bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of The Corporate Governance In Management of Islamic Banks
Authors: Rahma Al Siddig Talha M. , Musa Durria Hyder Siddeg
Published: September 2020

One of the most issues noticed by researchers and suggested from investors is Corporate Governance, addressing the need for company management control, dividing economical unit from its ownership and improving the performance of the board of managers, auditors, accounting system, internal control, and finally maintaining investors and stakeholders' rights. Using better managers in companies results in improvement of their performance.             

So the purpose  of this paper comes to examine the determinants of the Islamic bank's product and services disclosure strengths and weaknesses of corporate governance.  , and suggest ways in which can be improved, the results reported across perspective and levels of analyses through, global, regional, legal systems, regularity quality and bank size.

The results indicate that the strongest theme of corporate governance for Islamic banks in the sample is Transparency and Disclosure, followed by Internal Controls and External Audit. At the other extreme, the weakest corporate governance theme is Risk Governance, followed by Shariah Governance and the Boards of Directors     .
Assessment of Smallholder Farmers’ Perception on Extension Training Programs for Entrepreneurial Skills Development in Cross Rivers State.
Authors: Victor Okpodu , Olufemi Oladunni , Ehirim Nnamdi Chukwuemeka , Samson Awoyemi
Published: September 2020

The study of smallholder farmers’ perception on extension training delivery for entrepreneurship skills in cross rivers state was done to assess their perceived factors of entrepreneurial development in the study area and to examine the relationship between extension training delivery on entrepreneurship skills and the effectiveness in linking farmers to the market. Data were collected using a two stage  random sampling of 114 small holder farmers registered with Agricultural Development Programme of the state and later analyzed using descriptive statistics; Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient; and Factorial Analysis. Result reveal that the farmers are mostly male (63.2%) with a mean age of 46year. The Pearson Product Moment (PPM) Correlation Coefficient showed no significant relationship between some selected socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents and the perceived effectiveness of extension service delivery on entrepreneurship training. Meanwhile, marital status, years of formal education and farming experience were all significant at 95% level in terms of effective contribution of extension services to farmers’ entrepreneurial skills. Again, it was shown in the factor analysis that three significant variable as contributing significantly to the predictive ability of the model. These are training improving marketing skill (0.037), communication skill of the agent in training (0.025) and farm and home visit of extension agent (0.018). Based on the findings, the study recommended that extension services is an important source of socioeconomic change in promoting entrepreneurship skills need of the farmers in the study area.
Childbirth Yesterday and Today: A Comparative Analysis of Women’s Experiences and Feelings through the Ages to the Present
Authors: Bączek Grażyna , Jasińska Joanna
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Perinatal care has undergone many changes over time. Therefore, women’s feelings and experiences will differ depending on the perinatal care provided at the time of childbirth. Time of childbirth and the perinatal care received are the main determinants in this process. However, one thing remains unchanged over time. Childbirth is considered one of the most notable events in the life of every woman.  The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of experiences and feelings shared by females giving birth in the past and the present in Poland.

Material and methods: A questionnaire was designed specifically for this research project. It was a set of multiple choice (single answer) questions concerning childbirth conditions and perinatal care. Results were analyzed with a chi square test. Data was collected in 2016 in Poland. The questionnaire was distributed both in paper and electronic form.

Results: The study group comprised of 671 females divided into three groups: childbirth before 2000, between 2001–2012, and after 2013. This time frame was associated with significant changes in perinatal care in Poland over the years. Changes in the delivery rooms have raised the comfort of childbirth, but progression of obstetrics resulted in greater medicalization of childbirth.
Human Resource Business Acumen and Social Capital Applications in the African Context
Authors: Schultz Cecile M. , Nel Pieter S.
Published: September 2020

A theoretical review of business acumen and social capital was conducted that would apply to human resource management practice to identify the desired behaviour of high-performing human resource professionals. The links of intellectual capital to human capital and organisation capital are necessary to contextualise social capital and its link with human capital resources and business acumen. A conceptual framework was proposed, consisting of business aspects, personal attributes and relationships to enhance human resource professionals’ business acumen. HR business acumen consists mainly of business aspects, personal attributes and relationships to enhance social capital. Specific business aspects involve thinking, knowledge, orientation and skills. An HR professional needs to possess executive-level thinking and systems thinking. They also must have business knowledge, a strategic orientation and skills such as financial literacy and being able to do metrics. Personal attributes such as agility, attitude, innovation, creativity, leadership, trustworthiness and responsiveness are of the essence. Lastly, relationships entail shared norms and values, trust, engagement and collaboration.
Impact Of The Instability Of Trade Flows On Economic Growth In Benin
Authors: DOSSOU Blanchard Felix
Published: September 2020

