European Scientific Journal, ESJ
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Post-Devolution Household Healthcare Expenditures in Rural Kenya
Full text linkIntroduction: Despite improvements in a country's income during the era of decentralization, catastrophic expenditures persist. This study aimed to establish the determinants of household healthcare expenditures in rural Kenya. Methods: The study utilized data from the Kenya Household Health Expenditure and Utilization Survey (2018). A multiple regression model was employed to estimate the impact of respective determinants on post-devolution health expenditures in rural Kenya. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation technique was adopted. Results: The gender of respondents, marital status, medical insurance, and chronic illness were found to be positively related to health expenditures, whereas education levels (primary, secondary, and higher levels) and wealth index (second and third wealth quintiles) were significant predictors but had a negative relationship with health expenditures. Recommendations: The study suggests promoting gender equality in healthcare access and implementing incentives and training programs to encourage men to practice preventive care, thereby reducing hospital visits. Additionally, the study recommends the creation and implementation of awareness programs across organizations, schools, and government agencies. Empowerment programs should be established to help the population lower hospital visits, consequently reducing healthcare expenditures. Furthermore, the government should increase the number of public health facilities to enhance access to subsidized services in rural areas
Drivers, Barriers, and Impact of Digitalization on Sustainable Rural Development, Focusing on Some Regions of Albania
Full text linkThe rural sector is one of the most important sectors in Albania, referring to the contribution to economic growth, gross domestic product, and level of employment in the country. Increasing the productivity and performance of agricultural farms, efficiency of resource use, cooperation between small farmers, access to financing, implementation of technology, food quality and safety, are considered some of the main challenges for the sustainable development of this sector. An important instrument to face these challenges is the digitization of this sector, through the use of technology and digital platforms, with the aim of increasing the competitiveness and productivity of agricultural farms. The digitalization process holds the potential to bring about a significant change in how agriculture functions, in terms of tools, technologies, platforms and innovative approaches that support precision agriculture and efficient management of resources. In function of the purpose of the study, the questionnaire was designed to collect information from the farmers (interviewers). Based on the data of INSTAT & MARD, (2023) for the dominant activities and typology of farms, 938 questionnaires were completed with farmers for the regions selected in the study. The methodology used for this paper is based on the collection, processing, analysis and interpretation of data and indicators, focusing on the drivers, barriers and impact of digitalization on sustainable rural development in Albania. The data were analysed and processed with the SPSS program, in accordance with the purpose and research objectives of the study. Based on the data collected in this study, digital technologies in agriculture are perceived positively by interviewed farmers. The results show that the digitalization process in the rural sector is slow and faces several barriers and challenges, such as the small size of the farms, limited digital skills of farmers, lack of resources to implement digital technologies, and limited digital infrastructure in rural areas
Factors That Predict the Level of Internationalization of Small and Medium Mexican Export Companies
Full text linkGlobalization has led exporting companies to design and implement strategies to increase their presence in international markets; however, it is necessary to have a greater understanding of the factors that determine the level of internationalization, since literature alone does not provide sufficient and specific information for decision-making. The objective is to determine which variables predict the level of internationalization of Mexican export companies, by validating a random sample with 119 export companies from the state of Sonora. The methodology was descriptive with a quantitative approach. The information was processed and analyzed in the SPSS program using the ordinal logistic regression model. The results support that the price of the product, the installed capacity, and the commercial agreements are significant variables that directly predict the level of internationalization of companies, concluded that they are important for the growth, diversification, and permanence of an international market to implement mechanisms to improve exports by their resources and capacities. This can be taken up again in subsequent studies and a practical sense in the exporting companies by promoting exporters' actions that encourage new procedures, processes, and products that allow a monetary impact on them
