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Measuring and Analyzing the Reciprocal Relationship Between Dutch Disease and the Resource Curse in the Iraqi Economy (2004–2024)
No full textThis study addresses a profound structural dilemma in the Iraqi economy, characterized by an excessive reliance on crude oil exports, which has rendered the country vulnerable to the dual phenomena of the “Dutch Disease” and the “Resource Curse.” These conditions have adversely affected overall economic performance, contributing to the widespread prevalence of financial and administrative corruption and the loss of opportunity cost, driven by political instability and the absence of effective governance. The research aims to measure and analyze the bidirectional relationship between structural production imbalances (an indicator of Dutch Disease) and the Corruption Perceptions Index ( as a proxy for the Resource Curse)within the Iraqi economy over the period (2004–2024). To achieve this, the study employs a modern econometric methodology based on the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), which facilitates the identification of the nature and magnitude of mutual influence between these two structural and institutional variables. The findings reveal that structural distortions in the Iraqi economy manifested in the dominance of the booming oil sector and the declining contributions of productive sectors such as agriculture and industry which are strongly correlated with elevated levels of corruption, by both reinforcing its institutional environment and weakening accountability mechanisms. Conversely, the study shows that corruption further exacerbates structural production imbalances by obstructing productive investment and incentivizing non-exchange-based activities, primarily within the service sector. This interplay creates a self-perpetuating cycle of economic and institutional dysfunction. The results confirm the research hypothesis regarding the existence of a reciprocal relationship between these two critical phenomena. The study concludes with a set of strategic structural and institutional reform proposals aimed at diversifying the economic base, enhancing transparency, and reinforcing governance frameworks to curb corruption and support sustainable economic revitalization in Iraq
The Impact of Oil Financial Dominance on the Optimal Size of Foreign Reserves in Iraq for 2004-2023: A Vision to Economic Digitization
No full textThis study measures and analyzes the effects of oil financial dominance on the optimal size of foreign reserves for the period 2004–2023. The econometric results were estimated and analyzed using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to assess both long- and short-term equilibrium and causal relationships. The key finding is the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship moving from the explanatory variable—oil exports to total exports ratio and oil revenues to total revenues ratio—toward the dependent variable, which is the foreign reserves to GDP ratio. This relationship is confirmed by the error correction parameter, which was negative and less than one (–0.009777), indicating a rapid correction of disequilibrium and a return to balance within 0.0097 of the time, consistent with the study’s hypothesis. Additionally, diagnostic tests confirmed that the model is free from econometric issues and that all study variables stabilized at the first difference, as they were not stationary at their original levels, indicating first-order integration. The study also explores future prospects based on digital economy mechanisms, emphasizing their role in data analysis, forecasting, and providing policymakers with clear insights to design fiscal and monetary policies that diversify income sources and promote economic growth and stability
Local Economic Innovation and Energy Efficiency with Bootstrap-based Web Applications (Case Study in Rural Indonesia)
No full textThis study explores the development and implementation of the WarungRakyat application, a web-based platform designed to improve economic activities at the neighborhood level in Indonesia. The study addresses challenges related to food security, economic sustainability, and community-based business models in rural areas. By leveraging information technology and a cooperative management model, the WarungRakyat application aims to improve access to basic needs, reduce operational costs, and increase energy efficiency through the Basket Marketing System (SBM). The application is designed to be responsive across devices, minimize data storage requirements, and facilitate easier access for community members. The research methodology includes simulation-based infrastructure modeling, which highlights the importance of flexible IT infrastructure in supporting sustainable economic development. The research findings suggest that the WarungRakyat application can contribute significantly to optimizing local economies, promoting self-reliance and well-being at the neighborhood level, and has the potential to be a model that can be applied more widely across Indonesia
Strategic Implementation of Sustainable Tourism Management Practices in Mount Rinjani: Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental and Cultural Preservation
No full textThis study examines the implementation of sustainable management practices in Mount Rinjani, a prominent tourist destination facing significant challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. Using a case study approach, the research collects data through policy document analysis, interviews with key stakeholders—including local government officials, tourism industry managers, and community representatives—as well as direct field observations. The analysis integrates a theoretical framework to evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and practices in promoting sustainability. Findings reveal that strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, evidence-based policies, political leadership, and community education are crucial components contributing to successful sustainable tourism management. Strategic planning ensures that tourism activities align with long-term sustainability goals. Stakeholder engagement fosters collaboration among various groups, enhancing the implementation of sustainable practices. Evidence-based policies, grounded in scientific research and data, help in making informed decisions. Political leadership provides the necessary support and direction for sustainable initiatives. Community education raises awareness and encourages local participation in sustainability efforts. This study underscores the importance of these factors in achieving sustainable economic growth while protecting environmental and cultural heritage. The insights gained from this research can guide policymakers, tourism practitioners, and academics in developing effective strategies for sustainable tourism management
The Mindful Path to Relationship Satisfaction: How Affectionate Behavior Mediates the Link Between Relationship Mindfulness and Relationship Satisfaction