This article has discussed the impact of volatile trade flows on economic growth in Benin. The analysis is conducted by a VAR model inspired by the neoclassical production function. The study data are time series covering the period from 1980 to 2016. At the end of the study, it can be deduced that a shock on the degree of openness is negatively and significantly reflected on economic growth over two years. The variance of errors in the GDP growth rate explained by the degree of openness is 3.17%. The correlation coefficient between growth rate and openness errors is -0.56. There is a positive and significant contribution of the capital factor to growth from the 4th year. As for the labor factor, its positive effects on growth are statistically zero. In order to mitigate the effect of trade opening shocks on the level of growth, Benin should process its agricultural products locally, on the one hand, and diversify its export products, on the other.
Changes in consumer behaviour caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19): evidence from Portugal
Authors: Fragata Anabela
Published: September 2020

This study attempts to explore Portuguese consumers sentiments and concerns during the coronavirus pandemic,  the degree of trust in the recovery of the economy, month income affected by the pandemic, changes in online shopping behaviour, the consumer buying intentions for some products/services categories during the lockdown. We also analysed consumer concerns with food waste, or more sustainable product buying choices, brand loyalty and tourism issues impact like cancelled flights or accommodation and plans to schedule vacation away from home in 2020.  Further, the study focuses on the change in the media consumption habits i.e., types and usage of media since the COVID-19 outbreak and also the various ways in which they are using social media to stay connected, informed, and entertained.
Liquidity Management And Financial Performance Nexus: A Micro Analysis With Glaxosmithkline Consumer Nigeria PLC
Authors: Etale Lyndon M. , Sawyerr Ayaundu E.
Published: September 2020

This study was set to investigate the link between liquidity management and financial performance of GlaxoSmithKline a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Nigeria with a strong multinational background. Current ratio (CUR), quick ratio (QUR) and cash ratio (CAR) were used to represent liquidity management (the independent variables), while return on assets (ROA), proxy for financial performance was adopted as the dependent variable. Secondary data for the study was obtained from the financial statements of GlaxoSmithKline for the eight year period covering 2011 to 2018. Statistical tools employed for the analysis of data include descriptive statistics and OLS multiple regression technique applying the E-view 10 software. The results revealed that current ratio and cash ratio had significant positive effect on return on assets, while quick ratio had a significant negative link with return on assets. The study concluded that liquidity management had mixed significant economic connection with financial performance in the case of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria PLC. The study recommended that the management of the company should pay close attention to its liquidity position by putting in place policies for efficient management of its current assets, especially inventory, accounts receivable and cash to reduce the incidence of excess liquidity in the last few years.
An Empirical Study on Residents' Consumption Changes Based on the Development of Commercial Annuity
Authors: Zhou Jiaxuan
Published: September 2020

The relationship between the level of pension insurance development and the consumption of Chinese residents is a topic of constant debate. However, few scholars have analyzed residents' consumption behavior based on the level of commercial annuity development.  Using China's 2010-2018 inter-provincial panel data, this article builds a dynamic panel regression model to explore the impact of the development of commercial annuities on household consumption and its structure. In addition, the paper also compares the impact of the protection levels of basic pension insurance and commercial annuity on household consumption. The results show that the per capita disposable income of residents is still the main factor that promotes residents’ consumption. The improvement of commercial annuity and basic endowment insurance will help to promote residents' consumption, and the effect of commercial annuity's promotion on residents' consumption is more significant. In promoting the optimization and upgrading of consumption structure, commercial annuity insurance plays a more significant role than residents' income level and basic pension insurance. Based on the regression results, this article suggests that efforts should be made to increase the income level of residents and promote consumption from the root cause. At the same time, it is necessary to improve the commercial pension insurance system as soon as possible and steadily promote the coordinated development of the "three pillars" pension insurance system.
AN OPEN CONTRACTING FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT: A SEM METHODOLOGY
Authors: Naidoo Lawson , Naidoo Vinessa , Edoun Emmanuel
Published: September 2020

AN OPEN CONTRACTING FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT:  A SEM METHODOLOGY

