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Purpose: Blended learning (BL) is becoming more popular as a method of welcoming a progressively diverse range of students while adding value to the learning environment through the integration of online teaching resources. However, BL's approach of combining online instruction with conventional classroom strategies has received attention and expressed reservations over the years. While several research works have been conducted and draw attention to the global challenges of the BL mode of delivering instruction in BL's entirety, there is still no full idea of the challenges and prospects that exist regarding teacher educators' usage of the approach in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the context of developing countries. As a result, this study investigates the prospects and challenges of BL implementation in HEIs from the perspective of educators. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing from the technology acceptance model (TAM), qualitative research methods and semi-structured interviews were used to gather insights from 10 educators. The data were analyzed using a thematic data analysis technique to arrive at the outcome of the study. Findings: The findings reveal that educators deeply comprehend the BL approach and perceive the approach's effectiveness in delivering instruction and student learning. Conversely, educators' challenges are inadequate technology resources, poor internet connections, inadequate professional development training and a dearth of incentives. The study has implications for theory, research, policy enactment and practice regarding the improvement of the BL agenda in HEIs. Originality/value: The explanatory framework presented here is the qualitative approach to the study of themes regarding the perceptions, prospects and challenges educators experience in their use of the BL approach in teaching and learning in the HEIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to explore career choices, challenges and prospects amongst SSIII students in Comprehensive Secondary School Ntoedino, Methodist Secondary School Ntodang and FIDA Secondary School, Ntonguno, all in Obot Akara Local Government Area. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The study population comprised of students from the above named school. A sample size of 150 students was gotten through simple random sampling technique, and data were analysed using simple percentage. Findings from the study revealed that, right career choice is influenced by role models like teachers, parents, educators and guardians as 86% of the study respondents attested to this. It was also deduced that, the child alone, without the adult's guidance/counseling cannot make the right career choice. On the effect of resources/finances on right career choice, 90% being majority agreed to the assertion that most of the poor parents who send their children to public schools, have no proper orientation and are unable to educate their children properly on right career choice; and so, majority accepted the fact that, poverty affects right career choice/course of study. From the analysis it was concluded that, there were a lot of lapses with regards to proper choice of career/course of study by students in senior classes in public schools. However, the study recommended that, proper orientation/sensitization must be done by families, teachers, educators, role models, exposed friends, counselors, parents and relatives. Even at that, children should be given free hands to make their choices based on innate potentialities and not imposing courses of study/career on them. Moreover, to help students from poor background, examination like NECO, WAEC, JAMB should be made free to students in public schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cysts are one of the most common gynecological diseases, and laparoscopic surgery has been considered as the main approach for treating benign ovarian tumors. Laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) is favored by women due to its hidden scar in the umbilicus. Combining single-port laparoscopy with open surgery (OPEN) can enhance aesthetic outcomes, reduce surgical complexity, and preserve ovarian function better. The concept of LESS-OPEN pioneered by our team in China has shown significant efficacy in treating ovarian cysts. We also pioneered the construction of a feasibility prediction scoring system for laparoendoscopic single-site extracorporeal (LESS-E) ovarian cystectomy, and established an indication system for LESS-E surgery for ovarian cysts to guide surgeons in selecting surgical approaches. This paper aims to discuss the application of the LESS-OPEN technique in ovarian cystectomy and to explore its future prospects.

For the sustainable development of territories, it is important to pay special attention to transport infrastructure, which directly affects the level of efficiency and competitiveness of the state (region) economy and forms the creation of a rational logistics system. Transport activates the work of the real sector of the economy (economic entities), carries out freight and passenger transportation, and is one of the significant sectors of the national economy, providing employment to the population, tax revenues to the budget system of the Russian Federation, investment attraction and GDP growth. The Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is strategically significant from the perspective of geopolitics and geo-economics in the modern world (1215% of the country’s GDP, 25% of exports). In the article, the object of study is the Western and Central Arctic of the Russian Federation, including six of the eight subjects belonging to the Arctic territories. The methodological framework of the study is based on review and analysis of regulatory documents and scientific literature that determine trends and prospects for improving territories within the development of transport infrastructure. The information base is regional statistical information. The study and assessment of the level of transport infrastructure development of the studied region is carried out. Economic analysis is conducted using statistical methods that allow identifying the main reasons associated with the ineffective operation of transport infrastructure at the meso-level. Tables and figures are used to visualize the research results. This makes it possible to conduct a comparative analysis of territories by the level of transport infrastructure development, to identify leaders and outsiders to substantiate proposals for stimulating key areas, basing on the review of regulatory documents aimed at increasing the efficiency of functioning of this area.

