is necessary to understand this complex problem and develop interventions to improve LP uptake.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Reinfection Cases Corroborated by Sequencing
Authors: Massachi Jonathan , Donohue Kevin Christopher , Kelly John Daniel
Published: August 2021

Evaluating cases of reinfection may offer some insight into areas for further investigation regarding durability of immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Sixty cases of reinfection with viral sequencing were identified in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and medRxiv before May 1, 2021.Episodes of infection were separated by a median of 116 days. Severity of illness was greater among individuals reinfected within 90 days of initial infection, no asymptomatic initial cases developed severe reinfection, nearly half of cases had suspected escape variants, and nearly all individuals tested following reinfection were found to have detectable levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This analysis is limited by the heterogeneous methods used among reports. Reinfection continues to be relatively rare. As the case rate presumably increases over time, this review will inform measurements to determine the natural history and causal determinants of reinfection in more rigorous observational cohort studies and other standardized surveillance approaches.
Individual-Level Heterogeneity in Mask Wearing during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia
Authors: Zhang Stephen X. , Looi Kim Hoe , Li Nicolas , Wan Xue , Li Jizhen
Published: August 2021

Wearing a face mask has been a key approach to contain or slow down the spread of COVID-19 in the ongoing pandemic. However, there is huge heterogeneity among individuals in their willingness to wear face masks during an epidemic. This research aims to investigate the individual heterogeneity to wear face masks and its associated predictors during the COVID-19 pandemic when mask-wearing was not mandatory. Based on a survey of 708 Malaysian adults and a multivariate least-squares fitting analysis, the results reveal a significant variance among individuals in wearing masks, as 34% of the individual adults did not always wear masks in public places. Female individuals, individuals who wash their hands more frequently, and those who reported more availability of personal protective equipment were more likely to practice mask-wearing. The identification of less-compliant groups of mask wearing has critical implications by enabling more specific health communication campaigns.
Assessment of the nutritional knowledge of undergraduate pharmacy students: The need to advance nutrition education in the training of pharmacy students
Authors: Dujaili Juman Abdulelah , Blebil Ali , Chong David Weng Kwai
Published: August 2021

Objective: This study aimed to assess pharmacy students’ knowledge of aspects of nutrition relevant to pharmacy practice and as a means of imparting information through feedback to support learning and professional development.
Method: 230 pharmacy students completed a 30-item nutritional informal assessment questionnaire, along with confidence assessment questions. Students were asked about the sources of information they used to answer the knowledge assessment questions, their learning experience with regards to nutrition, and their inclination to learn more about nutrition.
Results: Generally, Year four pharmacy students had significantly higher scores than Year two students. However, their overall performance was still lower than that expected of graduate pharmacists. About 75.0% of the study participants agreed that they would like to learn more about nutrition.
Conclusion: This study indicates the need to integrate better nutritional education into the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum. The results also suggest a need for Malaysian schools of pharmacy to offer focused learning on nutrition aligned with national health priorities and the competency level in relation to nutrition of pharmacy graduates in the country.
PENYELEKSIAN PENERIMAAN BERAS RASKIN MENGGUNAKAN METODE ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS PADA NAGARI TALU
Authors: Sari Afni Nia
Published: August 2021

Abstrak— Program penerimaan beras untuk keluarga miskin (Raskin) adalah program pemerintahan nasional yang bersentuhan langsung dengan masyarakat. Melalui program Raskin pemerintah memberikan bantuan kepada masyarakat untuk mendapatkan hak atas pangan. Menurut kantor Wali Nagari, ada 10 kriteria untuk menentukan keluarga penerima Raskin. Jika menggunakan cara manual sehingga pengolahan data memiliki kesulitan dalam penyimpanan atau pencarian arsip yang telah tersimpan. Sistem Penunjang Keputusan ( SPK ) adalah sistem yang mampu mengelola data dan memberikan solusi alternatif terbaik. Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) untuk membantu pengambil keputusan terbaik dalam pengambilan keputusan atas permasalahan sasaran. Ada dua mekanisme yang digunakan dalam perhitungan AHP termasuk metode manual konvensional yang dapat melibatkan proses normalisasi, dan yang terkomputerisasi. Penelitian ini untuk mengeksplorasi perhitungan AHP baik dengan menggunakan aplikasi Manual dan Aplikasi yang akan dibuat, untuk mendapatkan pengambilan keputusan yang konsisten dengan tingkat ketidak konsistenan 0.Kata Kunci Raskin, SPK, AHP
Implementasi Multiple Linear Regressing Dalam Memprediksi Income Penjualan Cctv Pada Cv. Bumi Rajasa Trading
Authors: Iswan Mochammad , Zulham Zulham , Nasyuha Asyahri Hadi
Published: August 2021