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this study was the development of a framework to implement Open Contracting in South African public sector procurement. The specific objective of this paper is to determine the relationship between the principles of Open Contracting and the pillars for Open Contracting. This was deemed important to provide some insight to the possible components of the recommended framework for the implementation of Open Contracting in public sector procurement. This study followed a quantitative approach. A questionnaire via an online survey was employed to collect the data from a convenience sample of 377 procurement practitioners employed in the South African public sector. Pearson chi-square test (ɑ = 0.05) was used to test for association between any pair of categorical variables. Cronbach’s alpha was applied to test for internal consistency reliability. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the measurement and structural models and simultaneously examine a series of interrelated dependence relationships among the measured variables. SEM was also used to test the hypotheses in this study. The structural model also indicated a good model fit through the various indices. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between Open Contracting principles and pillars for Open Contracting. The findings relating to the research questions, therefore, provided sufficient information to design an Open Contracting Framework to facilitate the implementation of Open Contracting in public sector procurement.
Economic Growth Theories, And the Managing of Oil Curse; The Effect of Corruption
Authors: Masaud Khair Ahmed , Eshawish Aymen Alajly , Ertimi Basem
Published: September 2020

The paper discusses that Corruption, resources, private investment and economic growth are related. The inference is that the potential benefits of rising corruption in deeply authoritarian nations are practically greater than any other government intervention. Corruption awareness is essential in policy decisions that accelerate the policy platform. Emerging economies, notably the Middle East and North African countries with ample resources, can make a major contribution. further, the impact of corruption on the accumulation of human capital across two channels. It occurs on the first channel. It has the impact of corruption in public education spending and the second path. Corruption in spending on physical capital and investment.  The paper argues that the pace of the reform initiatives is crucial and that the success of the policies is affected by corruption and affirms the existence effect in human resources and corruption.
A Phenomenological Study:
Authors: Ward James G. , Martin Michael , Ward Yaprak Dalat
Published: September 2020

The original plan of this research was to collect multiple sets of data from business students in a 2020 spring study abroad program including the pre-departure course, the experiential learning in Thailand and post experience. When the World Health Organization (2020c) categorized the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, the pre-departure course was interrupted, resulting in the remaining sections of the program to be cancelled. To date, since no previous research was available on a pre-departure course interrupted by a pandemic of this kind, the experiences of the two faculty members teaching the course became central to the research making this study phenomenological. The experiences were captured by daily notes with reflections leading to four key findings: 1. The course lacked skills training and needed to be redesigned as it would be offered in spring 2021. Adding practical applications to the comprehensive collection of materials would lead students to start shifting their mindsets prior to the trip rather than during the trip resulting in maximized experiences. 2. The COVID-19 outbreak was unprecedented in that it was not a short-lived occurrence but an on-going crisis. The uniqueness of the situation brought futuristic thinking and scenario planning to the forefront when developing and implementing such global programs. 3. Faculty were not prepared for an on-going crisis. To be able to cope with similar uncertainties and act decisively, faculty leading such experiences needed training in futuristic thinking and scenario planning. 4. Faculty country-expertise strengthened student trust when teaching the course. Developing, teaching such courses, and leading such experiences need to be backed up by location-expertise to foster confidence for optimal benefits.
Necessity of Using the Science of Ahangyol (Way of Harmony) in building of economy in terms of modern requirements
Authors: Gashamoglu Ahmad
Published: September 2020

The basic principle of the science of Harmony (science of Ahangyol) is that - if the universe  has existed and functioned on the basis of the principle of Harmony for billions of years,  regardless of its size, the activity of any being  in the universe can be considered appropriate  if this   activity   serves to increase and multiply  harmony around itself and in the universe.  According to the author, more successful results can be achieved if the modern economic theories and economic mechanisms are also built on the principle of Harmony. The article analyzes the basic principles of modern economic theories, that deals with important issues, should be taken into consideration.  One of the most pressing issues in the modern world, as well as in economic projects, is the rapid growth of the world's population. It is highlighted in the article that the challenge of regulating population growth in the world currently is not being successfully addressed.  With the help of the science of Harmony (science of Ahangyol), a new model, based on the rules of natural development of society, is proposed to address the challenge. It is scientifically substantiated that modern economic theories can be further improved if we take the proposed model into account and use the science of Harmony (science of Ahangyol), which, in turn, can contribute to a more harmonious development of our societies.
The impact of the Country’s health services’ expenditure on the success of MDGs, Goal 4/SDG 3: Reduction of child mortality in Uganda (2000-2016).
Authors: Nabukeera Madinah
Published: September 2020