Over 80% of genetic studies in the Parkinson's disease (PD) field have been conducted on individuals of European descent. There is a social and scientific imperative to understand the genetic basis of PD across global populations for therapeutic development and deployment. PD etiology is impacted by genetic and environmental factors that are variable by ancestry and region, emphasising the need for worldwide programs to gather large numbers of patients to identify novel candidate genes and risk loci involved in disease. Only a handful of documented genetic assessments have investigated families with PD in AfrAbia, which comprises the member nations of the Arab League and the African Union, with very limited cohort and case-control studies reported. This review article summarises prior research on PD genetics in AfrAbia, highlighting gaps and challenges. We discuss the etiological risk spectrum in the context of historical interactions, highlighting allele frequencies, penetrance, and the clinical manifestations of known genetic variants in the AfrAbian PD patient community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of Compulsory Licensing in the procurement of anti-retroviral drugs to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which poses a significant threat to Indonesia and global public health, exemplifies the essential necessity and utility of this concept. Compulsory Licensing is pivotal not only for community health but also for advancing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) law. This research aims to explore the future prospects of Compulsory Licensing and propose regulatory reforms in Indonesia. Utilizing a normative juridical approach, the study concludes that Compulsory Licensing holds strong potential as a countermeasure and in balancing rights and obligations. It underscores the critical need for a robust regulatory framework to support its effective application and growth. Future enhancements, such as allowing appeals against government compensation determinations through judicial review, could bolster acceptance and ensure the sustainability of this concept.

The development of edible vegetable oil is related to food security and people’s quality of life. Literature research method was adopted in this research to analyze the policy and economic environments of edible vegetable oil industry, and on this basis, production scale, sales quantity and brand competition of edible vegetable oil were sorted out. According to the production data of edible vegetable oil from 2013 to 2022, the GM (1,1) model was used to forecast the yields of edible vegetable oil in the next five years. The results revealed that the output of edible vegetable oil will decline in the future. There was a super-large market advantage in the domestic market, and the overall development of edible vegetable oil industry will be stable in the future. It is concluded that the edible vegetable oil industry may face market challenges such as consumer demand reduction, demand structure diversification and complex competition of market players in the future. The study suggested that, first, enterprises need to pay attention to the nutrition and health of edible oil products, which could ensure food quality and safety, and meet the needs of consumers for a healthy life. Second, enterprises should carry out product innovation to develop new oil products with high quality as well as lightweight, and create a new consumption scene. Third, by targeting the niche consumer market, actively expanding the market space of edible oil and stabilizing the market scale of small and medium-sized enterprises, could promote the high-quality development of the edible vegetable oil industry.

