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The paper aims to study the happiness among youth by elaborating on the determinants of happiness among the youth in the Arab region. The paper relies on a probit model using novel and unique data at a micro-level extracted from the SAHWA Youth Survey (2016). The dependent variable in all of the models was derived from a question on self-satisfaction from the survey. We examined six models containing a diverse set of variables. The survey covers five main nations which are Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. The paper studies the effect of the socio-economic, household, labor market, and value-based characteristics on happiness. The main findings show that being male and the age factor are associated negatively with the happiness of youth in the Arab region. In addition, education, income, democracy, and gender equality are factors associated positively with the happiness of youth in the Arab region. Furthermore, the results show that the Arab identity is associated negatively with happiness of youth in the Arab region. The paper suggests some policy implications to support policymakers in fostering policies that can promote happiness among the youth in the Arab region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development has received more attention in recent years due to growing ecological and environmental concerns. Thus, eco-innovation becomes a topic of increasing interest and generates a large amount of publications. This paper uses extensive data from Web of Science and Scopus to examine the evolution of eco-innovation research and also uses meta-analysis to delve deeper into the determinants. The findings reveal that (1) the number of publications has increased steadily over three stages—slow budding, steady development, and rapid growth—with an overall average growth rate of 16.0%; (2) increasing countries/regions are studying eco-innovation, primarily in developed countries, but the contribution from developing countries is also growing; (3) the most published journals are Journal of Cleaner Production, Sustainability, Business Strategy and the Environment, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, and Ecological Economics; (4) keyword analysis reveals determinants of eco-innovation is a long-term hot topic; (5) meta-analysis concludes that innovation capability and environmental regulations can significantly affect eco-innovation; and (6) high economic development level can effectively enhance eco-innovation by improving R&D, knowledge, and innovation capability. Compared to large firms, eco-innovation by small and medium-sized firms is more influenced by cooperation and government. This paper suggests the government should construct more financial institutions to relieve firms' investment pressures, as well as a property right protection mechanism and corresponding innovative knowledge reward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that there is a correlation between the characteristics of residents and target areas and the levels and types of crime occurring in cities. However, there is no consensus in the extant literature on the social and environmental characteristics of spaces that influence the occurrence of crime. This paper draws on findings in Makurdi, Nigeria to provide a contextual analysis of the determinants of the spatial patterning of crime. Data on the physical attributes of the built environment, the social characteristics of residents and types of crime were obtained through physical observation and questionnaires. The data were analysed using the regression method. The study found that the major determinants of crime are building and population density, fences, age of residents and the 'age' of residential areas. Some of these determinants are indicators and facilitators of 'eyes on the street', highlighting the importance of formal and informal monitoring of activity spaces in cities. This means that design principles that support formal or informal surveillance of urban spaces like the introduction of outdoor communal spaces to encourage interactions and the development of social networks and the regulation of the types and height of fences could enhance urban safety and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subjective wellbeing (SWB) and health are important facets of any person's life, and they tend to influence each other. This importance is reflected in the vastness of literature aiming to explore this association. However, most of this literature is based on sampling national population which may present different population characteristics to those of a province. Thus, the paper aims to investigate if the association between perceived health and SWB is moderated by population characteristics at a provincial level. We intend to add value to subjective wellbeing and health literature by reviewing the relationship between SWB and health in the Eastern Cape stratified by age, gender, rural and urban and different income classifications. Methods: Different population characteristics tend to associate to subjective wellbeing and health differently, therefore influencing how these two variables influence each other. Thus, the paper aims to investigate if the association between perceived health and SWB is moderated by population characteristics at a provincial level. Utilising the South African National Income Dynamics Survey from 2008 to 2017, this study examined the relationship between subjective wellbeing and health using a random effects model stratified according to aforementioned population characteristics. Results: A better perceived health status is associated with higher subjective wellbeing. A better subjective wellbeing is also associated with a higher health status. Determinants of subjective wellbeing and health associate with these variables differently besides income and employment which led to higher subjective wellbeing and health. Health associates to subjective wellbeing different across populations characteristics. Conclusion: Subjective wellbeing and health are interdependent as reflected in the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nation (UN) statements. Higher income and level of education and being employed is associated with both higher SWB and health. Therefore, improving these economic outcomes maybe associated with an improvement in well-being and health as desired by WHO and UN. Provinces differ, and different population characteristics tend to associate