Safeguarding access to health services is a serious challenge for poor countries if the Sustainable Development Goals are to (SDGs) are to be achieved. This paper scrutinizes the case of Uganda, a country which is trying to improve its health sector amid a lot of challenges between 2000-2016 to assess how the country has performed in the reduction of child mortality given its expenditure. This study involved analyzing the available data drawn from various sources i.e., time series data on public health expenditure was obtained from Ministry of Health reports and the budget and Ministerial Policy Statements for the period 2000-2016. This data was further demarcated into parameters such as per capita government spending on health in Uganda shillings, health spending as a proportion of Gross Democratic Product (GDP) and private health spending as a proportion of total health spending. Findings revealed that non-significant negative effect of GDP per capita growth on infant mortality rate from 2000 to 2016, a negative effect of GDP per capita on under-five mortality in Uganda from 2000 to 2016, albeit the effect is non-significant (P>0.05), decline in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) from 527 death per 100,000 live birth in 1995 to 336 death per 100,000 live birth in 2016, and there is a negative but insignificant effect of health sector budget allocation on the MMR in Uganda since the P-value (0.199). Maternal mortality fell significantly in Uganda due to some interventions in the health sector. The decline is likely to have been cause due to supply and demand situations. There is need to improve funding in the health sector in order to improve quality health services through better coordination, health management, transportation, access, infrastructure at the district level.
Recentralisation Of Performance Of Urban Solid Waste Management Service Delivery In Lubage-Kampala Uganda
Authors: Nabukeera Madinah
Published: September 2020

Kampala is a government seat and the capital city of Uganda. Kampala has been referred to as an executive slum due to its breakdown in service delivery. Currently the city is facing increased population growth, increased demand for services, changing consumptions, rising income which has caused urbanization that resulted into increased solid waste generated. While Kampala has a lot of challenges i.e., garbage, potholes, sewer service, construction, traffic management, corruption, health services, environment, stray livestock and management of markets. The main objective of this papers was to investigate service delivery during the recentralization of the city in line with garbage tonnage. Secondary data from Lubaga division used with content analysis to analysis the collected data. Results indicated that a small number of trips and fuel consumption in December compared to October and November 2016. The fall in trend of garbage collected could be as a result of some measures like burning which are adopted by some households in Rubaga division. It is also believed that some KCCA garbage vehicles remain on the road sides and this would make it hard for some people who are far from the road to bring their garbage.
Indonesia and World Maritime Axis Vision: A Geo-Economics Review
Authors: Barata Fausta Ari
Published: September 2020

To increasing Indonesia marine, President Joko Widodo has idea and planning not only increasing marine resources, and fishery is the world maritime axis. But also infrastructure development of marine to pointed out to develop the country from geo-economics review. There are main pillars as the foundation of vision on Indonesia's marine development. There are policies, marine development, and fishery with activity program 100 days which produce fisherman improvement, and marine resources.
Budgeting and Budgetary Control are time consuming tasks for any organization: Examination of how the preparation, operation and implementation phases are carried out to the benefit and achievement of a successful organization
Authors: Kwadade-Cudjoe Francis
Published: September 2020

Budgeting and Budgeting Control are tasks that every organization has to undertake to successfully manage the operation of the entity. These tasks are very important organizational activities which need time to prepare, operationalize and implement successfully. It is the objective of every organization to be successful by achieving its goals and attain competitive advantage. With the proper contribution from management, the organization should be able to arrive at an acceptable budget, which would enable the operational managers to monitor and control their spending for organizational success. In this situation, the managers’ acumen would be called upon to direct operational / functional activities within the organization so that every member would contribute his / her quota, to the execution of the budget. Once the implementation is successful and furthermore exhuming benefits, there is hope that the entire gamut of the organization would revel in its achievement for higher productivity. A successful organization is surely the cynosure of every director of the board!

Budgeting and Budgeting Control are tasks that every organization has to undertake to successfully manage the operation of the entity. These tasks are very important organizational activities which need time to prepare, operationalize and implement successfully. It is the objective of every organization to be successful by achieving its goals and attain competitive advantage. With the proper contribution from management, the organization should be able to arrive at an acceptable budget, which would enable the operational managers to monitor and control their spending for organizational success. In this situation, the managers’ acumen would be called upon to direct operational / functional activities within the organization so that every member would contribute his / her quota, to the execution of the budget. Once the implementation is successful and furthermore exhuming benefits, there is hope that the entire gamut of the organization would revel in its achievement for higher productivity. A successful organization is surely the cynosure of every director of the board.
Leadership of Change: Examination of transactional, transformational and charismatic leadership, and evaluation of the concept of charismatic leadership in the current information-driven business environment
Authors: Kwadade-Cudjoe Francis
Published: September 2020