Response of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to Critical Period of Crop-Weed Interference in the West Coast Region of The Gambia
Full text linkField trials were conducted in the 2021 rainy season at the National Agricultural Research Institute Banjulinding (NARI Site III) and the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of The Gambia (UTG Faraba Banta) to determine the critical period of crop-weed interference on weed attributes, growth and yield of groundnut varieties. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with Nine (9) treatments replicated three times. The treatments tested were as follows: Weed-free up to 21 DAS, Weed-free up to 42DAS, Weed-free up to 63DAS, Weed-free check, Weed Infestation up to 21DAS, Weed Infestation up to 42 DAS, Weed Infestation up to 63 DAS, Weedy check. The groundnut variety used as a test crop was Fleur 11. The results revealed that weed-free check (75 DAS) consistently recorded the highest weed control efficiency and lowest weed infestation, weed density, and weed dry weight in both locations. The weedy check had the lowest weed control efficiency in both locations. Similarly, the weed-free check consistently had a positive effect on growth and yield characters. The critical period for crop-weed interference in the groundnut variety tested was observed to be between 21 DAS to 63 DAS. It could be concluded that weed-free check followed by weed-free up to 63DAS and weed-free up to 42 DAS had led to the production of the highest pod and kernel yields of groundnut
Indications et résultats des coloscopies chez les sujets âgés de 60 ans et plus à Yaoundé (Cameroun)
Full text linkContexte: La réalisation d’une endoscopie digestive est un défi chez les personnes âgées. L’objectif de l’étude était d’analyser les indications et les résultats des coloscopies chez les sujets de plus de 60 ans à Yaoundé (Cameroun). Méthodologie: il s’agissait d’une étude transversale descriptive, avec collecte rétrospective des données menée dans 2 hôpitaux de Yaoundé (Cameroun). Les dossiers des patients âgés de 60 ans et plus ayant bénéficié d’une coloscopie entre le janvier 2018 et Décembre 2023 ont été inclus. L’analyse des données a porté sur le profil sociodémographique des patients, les comorbidités, la fragilité et la perte d’indépendance, la qualité de la préparation colique, le type de sédation effectuée, l’indication de l’examen, et les résultats observés. Résultats: sur les 550 endoscopies digestives analysées chez les sujets âgés, il y avait 203 coloscopies (36,9%). La moyenne d’âge était de 66,5 ± 5,8 ans (extrêmes 60 - 90 ans). Le sex ratio était de 0,98. Les principales indications des coloscopies étaient une rectorragie (45,3 %), suivie de douleurs abdominales (42,4 %). La préparation colique avait été jugée satisfaisante chez 93,1%. La sédation était réalisée majoritairement à l’aide du Midazolam (55,2%), La tolérance avait été jugée bonne chez 96,6 %. Les anomalies organiques observées étaient dominées par les polypes (18,2%), une maladie diverticulaire (16,3%), et une tumeur d’allure maligne du côlon (4,9%). La pathologie ano-rectale était dominée par la maladie hémorroïdaire (60,1%). Conclusion: les indications de coloscopie chez les sujets âgés sont dominées par la rectorragie. La principale lésion observée est une maladie hémorroïdaire.
Background: Performing a digestive endoscopy is a challenge in the elderly. The aim of the study was to analyse the indications and results of colonoscopies among patients aged over 60 in Yaoundé (Cameroon). Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection, carried out in 2 hospitals in Yaoundé (Cameroon). Medical records of patients aged 60 years and older who underwent colonoscopy between January 2018 and December 2023 were included in the study. Data analysis focused on the socio-demographic profile of patients, co-morbidities, frailty and loss of independence, the quality of colonic preparation, the type of sedation used, the indication for the examination, and the results observed. Results: Over the 550 digestive endoscopies carried out in elderly patients, 203 were colonoscopies (36.9%). The mean age was 66.5 ± 5.8 years (range 60 - 90 years). The sex ratio was 0.98. The main indications for colonoscopy were rectal discharge (45.3%), followed by abdominal pain (42.4%). Colon preparation was satisfactory in 93.1% of cases. Sedation was mainly achieved using Midazolam (55.2%), and tolerance was good in 96.6% of cases. The organic anomalies observed were dominated by polyps (18.2%), diverticular disease (16.3%), and a malignant-looking tumor of the colon (4.9%). Anorectal pathology was dominated by haemorrhoidal disease (60.1%). Conclusion: Indications for colonoscopy in elderly patients are dominated by rectal discharge. The main lesion observed was haemorrhoidal disease. 
