European Scientific Journal, ESJ
Not a member yet
14433 research outputs found
Sort by
EU (Market) in Sight, Russia at the Gate: Three Decades of Aspiration and Resistance
Get PDFSince 1991, Georgia has followed a difficult yet ambitious path. The declaration of independence and the pursuit of a Euro-Atlantic future placed the country before numerous formidable challenges: Russian occupation, economic collapse, hybrid warfare, painful transitions of ruling power, and deep political polarization. Despite these obstacles, Georgia emerged as a leading Eastern Partnership country, implemented notable digital and infrastructure reforms, and secured EU candidacy in 2023. This parallel dual process reflects both the nation’s steadfast commitment to its European choice and the persistent efforts to break its resilience from the North. Georgia’s progress, achieved amid external sabotage, faced renewed destabilization after its inclusion in the EU enlargement package. What war could not accomplish, Russia pursued through media influence, capital inflows, market manipulation, and exploitation of Georgia’s unresolved vulnerabilities, ultimately reorienting its economy. The failure of the DCFTA further weakened Georgia’s European trajectory, while Russian immigration and asset flows reshaped its political landscape. This article questions whether the EU acted too late in opening broader access to the internal market for Georgia. In parallel with political processes, could earlier and more intensive market integration have ensured stability, economic convergence, and social well-being? Instead of a fragmented model, could this have fostered a synchronized process of political, economic, and social Europeanization? Does Georgia’s trajectory reflect not only a national setback, but also a broader failure of the EU’s influence in the region
The Expansion of Vending in the Automated Retail Sector: An Experiential Marketing Approach to Customer Acquisition - A Case Study of MatiPay Srl, Italy
Get PDF“Automated retail” and “vending” refer to the sale of products through machines, often without direct human intervention, acting as unattended points of sale. This includes beverage vending machines, smart fridges, self-service laundromats, car washes, electric car charging stations, and more. Vending is a specific form of automated retail where the vending machine acts as an autonomous point of sale and a payment point. Simultaneously, it serves as a promotional and marketing tool for customer engagement. This objective is both comprehensive and complex, as the point of sale is entirely digital and unattended, yet it establishes a connection and digital dialogue with the customer through dedicated commercial offers and promotional messages. This process creates an innovative Customer Experience that links the customer to novel methods of communication and payment, thereby redefining the brand's image and reputation. The primary aim of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of implementing automated payment and telemetry systems to facilitate product sales and service delivery, enabling businesses to reach customers anywhere, even without a human presence. The methodology employed is a descriptive empirical analysis, based on 2024 data provided by MatiPay Srl based in Mola di Bari (BA). Following an overview of key variables related to automated retail and business intelligence in the vending industry, the paper details the strategies adopted in the MatiPay Srl – Italy case study. The results of this analysis confirm a strong relationship between the improvement of advanced telemetry systems, new digital payment methods, and the innovative customer experience
Causes et conséquences de la fluctuation du prix de l’huile de palme dans les marchés d’Edéa - Cameroun
Get PDFLa 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
Examining Variations in Sensitivity of Cereal Crop Yield to Climate Change Variables across the Regions in Northern Ghana using Multilevel and Bayesian Multilevel Modeling
Get PDFThe study applied both the multilevel and the Bayesian multilevel model approaches to investigate variations in the effects of climate variables on cereal crop yield in Northern Ghana with respect to the region of cultivation and year (time), and to compare the performance of the two models. Thirty-one years of data points on some climate variables and the annual yield of some selected cereal crops from the Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Ghana, respectively, were used. Results indicated significant variations in climate change impact across the regions and years of cultivation. Also, the study showed that the significant effect of humidity and sunshine ( and respectively) on crop yield varies from one region to another, with humidity having the most variation. The study further revealed that the Bayesian Multilevel model performed better in its model scores and predictive ability. It concluded that there are variations in the impact of climate change on cereal crop yield in the regions in Northern Ghana and recommends that the climate characteristics of these regions should be taken into account in predicting future yield and adopting mitigation strategies