Effective / efficient leadership has always been one of the most important ingredients every organization looks for. Preferably, a leadership of change that would enable the organization to carry out its operations effectively and engender good results to meet the organization’s goals. Every organization looks forward to employ the right leadership to goad the organization splendidly, and furthermore, attain competitive advantage. Competition amongst organizations to meet consumers’ needs is very keen, and it behooves on management to exhibit the best leadership style to achieve targets. Transformation and charismatic leadership styles have the upper hand in leadership of change to suit the current technological business environment. In view of this, directors of organizations are always putting in every effort and stretching every sinew to go above its limit to make sure the organization is sustained and satisfy shareholders’ interest. As one of their responsibilities, they need to appoint management with the requisite talents and skills to achieve expected results, and accomplish organizational goals.
Promoting organizational success with effective competitive strategy: Examination and analysis of competitive strategies of IBM and DELL within the IT Industry
Authors: Kwadade-Cudjoe Francis
Published: September 2020

Achieving organizational success has always been the bane of businesses, but it is an important requirement for every business. The best approach to achieving this success is to develop a good and effective strategy; the modus operandi for organizational success to achieving competitive advantage. Most organizations work tirelessly to establish strategies to enable the achievement of goals and objectives, but understanding what entails in establishing effective strategies has never been easy. However, once the resources of the organization are identified, and putting together concrete activities to perform on the resources, an effective competitive strategy could be established, which should lead to competitive advantage. Sustaining an organizational competitive advantage is very necessary, so as to create an enabling environment for sustainability, and in addition profitability, whilst pursuing its functions. Fact is, a lot of capital is always expended before a business is founded, and this investment cannot be squandered, but be recouped. Therefore, structuring an effective competitive strategy at the very beginning, is a must for every organization. The generic competitive strategies are cost leadership, differentiation and niche / focus.
Fostering an effective organizational relationship between management and employees: A co-operative arrangement would promote the achievement of goals, and the delivery of projected products and services.
Authors: Kwadade-Cudjoe Francis
Published: September 2020

A good relationship between management and employees within an organization has always been the best ingredient every entity should aspire for. Management alone cannot run the organization, and similarly, employees. There is therefore, the need for good rapport to exist between them for a successful management of the organization. The functions of management are quite distinct from employees, and similarly that of employees. When an organization is not able to achieve its goals / objectives, both management and employees would suffer, as they would lose their jobs. Management, as leaders of the organization, must make sure there is harmony within the organization for the achievement of goals. It is good idea for a union to be set up within the organization to enable good communication amongst the employees, but not to coerce management for unnecessary demands. Similarly, management should not threaten the employees with unnecessary dismissals. There is the need for good formulation of policies, strategies and conditions of service for effective administration of the organization.
Mergers and acquisitions in the contemporary business markets: The differences and similarities between them, and the significance of the allusion that ‘mergers seldom produce the expected benefits that managers wish for’
Authors: Kwadade-Cudjoe Francis
Published: September 2020

Mergers and acquisitions have been popular in the time past, where organizations pride themselves by engaging in that venture to develop and promote their businesses to achieve competitive advantage. However, in the modern technological business dispensation, it has been a different ball game all together. This is due to the abandonment of the significance associated with the concept that mergers and acquisitions produce the expected gains that management look for. Currently, the magic wand found for organizations is to integrate backward / forward within the industry’s processing line or value chain for expansion and achievement of competitive advantage. This has been made possible, because organizations in the same market and value chain could easily integrate backward / forward to expand their businesses for success, as being practiced by the Japanese and most American companies in the vehicular and computer industries, respectively. Furthermore, the previous belief in the myth that mergers and acquisitions produce the expected results that managers look for, is now vilified. It therefore, behooves on organizations to integrate backward / forward within their market / supply chain for expansion, and consequently work hard to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
MOODY'S RATING FOR PALM OIL PLANTATION COMPANIES IN MERAUKE, PAPUA
Authors: Eko Tama Putra Saratian  , Harefan Arief  , Yanto Ramli  , Mochamad Soelton
Published: September 2020

