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A Quantum-Safe, Interoperable, and Decentralized Payment Infrastructure for the Post-Classical Era as a Strategic Framework for Secure Global Transactions
Full text linkThe rise of quantum computing introduces a profound threat to existing digital security frameworks, particularly those that underpin modern payment systems. Current cryptographic standards, such as RSA, ECC, and ECDSA are susceptible to being broken by quantum algorithms like Shor's and Grover's, jeopardizing the confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity of transactions across financial networks. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the design, feasibility, and architecture of a universal quantum-safe payment platform capable of processing all types of digital transactions, ranging from mobile money and bank transfers to blockchain-based and card payments through existing delivery channels on a decentralized infrastructure. The research synthesizes current developments in post-quantum cryptography (PQC), including lattice-based, hash-based, and code-based algorithms, and evaluates their suitability for real-time financial systems. The proposed platform incorporates a permissioned distributed ledger, API-level compatibility with legacy financial protocols, and an identity-governed, modular architecture that enables cryptographic agility and policy compliance. Through architectural modeling and critical analysis, this research provides a forward-looking blueprint for building quantum-resilient financial infrastructure. It concludes that while performance and governance hurdles remain, quantum-safe payment networks are both technically feasible and urgently necessary. This work aims to equip stakeholders, especially fintech firms, banks, and regulatory bodies, with a detailed roadmap for transitioning to secure, interoperable, and scalable payment systems in the quantum era
Crisis, Recovery, and Regional Asymmetries: A Firm-Level Financial Analysis of Italian Food and Beverage SMEs
Full text linkThis study investigates the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Italy’s food and beverage processing sector. Drawing on firm-level panel data from the AIDA database, the analysis spans the period 2019–2022 and focuses on structural resilience and heterogeneity across firm sizes and regions. A sample of 1,600 SMEs was examined, segmented by workforce size and macro-geographical area through a cluster analysis. A correlation matrix is also performed to validate results. Key performance indicators - Return on Equity, Return on Investment, debt ratio, and EBITDA per employee - were analyzed to track changes before, during, and after the crisis. Findings reveal a substantial contraction in profitability in 2020, with ROE declining by 147% in the North, while Southern firms demonstrated relatively greater resilience. ROI dropped sharply across all areas, with incomplete recovery by 2022. Debt ratios exceeded 70% sector-wide during the crisis, underscoring high financial vulnerability. EBITDA rebounded after a 10% contraction, though rising labor costs - up 8.3% by 2022 - constrained operational efficiency. Supplementary analyses include a firm-level classification of performance evolution, a correlation matrix revealing moderate alignment between investment and profitability metrics, and a cluster analysis that distinguishes between typical SME trajectories, distressed micro-firms, and structurally distinct large enterprises. The results highlight asymmetrical recovery paths shaped by firm size and regional conditions. Overall, the study underscores the importance of differentiated policy approaches tailored to the structural and territorial characteristics of the sector, to support long-term resilience and mitigate the effects of future systemic shocks
Identification des risques comme moyen d’amelioration des performances des projets de developpement rural au Cameroun
Full text linkCet article relatif à l'influence des risques sur la performance des projets de développement rural au Cameroun repose sur une approche méthodique d'identification et d'atténuation des risques. Son objectif principal est de contribuer à l'amélioration de la performance des projets de développement rural. L'étude a été menée sur trois projets financés par différents bailleurs de fonds, à travers des entretiens semi-directifs, l'analyse de documents et l'observation. Elle a identifié vingt-deux (22) risques majeurs liés aux projets, dont 68 % sont exogènes et 32 % endogènes. Onze (11) d'entre eux sont fréquents ; seize (16) ont un impact significatif sur le respect des délais ; quatorze (14) influencent fortement l'exécution budgétaire et onze (11) ont un impact notable sur la qualité des livrables prévus. L'étude révèle que les mesures de gestion des risques sont généralement mises en œuvre dès qu'elles se manifestent et ont déjà eu un impact négatif sur la chaîne de résultats. Elle présente également un modèle de criticité des risques que les équipes de projet peuvent utiliser pour prendre des décisions de gestion. De plus, l'étude souligne la nécessité de renforcer les compétences des équipes de projet en matière de gestion des risques afin d'assurer la performance des projets de développement rural.