This paper presents the findings of a study carried out to identify the challenges and prospects to retaining knowledge in Botswana’s tourism and hospitality industry. The study adopted a questionnaire survey approach for data collection. A total of 80 questionnaires were administered to staff members of tourism and hospitality organizations. The criteria used for selection of eligible organizations was that they had to be legally licenced to operate by the Department of Tourism and graded by the Botswana Tourism organization. Organizations were purposively sampled from three industry strati being accommodation, travel agencies and tour operators. The results show that some of the challenges faced by hospitality organizations in retaining knowledge include difficulty in the utilization of retained knowledge because of long requisition procedures, lack of trust and knowledge hoarding. These challenges result in the retention of knowledge in the industry appearing to be optional. The study further reveals, supporting strategic objectives and self-fulfilment as the leading motivators for knowledge sharing. The industry therefore must turn these motivators into opportunities to cultivate a culture of knowledge retention.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Complicated mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of IS. Immunomodulatory mechanisms are crucial to IS. Acupuncture is a traditional non-drug treatment that has been extensively used to treat IS. The exploration of neuroimmune modulation will broaden the understanding of the mechanisms underlying acupuncture treatment. This review summarizes the immune response of immune cells, immune cytokines, and immune organs after an IS. The immunomodulatory mechanisms of acupuncture treatment on the central nervous system and peripheral immunity, as well as the factors that influence the effects of acupuncture treatment, were summarized. We suggest prospects and future directions for research on immunomodulatory mechanisms of acupuncture treatment for IS based on current progress, and we hope that these will provide inspiration for researchers. Additionally, acupuncture has shown favorable outcomes in the treatment of immune-based nervous system diseases, generating new directions for research on possible targets and treatments for immune-based nervous system diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant development and crop productivity are drastically reduced worldwide due to biotic and abiotic stresses and their unexpected combinations. The various chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, and phyto-regulators) and genetic engineering techniques employed to date to improve crop tolerance to multiple stresses have a negative influence on the environment and are time-consuming. This has accelerated efforts to find more eco-friendly ways to control plant stress. Chitosan is a biopolymer which is largely extracted from the deacetylation of chitin and appears as a viable tool to overcome these problems in search of a more environmentally acceptable solution. Due to its biocompatibility, eco-friendly and economic nature, become one of the most popular biopolymers used in agriculture. Chitosan also activates a defence mechanism by signal transduction pathway and transduces secondary molecules of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide to scavenge reactive oxygen species. Application of chitosan before subjecting to abiotic stresses such as drought, salt, and heat has been shown to stimulate plant growth and enhance the production of antioxidant enzymes, secondary metabolites, and abscisic acid. In drought, it helps to accumulate osmo-protectants to maintain the water potential of plant cells. On the other hand, plant responses towards chitosan are varying based on its structures, doses, developmental stages and crop type. Keeping these facts in mind this review has written with the objective to update the recent studies on chitosan, its various sources and its effective concentrations in different crops, mechanism of action against biotic and abiotic stress management to improve crop production in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North-East Caucasus is a multi-ethnic mountain macroregion with a rich cultural heritage, insufficiently studied in the context of the ecotourism development. To fill this gap and identify promising directions of environmentally safe forms of tourism, the author used in-depth review of modern literature to investigate the features of ecological tourism and the problems of preserving ethno-cultural heritage, and used historical and comparative-geographical methods to analyze the development of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the North-Eastern Caucasus in different historical periods and to identify the geographical peculiarities of the distribution of historical and cultural monuments (tower buildings), pilgrimage sites and centers of traditional crafts and trades. As part of the planned expeditions, the author personally visited some historical monuments and handicraft centers for a deeper study of ethno-cultural heritage. The cartographic method made it possible to visualize the results. The results of the research show that the ethnocultural heritage of the North-East Caucasus is formed by material (historical and cultural monuments) and immaterial elements of culture (language, customs, traditions, ethnic identification) of those peoples, who live here. The ethnocultural heritage is considered as the most important factor in the development of the tourism industry. It is revealed that this region has a large potential for development in various areas of eco-tourism. The highest concentration of religious buildings focused in mountainous areas. Medieval tower structures were erected in mountainous and high-altitude areas. From ancient times to the present day there have been preserved various types of crafts and trades (pottery, metalworking, burka making, jewelry making, carpet weaving, gold embroidery, wood and stone carving, etc.), which can become objects of ecotourism. The ethnocultural heritage of the North-East Caucasus needs to be preserved and protected. To solve this problem, the author recommends to focus on a balanced combination of traditions and innovations in this industry, also considering the current state and development