CV. Bumi Rajasa Trading merupakan sebuah perusahaan yang bergerak dibidang kontraktor penjualan serta pemasangan CCTV. Tentu saja dari hasil penjualan dan pemasangan CCTV tersebut, maka CV. Bumi Rajasa Trading mempunyai kisaran pendapatan yang selalu berubah-ubah, tergantung dari pencapaian target pada setiap periode atau perbulannya.Untuk mengatasi masalah income atau pendapatan yang tidak menentu tersebut maka CV. Bumi Rajasa Trading harus dapat memprediksi income yang akan didapat pada periode berikutnya agar pemimpin perusahaan dapat mengambil sikap dalam melakukan perbaikan bak dari segi pelayanan maupun produk agar dapat lebih bersaing dengan pasar. Maka dari itu digunakanlah Data mining untuk memprediksi income menggunakan metode Multiple Linear Regression.Data mining dengan metode Multiple Linear Regression ini dapat membantu CV. Bumi Rajasa Trading untuk melakukan perencanaan dan perbaikan, baik dalam hal pelayanan, pengadaan stok barang ataupun peningkatan kualitas barang.
SISTEM INFORMASI PENGIRIMAN BARANG PADA PT. BENUA SAMUDERA KARGO BERBASIS VB NET 2008
Authors: Khatami Muhammad , Pasya Angelika Nur Khulzanah , Putri Ega Evinda , Simon Jhon
Published: August 2021

sistem informasi yang dirancang dengan menggunakan Microsoft Visual Basic. Net penginputan data, penyimpanan data dan pengeditan data dapat dilakukan dengan lebih efektif dan efisien sehingga menghasilkan kinerja yang maksimal.Penggunaan program ini dapat mempermudah dalam pencarian data khususnya sistem informasi pengiriman barang pada PT. Benua Samudera Kargo. Penggunaan program akan memudahkan dalam menyusun tujuan yang akan dicapai. Sebelum program diterapkan dan dinyatakan benar maka program terlebih dahulu harus bebas dari kesalahan. Karena itu program harus diuji kembali untuk mengetahui apakah program menerima input dengan baik atau tidak dapat memberikan hasil output sesuai yang diharapkan.
L’EXERCICE DES DROITS LINGUISTIQUES DANS LES SECTEURS DE LA JUSTICE ET DE L’EDUCATION AU BENIN : ENJEUX ET PERSPECTIVES / THE EXERCISE OF LANGUAGE RIGHTS IN THE JUSTICE AND EDUCATION SECTORS IN BENIN: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Ligan Charles Dossou
Published: August 2021

Cet article est une réflexion sur l’exercice des droits linguistiques au Bénin à partir des réalités vécues dans les secteurs de la justice et de l’éducation. Il prend appui sur l’analyse de quelques instruments juridiques dont la Constitution, le Code de Procédure Pénale, la Loi d’orientation sur l’éducation et la Déclaration Universelle des Droits Linguistiques (DUDL). Au terme de l’analyse, il ressort que les populations béninoises utilisent les langues autochtones dans la vie quotidienne. Cependant, la satisfaction de leurs besoins dans les secteurs de la justice et de l’éducation demeure un luxe en raison de la faible prise en compte des langues maternelles dans la mise en œuvre des politiques publiques. L’Etat est appelé à prendre des mesures pour inverser la tendance en vue d’une meilleure vitalité des langues nationales.

This article reflects on the exercise of language rights in Benin based on the realities experienced in the justice and education sectors. It is based on the analysis of a number of legal instruments including the Constitution, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Education Guidance Act and the Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights (DUDL). The analysis shows that the people of Benin use indigenous languages in their daily lives. However, meeting their needs in the justice and education sectors remains a luxury due to the lack of consideration of mother tongues in the implementation of public policies. The State is called upon to take measures to reverse the trend towards a better vitality of national languages.