with subjective wellbeing and health differently, therefore influencing how these two variables influence each other. Health improvement policies must consider subjective wellbeing. Well-being improvement policies need to be cognisant of the differences in provincial and population characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: One of the greatest public health problems of the 21st century is undernutrition in children under the age of 5 years (CAUFY). Globally, over 232 million CUAFY are undernourished and approximately 45% of mortality in this population are undernutrition‐induced. This paper reviewed and critically explained the factors perpetuating undernutrition in CUAFY in the global space. It further explained the multi‐level determinants that influence health inequalities and consequently exacerbate undernutrition amongst CUAFY globally. It also went further to explain the intervention models and approaches that can be used to tackle undernutrition in CUAFY. Methods/Literature Search Strategy: Demiris et al.'s approach to narrative review was utilized for this paper. Relevant articles on child nutrition were retrieved from multiple credible databases and websites of foremost health organizations. Using an iterative process, multiple combinations of search terms were done by stringing relevant key terms and their synonyms with Boolean Operators. This process was constantly refined to align search results with the study aim. Database search produced relevant and resourceful publications which were utilized to develop this review. Results: The global burden of undernutrition remains high, especially in Oceania with the highest prevalence of stunting and wasting (41.4% and 12.5%), with Africa and Asia following closely. Malnutrition eradication is a global health issue of high priority as demonstrated by the "Goal 2" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations (UN) Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016–2025. The review identified no significant positive outcome from previous interventions due to the endemic health inequalities. Determinants of the multi‐level health inequalities associated with undernutrition in CUAFY, and probable solutions are explained with theoretical models of health inequalities. A diagonal intervention approach was proposed as a viable solution to ending undernutrition in CUAFY. Conclusion: The application of relevant theoretical models and context‐specific intervention approaches can be utilized by stakeholders to close the existing inequality gaps, thereby reducing undernutrition amongst CUAFY globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective physical activity (PA) interventions are needed to counter the insufficient and declining levels of PA in youth. These require an updated, comprehensive planning framework that consolidates recent decades of progress in promoting PA in young children, children, and adolescents. Effective PA interventions require program planning and conceptual model development that target a coordinated and multilevel set of age-specific PA determinants. Accordingly, this paper presents a comprehensive planning framework that researchers can use to design intervention research to promote PA in youth. Methods: The first author conducted targeted searches through Google Scholar to compile PA models/frameworks/guides applicable to youth, a comprehensive set of PA determinants, and determinant-linked strategies to promote PA focusing on review articles. The information was summarized in tables, synthesized, and used to create a planning framework, all of which were reviewed by coauthors. Results: The APPLE Framework for Planning PA Opportunities for Youth (APPLE = Age, PA focus, Place and time, Leverage relevant influences and strategies, and ensure Enjoyable PA opportunities) incorporated all core elements from targeted reviews to create a comprehensive planning framework. The APPLE Planning Framework has a set of questions/prompts that guide the intervention planning process and conceptual model templates to organize planning efforts for designing intervention research. Conclusions: The APPLE Framework for Planning PA Opportunities for Youth will enable researchers to develop comprehensive conceptual models to guide the design of PA interventions for youth. Future research should refine the model and its components to enable PA intervention research in youth to move forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In oestrogen‐receptor positive breast cancer, daily oral adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) for at least 5 years significantly reduces risks of recurrence and breast cancer‐specific mortality. However, many women are poorly adherent to ET. Development of effective adherence support requires comprehensive understanding of influences on adherence. We undertook an umbrella review to identify determinants of ET adherence. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane and PROSPERO (inception to 08/2022) to identify systematic reviews on factors influencing ET adherence. Abstracted determinants were mapped to the World Health Organization's dimensions of adherence. Reviews were quality appraised and overlap assessed. Results: Of 5732 citations screened, 17 reviews were eligible (9 quantitative primary studies; 4 qualitative primary studies; 4 qualitative or quantitative studies) including 215 primary papers. All five WHO dimensions influenced ET non‐adherence: The most consistently identified non‐adherence determinants were patient‐related factors (e.g. lower perceived ET necessity, more treatment concerns, perceptions of ET 'cons' vs. 