European Scientific Journal, ESJ
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Resilience Strategies in Moroccan Artisanal Supply Chain Networks
Full text linkThis study examines the resilience strategies employed by Moroccan artisans within cooperative and traditional business supply chain networks, analyzing how these networks navigate disruptions while ensuring livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage. Adopting an inductive approach, the research utilizes the Gioia methodology to analyze qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, applying a structured coding process through Qualcoder to identify key resilience mechanisms, progressing from first-order codes to second-order themes and aggregate dimensions. The findings reveal that while both cooperative and traditional business supply chain networks share similarities in resilience mechanisms, their network structures fundamentally shape how these mechanisms operate, particularly through differences in governance, decision-making, and resource coordination. However, in both types of networks, resilience emerges as an ongoing, adaptive process shaped by crises, internal tensions, and strategic responses. Despite the study’s contributions, its small sample size and cross-sectional design limit generalizability and the ability to capture long-term resilience dynamics. Nevertheless, the findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and organizations supporting artisans to design targeted resilience-enhancing interventions. By shifting the focus from corporate supply chains to small-scale, informal artisanal networks, this study contributes to the literature on supply chain resilience, highlighting the unique adaptive capacities embedded in traditional craftsmanship
Integrating Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Writing Proficiency: An Exploratory Study of EFL Students’ and Instructors’ Perspectives at a University Level in Lebanon
Full text linkThis paper focuses on scrutinizing the attitudes and opinions of English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners and instructors on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in a writing skills course at a university level in Lebanon. Specifically, it examines AI as a pedagogical tool that provides personalized learning, supplies consistency in evaluation, furnishes enhanced feedback quality by offering detailed, instant feedback on grammar, style, and structure, and helps students refine their writing more efficiently. Moreover, it furnishes instructors with adaptive activities and assessments, thus making writing more engaging and more effective. It also seeks to evaluate students’ and instructors’ perspectives on AI’s vigorous role in learning. In this exploratory study, a mixed-method design and a convenient sampling of participants were utilized. A total of 51 EFL students and 8 instructors at the American University of Science and Technology in Lebanon during the spring semester of 2023-2024 participated in the study. To describe and quantify their perceptions of integrating AI in a writing course, two online surveys, including closed-ended and open-ended questions, and four focus group discussions were administered. The overall qualitative and quantitative analyses of the data indicated that Lebanese EFL students and instructors have positive attitudes towards integrating AI in a writing course as a pedagogical tool and as a fundamental part of the teaching strategies in EFL higher education classes since it provides helpful resources and aids learners to write effectively and build their self-confidence. However, the findings also revealed the need to train instructors and students to use AI technologies, keeping in mind the indispensable role of the instructor in class and the need for students to unleash their creativity
Violences Genrées en Milieu Scolaire au Cameroun (2015 – 2024) : Une Analyse Documentaire
Full text linkLa relation entre le genre et les violences scolaires au Cameroun entre 2015 et 2024 a été marquée par des défis significatifs. Les violences scolaires (agressions physiques et sexuelles, harcèlements, etc.), touchent les filles comme les garçons, exacerbées par les normes patriarcales, les conflits (Anglophone, Boko – Haram) et la pauvreté. Au cours de cette période, plusieurs initiatives ont été mises en place pour sensibiliser et lutter contre ces violences. Des Institutions Gouvernementales et des Organisations non Gouvernementales ont travaillé à promouvoir l’égalité des genres et à protéger les élèves. Cependant, malgré ces efforts, les violences basées sur le genre demeurent un problème persistant. Comment les réalités socio – culturelles et institutionnelles locales influencent – elles les formes, la fréquence et la gestion des violences scolaires au Cameroun ? Cette recherche cherche à identifier les types de violences selon le genre, explorer les obstacles à leur signalement et mettre en lumière les dynamiques régionales (zones de crise, ruralité) dans leur prévalence. Elle adopte une approche qualitative exploratoire fondée sur une analyse documentaire et une triangulation des sources. Elle relève 3 pistes. La première suggère que les filles sont plus exposées aux violences sexuelles et psychologiques, tandis que les garçons subissent davantage de violences physiques, légitimées par des stéréotypes de renforcement du caractère. La seconde souligne que le signalement est freiné par des dynamiques genrées. La troisième avance que les violences genrées sont exacerbées dans les zones en crise (régions anglophones) et en milieu rural.