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THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN SACCOS IN PROMOTING FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN KENYA
Authors: Ndegwa Rose
Published: August 2021

Financial inclusion is a prerequisite to economic development. This has been echoed by international as well as national bodies. Studies have shown that financial exclusion has its roots in social exclusion. This indicates the depth and importance of financial inclusion in creating inclusive development. Numerous studies have revealed levels of financial inclusion with limited studies performed on the role of SACCO initiatives on financial inclusion. This research examined measures of financial inclusion which include both access and usage of financial products by low income earners and the socially excluded via SACCOs. Since access and usage are supplementary, they reflect a more vivid picture of financial inclusion. The study sought to analyze the role of SACCOs in promoting financial inclusion in Kenya. The study was guided by the three specific objectives: geographical coverage of SACCOs; cost and contribution of SASRA regulations towards enhancing financial inclusion. To achieve the objectives of the study a descriptive survey research was adopted. The target population was the three SACCOs in Meru town. 43 questionnaires were issued to SACCO members to access the level of financial service access. Primary data was analyzed with aid Microsoft excel software to generate frequencies, mean and percentages. Pie charts, graphs and tables were used to present various aspects of the variables. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.

 

JEL: O10; O20; G10; G20

 

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THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN SACCOS IN PROMOTING FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN KENYA
Authors: Ndegwa Rose
Published: August 2021

Financial inclusion is a prerequisite to economic development. This has been echoed by international as well as national bodies. Studies have shown that financial exclusion has its roots in social exclusion. This indicates the depth and importance of financial inclusion in creating inclusive development. Numerous studies have revealed levels of financial inclusion with limited studies performed on the role of SACCO initiatives on financial inclusion. This research examined measures of financial inclusion which include both access and usage of financial products by low income earners and the socially excluded via SACCOs. Since access and usage are supplementary, they reflect a more vivid picture of financial inclusion. The study sought to analyze the role of SACCOs in promoting financial inclusion in Kenya. The study was guided by the three specific objectives: geographical coverage of SACCOs; cost and contribution of SASRA regulations towards enhancing financial inclusion. To achieve the objectives of the study a descriptive survey research was adopted. The target population was the three SACCOs in Meru town. 43 questionnaires were issued to SACCO members to access the level of financial service access. Primary data was analyzed with aid Microsoft excel software to generate frequencies, mean and percentages. Pie charts, graphs and tables were used to present various aspects of the variables. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.

 

JEL: O10; O20; G10; G20

 

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INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT FUND SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN HENAN, CHINA
Authors: Li Zhang , Tham Jacquline , Azam S. M. Ferdous
Published: August 2021

The rapid development of industrial fund has become an essential supporting force to promote China’s economic restructuring. The purpose of this study is to determine Industrial Investment Fund Sustainability for the Local Government in Henan, China. To review the research phenomenon empirically and theoretically, two factor theories, quasi-public theory, market failure theory and theory of sustainable development have been discussed, together with review of domestic research on the development of local government industrial investment funds. Quantitative methods are considered to be more suitable for this study. Primary objective is to provide researchers with a description of the apparent facts of interest. Quantitative results mainly involve statistical analysis of collected data. In this study, the data interpretation of statistical analysis is used to describe the expected final results of the study clearly. The questionnaire of the present study based on the existing literature and past researches regarding student satisfaction in different contexts. The empirical findings of this study that supervision system structure, market exit mechanism and professional talents are significant factors that stimulates peoples’ industrial investment fund for the local government in Henan, China is similar and confirms with the findings of previous scholars. Thus, transparency is the main impetus of China’s financial development. Without change and opening, there would be no China today. However, contrasted and the genuine needs of monetary development, China’s receptiveness to the outside world is as yet inadequate.

JEL: L10; L16; L78

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COUNTRY RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM
Authors: Bataineh Hussein Ahmad , Al Harthy Sulaiman Humaid , Al Balushi Raqiya Ali , Albesisi Ahmad Omar
Published: August 2021

The study aims to make risk assessment of investment in the United Kingdom so as to open a new branch of a big bank in United Arab Emirate. The findings of the risk assessment recommended to establish the new branch in the UK basing on diverse reasons. Firstly, according to the international monitory fund report, the GDP of the United Kingdom will increase from the financial year 2018 through the financial year 2022. The economy will advance and widen. Plus, the growth in GDP indicate that all sector in economy including the banking sector will also develop. Secondly, according to the UK office Budget Responsibility (ORB) projections, the UK interest rate will rise in the coming four financial years that will surely be reflected on the increase of profitability. Thirdly, the inflation rate in the UK will decrease in the coming four years, which has positive effects on the banking sectors because inflation rate leads to low costs of products and services. Additionally, the GDP per capital of the UK rise in the coming four fiscal years which is healthy for banking sector to be highly productive and profitable. More importantly the population of the UK will increase in the coming four years, which is favourable to the banking sector this means that the number of will increase. Moreover, the bank of England allows all the commercial banks in the country. Another reason that encourage investing in the UK is the advancement in technology. Besides, the most important reason encourage investment in the UK is the country’s system of governance that is a democratic system of leadership that does not hinders private investors unless they violate law. The researchers conclude that they recommend the decision to open the new bank in the UK. Since the benefits supersede the costs.