'pros'). Healthcare system/healthcare professional‐related factors (e.g. perceived lower quality health professional interaction/relationship) were also important and, to a somewhat lesser extent, socio‐economic factors (e.g. lower levels of social/economic/material support). Evidence was more mixed for medication‐related and condition‐related factors, but several may be relevant (e.g. experiencing side‐effects, cost). Potentially modifiable factors are more influential than non‐modifiable/fixed factors (e.g. patient characteristics). Conclusions: The evidence‐base on ET adherence determinants is extensive. Future empirical studies should focus on less well‐researched areas and settings. The determinants themselves are numerous and complex in indicating that adherence support should be multifaceted, addressing multiple determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates whether public debt explains income inequality in several Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The core method employed is the Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) estimator, which uses a dataset covering the period 1997–2019. The key findings reveal that public debt tends to reduce inequality among the poor but may harm the rich in the WAEMU region. Public debt generally has a neutral impact on inequality in EMCCA but can improve income distribution among the rich under stringent corruption control. In terms of contributions, the paper is one of the first works that examine how public debt impacts inequality in the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries across different levels of income. Moreover, it explores the intricate relationship among public debt, socio-economic characteristics, corruption, and inequality within the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research paper is to determine the prevalence of improved household latrine utilization and its determinants in Somalia, using the Somali Health Demographic Survey (SHDS) 2020 dataset. Limited sanitation is a major global problem mainly for the poor and disadvantaged. According to the SHDS 2020 report, around 22.3% of households in Somalia utilize unimproved toilet facilities. In this study, a secondary data analysis was carried out on the SHDS 2020 dataset. The study included 15 826 households weighted for representativeness. Four models were constructed after identifying relevant factors for the outcome variable. The first model, null (empty), had no independent variables. The second model assessed the effect of individual-level determinants on the outcome. The third model determined how community-level variables influenced on the response variable. Finally, a multilevel multivariable logistic regression model examined the combined impact of individual- and community-level factors on the outcome variable. The prevalence of improved latrine utilization in Somalia was (41.1%). The factors: educational status (AOR: 1.899 (1.598, 2.258)), wealth index (AOR: 7.815 (6.990, 8.736)), urban residence (AOR: 2.467 (2.262, 2.690)), households living in various regions/states, including Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Southwest, Puntland, Jubaland, and Somaliland, indicate statistically significant findings and were more likely to utilize improved latrines (AOR: 0.259 (0.229, 0.294)), (AOR: 0.223 (0.196, 0.254)), AOR: 0.196 (0.168, 0.230)), (AOR: 0.220 (0.194, 0.251)), (AOR: 0.204 (0.180, 0.232)), (AOR: 0.086 (0.077, 0.095)). Hirshabelle had a 0.259 times more likelihood of improved latrine utilization than the rest of the regions/states, (AOR: 0.259 (0.229, 0.294)). The prevalence of improved latrine utilization was quite low in Somalia. Higher wealth index, living in more urbanized areas, and the household head's educational status were all significant predictors of improved latrine utilization. The finding implies a need to increase household's access to latrine facilities and improve latrine utilization, particularly for rural households in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we analyze whether R&D cooperation improves firms' performance, and which variables would boost R&D cooperation the most. We contribute to the literature linking two different branches: using a sample of Italians firms, we analyze which are the main determinants of R&D cooperation and whether R&D cooperation improves firms' performance. Thus, we conduct a two-step analysis: in the first step we investigate the significant determinants of cooperation, and in the second we employ these determinants to test the effect of R&D cooperation on firm performance, measured by ROA, Ebitda, and value added per capita. The analysis focuses on four relevant disaggregations: (i) small, medium, and large firms; (ii) Pavitt (1984. "Sectoral Patterns of Technical Change: Towards a Taxonomy and a Theory." Research Policy 13 (6): 343–373) sectors; (iii) location (North, and Center-South); and (iv) public and private partners. Although the determinants of cooperation can vary depending on the type of disaggregation, we find that R&D cooperation always boosts firm performance, that is, on average, profitability and productivity are higher among cooperating firms compared to those that do not cooperate. Identifying the determinants of cooperation allows management and policymakers to understand which strategies should be implemented to stimulate cooperation and, consequently, to improve firms' performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Government One-Stop Shops are promoted as a strategy for improving intergovernmental collaboration, coordinating “Weberian” bureaucratic structure, and streamlining service delivery using technology. One-stop-shop models, which are seen as a significant accomplishment in recent e-government initiatives, aim to provide public service delivery mechanisms that are efficient, accessible, coordinated, and cost-effective. The purpose of this research paper is to assess citizens’ satisfaction with the quality of integrated public services provided by One-Stop Shop (OSS), with a particular emphasis on the relationship between citizen satisfaction with the quality of OSS services and determinant dimensions of trust, procedures, staff skills and qualifications, time and cost savings, and perceived citizen care/support. This paper employs a quantitative approach method through a survey as a research instrument. A structured questionnaire is distributed to 114 citizens receiving service in OSS in a municipality in south Albania, a western Balkan country. The study’s primary objective is to provide top-level managers of the OSS agencies and policymakers with an effective instrument for better evaluating and understanding the perceived quality of their integrated public services offered from the perspective of their citizens. This understanding aims to facilitate the formulation of more effective policies and strategies that foster the ongoing enhancement and incorporation of novel public management best practices. The findings of the multi-regression analysis reveal that the factors - Saving, Staff, Support, Procedures, and Trust had a positive and statistically significant impact on satisfaction, accounting for 85.8 per cent of the variation values of citizen satisfaction with the quality service provided by One-Stop Shop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let p be