The relationship between gender and school violence in Cameroon between 2015 and 2024 was marked by significant challenges. School violence (physical and sexual aggression, harassment, etc.) affects both girls and boys, exacerbated by patriarchal norms, conflicts (Anglophone, Boko Haram), and poverty. During this period, a number of initiatives have been put in place to raise awareness and combat this violence. Government Institutions and non – non-governmental organizations have worked to promote gender equality and protect students. However, despite these efforts, gender-based violence remains a persistent problem. How do local socio-cultural and institutional realities influence the forms, frequency, and management of school violence in Cameroon? This research seeks to identify the types of violence according to gender, explore the obstacles to reporting them, and highlight the regional dynamics (crisis areas, rurality) in their prevalence. It adopts an exploratory qualitative approach based on documentary analysis and triangulation of sources. It identifies 3 avenues. The first suggests that girls are more exposed to sexual and psychological violence, while boys suffer more physical violence, legitimised by character–building stereotypes. The second suggests that reporting is hampered by gendered dynamics. The third argues that gendered violence is exacerbated in crisis zones (English–speaking regions) and in rural areas
Evaluation de la rentabilité de la production de la banane plantain dans le village Mansende au Kongo central en République Démocratique du Congo
Full text linkLe plantain joue un rôle essentiel dans la sécurité alimentaire et constitue une source importante des revenus pour les acteurs de la filière. Bien qu’elle soit surtout cultivée pour l’autoconsommation des ménages, certains consacrent une partie de leur récolte à la vente. L’objectif de cette étude est d’évaluer la rentabilité d’une bananeraie d’un hectare. Spécifiquement, seront déterminés (1) différents indicateurs comptables (2) ratios de productivité brute et du capital investi (3) les facteurs déterminants de la rentabilité. Pour y arriver, 30 exploitants ont été sélectionnés de façon aléatoire pour les enquêtes. Après analyses statistiques et économétriques, voici les résultats : la culture de banane est pratiquée presque exclusivement par des hommes (96,7%) dont près de la moitié a un âge compris entre 25-35 ans, sur de petites surfaces (968,958±2241,650 m2), parmi lesquels 50% sont propriétaires terriens, pour un rendement moyen de 7200 Kg/ha. En outre, cette culture est moyennement rentable avec un ratio de productivité brute (0,97) et un ratio de productivité du capital investi (1,0223), disons l’exploitation dégage des revenus presque juste pour couvrir le coût d’intrants utilisés pour la production. De tous les prédicteurs estimés, trois sont significatifs au seuil de 10% : la superficie du champ (sig = 0,078), le nombre d’actifs agricoles dans le ménage (sig = 0,092) et la distance du marché (sig = 0,093). Ils déterminent positivement la rentabilité de cette culture au regard de leurs odds ratio respectifs. D’où, l’exploitation de plus d’un hectare, l’amélioration de condition d’accès au marché et la disponibilité des actifs agricoles permettraient d'accroître la rentabilité de cette culture.
Plantain plays an essential role in food security and constitutes an important source of income for stakeholders in the sector. Although it is mainly grown for household self-consumption, some devote part of their harvest to sale. The objective of this study is to evaluate the profitability of a one-hectare banana plantation. Specifically, (1) different accounting indicators, (2) ratios of gross productivity and invested capital will be determined. To achieve it, surveys were carried out among 30 randomly selected farmers. After statistical and econometrics analyses, the following results were found: Banana production is practiced almost exclusively by men (96.7%), almost half of whom are aged between 25 & 35 years, on small areas (968.958±2,241.650 m2), among whom 50% are landowners, for an average yield of 7,200 kg/ha. Banana cultivation is moderately profitable with a productivity ratio (0.97) and the productivity ratio of invested capital (1.0223), that is to say the farming generates income almost just to cover the cost of inputs used in production. In addition, of all the estimated predictors, three are significant at the 10% level: the area of the field (sig = 0.078), the number of agricultural workers in the household (sig = 0.092), and the distance from the market (sig = 0.093). They positively determine the profitability of the crop with regard to their respective odds ratio. To finish, the farming of more one hectare, the improvement of market access conditions and the availability of agricultural workers would make it possible to increase the profitability of this crop
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. Drawing from real-world case studies such as BIS Project Tourbillon and central bank trials, the paper explores the technical and regulatory challenges of integrating PQC into payment ecosystems. 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
Analyser le rôle du soutien à l'autodétermination sur le développement des compétences artistiques chez les sujets atteints de trisomie 21 en contexte camerounais
Full text linkL'autodétermination donne à chaque personne la possibilité de façonner sa vie et de prendre ses propres décisions selon ses valeurs. Cette recherche porte sur les bénéficiaires du Centre National de Réhabilitation des Personnes Handicapées (CNRPH) au Cameroun, qui sont atteints de trisomie 21, et participent aux divers ateliers d'art offerts par ce Centre. Elle a pour but de décrire les méthodes d'aide à l'autodétermination et son apport aux capacités artistiques des individus porteurs de la trisomie 21. Nous avons conduit des interviews semi-structurées avec les professeurs et les élèves, et mis en place une matrice d'observation pour les compétences développées. L'évaluation révèle que quand les enseignants : offrent des alternatives de sélection ; encouragent le rôle d'accompagnateur plutôt que celui de l'enseignant traditionnel ; délivrent des retours positifs et instaurent un climat de confiance parmi leurs élèves, on observe que ces derniers démontrent une implication constante et durable dans les activités artistiques, en coordonnant, choisissant et mettant en œuvre les mouvements, outils et expressions appropriés. Par ailleurs, les apprenants perçoivent ces mesures d'assistance comme des éléments stimulant leur motivation, renforçant leur engagement et améliorant l'organisation de leurs tâches.