JEL: E22; F21; G21

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MERGER & ACQUISITION AND BANK RISKS
Authors: Bataineh Hussein Ahmad , Balushi Raqiya Ali Al , Al Harthy Sulaiman Salim
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between merger & acquisition and bank risks. The sample of the study consisted of 55 commercial banks sector listed on Orbs from (2011-2016). The results of the study showed that there is no relationship between the net benefit and bank`s risk, and also there is no relationship between the capital ratio and bank`s risk, and also there is no relationship between the equity ratio and bank`s risk, that there is a relationship between the capital ratio and bank`s risk. Generally, we note no relationship between the merger & acquisition and banks risk. The recommended of the study recommended that the most important of which are the concentration of banks in general on the level of losses they suffer due to the loans extended to customers and other institutions.

JEL: G10; G21; G15

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MARKETING EXPENDITURE IMPACT ON BANK’S FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY ON KUWAITI BANKS
Authors: AlAli Musaed S. , AlKulaib Hazem A. , Abuzarqa Rawan , AlSalem Abdulaziz S.
Published: August 2021

Marketing personnel are always under pressure to justify their marketing strategies expenses to bank top management and shareholders. This study aims to provide some justification for their expenses by linking it to the financial performance of the firm. Using the data of ten Kuwaiti banks that are listed at Kuwait stock exchange (KSE) over the period spanning from 2008 to 2018, results show that there is a statistically significant direct relation between marketing expenditure and the financial performance of banks in Kuwait. In addition, results show that both bank size and assets per employee also have a direct relation with bank performance.

JEL: G21; G24; G10

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EFFECTS OF CONCESSIONAL DEBT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A MULTILATERAL AND BILATERAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE WEST AFRICAN MONETARY ZONE
Authors: Nwakoby Ifeoma C. , Ezeaku Hillary Chijindu
Published: August 2021

Studies on the contribution of concessional debt to economic development are sketchy. The paucity of empirical studies on this subject is even more glaring in the context of the English-speaking West African countries. Bilateral and multilateral aid donors have intensified the flow of official assistance to the developing countries of the world with the aim to bridge the developmental gap between the less developed countries and the industrialized countries of the world. The question that often arises is whether such aids have yielded the desired results among the recipient countries. Against this backdrop, we examined the effect of concessional debt on the economic development in the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) using cross-sectional data from 1975-2014. The panel cointegration and panel unit root tests were employed to test for long-run relationship and stationarity of the series respectively. Our model was analysed with both fixed and random effect panel regression while the Hausman test be used to determine the best and appropriate choice between the two. Our findings reveal that multilateral and bilateral concessional debts have significant positive effect on standard of living in the West African Monetary Zone. The panel cointegration test also indicates that there is no long-run relationship between concessional debt and per capita income. We conclude that inflow of concessional aid from multilateral and bilateral donors has had remarkable influence on the standard of living in the region. We recommend that concessional aid to the less developed countries be intensified. However, recipient countries should have a credible external borrowing guideline scribed in their legislation to check against excessive borrowing and also ensure that aid received is used for the intended (developmental) purposes. External institutions and aid agencies should also be involved in the entire aid administration with aim of ensuring that aid is extended based on need, not political ties.

JEL: A10; B20; C01

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SPECIFIC OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT IN GEORGIA
Authors: Shonia Nana , Mushkudiani Zurab , Makhatadze Sulkhan
Published: August 2021

Procurement at the local self-government level in Georgia is carried out in accordance with the rules established by the Law of Georgia on State Procurement. In this case, the difference between local and state procurement is not observed at the concept level, the specifics of the municipalities are not considered anywhere. The main objectives of the Law on Public Procurement are to rationalize the funds allocated for procurement, as well as to ensure a fair and non-discriminatory approach to procurement during procurement. However, violations of the principle of justice still occur at the municipal level. Due to the fact that procurement procedures take quite a long time and also, our research has revealed a number of shortcomings related to administration, hindering the effective functioning of municipalities.