an odd prime and let a , b ∈ Z with p ∤ a b . In this paper,we mainly evaluate T p (δ) (a , b , x) : = det x + tan π a j 2 + b k 2 p δ ⩽ j , k ⩽ (p - 1) / 2 (δ = 0 , 1). For example, in the case p ≡ 3 (mod 4) , we show that T p (1) (a , b , 0) = 0 and T p (0) (a , b , x) = 2 (p - 1) / 2 p (p + 1) / 4 if (ab p) = 1 , p (p + 1) / 4 if (ab p) = - 1 , where (· p) is the Legendre symbol. When (- a b p) = - 1 , we also evaluate the determinant det [ x + cot π a j 2 + b k 2 p ] 1 ⩽ j , k ⩽ (p - 1) / 2. In addition, we pose several conjectures one of which states that for any prime p ≡ 3 (mod 4) , there is an integer x p ≡ 1 (mod p) such that det sec 2 π (j - k) 2 p 0 ⩽ j , k ⩽ p - 1 = - p (p + 3) / 2 x p 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability reporting has been widely acknowledged as a crucial corporate sustainability practice and recently received increasing attention from regulators, standard‐setters, practitioners, and researchers. Motivated by the abundance of work, and the variety of theoretical perspectives and existing evidence, this paper explores how the research on sustainability reporting determinants has developed over time and what is known and not known about this topic. To address this question, we conducted a systematic literature review of articles on sustainability reporting determinants published in ABS‐ranked journals between 2002 and 2021. Building on Lozano et al. (2015) framework of corporate sustainability theories, our findings provide an updated overview of factors driving sustainability reporting and the determinants still under debate. Furthermore, to fill existing gaps and inspire future research developments, findings suggest further work focus on non‐listed companies, environmentally sensitive industries, underexplored geographical areas, and qualitative methods. Finally, the paper has implications for managers and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we prove several conjectures raised by Zhi-Wei Sun on determinants and permanents by the eigenvectors-eigenvalues identity recently highlighted by Denton, Parke, Tao and Zhang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researching the dynamics of the performance positioning of trade is a very challenging, continuously current, significant, and complex issue, especially in the conditions of the application of multi-criteria decision-making methods. Based on that, this paper investigates the dynamics of the performance positioning of trade in Serbia for the period 2017 - 2022 using the LAPCOW and EDAS methods. The results of this research show the following: Serbian trade, according to the obtained results of the research on the dynamics of performance positioning using the LOPCOW-EDAS method, was the best in 2022. The following are 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Overall, the performance of trade in Serbia continuously improved. The factors that influenced the improvement of the dynamics of the performance positioning of trade in Serbia are geopolitical situation, economy, inflation, interest rate, employment, standard of living of the population, trade policy and strategy, foreign direct investments, new business models (multichannel sales - store and electronic, private label, sale of organic products, etc.), concept of sustainable development, energy crisis, management of human resources, asset, capital, sales and profit, digitisation of the entire business, and others. The target dynamics of the performance positioning of trade in Serbia can be achieved by effective control of these and other influential factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The determinant lower bound of Lovász, Spencer, and Vesztergombi [European J. Combin., 7 (1986), pp. 151-160] is a general way to prove lower bounds on the hereditary discrepancy of a set system. In their paper, Lovász, Spencer, and Vesztergombi asked if hereditary discrepancy can also be bounded from above by a function of the determinant lower bound. This was answered in the negative by Hoffman, and the largest known multiplicative gap between the two quantities for a set system of m subsets of a universe of size n is on the order of max {log n, √log m}. On the other hand, building upon work of Matousek [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc., 141 (2013), pp. 451-460], Jiang and Reis [in Proceedings of the Symposium on Simplicity in Algorithms (SOSA), SIAM, Philadelphia, 2022, pp. 308-313] showed that this gap is always bounded up to constants by √log(m)log(n). This is tight when m is polynomial in n but leaves open the case of large m. We show that the bound of Jiang and Reis is tight for nearly the entire range of m. Our proof amplifies the discrepancy lower bounds of a set system derived from the discrete Haar basis via Kronecker products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handwashing with soap is a fundamental practice for preventing communicable diseases, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Nepal, where various factors influence maternal handwashing behaviours. A systematic search encompassing PubMed/Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and grey literature source was conducted. Extracted eligible articles underwent descriptive analysis and their quality assessment was carried out following STROBE guidelines. From the initial screening of 187 database articles and 18 from grey literature, a total of 120 full text articles and records were retrieved to evaluated for inclusion in the review, identifying nine articles meeting the inclusion criteria for the review. Maternal handwashing with soap frequencies varied during critical moments ranging from 6% to 100%, and a 47% availability of soap and water at the household level was reported. Factors influencing handwashing included education, wealth, ecology, and participation in health promotion campaigns. Barriers included knowledge gaps, contrary beliefs, unavailability of soap and water, financial constraints, maternal demotivation, and low participation in decision-making. Limitations include study design heterogeneity (cross-sectional, Randomized Controlled Trials-RCT, Cohort), sample size variability, and geographical bias, potentially limiting generalizability of this study, limited reporting on soap and water availability for mothers at the household level is noted, and temporal variability introduces study inconsistency. Availability of soap, water, and effective health education is crucial for promoting sustained handwashing practices. Community-based interventions involving mothers in decision making and policy initiatives are essential for overcoming barriers and promote behavioural change to improve public health outcomes. This paper aims to determine the rates of handwashing with soap among mothers in Nepalese households and explore the factors associated with the uptake of handwashing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Contaduría y Administración is the property of Facultad de Contaduria y Administracion-Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Credit union is considered as an alternative solution for global poverty and financial inclusiveness for social development. However, to achieve this goal, first and foremost a credit union must be sustainable. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review on the key determinants of sustainability of credit unions and its measurements through comprehensive literature search and assessment based on the PRISMA-P guidelines. The findings reveal standard quantitative measures such as operations of self-sufficiency ratio, financial sustainability score, return on assets and pearl index (two studies qualitatively assessed governance structure and membership rate as measures). Additionally, key factors such as efficiency, loan management factors, deposit mobilization, portfolio at risk, credit risk, regulatory environment, and asset factors are significant determinants of sustainability of credit unions. The findings suggest a great need for complementarity of role and responsible conduct of the key stakeholders (members), staff, management and enabling regulatory environment for sustainable credit union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Subjective wellbeing (SWB) and health are important facets of any person’s life, and they tend to influence each other. This importance is reflected in the vastness of literature aiming to explore this association. However, most of this literature is based on sampling national population which may present different population characteristics to those of a province. Thus, the paper aims to investigate if the association between perceived health and SWB is moderated by population characteristics at a provincial level. We intend to add value to subjective wellbeing and health literature by reviewing the relationship between SWB and health in the Eastern Cape stratified by age, gender, rural and urban and different income classifications. Methods Different population characteristics tend to associate to subjective wellbeing and health differently, therefore influencing how these two variables influence each other. Thus, the paper aims to investigate if the association between perceived health and SWB is moderated by population characteristics at a provincial level. Utilising the South African National Income Dynamics Survey from 2008 to 2017, this study examined the relationship between subjective wellbeing and health using a random effects model stratified according to aforementioned population characteristics. Results A better perceived health status is associated with higher subjective wellbeing. A better subjective wellbeing is also associated with a higher health status. Determinants of subjective wellbeing and health associate with these variables differently besides income and employment which led to higher subjective wellbeing and health. Health associates to subjective wellbeing different across populations characteristics. Conclusion Subjective wellbeing and health are interdependent as reflected in the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nation (UN) statements. Higher income and level of education and being employed is associated with both higher SWB and health. Therefore, improving these economic outcomes maybe associated with an improvement in well-being and health as desired by WHO and UN. Provinces differ, and different population characteristics tend to associate with subjective wellbeing and health differently, therefore influencing how these two variables influence each other. Health improvement policies must consider subjective wellbeing. Well-being improvement policies need to be cognisant of the differences in provincial and population characteristics.

Background Digital servitization is a strategic transformation where companies adopt a service-focused approach in response to the prevailing trend of digitalization. Utilizing digital technology, businesses manage product and service operations and develop new value propositions. Further research into digital servitization is essential for maintaining competitiveness and meeting evolving market demands globally. This study aims to comprehend the evolution of digital services from theoretical and practical viewpoints and examines how these challenges are tackled. Methods Utilizing a systematic literature review methodology, the study adopts the PRISMA approach to identify 26 pertinent articles from a pool of 340 papers obtained through a SCOPUS database search. These papers were published between 2019 and 2024 and were retrieved using the keywords (‘digitalization OR digital AND servitization OR servitization’). The selection process involved scrutinizing titles, abstracts, and keywords based on predefined criteria. Results The findings reveal that current digital servitization research emphasizes five determinant variables: digitization, servitization, manufacturing servitization, process innovation, and product innovation. Additionally, response variables influenced by digital servitization were identified, including firm competitiveness, firm performance, financial performance, firm profitability, and sustainable performance. Discussion The results of this review point to inconsistencies, underscoring the necessity for additional research into the factors influencing digital servitization across companies beyond the manufacturing sector. This highlights the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of digital servitization strategies and their impacts across various industries. By expanding the scope of research to include a broader range of sectors, researchers can provide more comprehensive insights into the complexities and nuances of digital servitization adoption. This broader perspective enables a more thorough examination of the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing digital servitization strategies, ultimately contributing to a richer understanding of its implications for businesses across diverse industries.