Comparación de los recursos naturales de cuatro comunidades del municipio de Escárcega, Campeche
Get PDFEscárcega, municipio del estado mexicano de Campeche, conformado por nueve comunidades y dos juntas municipales; situado en el sur-sureste del Estado, rico en gastronomía, cultura y recursos naturales. Escárcega ha sido conocido como un lugar rico en especies maderables; también han sido sobreexplotados sus recursos y otros se han desaprovechado. Es fundamental conservar los mismos a través de prácticas sustentables. Por tanto, para realizar acciones en pro de los recursos naturales, es indispensable realizar diagnósticos en las comunidades más importantes que tengan influencia en el proyecto del Tren Maya, agrupar dichas actividades y construir alianzas entre los sectores que existen en Escárcega. Por lo anterior, para la realización de este proyecto, la muestra se definió de manera aleatoria, analizando variables de superficie, número de habitantes y recursos naturales que poseen cercanía con la ruta del Tren Maya, entre otros. Además, se consideraron las características de los recursos que pueden ser aprovechados para el turismo rural. Parte de la metodología fue el diseño y aplicación de cuestionarios de manera física para obtener la información agrupada en tres categorías: recursos naturales, sociales y áreas de oportunidad dirigidos a los representantes (comisarios y agentes municipales), vecinos y líderes naturales de cada comunidad. Los resultados obtenidos muestran la similitud tanto en recursos potencialmente favorables para el desarrollo del turismo rural como las áreas de oportunidad, tales como: Organización, comunicación asertiva grupal y capacitación en temas de turismo rural (diseño de rutas, mercadotecnia, entre otras).
Escárcega, a municipality in the Mexican state of Campeche, is made up of nine communities and two municipal councils. Located in the south-southeast of the state, it is rich in gastronomy, culture, and natural resources. Escárcega is known for its wealth of timber species; however, its resources have been overexploited and others have been wasted. The objective of this article is to conserve these resources through sustainable practices. Therefore, in order to take measures in favor of natural resources, it is essential to carry out assessments in the most important communities that influence the Maya Train project, group these activities, and create alliances between the sectors that exist in Escárcega. For this reason, to carry out this project, the sample was defined randomly, analyzing variables such as surface area, number of inhabitants, and natural resources located near the Maya Train route, among others. In addition, the characteristics of resources that can be exploited for rural tourism were considered. Part of the methodology consisted of designing and administering physical questionnaires to obtain information grouped into three categories: natural resources, social resources, and areas of opportunity, aimed at representatives (commissioners and municipal agents), residents, and natural leaders of each community. The results obtained show the similarity in both potentially favorable resources for the development of rural tourism and areas of opportunity, such as: Organization, assertive group communication, and training in rural tourism topics (route design, marketing, among others)
Counseling Sensible au Genre et Autonomisation Identitaire des Survivant(e)s de Violences au Nord du Cameroun
Get PDFLe counseling sensible au genre est une stratégie d’intervention éducative qui intègre une conscience critique des normes de genre, des inégalités structurelles et des vécus différenciés selon le genre dans le processus d’accompagnement psychologique. Dans son objectif de reconnaître l’influence des stéréotypes et des violences liées au genre sur la santé mentale, il participe à un processus d’autonomisation des individus par la déconstruction des rapports de pouvoir internalisés. Cette étude observe l’impact de ce counseling sur l’autonomisation identitaire des survivant(e)s de violences, notamment en termes de reconstruction de soi, de renforcement de l’agentivité et de transformation des perceptions genrées. Elle utilise un design méthodologique mixte, combinant un questionnaire administré aléatoirement à 150 lycéens et des entretiens semi – structurés menés par choix raisonné auprès de 6 élèves et 6 Conseillers d’orientation issus de 3 autres lycées de la région du Nord (Cameroun). Les résultats analysés suggèrent que le counselling sensible au genre aide les survivant(e)s de violences à se reconstruire, à reprendre confiance en eux/elles, à faire leurs propres choix et à remettre en question les rôles de genre, même si ce dernier point reste difficile sans soutien extérieur. Les écoles devraient intégrer une éducation sensible au genre pour encourager le respect, l’égalité et la réflexion sur les rôles traditionnels. Pour être pertinente, cette éducation doit s’adapter aux réalités culturelles locales.