of the tourism industry in the country and in the world. The research highlights that the development of scientific approaches to plan and manage tourism development can contribute to the preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of indigenous peoples. This is a complex and labour-intensive task, but its solution will have a multiplier effect in the social sphere, in economic development and in environmental security, which is in line with the principles and concept of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the dynamics of industrial and innovative development with a focus on Kazakhstan. It begins by examining the principles guiding industrial and innovative strategies in foreign countries, setting a comparative backdrop. The analysis then shifts to Kazakhstan, detailing the major challenges confronting its manufacturing industry, including structural inefficiencies and market constraints. Further, the paper delves into the complexities and risks within Kazakhstan's oil and gas sector, highlighting both the obstacles and potential growth areas. Finally, it assesses the prospects and threats facing the country's mining and metallurgical complex, offering insights into future trends and strategic recommendations. This comprehensive review provides a nuanced understanding of Kazakhstan's industrial landscape and offers a framework for navigating its evolving economic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid widely studied in marine microalgae, is at the heart of scientific research because of its promising bioactive properties for human health. Its unique chemical structure and specific biosynthesis, characterized by complex enzymatic conversion in marine organisms, have been examined in depth in this review. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities of fucoxanthin have been rigorously supported by data from in vitro and in vivo experiments and early clinical trials. Additionally, this review explores emerging strategies to optimize the stability and efficacy of fucoxanthin, aiming to increase its solubility and bioavailability to enhance its therapeutic applications. However, despite these potential benefits, challenges persist, such as limited bioavailability and technological obstacles hindering its large-scale production. The medical exploitation of fucoxanthin thus requires an innovative approach and continuous optimization to overcome these barriers. Although further research is needed to refine its clinical use, fucoxanthin offers promising potential in the development of natural therapies aimed at improving human health. By integrating knowledge about its biosynthesis, mechanisms of action, and potential beneficial effects, future studies could open new perspectives in the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry in agriculture segment is one of the fastest growing sectors in India. While agricultural production has been rising at the rate around 2 per cent per annum over the past two decades, poultry production has been rising at the rate of around 8 per cent per annum, with an annual turnover of US$ 7 500 million. India - Third largest producer of eggs in the world next only to China and USA. Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana and Tamil Nadu are major egg producing states in India. India ranks fifth in the world in respect of poultry meat production with the highest production recorded for USA. In India, Andhra Pradesh is leading state in broiler production; other major broiler producing states are Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal and Karnataka. Poultry's contribution to food production and food security and its special role in alleviation of poverty and employment and empowerment of rural women is commendable. Rural poultry farming involved in raising of improved chicken varieties under free range, semi intensive and intensive condition. Our poultry farm is going to be standard commercial poultry farm hence will be involved in raising, processing and marketing chicken and eggs, poultry farm and egg production line of business because we want to leverage on the vas opportunities available in the poultry industry and make high profit. There are numerous potential pathways for sustainable development of poultry production. Poultry is living, sentient animals that can be well integrated in to many different types of urban and rural farming system, where they benefit from and contribute to such system and to the livelihood of households around the globe with special emphasis on women. Among the terrestrial animals poultry has the best conversion rate of feed to human food and the smallest environmental footprint in terms of energy and water use per kg meat or eggs produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous use of fossil fuels has prompted scientists and researchers to convert to renewable sources for powering water pumps. By converting sunlight into electrical energy, the photovoltaic (PV) panels can drive the water pump or produce electricity through an inverter. Over the past few years, scientists have been working on developing more efficient solar-powered water pumps. A summary of existing research and development activities for developing a dependable and cost-effective solar irrigation system is described in this study. The paper outlines Bangladesh's present irrigation scenario, the problems associated with solar irrigation systems, and government policies and actions promoting solar irrigation. The main objectives and goals of the proposed project are to develop an efficient standalone hybrid solar PV–pyro-oil generator-based water pumping system for the Barind tract and off-grid remote areas. Moreover, the techno-econo-environmental feasibility of the proposed project has also been evaluated. The total life cycle cost and investment payback period of the 20-year project were found to be 14,377.32 dollars and 7.04 years, respectively. Moreover, the project's internal rate of return and CO2 reduction potential were found to be 21% and 197.1 tons, respectively. Therefore, the project is sustainable and feasible, which provides a guideline for researchers and investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods is the property of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods Editorial Office 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.)