This study examines the question as to whether Pakistan's fertility transition is stalling. The paper reviews the trajectories of fertility and its various determinants and compares Pakistan's trends with those of India and Bangladesh. Countries in the South Asia region share features such as cultural similarities (e.g. the low status of women and son preference) and high poverty levels. However, while Bangladesh and India are near replacement fertility today with modern contraceptive prevalence rates well above 50 per cent, Pakistan still has one of the highest fertility and lowest contraceptive prevalence levels in Asia. Our main conclusion is that Pakistan's fertility transition is close to stalling in mid-transition. The key causes of this stall are a high and unchanging desired family size, stalling demand for contraception and relatively low satisfaction of this demand. These are important obstacles to future decline in fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper systematically analyzes and synthesizes the literature on the determinants and consequences of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure. The study is unique in that it synthesizes based on the geographical setting of the original research. We analyzed 135 empirical studies published in Chartered Association of Business Schools (ABS) ranked journals from 1982 to 2020. The results reveal that various global, country‐specific, market‐specific, and firm‐specific factors are important in determining a firm's CSR disclosure policies. These factors are consistently relevant in both developed and developing economies. Furthermore, the synthesis shows that companies achieve various CSR disclosure‐related benefits in the form of a better reputation, enhanced financial performance, better access to external finances, better stakeholder management, and enhanced corporate accountability. In terms of theories, we observe a high heterogeneity among various studies examining the same empirical phenomenon. Based on the analysis and review results, we identify avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lives of rural households are predominantly based on agriculture and its allied activities. However, there are signs of an agricultural crisis resulting in dependence on alternative sources of income. This paper analyzes the factors that influence the decision of farm households to participate in non-farm activities for alternative income. The official data for two years on the Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households are explored and a pooled probit regression model is run to examine the determinants of income diversification. Our findings reveal that farm income and irrigated land negatively influence diversification. However, diversification of those having lower access to farm holdings, socioeconomic deprivation, and improved access to education, informal credit, and crop insurance point out positive participation in non-farm enterprises. In addition, the population belonging to hilly and coastal plain regions and the age group 30–64 years are more likely to diversify. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we mainly consider the direct solution of periodic pentadiagonal Toeplitz linear systems. By exploiting the low-rank and Toeplitz structure of the coefficient matrix, we derive a new matrix decomposition of periodic pentadiagonal Toeplitz matrices. Based on this matrix decomposition form and combined with the Sherman-Morrison-Woodbury formula, we propose an efficient algorithm for numerically solving periodic pentadiagonal Toeplitz linear systems. Furthermore, we present a fast and reliable algorithm for evaluating the determinants of periodic pentadiagonal Toeplitz matrices by a certain type of matrix reordering and partitioning, and linear transformation. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of our algorithms. All of the experiments are performed on a computer with the aid of programs written in Matlab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insurance companies safeguard the resources necessary for various other economic sectors to enhance economic growth and foster favourable investment opportunities. This study examines the determinants of insolvency for non-life insurers in Zimbabwe. This was achieved by examining the impact of firm-specific variables on solvency. A panel of secondary data from 2017 to 2022 selects seventeen non-life insurance businesses from Zimbabwe. Insurance and Pension Commission (IPEC) reports provide the financial statements for these non-life insurance companies. The research examines two explanatory factors: investment performance and return on assets (profitability). The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) regression model guides the investigation into the relationship between these factors and solvency. This study employs the solvency ratio as a proxy for solvency. The study's results indicate that a firm's size and claims ratio have a positive impact on the investment performance and profitability of non-life insurers experiencing insolvency. To manage investment portfolios properly, the paper recommends short-term insurers hire qualified and experienced investment analysts. To encourage insurance companies to honour claims and maintain their financial stability even when losses increase, the regulator must publish a risk-based capital structure and prioritise the implementation of policies and regulations that support sound financial management practices among non-life insurance companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Digital servitization is a strategic transformation where companies adopt a service-focused approach in response to the prevailing trend of digitalization. Utilizing digital technology, businesses manage product and service operations and develop new value propositions. Further research into digital servitization is essential for maintaining competitiveness and meeting evolving market demands globally. This study aims to comprehend the evolution of digital services from theoretical and practical viewpoints and examines how these challenges are tackled. Methods Utilizing a systematic literature review methodology, the study adopts the PRISMA approach to identify 26 pertinent articles from a pool of 340 papers obtained through a SCOPUS database search. These papers were published between 2019 and 2024 and were retrieved using the keywords (‘digitalization OR digital AND servitization OR servitization’). The selection process involved scrutinizing titles, abstracts, and keywords based on predefined criteria. Results The findings reveal that current digital servitization research emphasizes five determinant variables: digitization, servitization, manufacturing servitization, process innovation, and product innovation. Additionally, response variables influenced by digital servitization were identified, including firm competitiveness, firm performance, financial performance, firm profitability, and sustainable performance. Discussion The results of this review point to inconsistencies, underscoring the necessity for additional research into the factors influencing digital servitization across companies beyond the manufacturing sector. This highlights the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of digital servitization strategies and their impacts across various industries. By expanding the scope of research to include a broader range of sectors, researchers can provide more comprehensive insights into the complexities and nuances of digital servitization adoption. This broader perspective enables a more thorough examination of the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing digital servitization strategies, ultimately contributing to a richer understanding of its implications for businesses across diverse industries.