Gender – sensitive counselling is an educational intervention strategy that integrates a critical awareness of gender norms, structural inequalities, and gender – differentiated experiences into the counselling process. Its aim is to recognise the influence of gender stereotypes and violence on mental health, and to help empower individuals by deconstructing internalised power relationships. This study looks at the impact of this counselling on the empowerment of survivors of violence, particularly in terms of self – self-reconstruction, empowerment, and the transformation of gendered perceptions. It uses a mixed methodological design, combining a questionnaire administered randomly to 150 high school students and semi-structured interviews conducted by reasoned choice with 6 students and 6 guidance counsellors from 3 other high schools in the North region (Cameroon). The results analysed suggest that gender – sensitive counselling helps survivors of violence to rebuild their lives, regain self–confidence, make their own choices, and question gender roles, although the latter remains difficult without external support. Schools should incorporate gender – sensitive education to encourage respect, equality, and reflection on traditional roles. To be relevant, this education must be adapted to local cultural realities
Individualism in Georgian Writing
Get PDFIndividualism is a Western phenomenon. Its manifestation is felt in the East from a cultural point of view, despite Eastern collectivism and, when considered from a political perspective, a certain despotism. Individualism manifests in a person’s moral actions within a socio-political environment.In terms of revealing individualism, sixteenth-century Georgian writing is particularly important. If we judge by the historical context, the main lines of Eastern and Western individualism are outlined. The country's historical context shaped the individualism of Georgian literature - the country and the nation, throughout their history, constantly needed to protect their identity, especially after the 19th century, when the country lost its independence and became part of the Russian Empire for two centuries. The traumatic experience of colonialism was most poignantly reflected in literature.We will discuss this issue based on a contrastive analysis, using historical and comparative research methods. Georgian literature dates back to the 5th century, and its origin is connected with the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion in Georgia. Until the 11th century, Georgian literature was primarily religious. While it had a specific purpose, it nurtured the most important aspect: the individual and their relationship with the outside world. Human nature also reflects divine nature, as human nature is originally embedded in the divine
The Right to Walkability for Older Citizens in Age-Friendly Cities: “Let’s Move Through the City” an Explorative Qualitative Survey
Get PDFThis article aims to explore the role of the right to walkability for older adults within the broader goal of developing age-friendly cities, with a focus on the intersection of urban policy and tactical urbanism. In light of Italy’s demographic ageing and shifting urban dynamics, the study investigates how cities can support pedestrian mobility for older populations by improving walkability, understood as one of the key indicator of health, autonomy, and social inclusion. The article outlines how tactical urbanism, characterized by low-cost, temporary, and community-driven interventions, can complement institutional planning efforts and foster more accessible, inclusive public spaces. Drawing on qualitative research conducted in Bari’s metropolitan area in late 2024, which included 86 interviews with people over 65, the study identifies four typologies of urban walkers and highlights how the local urban environment significantly affects older adults’ mobility and perceived well-being. The findings emphasize the need for participatory approaches and localized interventions that address physical, social, and psychological barriers to walkability. The article concludes by advocating for integrated strategies that recognize older citizens as active participants in shaping urban space, positioning walkability as both a practical and symbolic component of inclusive urban futures
Morphological characterization of amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus L.) accessions from urban and peri-urban market gardening in two locations of Côte d’Ivoire
Get PDFThis work focuses on the morphological characterization of eighteen amaranth accessions (Amaranthus hybridus) collected in urban and peri-urban market gardening in Abidjan and Yamoussoukro in Côte d'Ivoire. The accessions have been regenerated and multiplied at the experimental and production station of the National Center for Agronomic Research in Anguédédou. The study was conducted using a Fisher block design with three replicates. Quantitative and qualitative variables were observed and measured for each of these accessions. The results showed a high variability for each of the nine (09) quantitative variables and for some of the fifteen (15) qualitative variables studied. The green morphotype showed the strongest performance in terms of leaf biomass (29 leaves per plant), stem strength (5.9 cm diameter), plant height (137 cm) and panicle length (48.7 cm). These data confirm morphological variability within the population of A. hybridus studied that could be used in a program for the improvement and sustainable cultivation of this foodstuff in Côte d'Ivoire