Papua is one of the regions that currently receives a lot of investment in plantations and palm oil commodity processing, which previously only focused on Sumatra and Kalimantan. One of the reasons for investment in agribusiness to attract investors and the government is the contribution of the agricultural sector to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is around 13.96% in the third quarter of 2017, so that the agricultural sector is one of the second largest contributors to GDP after the manufacturing industry. The agricultural sector is dominated by the plantation sub-sector, where the largest plantation production in Indonesia is palm oil, and Indonesia is the world's largest exporter of palm oil. The objectives of this research are to find out whether investment in oil palm plantation and processing in Papua falls into the "investment" category in Moody's rating and to find out how to make investment in plantations and oil palm processing in Papua fall into the "investment grade" and / or category. can increase the rating through Moody's. This study uses a quantitative research approach. Participants in this study used a purposive sampling technique, where the data collected was obtained from primary data and secondary data. Analysis of the data used in this study is Moody's rating analysis. Data processing is carried out by conducting a spreading assessment of the company's financial statements for the last 3 years to obtain values for historical ratio assessment variables and balance sheet factors, as well as by conducting an assessment of industry / market, company and management variables. After all the input and analysis is carried out, the output is obtained in the form of an investment feasibility rating "B2" with the risk category "Medium Risk". Thus, the company is classified as "investment grade" or feasible for investment, but the B2 score is included in the lowest investment grade category, so improvements are needed so that grading increases and attracts investors. For future researchers, it is advisable to conduct research on a wider sample coverage and emphasize corporate actions that must be carried out.
SO Challenges facing local authorities in light of the Corona pandemic and its relationship with the central government in Palestine
Authors: Obaid Shaher
Published: September 2020

The research seeks to give a detailed description of the current state of affairs within the local authorities in Palestine. Notably, the issues that are explicitly addressed are how the pandemic has affected the local authorities; capacity to offer essential services to the citizens. A cross-sectional study involving senior employees at Al-Bireh Municipality, the citizens from Al-Bireh Municipality and head of the Emergency Committee in Palestinian Cities and villages was applied to help gain a proper understanding of the extent to which the pandemic has negatively impacted the local authorities’ abilities to offer services to the citizens.  The results have shown that the pandemic has limited delivery of crucial roles such as environmental services, water services, and solid waste elimination, among others. Additionally, the challenges facing the local authorities in the face of this pandemic have been highlighted as shorted finance, human resources and necessary equipment. Finally, a recommendation section is included to address some of the measures that the local authorities can implement to prevent the effects associated with the occurrence of the pandemic.
Evaluating the Impact of QIZ Protocol on Egypt’s Textile and Clothing Sector
Authors: ElGhouty Amal
Published: September 2020

Since the enforcement of the Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZ) protocol signed by Egypt in December 2004, the number of QIZ companies have steadily increased, reaching 1048 companies in 2019. Additionally, the QIZ textile and clothing exports have increased, as well as its percentage from Egypt’s total exports to the USA. The paper seeks to study and explore the conditions and circumstances that induced Egypt to sign the QIZ agreement. The paper will then review several previous studies on the impact of the agreement on the Egyptian textile and clothing sector. We will also review the trend of the number of QIZ companies. Additionally, in order to assess whether the QIZ protocol have a positive impact on the textile and apparel sector, we will evaluate the trends in the Egyptian textile and apparel exports to the USA and what percentage does these exports constitute from Egypt’s total exports.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AGENTS IN WATERWAY TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT: THE EXPERIENCE OF WALLONIA (BELGIUM)
Authors: MORAIS ARTUR , Aragão Joaquim , Yamashita Yaeko , Brasileiro Anísio , Consulin Ricardo
Published: September 2020

This article is part of the research efforts regarding policymaking processes in public policy and investments in infrastructure, especially in waterway transport. Previous papers have focused on analyzing the action of interest groups or coalitions in such policymaking processes, having established methodologies and field research programs. The field research reported here concerns the Belgian waterway system of the Walloon Region, and the policymaking processes regarding its management. After describing this waterway system and reporting its economic importance for the regional economy, we investigate the procedures adopted by policymakers in their management. By means of interviews with public and private agents, we found that the explanatory model of interest groups could not be validated in this case. On the other hand, a network of public and private agents was found working in close harmony to manage, expand and achieve the system’s economic success. At the same time, it was noted that the promotion of the waterway system is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the Walloon Region has a competitive logistics position at the heart of the European Union.
COMORBIDITY OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AMONG STUDENTS AT THE KENYA MEDICAL TRAINING COLLEGES IN KENYA
Authors: Menecha Jared , Muriungi Susan
Published: September 2020

Objectives: To determine comorbidity of depression and anxiety among students at the Kenya Medical Training College, Kenya

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study design. Study participants were basic diploma students in a middle level college in Kenya. Data was collected using a researcher designed self-administered questionnaire for socio-demographic characteristics, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for severity of depression and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for the severity of anxiety in all the students in the seven largest KMTC campuses. All the participants gave informed consent.

