European Scientific Journal, ESJ
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Do Vertical Contracts Lead to Foreclosure or to Efficiency Gains? An Empirical Study of the Food and Beverage Industry
Get PDFThis paper presents a research method to determine whether vertical contracts concluded between firms operating at different levels of the supply chain are efficient from the perspective of the most recent industrial organisation theory. In this view, some case studies are presented concerning antitrust investigations against some large companies operating in the food and beverage sector in Italy. Despite the controversy surrounding the effects of vertical agreements, as they may be pro- or anti-competitive, the paper shows that not only market concentration but also intra-sectoral asymmetries are crucial factors to be assessed in order to distinguish between foreclosing and efficiency-enhancing agreements
Popular Food Products Among Farmers in the Piedmont Triad Region of North Carolina
Get PDFThis study evaluated the products produced by farmers in the 12-county Piedmont Triad Region of North Carolina. It aimed to enhance the local food economy for the region by identifying food items that may be more suitable for production. Survey respondents were asked to list all food items that they produced. The listed items were categorized as either crops or livestock products. The percentages of farmers that produced the different food items were calculated and compared. Beef was the number one livestock product produced by farmers in the region. Tomatoes, then lettuce, were the most predominant plant products produced by the region’s farmers. One of every six farmers in the region produced tomatoes. Beef was produced by one of every eight farmers in the region. New and beginning farmers will do well by considering these products because their production by many existing farmers may imply that there is a ready market for them
SME Instrument: An Empirical Analysis on the Impact of the Second Phase of the Instrument on the Performance of Italian Enterprises
Get PDFThis article is part of the strand of research on evaluating the effectiveness of public funds in stimulating the growth of research and development activities in the private sector. The research focus is on the SME Instrument, in its original version born within Horizon 2020, and in particular Phase 2 of the instrument is being attended to. The research question, therefore, is "Has the second phase of the SME Instrument had a positive impact on the Italian SMEs that have joined it? If yes, to what extent?" The approach to this topic will be quantitative and microeconomic in dimension: in fact, the evaluation will be based on quantitative data inherent in the innovation (and non-innovation) performance of individual firms. At the conclusion of the analysis and estimation process, it can be concluded that the second phase of the SME Instrument did not produce significant additional effects on the performance of firms, approximated by the ratio of total sales to total assets. The only exception is those enterprises aged between 6 and 15 years, for which there is a partially significant increase in the sales/assets ratio after receiving funding. Given the research results and given that public and private management share a common interest in making their investments effective and efficient by seeing a return on them, the implications for policy makers are twofold: personalization of policy and promotion of an integrated innovation model, both of which imply a rethinking of the instrument. However, like any research, the results obtained are never an end point, but the starting point for new reflections from which to develop further research.
 
A Case Study of Relationship between CO2 Emissions, Growth, Energy and Electricity Consumptions in Morocco
Get PDFGiven the uncontrolled increase in environmental pollution and degradation of environmental quality worldwide, the environmental impact of economic growth has become a major focus in recent decades the most important question is: How does economic growth effect environmental quality? This study addressed this issue, examining the nature of the long-run relationship between economic growth per capita and pollutant emissions in Morocco. For this reason, the ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) modeling approach was used from 1990 to 2020. This approach mainly includes time series analysis and cointegration. The relationship tested introduces four variables: carbon dioxide (CO2), energy consumption per capita, electricity consumption per capita and GDP per capita. The main results indicate a long-term relationship between economic growth, energy consumption and CO2 emissions, indicating that a 1% increase in electricity consumption increases CO2 emissions by 0.36%. On the other hand, a 1% increase in GDP per capita increases CO2 emissions by 0.76%, and a 1% increase in energy consumption increases emissions by 2.06%. Thus, all variables show a significant effect.
In conclusion, the strategy that Morocco needs to follow to solve our problems is to prioritize investment in research, development and artificial intelligence, while providing adequate training in energy-related fields
Mortalité des Patients Hémodialysés Chroniques au Bénin : Une Étude Rétrospective sur 6 Ans
Get PDFIntroduction: Au Bénin, la dialyse est la dernière alternative dans l’arsenal thérapeutique, pour maintenir en vie un patient insuffisant rénal chronique terminal. Avant la mise en place de la dialyse, l’insuffisance rénale chronique terminale était systématiquement mortelle. Cette étude a pour objectif d’identifier les facteurs associés à la mortalité deshémodialysés au CHUD/B-A.