This paper concerning the influence of risks on rural development project performance in Cameroon is based on a methodical approach to risk identification and mitigation. Its main objective is to contribute to the improvement of the performance of rural development projects. The study was conducted on three projects funded by various donors, through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observation. It identified twenty-two (22) major project risks, of which 68% are exogenous and 32% endogenous. Eleven (11) of them occur frequently; sixteen (16) have a significant impact on meeting deadlines; fourteen (14) greatly influence budget execution, and eleven (11) have a notable impact on the quality of the planned deliverables. The study reveals that risk management measures are generally implemented once they manifest and have already had a negative impact on the outcome chain. It also presents a risk criticality model that project teams can use to make management decisions. Furthermore, the study highlights the need to strengthen the risk management skills of project teams in order to ensure the performance of rural development projects
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing IT Governance in Saudi Arabia: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions
Full text linkSaudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to transform the Kingdom into a knowledge-based economy by promoting technological innovation and increasing transparency in public administration. In support of this vision, the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), led by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI by 2030. This study explores the potential of AI to enhance IT governance within the Saudi context. Drawing on established theoretical frameworks and a structured research methodology, the paper reviews AI adoption across key sectors to contextualize its current trajectory. The analysis highlights areas where AI can improve governance mechanisms and identifies key barriers to implementation, including institutional, technical, and regulatory challenges. The study concludes with strategic recommendations to guide policymakers and practitioners in leveraging AI to strengthen IT governance across the Kingdom
Desert Locust Decision Support for Improved Agriculture Production
Full text linkThe desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) is widely considered to be the most dangerous migratory pest species due to its rapid reproductive capacity, long-distance migration potential, and devastating impact on agriculture and ecosystems. In addition, desert locust populations have increased rapidly, and swarms have invaded eleven countries in West Africa, severely disrupting agricultural production in vulnerable areas already facing security challenges. Timely and accurate information on the desert locust through remote sensing is critical for effectively managing and improving agricultural production, especially in West Africa, where such information is scarce. The objective of this work is to enhance the monitoring and prevention efforts against desert locust outbreaks by integrating remote sensing and decision-support tools. The tool identifies locust development and gregarization zones in order to assess the risk of outbreaks and support decision-making processes. It combines a model on the presence or absence of transient phases of the species, biotope ecological conditions, and gregarization thresholds for both juveniles and flying adults. In this paper, the Google Earth Engine platform is used to monitor eco-meteorological conditions in key desert locust survival and breeding areas using high-resolution geospatial data. The improvement initiative covers certain aspects of the user interface, real-time data updates, and a fully operational set of eco-climatic indices impacting locust multiplication. These advancements contribute to a more robust decision-support system for locust early warning and control in West Africa
Causes et conséquences de la fluctuation du prix de l’huile de palme dans les marchés d’Edéa - Cameroun
Full text linkLa ville d'Édéa, dans la région du littoral, est un pôle vital pour les producteurs, commerçants et consommateurs d’huile de palme, mais les prix y varient fréquemment, sans compréhension locale claire des causes et effets. Cette étude analyse ces fluctuations, leurs origines et leurs impacts, à partir d’une enquête participative auprès de 130 acteurs de la chaîne de valeur, via des questionnaires et entretiens. Les données ont été traitées avec SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) (analyses descriptives, tests de Student, corrélations et tests de khi-deux). Les résultats indiquent que la saisonnalité climatique influence significativement les prix : en saison des pluies, la production baisse (observée par 90% des producteurs), réduisant la disponibilité de 50% à 70%, entrainant une baisse des prix de 30% à la production et de 43,3% au détail. Ce phénomène est accentué par un déficit de stockage chez 85% des producteurs et 75% des transformateurs. Les producteurs ont peu d’influence (75%) sur les prix, contrairement aux transformateurs et grossistes, dont 80% admettent des pratiques spéculatives. Ainsi, 85% des producteurs subissent une instabilité de revenus, 30% s'endettent, et 15% envisagent d'abandonner. Pour les consommateurs, 75% ressent un fort impact budgétaire, forçant 50% à réduire leur consommation d'huile de palme. Ces fluctuations traduisent un marché déséquilibré nécessitant la mise en œuvre d’une stratégie de stockage régulée de l’huile de palme.