Challenges of Implementing Agile Methodology in the Jordanian Banking Sector
Full text linkTraditional banking operations must change because financial industry dynamics and customer demands have started to transform the market. Financial institutions use Agile methods which were created for software development to increase operational efficiency while boosting customer satisfaction levels. Jordanian banks face various obstacles in Agile implementation which stem from banking employees' resistance to change and from regulatory requirements and legacy system integration complexities as well as low Agile skill levels within banking organizations. Decision-making patterns that enforce hierarchy act as an obstacle to the implementation process. This research combines interviews of banking experts and surveys to study Agile implementation in Jordanian banks through a mixed-methods approach. The study identifies important barriers that lead to proposed solutions including professional training for selected positions as well as top-level executive backing and stepwise rollouts. The solutions to these problems will enable Jordanian banks to gain agility and competitiveness as well as innovation potential. The study advances knowledge about Agile adoption in literature while presenting usable recommendations for financial institutions. Survey results show resistance to change was the highest barrier at 75% of Jordanian banking employees, then followed by insufficient training as the highest issue at 50%. Moreover, 45% of the participants struggled to implement Agile with existing banking systems. These remarks highlight formal Agile transformation approaches, including specialized training programs and executive-level sponsorship
Examining the Risk of Delirium Among Residents with Diabetes in Long-Term Care Homes Across Ontario
Full text linkAim: To examine risk factors for delirium in residents with diabetes in Ontario’s LTC homes. Scope: Residents in long-term care (LTC) are vulnerable to negative outcomes related to diabetes, including delirium. Understanding factors related to the risk of delirium for residents with diabetes provides the foundation for the mitigation of delirium in this population. Methods: A population-based retrospective analysis of the RAI-MDS dataset (2019–2020) was conducted. Findings: Diabetes was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of delirium (Odds Ratio: 1.073, CI 1.038–1.109), compounded by polypharmacy. Conclusions: Comprehensive delirium mitigation strategies are needed for this vulnerable population. Strategies to mitigate delirium in this population should be implemented
Design and Implementation of an Experimental Thermoelectric System From Wood Waste
Full text linkThis study was carried out at Dino & Fils SA, a wood processing unit in Soa-Cameroon. The aim was to recover energy from wood waste in order to contribute to greater energy flexibility in wood processing units. Specifically, the aim was to assess the quantity of wood waste available on the site and estimate its energy potential, to design and test a system for producing electrical energy from these waste and to estimate the contribution of this thermoelectric system to meeting the company's energy needs and the associated costs. Wood waste were characterized by taking measurements at each station on the production line, supplemented by monthly production reports and scientific data. For the month of March 2024, the plant produced 3 284 m³ of wood waste, or 64% of the gross wood volume. This is equivalent to 2 766 tons for an electrical energy potential of 571 MWh; the company's monthly electricity consumption is estimated at 121 MWh. The experimental thermoelectric system set up, using the TEC1-12715 Peltier module, produced electricity with a total power of 841 W and a Seebeck coefficient of 0.04 V°C⁻¹ by burning 5 kg of sawdust for 85 minutes. On a real scale and under optimum conditions, this system would be an effective and viable solution for covering not only all the energy needs of Dino & Fils SA but also those of surrounding households and offices at a competitive cost of 48 FCFA/kWh
Caractérisation géomorphologique, floristique et structurale de la forêt communautaire d’Aliyamounou à Kankan en Guinée
Full text linkLe présent travail a pour objectif de caractériser la diversité floristique et la structure de la forêt communautaire d’Aliyamounou, une des importantes du bassin du haut Niger en Guinée. Des relevés phytosociologiques et dendrometriques ont été effectués au sein de 32 placettes de 400m2 (20 m x 20 m) chacune. Ces placettes ont été disposées le long des transects, partant du sommet au bas-versant du plateau qui abrite la forêt. L’analyse des données floristiques a permis de distinguer 4 groupements végétaux et recenser 146 espèces végétales, réparties en 49 familles. Les Fabaceae (17,01%), les Rubiaceae (11,56%) et les Poaceae (7,53%) sont les familles dominantes. La végétation est bien diversifiée et selon les différents groupements identifiés, l’indice de diversité (H) varie entre 2,91 et 3,73 bits avec une Equitabilité (E) allant de 0,68 et 0,83. La densité de la forêt est 828,12 ± 409 tiges/ha, avec un diamètre moyen 20 ± 9 cm et une hauteur moyenne de 12,2 ± 6 m. Pour l’ensemble de la forêt les types biologiques dominants sont les Phanérophytes (70,8%) suivis des Thérophytes (14,3%) et des Géophytes (8,2%). Les conditions écologiques liées au gradient morphopédologique interviennent largement dans la distribution spatiale des groupements végétaux.