Cadre et méthodes d’étude: Cette recherche a été réalisée dans le service de néphrologie du CHUD/B-A. Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale, descriptive et analytique qui s’est déroulée du 25 décembre 2022 au 15 mars 2023 et a porté sur les données de 2017 à 2022. Elle a concerné 95 dossiers de patients hémodialysés, collectés de façon exhaustive et répondant aux critères d’inclusion. L‘analyse des données a été faite avec le logiciel SPSS 26.
Résultats: Le taux brut de mortalité était de 80%. L’âge médian des patients était de 44 ans. Les facteurs de risque associés à la mortalité des hémodialysés du service de néphrologie du CHUD/B-A étaient: les travailleurs en indépendant et secteur informel (HRa=2,7, p=0,009), le faible revenu mensuel (HRa=4,4, p=0,009), l’hypoglycémie (HRa=3,3, p=0,003), le nombre élevé de médicament (HRa=2,2, p=0,004), la mauvaise observance thérapeutique (HRa=2,2, p=0,003) et le court séjour en hémodialyse (HRa=31,7, p<0,001).
Conclusion: La réduction de la mortalité des hémodialysés chroniques passe par l’amélioration de l’accessibilité financière à la l’hémodialyse.
Introduction: In Benin, dialysis is the last alternative in the therapeutic arsenal to keep a patient with chronic end-stage renal failure alive. Before the introduction of dialysis, end-stage renal failure was systematically fatal. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with mortality in hemodialysis patients at CHUD/B-A.
Study setting and methods: This research was carried out in the nephrology department of CHUD/B-A. It was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study that ran from December 25, 2022 to March 15, 2023, and covered data from 2017 to 2022. It involved 95 hemodialysis patient records, collected exhaustively and meeting the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 software.
Results: The crude mortality rate was 80%. The median age of patients was 44 years. Risk factors associated with mortality among hemodialysis patients in the CHUD/B-A nephrology department were: self-employed and informal sector (HRa=2.7, p=0.009), low monthly income (HRa=4.4, p=0.009), hypoglycemia (HRa=3.3, p=0.003), high number of medications (HRa=2.2, p=0.004), poor therapeutic compliance (HRa=2.2, p=0.003) and short stay in hemodialysis (HRa=31.7, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Reducing mortality among chronic haemodialysis patients means improving the affordability of haemodialysis
Hamas-Israel War: A Brief Analysis of First Two Phases of War
Get PDFAt the end of 2023, the Middle East experienced some new challenges. Among these new challenges, one of the most important of them all is the Hamas-Israel war. After almost four months of war and no end in sight, there are now growing questions about whether Israel will be able to accomplish its stated goals in Gaza. The brutality of the Hamas’s attack on October 7, the extent of the cruel massacre, shocked both the Israeli society and foreign public opinion. To better understand the factors of Hamas's operational success, the strategic surprise attack on Israel from Gaza, on October 7, 2023, needs a thorough analysis to understand all its political, intelligence, and operational failures aspects. It goes without saying that many elements of Hamas's brutal but largely successful attack are still unknown. Taking this into account, this paper focuses on only three elements of the ongoing war. Firstly, based on the qualitative methodology of research, this study evaluates and highlights the political background of the bloodiest attack in modern Israel's history which happened on October 7, 2023. Secondly, using the research methodology of data collection and analysis, this paper seeks to answer the still open-ended question, how was Hamas able to attack a country which operates one of the best intelligence organizations in the world by an extreme surprise? Finally, by using the narrative and historical models of qualitative research and the available data, this paper focuses on assessing the first and second phases of the war. Furthermore, the study formulates conclusions regarding the expected directions of change in the Israeli security system and some aspects of regional security implications of the ongoing Hamas-Israeli conflict. The potential result of the current paper is to present the reasons for the ongoing Gaza conflict based on the historical background. In addition, it provides a primary analysis, based on currently available information, of the first two phases of the obviously protracted Hamas-Israel conflict for the benefit of the community of researchers, scholars, and academics
Granger Causality Model of Retained Earnings and Financial Performance of Nonfinancial Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Kenya