The town of Édéa, located in the coastal region, is a crucial hub for palm oil producers, traders, and consumers. However, prices in the area fluctuate frequently without a clear local understanding of the causes and effects. This study aims to analyze these fluctuations, their origins, and impacts through a participatory survey of 130 value chain actors using questionnaires and interviews. The data were processed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for descriptive analyses, Student's t-tests, correlations, and chi-square tests. The results of the study indicate that climatic seasonality significantly influences prices. During the rainy season, production decreases (as reported by 90% of growers), leading to a 50% to 70% reduction in availability. This results in a price drop of 30% at production and 43.3% at retail. This situation is exacerbated by a storage deficit reported by 85% of growers and 75% of processors. Producers have minimal influence (75%) on prices, unlike processors and wholesalers, 80% of whom admit to engaging in speculative practices. As a result, 85% of producers face income instability, 30% are in debt, and 15% are contemplating giving up. For consumers, 75% feel a significant budgetary impact, with 50% being forced to reduce their palm oil consumption. These fluctuations highlight an unbalanced market that necessitates the implementation of a regulated storage strategy for palm oil
Descriptive Study of Social Relations in the Working Environment of Compagnie Ivoirienne de Coton (COIC): The Case of COIC Korhogo (Côte d'Ivoire)
Full text linkThe objective of this study is to understand the impact of the relational environment on employees' professional experiences, with a focus on social interactions in the workplace. It is about showing the social relations in the work environment of the Ivorian Cotton Company in the locality of Korhogo (Côte d'Ivoire). The study is part of a qualitative approach. The research instrument implemented is the interview guide, which was carried out with thirty (30) people, namely twenty-eight (28) women workers in the COIC cotton company, one (01) business manager, and one (01) team leader. This led to the results according to which the relational environment is characterized by relations with the entourage reflecting professional interactions. Indeed, social relations in the work environment play a crucial role in the productivity, well-being, and satisfaction of employees. A good social relationship can generate a climate of trust, collaboration, and mutual support between colleagues. Management policies can also contribute to strengthening social relations in the workplace
Caractérisation pédoclimatique des principaux bassins de production de riz (Oryza sp) et évaluation des variétés de riz améliorées en République du Congo
Full text linkEn République du Congo, le recours aux importations massives de riz durant plusieurs années, permet de répondre aux besoins de la population. Mais, celui-ci constitue une charge considérable pour le pays en termes de sortie non moindre des devises. Des variétés améliorées de riz ont été introduites en 2014 par Africa-Rice et distribuées à la population locale pour faire face au déficit alimentaire. Divers travaux de recherche sont en cours de réalisation pour compléter et renforcer, les faiblesses relevées au sujet des rares réflexions antérieures menées sur cette culture. Pour cela, une connaissance approfondie s’impose sur les acteurs agricoles, les variétés améliorées et les zones appropriées pour le développement de cette culture. L’objet de cette étude, est d’évaluer le potentiel de production des variétés améliorées de riz introduites après avoir caractérisé les principaux bassins de production dans le pays. Des enquêtes participatives, ont été réalisées auprès de 1500 acteurs agricoles ayant bénéficié des variétés améliorées de riz et demeurant dans 60 villages, historiquement rizicoles du pays. De même, les expérimentations en milieu contrôlé, ont été mises en place courant 2016 et 2021 à la station de recherche de l’Institut National de Recherche Agronomique à Pointe-Noire. Il s’agit d’un bi-factoriel de 3 blocs, appliqué sur 7 variétés de riz contenant 63 pots de plants sous serre. Les résultats montrent que 1225 acteurs agricoles, sont très impliqués dans la culture de riz et celle-ci, peut être développée dans la quasi-totalité du pays. Aussi, la taille des plants de riz, est de 63,93 à 70,5 cm à maturité. Les rendements en grains, sont de 66,6 à 280,6 kg/ha (localité de Mboukou) contre 188,2 à 272 kg/ha (localité de Sibiti) et de 154,7 à 335 kg/ha (localité de Loudima). Ces résultats confirment l’existence d’une diversité écologique des sites favorables à la production de riz. Les rendements obtenus dans les trois bassins paraissent faibles et cela, peut se justifier par les exigences de la culture du riz en termes de productivité et des techniques culturales. Mais, les études portant sur l’effet des engrais minéraux sur les variétés de riz et celles, qui concernent leurs efficiences d’utilisation de l’eau sont d’une portée considérable pour le développement intensif de la riziculture dans le pays.