The researcher sought to investigate mate selection for marital purposes during COVID-19 pandemic, which may be tasking for undergraduates in Nigerian universities. Mate selection is a vital aspect in the process leading up to marital relationships and personal mate selection is common practice across societies, except for the very few wherein individuals are given a mate instead of selecting their mates. Given that most marriages result from the relationships that are formed during studies in tertiary institutions, selecting a good mate from the onset determines the quality of the marriage later on in life. The study investigated how the mate selection experience was affected by the adversaries, brought to the fore by the onset of COVID-19 restrictions. The study employed descriptive research of the survey type. The population for this study consisted of all University of Ilorin undergraduates. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 420 respondents who were undergraduates at the University of Ilorin, Kwara-State. A research instrument titled "Factors Determining Mate Selection among Undergraduates (FDMSUQ)" was used to elicit information, needed from the respondents. The face and content validity of the instrument were ensured while a 0.72 reliability coefficient was obtained. Three research questions were raised and four hypotheses were formulated. All the research questions and hypotheses were tested using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. It was found that age, religion, ethnic group, and family structure significantly influence mate selection among undergraduates. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that Professional Counsellors in collaboration with the parents of undergraduates and religious organisations should constantly make programmes available to undergraduates of all age groups on how, when and what it entails to select a mate, that they will live together with till death do them part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and Aims One of the greatest public health problems of the 21st century is undernutrition in children under the age of 5 years (CAUFY). Globally, over 232 million CUAFY are undernourished and approximately 45% of mortality in this population are undernutrition‐induced. This paper reviewed and critically explained the factors perpetuating undernutrition in CUAFY in the global space. It further explained the multi‐level determinants that influence health inequalities and consequently exacerbate undernutrition amongst CUAFY globally. It also went further to explain the intervention models and approaches that can be used to tackle undernutrition in CUAFY. Methods/Literature Search Strategy Demiris et al.'s approach to narrative review was utilized for this paper. Relevant articles on child nutrition were retrieved from multiple credible databases and websites of foremost health organizations. Using an iterative process, multiple combinations of search terms were done by stringing relevant key terms and their synonyms with Boolean Operators. This process was constantly refined to align search results with the study aim. Database search produced relevant and resourceful publications which were utilized to develop this review. Results The global burden of undernutrition remains high, especially in Oceania with the highest prevalence of stunting and wasting (41.4% and 12.5%), with Africa and Asia following closely. Malnutrition eradication is a global health issue of high priority as demonstrated by the “Goal 2” of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations (UN) Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016–2025. The review identified no significant positive outcome from previous interventions due to the endemic health inequalities. Determinants of the multi‐level health inequalities associated with undernutrition in CUAFY, and probable solutions are explained with theoretical models of health inequalities. A diagonal intervention approach was proposed as a viable solution to ending undernutrition in CUAFY. Conclusion The application of relevant theoretical models and context‐specific intervention approaches can be utilized by stakeholders to close the existing inequality gaps, thereby reducing undernutrition amongst CUAFY globally.

Arrowhead matrices have attracted attention due to their rich algebraic structures and numerous applications. In this paper, we focus on the enumeration of n × n arrowhead matrices with prescribed determinant over a finite field Fq and over a finite commutative chain ring R. The number of n×n arrowhead matrices over Fq of a fixed determinant a is determined for all positive integers n and for all elements a ∈ Fq. As applications, this result is used in the enumeration of n × n non-singular arrowhead matrices with prescribed determinant over R. Subsequently, some bounds on the number of n × n singular arrowhead matrices over R of a fixed determinant are given. Finally, some open problems are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examine the influence of five variables, on attitude tourist: perceived, ease of use, perceived, usefulness, self, efficacy, domain specific, innovativeness, and experience. The analysis, attitude tourist toward e-tourism, usage gauges the moderating part, of e-trust. A sample of, 216 tourist of was anatomized using, structural equation modeling. Result show, that perceived ease of use, perceived, usefulness, domain specific innovativeness, and experience significantly, impact attitude tourist. E-trust, centrists the impact of e-tourism usage. These results, number a better understanding of particularity, with practical, conduct for addressing, their real requirements and prospects. The study, limitations, counteraccusations, along with directions, for farther exploration are bandied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper first further clarifies economic operating state resilience from the concept of regional economic resilience and uses it to explore what factors influence the resilience during the pandemic. We find that the impact of different factors on regional economic resilience and economic operating state resilience is not entirely consistent in the early stages of the pandemic. The results reveal that industry specialization and unrelated diversity have positive effects at different stages, with opposite roles for human capital. High shares of secondary and tertiary industries can impair resilience in the recovery phase. However, the