One important challenge for global development is aging. China is one of the world's countries with the highest elderly population and the most rapid aging; in 2022, the percentage of the population over 65 was 14.9%; by 2050, it is expected to rise to 26.1%. China's health security, elderly care, and healthcare services are facing serious challenges as a result of this aging trend. With 80% of provinces including medical and elderly care in national basic public health care programs, China has adopted a proactive national plan to combat population aging. Moreover, geriatric departments have been established at 69.3% of public general hospitals at secondary and higher tiers, 48% of provinces have devises preventive interventions for disability and dementia in the elderly, 48 percent of provinces are serving as test regions for medical care related to rehabilitation, and 49 cities are involved in long-term care insurance (LTCI) trials that encompass 170 million people. There are 4,259 medical and health care facilities that provide hospice care services, 152 hospice care pilot regions, and 87,000 pairs of contracts between medical and health care facilities and elderly care providers. These developments provide a strong basis, but there are still major obstacles to overcome. The Chinese Government is urged to adopt early preventive measures, offer more ongoing, practical, and cost-effective diagnostic and treatment services, allocate resources equitably, and use intelligent technologies to enhance elderly care. The ultimate goals are to lessen the financial burden, enhance the health of the elderly, and offer a vital global resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal basins on the Mozambique continental margin are the Mozambique and Rovuma, on the passive continental margin with complex tectonic history, following after the East African Rift System in the Triassic. Although the first gas fields in the coastal zone of the Indian Ocean in southeast Mozambique are appeared yet in the 1960s, only in 2010, did Mozambique achieve a new status as a major world hydrocarbon player—with the discovery of a number of large gas fields in the northeast of the country, in deep-water regions of the Indian Ocean, and in the Rovuma Basin. More than 20 recently discovered gas fields are located in deep-water regions and on the continental slope of the Indian Ocean at depths of 468–2610 m. It is noteworthy that the pays of the same age, the deeper they are buried beneath the water column, the greater their volume of hydrocarbon reserves. A similar trend may help in the case of targeted oil and gas exploration. The prospects of liquid hydrocarbon discoveries are possible in the Madagascar channel behind the Davie Ridge and in deep-water parts on the slopes of the Mozambique continental margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses four development scenarios for the system of state (municipal) microfinance organizations based on the model developed by the author that makes it possible to analyze the prospects and choose the optimal development direction for this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retail is one of the sectors that Metaverse will strongly implicate. Given the hypothetical convergence of physical and the Metaverse shopping experiences, retailers in grocery segment must identify and forecast opportunities and emerging challenges to achieve a competitive advantage with appropriate marketing strategies. By anchoring in the brick-and-mortar context, the present paper discusses the sources of competitive advantage for grocery segment retailers in the Metaverse, highlighting differences and similarities with the traditional retail context. Moreover, following a marketing perspective, a research agenda is presented, looking at the retail sources of competitive advantage in the Metaverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI), especially deep learning models, has increasingly been integrated into diagnosing and treating diabetic retinopathy (DR). From delving into the singular realm of ocular fundus photography to the gradual development of proteomics and other molecular approaches, from machine learning (ML) to deep learning (DL), the journey has seen a transition from a binary diagnosis of “presence or absence” to the capability of discerning the progression and severity of DR based on images from various stages of the disease course. Since the FDA approval of IDx-DR in 2018, a plethora of AI models has mushroomed, gradually gaining recognition through a myriad of clinical trials and validations. AI has greatly improved early DR detection, and we’re nearing the use of AI in telemedicine to tackle medical resource shortages and health inequities in various areas. This comprehensive review meticulously analyzes the literature and clinical trials of recent years, highlighting key AI models for DR diagnosis and treatment, including their theoretical bases, features, applicability, and addressing current challenges like bias, transparency, and ethics. It also presents a prospective outlook on the future development in this domain.

This study investigates the transformative effects of digital intelligence on translator education through a theoretical and exploratory approach, employing both bibliometric and content analysis to derive its findings. It systematically examines the evolution of translator training methodologies through the integration of AI, ChatGPT, large language models (LLMs), and 5G, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding these changes. Key findings reveal that personalized learning, supported by digital tools, significantly enhances student engagement and skill acquisition. However, challenges such as ensuring data quality, mitigating excessive dependence on technology, and maintaining ethical standards persist. The study underscores the critical necessity of developing advanced training platforms and strategies that foster effective teacher-student interactions and uphold academic integrity. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation in educational practices to equip future translators for the demands of a digital and highly connected world. These insights offer valuable guidance for educators and policymakers in crafting curricula that are both forward-thinking and resilient.