Get PDFNon-financial firms are central to economic development of nations, producing goods and services and alleviating unemployment by creating numerous job opportunities. Despite this potential inherent in non-financial firms, evidence shows that the non-financial firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) experience challenges in their financial performance which lowers their capacity to invest. Although retained earnings have been used as a source of funding among listed non-financial firms, there is a paucity of research on the predictive power between retained earnings and financial performance of these firms. Therefore, this research addressed this paucity by modeling Granger causality between retained earnings and financial performance of non-financial firms listed at the NSE. The Wald tests revealed that financial performance of the non-financial firms Granger causes retained earnings, but retained earnings do not Granger cause financial performance. The conclusion drawn from these findings is that financial performance of non-financial firms listed at the NSE allows forecasting of future retained earnings. However, future research should leverage emerging advances like Network Granger causality to determine whether bidirectional Granger causality is viable between the two variables
Changements climatiques : recherche des signaux au Tchad à travers l'étude des villes de Bol, Fianga, Moundou et N'Djamena
Get PDFLe changement climatique, caractérisé par des événements météorologiques extrêmes, est considéré comme l'une des menaces les plus sérieuses pour le développement durable, avec des effets néfastes attendus sur la santé humaine et la sécurité alimentaire. Avec plus de la moitié de sa superficie aride, le Tchad est plus menacé que jamais par ces événements météorologiques extrêmes de plus en plus fréquents. Cela affaiblit son économie et affecte la santé de sa population. Basé sur des données d'observation des stations dans la zone d'étude (Bol, Fianga, Moundou et N’Djaména), cet article vise à mettre en évidence les signaux du changement climatique au Tchad. À cette fin, une analyse de l'évolution des précipitations annuelles et des températures a été menée avant et après la rupture détectée en utilisant des tests statistiques, ainsi qu'une analyse de tendance et de variabilité des indices de précipitations et de températures extrêmes. Notamment, les résultats de l'étude montrent une tendance générale à la baisse des précipitations, malgré une variabilité croissante au cours des décennies 2010 et 2020, et une augmentation statistiquement significative des températures. Les résultats de l'étude contribuent ainsi aux efforts de modélisation pour mieux prédire les maladies sensibles au climat dans le contexte du changement climatique.
Climate change, characterized by extreme weather events, is considered one of the most serious threats to sustainable development, with adverse effects expected on human health and food security. With more than half of its surface area being arid, Chad is more threatened than ever by these increasingly frequent extreme weather events. This weakens its economy and affects the health of its population. Based on observational data from stations in the study area (Bol, Fianga, Moundou, and N’Djaména), this article aims to highlight the signals of climate change in Chad. To this end, an analysis of the evolution of annual precipitation and temperatures was conducted before and after the detected break using statistical tests, as well as a trend and variability analysis of extreme precipitation and temperature indices. Notably, the results of the study show a general downward trend in precipitation, despite an increasing variability over the decades 2010 and 2020, and a statistically significant increase in temperatures. The study results thus contribute to modeling efforts to better predict climate-sensitive diseases in the context of climate change
Polyarthrite Rhumatoïde au Niger : Etats des Lieux
Get PDF Objectif : Faire l’état des lieux sur les aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques et thérapeutiques de la polyarthrite rhumatoïde au Niger. Méthodes : Cette revue des données de la littérature sur la polyarthrite rhumatoïde au Niger a été réalisée en utilisant les bases de données MEDLINE (via PUBMED) et de google scholar. Les critères d’inclusion comprenaient des études publiées chez des adultes de plus de 18 ans ayant reçu un diagnostic de polyarthrite rhumatoïde. L’extraction des données a été réalisée grâce à un formulaires préétablis. Résultats : La recherche dans la littérature a identifié 5 articles. Finalement, quatre articles ont été inclus pour la revue. La fréquence de la polyarthrite rhumatoïde a été rapportée dans trois études, celle-ci variait de 1,24% à 3,7%. Le genre féminin représentait 79 (79,79%) des patients. L’âge moyen globale était de 43,41 ans. Le délai moyen avant le diagnostic était de 53,2 mois. La polyarthrite rhumatoïde a été diagnostiqué en utilisant les critères ACR 1987 et les critères ACR/EULAR 2010. Tous les patients avaient consulté pour une polyarthrite. Le coup de vent cubital était retrouvé chez 27 (27,27%) patients. Les nodules rhumatoïdes ont été retrouvé chez 12 (12,12%) patients. Les facteurs rhumatoïdes étaient positifs chez 56 (56,56%) patients. Les anticorps anti peptides cycliques citrullinés étaient positif chez 7 (7,07%) patients. Le méthotrexate était le traitement de fond chez 67 (67,67%) patients et l’hydroxychloroquine chez 43 (43,43%) patients. Conclusion : Le diagnostic de la polyarthrite est tardif au Niger. La création d’un registre national des patients ayant une polyarthrite rhumatoïde permettra un meilleur suivi des patients.