JEL: H11; H70

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A REVIEW OF RESEARCH ON THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF “CHU CI” IN THE PAST TWO DECADES
Authors: Zhenxiao Pan
Published: August 2021

This article reviews the English translation research of “Chu Ci” in the past two decades. Based on statistics from CNKI, it is found that research on the English translation of “Chu Ci” are presently confined to several translators’ translations such as Waley, Hawkes and Xu Yuanchong, among which the interpretation of cultural images weighs heavily. Although interdisciplinary research has been realized rather than limited in the study of cultural images, there is no focused point only separated studies, which means the lack of comprehensive and systematic research on the English translation of “Chu Ci”.

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DIGLOSSIA AND MULTILINGUALISM: A LANGUAGE CHALLENGE IN MACHAKOS SUBORDINATE COURTS
Authors: Mulwa Emma Mwende
Published: August 2021

Human beings can acquire as many languages as they come in contact with, and utilize them as it is permissible and applicable in a society. This article seeks to explore language needs among the participants in the subordinate courts in Machakos County, in an attempt to figure out if those needs are attended to by the current language policy in the courts. The article is an extraction from a PhD study. The proficiency with which some of the participants use the languages they know makes their cases attract unjust ruling. To elicit information on the language needs they have during court proceedings, interviews, questionnaires and non-participant observation were used to carry out a descriptive qualitative and quantitative research. Thirteen defendants and defense counsels, thirteen witnesses and eighteen members of the public took the questionnaires, while three magistrates and clerks/interpreters attended the interviews. The researcher observed the proceedings. After triangulation of the data collected, the findings were that, the participants use the official languages, English and Kiswahili or interpretation of their indigenous languages. This is detrimental to their cases because they are not proficient in the languages. The interpreter is incapable of expressing the sentiments of the accused and the witnesses appropriately. Court participants need to use languages they know best in order to express their issues precisely. This article therefore recommends the use of a language that an accused or a witness cognizes. It also recommends the elevation of indigenous languages to official status within their area of dominance.

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LITERATURE AND FILM: THE CONTRADICTIONS OF THE HUMAN CONDITION IN THE ADAPTATION OF DOMINGO À TARDE, BY FERNANDO NAMORA – A JOURNEY TO QUESTION LIFE AND DEATH
Authors: Cardoso Luis
Published: August 2021

The novel Domingo à Tarde, written by the Portuguese author Fernando Namora, was adapted by António de Macedo to a film, centred on the life of a doctor that sees death in front of him, on the face of a patient and by this incarnation of death itself, thinks about the human condition in a journey to find himself. The novel and the film are connected by this character and his voyage, a metaphor for us all, and gives the spectator a portrait of the Portuguese “New Cinema”. Fernando Namora himself would integrate the dialogues between literature and cinema in this “Cinema Novo”, namely with the adaptation of Domingo à Tarde. This film reveals the aesthetic proposals that emerged with the discussions about cinema in Portugal and signify the technical and aesthetic consecration of a cinema that has been wanted since the 1950s, but that the economic conditions of film production in Portugal have not allowed happening.

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INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUES IN THE DIGITAL AGE: CYBERCRIME AND CRIMINAL PROFILING
Authors: Greco Fulvio , Greco Gianpiero
Published: August 2021

The advent of the Internet and social networks has reduced human and empathic relationships, consequently increasing virtual ones. Cyberspace offers the possibility of carrying out illegal acts with the perception of remaining unpunished. In this article we discussed the differences between crime and cybercrime which takes different forms within cyberspace such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying, online sexual offences and property crimes such as white-collar crimes. Furthermore, the evolution of criminal profiling in the digital age has been described and the profile of the cyber-criminal has been defined as outlined by the Italian State Police. The multiplication of criminal activities perpetrated through the web has led the Legislator to wonder about the most effective repressive methods to repress and try to ward off the numerous dangers that are wandering within cyberspace. The Italian legislator, through various legislative interventions, has introduced changes to the Penal Code as in article 612-bis, introducing in paragraph 2 an increase in punishment for the case in which the crime is committed through IT tools such as e-mail, SMS, chat malware and, above all, social networks. Also, the legislator included article 612-ter in the Penal Code to prosecute the illegal dissemination of sexually explicit images and videos. Finally, criminological research must consider that cybercrime has different variables than traditional crime and the evaluation of criminal behaviour should take into account the influence of the virtual dimension on the cognitive processes of the subjects.