Self-determination offers each person the opportunity to shape their life and make their own decisions according to the values they pursue. This research focuses on the beneficiaries of the National Center for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People (CNRPH) in Cameroon, suffering from Down syndrome, who participate in the various art workshops offered by this Center. It aims to describe the methods of supporting self-determination and their contribution to the artistic abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. We conducted semi-structured interviews with teachers and students, and set up an observation matrix for the skills developed. The evaluation reveals that when teachers: offer selection alternatives; encourage the role of accompanist rather than that of the traditional teacher; provide positive feedback and establish a climate of trust among their students, we observe that the latter demonstrate a constant and lasting involvement in artistic activities, by coordinating, choosing and implementing the appropriate movements, tools and expressions. Moreover, learners perceive these support measures as elements that stimulate their motivation, strengthen their commitment, and improve the organization of their tasks
Applying Quality Management Tools to Improve Customer 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
Étude de l’Activité Hypoglycémiante des Extraits de la Poudre des Feuilles de Tridax procumbens chez les Rats Rendus Diabétiques
Full text linkTridax procumbens est une plante connue traditionnellement en Afrique, et utilisée pour traiter de nombreuses pathologies telles que la fièvre, la dysenterie et le diabète. Cette étude visait à évaluer les propriétés hypoglycémiantes de la poudre des feuilles de Tridax procumbens chez des rats normaux et Diabétiques. La glycémie (g/l) a été déterminée chaque trois (3) jours. La poudre des feuilles de Tridax procumbens a entraîné une baisse significative de la glycémie chez des rats à jeun qui s’est rapprochée de la normale après 30 jours d’induction du diabète. Nos résultats montrent que la poudre des feuilles de Tridax procumbens possède des propriétés hypoglycémiantes. Ce qui ouvre la voie de son utilisation pour élaborer des médicaments traditionnels améliorés (MTA) contre le diabète.
Tridax procumbens is a plant traditionally known in Africa and used to treat numerous pathologies such as fever, dysentery, and diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycaemic properties of Tridax procumbens leaf powder in normal and diabetic mice. Blood glucose levels (g/l) were determined every three (3) days. Tridax procumbens leaf powder significantly lowered blood glucose levels in fasting rats, which were close to normal levels after 30 days of diabetes induction. Our results show that Tridax procumbens leaf powder has hypoglycaemic properties. This opens the way for its use in the development of improved traditional medicines (ITM) for diabetes
The seasonal assessment of heavy metals pollution in the waters of the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas of Morocco
Full text linkHeavy metal pollution is a topical problem that concerns all communities anxious to maintain their water assets to a certain degree of quality. Heavy metals are not metabolized, they can be transferred into the food chain and accumulate in living matter. Metals, which are normal constituents of the environment, are all toxic above a certain threshold. In order to evaluate the health risk for humans and preserve the environment, we studied the level of metallic pollution (Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr and Ni) in water samples from both Moroccan coasts; the Mediterranean Sea (Nador coast), and the Atlantic coast (Casablanca coastline), this samples for the autumn and spring seasons between 2023 and 2024. The results obtained show that the concentrations of the metallic elements studied exceed the standard set by the WHO for certain elements
Occupational Health Problems: An Assessment of the Cardiovascular Health Status of Road Construction Workers in Imo State, Nigeria
Full text linkAims and Scope: Road construction work is uniquely demanding and highly stressful, which may impact the cardiovascular system, and this study assessed the cardiovascular health status of road construction workers in Imo State, Nigeria, focusing on blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, using a multi-stage sampling technique from different construction sites across the 3 senatorial zones of Imo State to collect data from 353 male road construction workers through structured questionnaires and physical assessments (BP and PR measurements). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions for categorical variables (e.g., prevalence of hypertension and tachycardia) and summary statistics such as means and standard deviations for continuous variables (e.g., BP and PR). Results: The results indicated that 23.2% of participants had systolic hypertension, 48.4% had high-normal systolic blood pressure (SBP), and only 28.3% had optimal and normal SBP. Also, 9.9% had diastolic hypertension, 19.8% had high-normal diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and 70% had optimal and normal DBP. The differences across the classes of BP were statistically significant, p<0.001. Also, 6.2% participants exhibited tachycardia, and the differences in the occurrence of diastolic hypertension and tachycardia across the senatorial zones were not statistically significant (p=0.11 and 0.45, respectively). Additionally, 76.2% of the workers lacked regular medical check-ups, and only 29.2% consistently used personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusions: These findings underscore the significant cardiovascular health risks faced by road construction workers, exacerbated by limited access to healthcare and occupational safety measures. The findings highlight the need for improved occupational health policy enforcement, health education, routine screenings, and worksite health interventions