Results: 18.4% and 20.2% of group A and B respectively had moderate depression while 48.5% and 45.8% respectively had severe depression. The equivalents for anxiety in groups A and B were 24.4% and 23.6% for moderate anxiety and 32.1% and 31.5% for severe anxiety. There was a higher rate of depression and anxiety in thesecond year; with a statistically significant association between depression and anxiety and the year of study in the two groups (p<0.0001 each respectively). All the other social demographic characteristics had no statistically significant association with depression or anxiety in the two groups. There was a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety co-morbidity in both groups which was statistically significant (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: Depression and anxiety were highly prevalent and significantly co-existent among the KMTC students. These mental conditions seemed to vary with the level of study training among college students. Therefore, the psychological well-being of college students need to be carefully addressed. There is need to closely monitor anxiety and depression to eliminate the risk factors and consequently prevent the development of adverse outcomes.
Fifty Years of Dazzling, Dizzying Threads: Anniversary of Pittsburgh Pirates Debuting Double-Knits July 1970.
Authors: Moon Ken
Published: September 2020

This article was originally accepted for presentation at the Baseball in Literature and Culture Conference at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas, in April 2020 (conference cancelled due to Covid-19 outbreak) and presented virtually (via Zoom) for the 37th Sports Literature Association Conference, Virtual Edition June 19, 2020. This article commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the Pittsburgh Pirates, when debuting in Three Rivers Stadium fifty years ago July 16, 1970, making a fashion statement in their new uniforms that would change the look of the game as much as the multi-purpose stadiums and artificial surface fields Major Leaguers played on. Their white double-knit uniforms would spark a revolution in uniform design soon to be adopted by all the Major League teams within a couple years. Their uniform’s nylon-cotton blend fabric changed the look of Major League Baseball at a time when advancements in textile technology combined with a freer spirit in graphics experimentation allowed for bold—and sometimes wild—fashion designs not seen before in professional sports. Several books along with news and commercial web sites/sources are referenced to confirm information in the article.
The perception of the information received from the doctor. A study on 103 onco-hematological patients with metastatic disease.
Authors: Mazzotti Eva , Costantini Anna , Genthon Laurent , Tafuri Agostino , Osti Mattia Falchetto , Marchetti Paolo
Published: September 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the perception that onco-hematological patients with metastatic disease have regarding the information received on their disease and treatment. Method. EORTC QLQ-INFO25 was administered anonymously to 103 patients.

Results. 69% of patients were satisfied and 76% rate the information received very useful. More than half of the sample is not satisfied with the information on the effects of therapy on social and family life (53%), the effects of therapy on sexual activity (73%), the possibility of receiving extra-hospital care (78%), the rehabilitation services (81%), how to manage the disease at home (56%), the professional psychological support (69%). Overall, 46% would have preferred to receive more information, and 2% less. Discussion. The responses show that the greatest satisfaction is for the areas of purely medical relevance (information on the disease, information on medical investigations and information on the therapy carried out). Information by the doctor becomes deficient, from the patient's point of view, for those thematic areas that doctors did not consider to be their competence. Conclusion. Our data shows the lack of exchange between doctor and patient, in both directions and highlighted the need for training doctors on communication skills on psycho-social issues and quality of life concerns.
Wage Utilization, Household Decision-making and Role Variations: Implications on Gender Relations among Workers of Teza Tea Company, Burundi
Authors: TUYIKEZE Evode , WANDERE Donald
Published: September 2020

This paper is abstracted from a larger study that was carried out among workers of Teza Tea Company in the Muramvya Province of Burundi. The main objective of the study was to assess the socio-economic push-factors that drove tea workers to seek employment at Teza, how they utilized their wages, and the way wages accrued impacted on intra-household gender relations.  In this regard, the study assumed that income earned by workers was not utilized appropriately thereby impinging negatively on intra-household gender relations – the outcome of the study proving this assumption otherwise. Methods used for data collection included; structured and unstructured interviews in the Survey Method, Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant interviews, Informal Discussions, and Observations. A sample of 150 workers was drawn from the study population by means of disproportional stratified and simple random sampling. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The study was guided by among others, the Bargaining Theory of Krishnaraj [1], the Division of Labour Theory of Arora et. al [2], and Agassi’s [3] Marxist orientation. The study found out that prudent use of wages by the workers had positive effects on intra-household gender relations. Specifically, this enhanced inter-spousal bonding and paved way for more or less symmetrical decision-making powers for both men and women within a marriage situation. Finally, the study also found out that as a result of depressed income for the workers, gender roles within families were not rigid and instead, they took an infinite variety form with no specific responsibilities set aside for either gender.
Using the Picture Word Inductive Model, Art and ACTFL 5 C’s to learn a second or foreign language
Authors: Sanchez Ana Cristina , Arias-Zelidon Maria Elena
Published: September 2020

This paper will examine how art can be used as a visual aid and a primary input to teach and learn the Spanish language and culture. Art will be limited to the use of photographs and paintings that will be combined with the Picture Word Inductive Model [PWIM] and the 5C goal areas on the teaching of a foreign language as recommended by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages [ACTFL]. The five C goals stand for Communications, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.