roles of government and diversity are not consistent across stages. Going beyond the determinants of regional economic resilience in previous economic cycles of liquidity crises, this article highlights the role of the public governance and industrial structure at different stages of the pandemic shock and argues that enhancing regional economic resilience in the reshaping of the 'face-to-face' pattern of economic activity is a great challenge in the post-pandemic era. This paper provides new insights for policymakers and researchers in responding to major public health events, understanding resilience process and promoting sustainable development in the post-pandemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrace abandonment in hilly and mountainous regions, particularly in China, has become a significant concern. However, comprehensive assessments of abandonment patterns and underlying causes are still lacking. This paper elucidates the patterns, determinants, and impacts of terraces abandonment in China by using data from a survey of 580 villages across 346 counties and employing spatial analysis and the Heckman two-stage model. Terrace abandonment, which began in the 1990s, has progressively intensified, peaking in 2015. Currently, 51.55% of surveyed villages experience terrace abandonment, affecting 21.17% of households and 8.37% of the total terrace area, with a distinct prevalence in the South and scarcity in the North. Key factors contributing to terrace abandonment include low returns compared to other options, wildlife damage, high engagement in non-farm labor, and substantial non-farm income. In 2021, terrace abandonment led to the loss of 9.36 million tons of grain production capacity, enough to fulfill the yearly consumption requirements of 23.4 million people. Moreover, terrace abandonment undermines the cultural importance of terraced agriculture, reduces tourism potential, and hinders rural rejuvenation. The challenge of terrace abandonment is anticipated to worsen with the increase in non-farm economic activities and ecological restoration projects in hilly and mountainous regions. It is crucial for the government to implement measures to enhance terrace management. These measures include reducing operational costs for large contiguous plots, promoting the cultivation of cash crops to increase revenues from extensive scattered plots, and advocating for the reforestation of agricultural land to enhance the ecological value of remote terraces at higher altitudes. Addressing these issues can achieve sustainable terrace use and management, contributing to broader rural development and ecological goals. [Display omitted] • Terrace abandonment has been observed across approximately 60 countries. • 21.17% of households and 8.37% of terrace areas have experienced abandonment. • Terrace abandonment has led to a decrease in China's grain production capacity by 9.36 million tons. • Terrace abandonment may intensify because of the expanding non-farm economy and ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of intra-continental air connectivity in Africa has long been criticized. This paper aims to understand the factors determining intra-regional air transportation in the Southern Africa region and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Firstly, we analyze the geospatial characteristics of the air transport network, airport connectivity, and market structure before and after the pandemic. We also examine the progress of air transport liberalization in Africa and its impact on market structure and airline privatization. We find that the liberalization facilitated market competition and the progress of privatization, but its influence didn't sustain long. Secondly, based on monthly data at the city level from April 2012 to December 2021, using monthly Total Night-time Light Intensity (TNLI) as a proxy of gross regional product (GRP), we develop a gravity model to empirically investigate the determinants of international air passenger flows within Southern Africa. The analysis shows that the factors promoting air traffic include GRP, air transport liberalization, the presence of low-cost carriers, and airline privatization, while high market concentration and diplomatic disagreements hinder air passenger flows. The pandemic and associated government restriction measures have severely impacted intra-regional air transport connectivity, while the vaccination program has significantly contributed to the recovery of air transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Marriage is a significant milestone in one's life, and the age at which individuals choose to get married can have various implications. By examining the age at marriage and its determinants in different regions, such as Kerala and Bihar, we can gain insights into Socio-demographic factors that influence this decision. Methods: The National Family Health Survey (2019–2021) data was used. A total of 41,392 ever married women from Kerala (8, 579) and Bihar (32,813) were analysed using bivariate and multiple binary logistic regression approaches to meet the study aim. Result: The significant association was found between explanatory factors and age at first marriage in Karala and Bihar. In Bihar, educated women from the poorest families had a higher rate of early marriages. Conversely, in Kerala, uneducated women from non-majority religions and larger households (more than 6 members) were more likely to be married before18. After accounting major effects of background characteristics, the adjusted odds ratio showed that In Kerala Muslim religion women have significantly higher odds of getting married before 18 (OR: 3.09, CI 2.67–3.57) then the Hindu women whereas in Bihar Muslim religion women has the significantly lower chance of getting married before turning 18 (OR: 0.87, CI 0.81–0.93) compared to Hindu. In both the states Kerala and Bihar General social group women had the significantly lower odds of getting married below 18 (OR: 0.73, CI 0.57–0.93 and OR: 0.88, CI 0.81–0.96) with respect to SC/ST social group women's. Conclusion: Women in Bihar usually marry in younger age due to socioeconomic and traditional reasons, whereas in Kerala reverse is true, because of a greater emphasis on education and a more progressive social outlook. These regional variations reflect different cultural norms and socioeconomic environments, shape different marriage age patterns between the two regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]