This article provides an informative overview of the current situation and future trends in cervical cancer prevention. Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern worldwide and is characterized by notable variations in both incidence and mortality rates between developed and developing countries. This underscores the importance of understanding the pathophysiology of cervical cancer, stressing the involvement of high-risk HPV types. The presence of supplementary risk factors facilitates the transition from infection to cancer. This review examines current preventive methods, including the success of HPV vaccines such as Gardasil and Cervarix, and the effectiveness of screening techniques, from cytology to HPV DNA testing. It noted the limitations faced by primary and secondary preventive measures, particularly in low-resource settings, which include access to vaccines and effective screening procedures. Emerging technologies in cervical cancer prevention, such as liquid-based cytology, molecular testing, and AI, promise to improve early detection and diagnosis accuracy and efficiency. The potential of precision medicine to customize treatment based on individual risk factors was discussed. It explores the innovation in genetic editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, in targeting HPV oncoproteins, the advent of immunotherapy, the role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and the prospects of biomarkers in improving early detection. Research and technological advancements are leading to transformative changes in cervical cancer prevention. These developments suggest a path toward improved screening, diagnosis, and treatment that could significantly reduce the global burden of the disease. However, realizing the full potential of these advances requires inclusive research and international collaboration to overcome access disparities, particularly in resource-limited settings.

The article examines the consequences of the Western states’ sanctions pressure on Russia for the EAEU. Special attention is paid to the position of the EAEU members amid two crucial events in the Ukrainian crisis: the reunification of Crimea with Russia (2014) and the beginning of a special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine (2022). Measures aimed at minimizing the damage from anti-Russian sanctions on the economies of the EAEU countries are considered, such as: customs, customs tariff and non-tariff regulation, protective measures; internal market and cooperation; financial and currency markets; international economic cooperation with third countries and integration associations. The priorities of Russia’s chairmanship in the EAEU in 2023 are analyzed. The prerequisites for the further development of the EAEU as a self-sufficient integration center in Eurasia and the prospects of the EAEU amid a confrontation between Russia and the West are examined. Among the negative factors slowing down the development of the EAEU the following stand out: the orientation of some members to the third countries’ markets, the modest pace of modernization and increasing the competitiveness of the economies of the EAEU countries, the insufficient level of development of transport infrastructure and logistics, the concerns of the EAEU members (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) of «secondary» sanctions, the absence of a consolidated position within the union regarding Western sanctions, the violation of transactional payments as an outcome of Russia’s disconnection from international payment systems.

Zelalem Tilahun Mekonen,1 Teferi Gedif Fenta,1 Simon Peter Nadeem,2 Denny J Cho3 1Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2Center for Supply Chain Improvement, University of Derby, Derby, UK; 3Logistics Department, Kyrgyz State Technical University, Bishkek, KyrgyzstanCorrespondence: Zelalem Tilahun Mekonen, Tel +251923 10 95 39, Email zelalem.tilahun@aau.edu.et; zelatilahun@gmail.comBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the most substantial health crisis in the 21st Century. This pandemic interrupted the supply of essential commodities for human beings. Among the essential commodities for human survival, disruption of the supply of essential health commodities has become a global concern.Objective: The study aimed to systematically analyze published articles on the challenges, impacts, and prospects of the global health commodities’ supply chain in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A standard searching strategy was conducted in seven research databases to retrieve pertinent articles. Finally, 459 articles were retrieved for further screening, and only 13 articles were selected for final synthesis.Results: Almost 38.5% of the studies targeted the supply chain of health commodities used to treat HIV, TB, and malaria. Lockdown policies, travel restrictions, lack of transportation, low manufacturing capacity, and rising costs were the significant challenges indicated for the supply interruption of essential health commodities and COVID-19 vaccines. Findings indicated that the supply interruption of essential health commodities leads to a devastating impact on global health.Conclusion: Global medicine shortages due to the pandemic crisis can have a devastatingly harmful impact on patient outcomes and might result in a devastatingly long-lasting effect on the health of the world community. Supply-related challenges of the COVID-19 vaccine affect countries’ ambitions for achieving herd immunity quickly. Monitoring the pandemic’s effect on the health commodities’ supply system and designing a short-term and long-term resilient health supply chain system that can cope with current and future health catastrophes is pivotal.Keywords: global supply chain, health commodities, health product, pharmaceuticals, challenges, opportunities, prospects, COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine

Domanic type deposits generally is abundant in Tatarstan Republic and other territories. They are feature with oil-source rocks (black shales), which partly generated hydrocarbons. However, due to their high hydrocarbon contain, domanic type deposits construing as unconventional reservoir rocks, that may be commercial significant. Based on Russian and foreign experience in the development of such deposits, the prospects for their exploitation are associated with the searching for formations with increased reservoir properties and light oil.In this work we are analyzed the stratigraphic distribution of domanic type deposits in the Kama-Kinel system of depressions and beyond them. It is shown that such deposits in the Kama-Kinel system of depressions have a thickness about 300 m and cover the stratigraphic range from semiluk horizon of the Frasnian stage to Tournaisian stage. But out of depressions these rocks occurred only in semiluk horizon. The reason of it is high dissection of the bottom of the Domanic sedimentation basin in the Late Frasnian-Tournaisian ages due to the evolution of the Kama-Kinel system of depressions in the east of the Russian Plate.The results of our own research show that carbonate and carbonate-siliceous rocks enriched in organic matter are the most common lithotypes in the Domanic type deposits. Also, we constantly found carbonate breccias and less secondary dolomites in the studied geological columns. In the last two types of rocks, we found higher values of porosity, openness, and a lighter composition of hydrocarbons. Based on the results of the author’s research and the literature observation, it follows that the development of carbonate breccias and secondary dolomites will be in the sides of the Kama-Kinel system of depressions. We consider that they are as the most promising objects for the search for industrial profit in the Domanic type deposits.

This study highlights the current status of rabbit production, potential challenges facing the industry and the prospects for rabbit farming in Dodoma city, Tanzania. Data from 60 individuals keeping rabbits were collected through a structured questionnaire and direct observation. Results showed that 60% of the respondents were men and 40% women. Rabbits were kept mainly as a source of meat for families and income generation. Main sources of rabbit stock were local breeders (55%) and missionaries (25%), while the remainder were from agricultural institutes. The dominant rabbit breeds reared were California white (50%), New Zealand white (30%), Chinchilla (10%) and Dutch (10%). Ninety-five percent of the farmers kept rabbits in cages, while 5% confined them at night and let them out during the day to forage for feed. Fifteen percent of the respondents fed commercial rabbit pellets, 5% vegetables and kitchen waste only, whereas 80% fed both rabbit pellets, vegetables and kitchen waste. The number of rabbits kept by an individual farmer ranged from 5 to 180, with mean stock size of 22.80±11.20 (mean±standard deviation). Rabbits were sold at 8 to 12 wk of age and each rabbit was sold for 20 000 to 30 000 Tanzanian shillings (8.00 – 12.00 USD). Major challenges in rabbit production were lack of feed resources, lack of readily available market, poor quality of breeding stock, low knowledge of rabbit production techniques and lack of technical support from extension services. Although rabbit farming in Dodoma is carried out at subsistence level, it is associated with a decrease in poverty among urban and peri-urban farmers. In conclusion, rabbit production in urban and peri-urban areas of Tanzania has the potential to contribute to food and nutrition security and poverty alleviation, thus improving living standards.

• The utilization characteristics of gold tailings were reviewed. • The recovery of valuable components from gold tailings was summarized. • The application of gold tailings in the field of materials was adumbrated. • A new process combining magnetic separation and cemented filling was proposed. Gold tailings are characterized by low-grade, complex composition, fine embedded particle size, environmental pollution, and large land occupation. This paper describes the mineralogical properties of gold tailings, including chemical composition, phase composition, particle size distribution, and microstructure; summarizes the recycling and utilization of components such as mica, feldspar, and valuable metals in gold tailings; reviews harmless treatment measures for harmful elements in gold tailings; and adumbrated the research progress of gold tailings in the application fields of building materials, ceramics, and glass materials. Based on these discussions, a new technology roadmap that combines multistage magnetic separation and cemented filling is proposed for the clean utilization of all components of gold tailings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Textile Leader is the property of China Textile Information Center 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.)