In the Republic of Congo, the reliance on massive rice imports over several years allows for meeting the needs of the population. However, this represents a considerable burden for the country in terms of significant foreign currency outflows. Improved varieties of rice were introduced in 2014 by Africa-Rice and distributed to the local population to address food deficits. Various research works are currently being conducted to complement and strengthen the weaknesses identified regarding the few prior reflections on this crop. To this end, a thorough knowledge of agricultural stakeholders, improved varieties, and appropriate areas for the development of this crop is essential. The purpose of this study is to assess the production potential of improved rice varieties introduced after characterizing the main production basins in the country. Participatory surveys were conducted with 1,500 agricultural stakeholders who had benefited from improved rice varieties and lived in 60 historically rice-growing villages in the country. Similarly, controlled environment experiments were conducted between 2016 and 2021 at the research station of the National Institute of Agronomic Research in Pointe-Noire. It consists of a bi-factorial design with 3 blocks, applied to 7 rice varieties containing 63 pots of seedlings in a greenhouse. The results show that 1225 agricultural stakeholders are highly involved in rice cultivation, which can be developed in almost the entire country. Also, the height of rice plants is from 63,93 to 70,5 cm at maturity. The grain yields range from 66,6 to 280,6 kg/ha (location of Mboukou) compared to 188,2 to 272 kg/ha (location of Sibiti) and from 154,7 to 335 kg/ha (location of Loudima). These results confirm the existence of ecological diversity of sites favorable for rice production. The yields obtained in the three basins seem low, which can be justified by the demands of rice cultivation in terms of productivity and cultivation techniques. However, studies on the effect of mineral fertilizers on rice varieties and those concerning their water use efficiency are of considerable importance for the intensive development of rice cultivation in the country
Applying Quality Management Tools to Improve the Customer’s Journey at Beauty Salon
Full text linkPurpose: This paper focuses on assessing and improving the quality of services provided at Beauty Salon in Saudi Arabia. The evaluation covers the entire customer journey, starting from reservation and visiting, through to payment, and finally, providing services. Design, Methodology, Approach: A mixed-method approach was utilized, combining qualitative data from interviews with clients and salon staff, and quantitative data collected through customer satisfaction surveys. Quality Management Tools were applied to analyze the collected data, identify gaps in service delivery, and propose a structured improvement plan tailored to customer expectations. Findings: Service-related issues were categorized into eight main dimensions: facilities, appointment scheduling, price and value, staff professionalism, responsiveness, human resources, cleanliness, and services. The House of Quality was used to prioritize the top 22 solutions, with relative weights ranging from 2% to 8%. The integration of the voice of the customer and the voice of the staff provided a holistic view of current challenges and improvement opportunities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the limited literature on applying Quality Management Tools in the beauty and personal care sector in Saudi Arabia. By integrating SERVQUAL dimensions with quality tools, it offers practical guidelines for salon businesses to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction. It demonstrates how a customer-centric approach can elevate the competitive positioning of salons in the local market through targeted quality interventions
Metabolic Syndrome and Rheumatic Diseases in Chad: Prevalence, Associated Factors and Clinical Impact
Full text linkObjective: To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its clinical impact among patients with rheumatic diseases in Chad.Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted at the (HRT) Rheumatology Department from January 2018 to May 2024. Among 5000 patients, 330 fulfilled IDF and 214 WHO criteria for MS. Clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data, as well as functional scores (SF-36, DAS28, BASFI, WOMAC), were systematically analyzed.Results: MS prevalence was 6.6% (IDF) and 4.3% (WHO). The cohort was predominantly female (88.7%), with a mean age of 49.8 ± 12.4 years. The most frequent components were abdominal obesity (93.0%), hypertension (89.7%), and hyperglycemia (64.8%). Associated diseases included connective tissue disorders (40.9%), degenerative conditions (34.3%), and autoinflammatory diseases (24.8%). After a mean two-year follow-up, functional and quality-of-life scores improved, although 13 patients developed cardio-renal complications. Conclusions: MS is common among rheumatology patients in Chad and worsens disease prognosis. Systematic screening and multidisciplinary management are essential to improve outcomes and quality of life