The present work aims to characterize the floristic diversity and structure of the Aliyamounou community forest, one of the important ones in the Upper Niger basin in Guinea. Phytosociological and dendrometric surveys were carried out in 32 plots of 400m2 (20 m x 20 m) each. These plots were arranged along transects, starting from the summit to the lower slope of the plateau that shelters the forest. The analysis of the floristic data made it possible to distinguish 4 plant groups and to identify 146 plant species, divided into 49 families. Fabaceae (17.01%), Rubiaceae (11.56%), and Poaceae (7.53%) are the dominant families. The vegetation is well diversified and according to the different groups identified, the diversity index (H) varies between 2.91 and 3.73 bits with an Equitability (E) ranging from 0.68 to 0.83. The density of the forest is 828.12 ± 409 stems/ha, with an average diameter of 20 ± 9 cm and an average height of 12.2 ± 6 m. For the entire forest, the dominant biological types are Phanerophytes (70.8%) followed by Therophytes (14.3%) and Geophytes (8.2%). The ecological conditions linked to the morphopedological gradient largely intervene in the spatial distribution of plant groups
Les aspects criminogènes des parcours migratoires clandestins de la ville de Daloa (République de Côte d’Ivoire) vers l’Europe
Full text linkCet article propose d’analyser les aspects criminogènes des parcours migratoires clandestins de la ville de Daloa vers l’Europe. Une ville considérée comme plaque tournante de la migration clandestine en Côte d’Ivoire selon plusieurs organisations locales et internationales. Pour recueillir les données, nous avons mené une enquête auprès de 34 migrants de retour en utilisant la technique dite de l’enquête-interrogation, notamment des entretiens collectifs et individuels, ainsi que d’un questionnaire à items à réponses fermées et ouvertes. Ces données ont été ensuite analysées avec les méthodes d’analyse qualitative et de contenu. Les résultats obtenus à partir des exercices indiquent que les personnes engagées dans les parcours migratoires clandestins de Daloa vers l’Europe ont été exposés à plusieurs actes criminels tels que les arnaques, les vols, les agressions, les bavures policières et les dépouillements. Cette victimisation selon l’enquête relève aussi bien des actions des forces de l’ordre et de sécurité que des groupes criminels.
This article analyzes the criminogenic aspects of clandestine migration routes from the city of Daloa to Europe. According to several local and international organizations, Daloa is considered a hub of clandestine migration in Côte d'Ivoire. To collect the data, we conducted a survey of 34 returnees using a survey-interrogation technique, including group and individual interviews, as well as a closed- and open-response item-based questionnaire. These data were then analyzed using qualitative and content analysis methods. The results obtained from the exercises indicate that people engaged in clandestine migration routes from Daloa to Europe were exposed to several criminal acts such as scams, thefts, assaults, police blunders and robberies. According to the survey, this victimization is as much the result of the actions of law enforcement and security forces as of criminal groups.