No full textThis study examined the relationship between relationship mindfulness and relationship satisfaction, exploring whether affectionate behavior—both its display and receipt—acts as a mediator. The sample consisted of 162 Polish participants in romantic relationships (82 men, 80 women), aged 20-59 years (M = 29.94). Relationship mindfulness was measured using the Relationship Mindfulness Measure, affectionate behavior was assessed through the Public and Private Romantic Display of Affection Scale, and relationship satisfaction was captured with the Couples Satisfaction Index. Results showed that relationship mindfulness was significantly positively associated with both displaying and receiving affection in private contexts, and these affectionate behaviors were positively linked to relationship satisfaction. Public expressions of affection showed weaker or nonsignificant associations. Mediation analysis confirmed that private affectionate behavior partially mediates the link between relationship mindfulness and relationship satisfaction. These findings extend previous research by highlighting the importance of both displaying and receiving affection as key pathways through which relationship mindfulness fosters relationship quality. The results suggest that cultivating mindful awareness within romantic partnerships can enhance relational well-being, offering valuable implications for relationship education and therapeutic interventions. Future research should replicate these findings in culturally diverse samples and consider experimental approaches to establish causal relationships
The Influence of Customer Satisfaction on Customer Loyalty of Honda Motorcycle Users With eSAF Frame Through Brand Image
No full textOne of the brands that is quite strong in motorcycles in Indonesia is Honda, with its latest innovation on the eSAF frame. However, several cases of broken vehicle frames have made some people question whether they will still buy Honda products or not in the future. This is, of course, also influenced by several things, one of which is the strong Honda brand image in Indonesia and customer satisfaction with Honda products in general. This study was designed to test the role of Customer Satisfaction on customer loyalty through Brand Image. Respondents were dominated by men (N = 58) with an age range of 18-28 (M = 20.68, SD = 1.78). The results of the research that has been done, found that Customer satisfaction can predict brand image, and brand image also predicts customer satisfaction, but Customer satisfaction failed to directly predict customer loyalty β = .0885, t (96) = 1.385, p = 0.1694, CI 95% (-.0409, .2294)
Traditional Sudanese Medicine for Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Disorders: A Narrative Review
No full textHerbs such as Mentha piperita, Cymbopogon citratus, Zingiber officinale, Cichorium intybus, Elettaria cardamomum, Acacia nilotica, Boswellia papyrifera, and Balanites aegyptiaca are part of the Sudanese medicinal plants used to treat internal diseases, especially since inflammations of the digestive system are common across different regions of Sudan. These plants are widely used in Sudanese traditional medicine for gastrointestinal complaints, and their potential benefits warrant further investigation. This article reviews the availability of these herbs and highlights their use as traditional alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines in Sudan. It uses current data by manually screening the titles, and in some cases the abstracts, of retrieved articles containing the following keywords: “medicinal herbs,” “Sudanese medicinal herbs,” “traditional medicine,” “healers,” “digestive system disorder,” “Helicobacter pylori,” (H. pylori) and “jaundice” from the electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar. Preference has been given to scientific articles, reports, and literature published within the past five years
Honoring Sudan’s Medical Heritage – The Significance of Traditional Sudanese Medicine
No full textThis is an Editorial and does not have an abstract. Please download the PDF or view the article in HTML
The effect of myo-inositol on assisted reproductive technology outcomes in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trial studies
No full textBackground: Conflicting evidence from clinical trials on the effects of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) necessitates a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol on ART outcomes in women with PCOS.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library for studies published from January 2000–2023. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 17.
Results: 17 intervention studies were included. myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol supplementation significantly increased the clinical pregnancy rate (RR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.25–2.15; I2 = 13.5%; p = 0.32) and top-grade embryos (RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02–1.23; I2 = 85.43%; p = 0.0001). However, it was associated with reductions in antral follicle count (WMD: -0.78, 95% CI: -1.07 to -0.49; I2 = 97.37%; p = 0.001) and anti-Mullerian hormone levels (WMD: -0.46, 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.25; I2 = 91.95%; p = 0.001).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides reliable evidence on the effects of myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol on fertility and ovarian function in women with PCOS undergoing ART
Association of blood progesterone levels on trigger day and low oocyte retrieval in cases with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in-vitro fertilization: A prospective cohort study
No full textBackground: The number of follicles aspirated during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment does not always match the number of oocytes recovered.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the oocyte retrieval rate (ORR) distribution data and investigate the risk factors for low ORR in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cases undergoing IVF/ICSI.
Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 140 women aged between 18 and 40 yr with PCOS who were referred to Arash hospital in Tehran, Iran for ICSI/IVF treatment from March to November 2024. The ratio of obtained oocytes to follicles (≥ 17 mm) on the trigger day was used to determine the OPR. 140 women were split into 2 groups: one with a low ORR and one with a normal ORR, each separated by one standard deviation from the ORR mean.
Results: No significant difference was observed between the low and normal ORR groups for progesterone levels. A statistically significant difference was observed in terms of estradiol/follicle ratio above 17, number of follicles above 17, and number of retrieved eggs between the low and normal ORR groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum estradiol/follicle ratio (≥ 17 mm) with (OR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.94–0.98], p = 0.001) was a factor affecting low ORR.
Conclusion: Low ORR, which results in fewer embryos and more cycle cancellations, may be caused by low progesterone levels on the trigger day, low estradiol levels/follicles (≥ 17 mm), and the use of the progestin-primed regimen in PCOS cases