Objective: To review the epidemiologic, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic aspects of rheumatoid arthritis in Niger. Methods: This review of literature on rheumatoid arthritis in Niger was conducted using MEDLINE (via PUBMED) and google scholar databases. Inclusion criteria included studies published in adults over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Data extraction was done using a pre-designed form. Results: The literature search identified 5 articles. Four articles were finally included in the review. The frequency of rheumatoid arthritis was reported in three studies and ranged from 1.24% to 3.7%. Females accounted for 79 (79.79%) of the patients. The mean age was 43.41 years. The mean time to diagnosis was 53.2 months. Rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed according to ACR 1987 and ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria. All patients had a history of polyarthritis. Ulnar involvement was found in 27 (27.27%) patients. Rheumatoid nodules were found in 12 (12.12%) patients. Rheumatoid factors were positive in 56 (56.56%) patients. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies were positive in 7 (7.07%) patients. Methotrexate was the background treatment in 67 (67.67%) patients and hydroxychloroquine in 43 (43.43%) patients. Conclusion: Polyarthritis is diagnosed late in Niger. The creation of a national registry of rheumatoid arthritis patients will allow better follow-up of patients
Evaluation de l’Alimentation Séquentielle à Base d’Une Ration Contenant des Feuilles de Manioc Post -Récolte (Manihot esculenta ) sur les Performances Zootechniques des Poulets de Chair en Phase de Finition
Get PDFAprès la récolte des tubercules, les feuilles de manioc sont disponibles dans les champs en République du Congo. Elles sont une source en protéines brutes pour l’alimentation des animaux domestiques. Expérimentées dans un mode séquentiel, elles sont susceptibles d’améliorer les rendements des poulets de chair. Cette technique consiste à fractionner un ou plusieurs ingrédient(s) et la présentation des fractions est faite en respectant un intervalle de temps en fonction des besoins des animaux. L’objectif du travail était d’évaluer les performances des poulets de chair nourris avec un aliment à base de ces feuilles dans un mode de distribution séquentiel sur les performances des poulets de chair. Pour atteindre cet objectif, un échantillon de 50 poulets de souche COBB 500 âgés de 26 jours ont été répartis en deux lots (témoin et traité). Les oiseaux du lot témoin ont été nourris avec un aliment contenant 5% de farine de manioc dans une seule mangeoire alors que ceux du lot traité ont reçu un aliment dont les ingrédients riches en énergies étaient séparés de ceux riches en protéines et en minéraux distribués dans deux mangeoires différentes avec 04 heures de temps d’intervalle pour les deux fractions. Les résultats ont montré que la différence n’est pas significative (p ˂ 0,05) sur le GMQ, le poids vif et l’indice de consommation. Cependant, la consommation de la fraction énergétique est plus élevée chez les témoins que les traités (102,88 contre 82,72g). L’économie des matières azotées en phase de finition a permis un gain de 112,13 F CFA/sujet chez les traités. L’incorporation des feuilles de manioc en mode séquentiel apporte une plus-value en aviculture tropicale.
After harvesting the tubers, cassava leaves are available in the fields in the Republic of Congo. They are a source of crude protein for domestic animal feed. Experimented with in a sequential mode, they are likely to improve broiler yields. This technique consists in fractionating one or more ingredients, and presenting the fractions at time intervals to suit the animals' needs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of broilers fed a feed based on these leaves in a sequential distribution mode. To achieve this objective, a sample of 50 26-day-old COBB 500 chickens was divided into two batches (control and treated). Birds in the control batch were fed a feed containing 5% cassava flour in a single feed trough, while those in the treated batch were fed a feed in which energy-rich ingredients were separated from protein- and mineral-rich ones, distributed in two different feed troughs at 04-hour intervals for the two fractions. The results showed that the difference was not significant (p ˂ 0, 05) on GMQ, live weight and feed conversion ratio. However, consumption of the energy fraction was higher in controls than in treatments (102, 88 vs. 82,72g). Nitrogen savings in the finishing phase resulted in a gain of 112, 13 F CFA/subject in the treated group. The incorporation of cassava leaves in sequential mode provides added value in tropical poultry farming