 

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TRANSITION PROGRAM INTO COMPULSORY EDUCATION WITH EMPHASIS ON THE ENHANCEMENT OF INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENTAL PRACTICES DURING EARLY CHILDHOOD
Authors: Sakellariou Maria , Anagnostopoulou Rodokleia
Published: August 2021

The success of transition programs into compulsory education by implementing developmentally appropriate practices, the relationship that takes place between the child and the Instructor, play as well as the child’s interaction with their peers all comprise significant components of a well-tempered transition. In the context of the current research that was conducted during the 2015-2016 school year, the views of 217 Greek Nursery School Teachers and 194 Kindergarten Educators, all from the wider Epirus Region, were examined on the practices they implement with aims at enhancing inter-personal relationships among children of early age, in order for their experience regarding preschool education and learning centers to be a pleasant one, while the process of transition from one context to the other, to be effective. The research shows that Greek Early Childhood Instructors is of uttermost importance that they possess knowledge on their training expertise along with the emotional facet of the overall transition procedure. It is, furthermore, essential that they should enforce children’s active participation into a transition program to compulsory education and assist them on obtaining fundamental social skills on the basic direction of a smooth transition into compulsory education.

 

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INNOVATION OF TRAINING METHODS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS UNDER "LEARNING CITIZEN" MODEL
Authors: Hiep Nguyen Van , Tram Pham Ngoc
Published: August 2021

After reflecting on the situation, the paper focuses on analyzing the innovation of higher education methods to meet learners' needs under the "learning citizen" model in the context of approaching the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with many opportunities and challenges. The paper identifies that higher education innovation to meet learners' needs under the "learning citizen" model is an effective way to take care of people's spiritual and material life, which is an important contribution to build a learning society.

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OPORTUNIDADES PARA EL DESARROLLO DE TURISMO EXPERENCIAL Y SOSTENIBLE EN LA RESERVA VALDIVIANA, CHILE / EXPERIENTIAL AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE VALDIVIANA RESERVE
Authors: González Diego Santos , Sammann Riveros Antonieta Catalina , Pérez Delgado Andrés Felipe , Mediero Alejandro Otero
Published: August 2021

Hoy en día es clave para muchas personas alejarse del estrés de las grandes ciudades, y apartarse de las grandes aglomeraciones durante los períodos vacacionales, para disfrutar de la naturaleza y tener un contacto más cercano con el medio ambiente, algo que cada vez parece más difícil en un sistema globalizado y masificado. De esta premisa surgen proyectos turísticos cuyo objetivo es ofrecer una experiencia inolvidable al huésped, basada en naturaleza y actividades personalizadas en un entorno único sin dejar de tener las comodidades de un hotel clásico al que estamos acostumbrados, sin olvidar, que el impacto producido debe ser mínimo y en todo caso, positivo en el entorno. Chile tiene la potencialidad de ser una opción excelente para este tipo de proyectos ya que posee recursos naturales únicos en Sudamérica, con grandes parques y reservas naturales reconocidos por organismos internacionales. Trataremos de demostrar el potencial de la costa valdiviana como destino turístico experiencial y sostenible incidiendo en la oportunidad que esto supone para proyectos hoteleros independientes que valoren instalarse en la Región siempre que sean proyectos basados en el respeto del entorno y su cultura.

Nowadays it is key for many people to get away from the stress of big cities, and get away from the big crowds during holiday periods, to enjoy nature and have a closer contact with the environment, something that seems increasingly difficult. in a globalized and massed system. From this premise arise tourist projects whose objective is to offer an unforgettable experience to the guest, based on nature and personalized activities in a unique environment while still having the comforts of a classic hotel to which we are accustomed, without forgetting that the impact produced must be minimal and in any case, positive in the environment. Chile has the potential to be an excellent option for this type of project since it has unique natural resources in South America, with large parks and natural reserves recognized by international organizations. We will try to demonstrate the potential of the Valdivian coast as an experiential and sustainable tourist destination, emphasizing the opportunity that this represents for independent hotel projects that value settling in the Region as long as they are projects based on respect for the environment and its culture.

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CORPORATE COMMUNICATION: INNOVATION, PUBLIC RESPONSABILITY AND CITIZENSHIP IMPACT
Authors: Matias Ana , Cardoso Luís
Published: August 2021

The essence of innovation is creativity, which allows finding new solutions to existing problems. Innovative organizations do not depend solely on an entrepreneur, but on teams of experts gathered to create an entrepreneurial spirit. For this reason, it is necessary to use scientific techniques to promote creativity, as well as encourage and reward people and organizations that innovate, through the recognition of successful practices, both in the public and private sectors. Thus, public communication is at the basis of the quality and effectiveness of public service, the modernization of administrations and institutions, as well as the exercise of democracy.

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