Geological hazards are widely distributed, cause huge losses, and have always been the focus of attention for engineering and environmental geologists. Geological hazard evaluation is the basis of research and has important theoretical significance for preventing and controlling geological hazards. Therefore, geological hazard evaluation has become the focus of engineering and environmental geology. The question of how to build a universal index system model of geological hazard evaluation is an urgent problem that needs to be solved in geological hazard evaluation. Based on a large amount of previous research data, this paper takes landslide hazard as an example and systematically expounds the main problems that need to be solved in the current geological hazard evaluation from five aspects: basic concept, evaluation scope and accuracy, evaluation index system and evaluation criteria, evaluation method, and applicability of evaluation results. A landslide hazard assessment index system model is proposed, which applies to all regions, including all of the factors that may affect the formation of landslides. It is also hoped that this will be used as an example to establish various types of disaster evaluation and assessment systems. If the parameter has no value in the assessment process, it can be processed as 0. On this basis, further research is suggested from the perspectives of the geological hazard evaluation level, geological hazard evaluation theory, and method. To provide thoughts on and suggestions for geological hazard risk assessment method research, standard revision, investigation and evaluation, and risk management and control need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Relations & International Law Journal / Seriâ Meždunarodnye Otnošeniâ & Meždunarodnoe Pravo is the property of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University 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 Blue Economy has emerged as a major force behind the expansion of the world economy, defined by the sustainable and ethical use of ocean resources. This abstract examines how the insurance industry and the Blue Economy interact, highlighting the critical role insurance plays in reducing the hazards connected to marine activity. Innovative insurance solutions are essential when industries grow into ocean-based endeavors to protect against certain risks and uncertainties. This essay examines the dangers that are intrinsic to the blue economy, including piracy, environmental liabilities, natural disasters, and legislative changes. It examines the situation of insurance products designed specifically for the maritime industry, pointing out weaknesses and areas in need of development. The abstract also addresses the effect that climate change may have in increasing marine threats as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDrainage is a common practice in geotechnical engineering concerning dredged marine soils. Current drainage techniques, including surcharge preloading, vacuum preloading, and combined vacuum-surcharge preloading, have been proven to be effective in soft soil treatment, but are also criticized for their high energy consumption. This paper made a brief review on existing drainage techniques and proposed some prospects for the next-generation techniques in response to the public concern of sustainability. It is found that all conventional preloading techniques have been well studied from tests to modeling, and improved vacuum preloading tends to be used in combination with other techniques. Drainage techniques with lower energy consumption can be realized either by using renewable energy or designing biomimetic devices. The paper is expected to provide a comprehensive while concise report on recent advances in drainage techniques for dredged marine soils and in the meanwhile give an insight into the further development towards a more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to study the residents’ perception of the obstacles and prospects facing Alexandria's maritime and coastal tourism. Several the following sub-objectives can help achieve this goal: 1- Studying some the respondents' personal, Socio- economic characteristics. 2- A study of residents’ perception regarding an Egyptian marine and coastal tourism strategy. 3- A study of the residents’ perception of competitiveness—boosting the competitiveness of coastal and marine travel. 4- A study of the residents’ perception of sustainability—the expansion of sustainable tourism in coastal and maritime areas. 5- A study of the perception and character of Alexandria's coastline and maritime areas were enhanced by the respondents' thoughts. Research data were collected from 745 respondents using a personal interview questionnaire. The results show that the respondents have an excellent understanding of coastal and maritime tourism. Non-beach tourism activities were among the most relevant tourism initiatives aimed at developing the marine and coastal economies in Alexandria, which leads to a competitive and sustainable economy at the same time. The most important obstacles to the competitiveness of the coastal and marine tourism sub-sector were those related to seasonality, sustainability, and innovation. The necessity of having a plan that protects the natural and physical environments was also given a high priority by the respondents. Finally, the research presented several recommendations, including establishing monitoring programs and indicators, enhancing communication between different disciplines, enhancing tourism information, encourage flexibility and pro-active handling of emergencies, and disseminating knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Universitas, Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas is the property of Universidad Politecnica Salesiana 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.)