The Picture Word Inductive Model [PWIM] was developed by the Language Arts Specialist, Emily Calhoun in 1998 to help children expand their vocabulary repertoire and develop reading and writing skills using pictures.  

Art is a meaningful input that promotes vocabulary acquisition, listening, speaking, and literacy skills. It can be incorporated into any curriculum regardless of the language methodology to build background knowledge, scaffolding as a bridge from existing knowledge and new information. Art also promotes motivation on the students ‘part, which is a key aspect to successful learning.

The researchers will provide a unit plan that can be incorporated in a fourth or fifth-semester Spanish course.
The Effect of Multimedia Instructional Strategy In Enhancing The Students’ Academic Retention Ability: A Case Study Of Technical Colleges In Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Eze Titus I. , Olumoko B. O. , Obi M. N. , Akingbemisilu A. A.
Published: September 2020

Academic retention ability of students for concepts taught in school has been of great concern to all stakeholders in education, especially as it is likely to have corresponding impact on both retention of students in high school grades, as well asin facilitating the capacity of educational institutions to retain the students in schools. These phenomena which constitute socio-economic problems worldwide apply also to students and educational situations in Nigeria. Thus these researchers set out to explore if a modern student-centred teaching method, like the multimedia instructional strategy could enhance students’ academic retention ability. In this study one research question guided the study and one hypothesis was tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The study adopted quasi-experimented design in which the pre-test, post-test, delayed post (Retention) design involved two unequal intact (experimental & control) groups. A total of 123 mechanical trade (year II) students from technical colleges in Ondo State, Nigeria, formed the population. By purposive sampling technique, the two intact groups of students (43 and 41) located in two local Governments Areas apart from each other, were selected to form a sample of 84. There were three data collection instruments namely the lesson plan for the control group, the lesson plan for the experimental group, and the Mechanical Trade Achievement Test (MTAT).These were validated by two mechanical technology lecturers from the Department of Technology and Vocational Education and one lecturer from Measurement Evaluation Unit, all from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Using the Kuder-Richardson formula 21 (KR-21) techniques, the MTAT was subjected to the reliability test to yield the reliability coefficient of 0.82. Thereafter, the experimental and the control groups were pre-tested, and then subjected to treatment (teaching) for five weeks and later post-tested. They were further tested (delay post test or retention test) after two weeks of no activity. The MTAT was used for all the tests, expect that each time, the content were reshuffled, and the colour of the paper changed. The resulting data were collected and analyzed with the mean for the research question and the analysis of the covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of this study revealed that teaching with multimedia instructional strategy really enhanced student’s academic retention ability as shown from the mechanical trade   students. It was therefore concluded that multimedia technology is more effective in improving students’ academic retention ability. Consequently it was recommended that teachers should adopt using multimedia technology in teaching.
Ethno-religious Sentiments and the Need for Restructuring in Nigeria
Authors: Udeagha Nduka , Nwamah Grace
Published: September 2020

Ethno-religious sentiments in Nigeria have remained incapacitating threats to peace, security and the avowed resolve of the state to exist as one indissoluble nation. Nigeria as a heterogeneous and pluralistic state is divided along ethnic and religious lines. Some people who champion conservative elements adopt ethno-religious considerations as persuasive socio-political opium. They vigorously embrace and endorse nepotistic proclivities which tend to polarize the Nigerian state and make governance, development, and unity of purpose appallingly problematic. Recurring mistrusts and prejudices between ethnic nationalities and faiths have stunted growth and stifled development in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As its methodology to investigating ethno-religious sentiments in Nigeria and the need for restructuring, the study relies on content analysis. What is basically and structurally affecting the entity is the incongruousness of her diverse ethno-religious constituents. There is need for structural and mindset adjustments that will result in healthy competitiveness and expectedly, harness the diverse potentials and usher a new era of socio-economic development. The paper surmises that restructuring is imperative in Nigeria because it will help to cushion the palpable effects of ethno-religious sentiments that have remained the bane of a corporate Nigeria and national development.