Energy resources constitute a fundamental necessity for the sustenance of nations, with their security being a critical facet of both national and economic stability. The Eastern Mediterranean, a pivotal route for the global transportation of energy resources, notably oil and natural gas, plays a significant role in this context. It is established that over half of the world's petroleum products are transported via maritime routes, underscoring the strategic importance of this region. The presence of contested zones involving the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Turkey, the Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus (GASC), and Greece, however, raises concerns regarding the security of these maritime corridors. This study commences with an exposition of the concepts of energy and its associated security, followed by an analysis of the Eastern Mediterranean's strategic relevance and the role of the TRNC. Central to this discussion is the Blue Homeland doctrine, a foreign policy approach that prioritizes maritime security interests of the state. The doctrine is dissected to elucidate its implications for regional maritime dynamics. Data pertaining to cargo transportation within the Eastern Mediterranean is presented, highlighting the region's significance in terms of security. The study then pivots to an exploration of the Blue Homeland doctrine, examining its application and impact on the region. Notably, the study avoids first-person perspectives, adhering to a passive voice to maintain academic rigor.
Since Nigeria's independence, concerted efforts have been made to fortify the healthcare system, aiming to safeguard millions of lives through enhanced primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services, and to progress towards universal healthcare coverage, as envisaged by the National Health Act (NHA). Despite the successful adoption of numerous initiatives, they have encountered substantial challenges in implementation and sustainability, influenced by factors such as importation dynamics, price fluctuations from both private and public sources, the impact of subsidy removal, and taxation policies. This study investigates the macroeconomic consequences of potential healthcare financing reforms in Nigeria, particularly focusing on aspects of pricing, taxation, and the import-export balance. Utilizing a Computable general equilibrium (CGE) approach, this analysis draws upon the 2011 Nigeria Input-Output Table to construct a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM). The data is subsequently integrated into the GAMS software, as detailed in the appendix. Findings indicate a disparity between domestic healthcare demand and supply, potentially inciting increased healthcare importation. Crucially, it is observed that escalated taxation on corporations and households exacerbates healthcare accessibility challenges, primarily due to diminished affordability. This research underscores the imperative of recalibrating healthcare financing strategies to mitigate inequalities and enhance service availability, thereby fostering a more robust healthcare system in Nigeria.
The burgeoning international concern over environmental sustainability has brought to the forefront the unique challenges climate change poses to global economies and financial markets. In the light of this, the role of International Financial Institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in transitioning towards a green economy is increasingly critical. This study aims to elucidate the influence of climate risk on financial access and stability within G20 countries, spanning from 2006 to 2017. Employing a comprehensive panel data analysis, which accounts for cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity, a fixed effects model is utilized. The Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) scores, provided by Germanwatch, serve as the primary measure of climate risk, with lower scores indicating heightened risk. The investigation reveals a non-linear relationship, where enhanced financial access correlates with diminishing climate risk, underscoring the positive impact of climate change policies on financial system efficiency. However, no significant connection is found between climate risk and financial fragility, a phenomenon potentially attributed to the resilience of countries with advanced credit markets and preemptive risk insurance measures by households. These findings imply that while climate change significantly influences financial access in G20 countries, its effect on financial fragility within the studied period is negligible. The study underscores the potential for policy interventions in climate change mitigation to augment financial system efficiency. Ensuring the consistency of professional terminology, the analysis provides insights into the nuanced relationship between climate risk and financial dynamics in major economies.
This study introduces a novel methodology for optimizing the design of small dams in the Western Desert of Iraq, a region characterized by its vast expanse and significant flood water influx, particularly in the Horan Valley. The approach integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with a custom-developed Visual Basic program, termed the Optimal Height and Location Model (OHALM), to determine the most effective dam height and location. The initial phase of the study involved utilizing GIS to identify potential dam sites in Horan Valley, based on a set of defined criteria. Subsequently, OHALM was employed to ascertain the optimal dam height, taking into account economic factors such as minimal evaporation losses and maximal water storage capacity. The study culminated in the selection of 13 proposed small dam sites, with height estimations ranging between 12.5 to 14 meters, allowing for a total water storage capacity of approximately 303 million cubic meters. This capacity expansion resulted in an increase of the valley's water body area from 15 square kilometers to 90 square kilometers. Comparative analysis of these proposed dam heights with those of existing structures in the valley revealed a relative variance of 10.4% in the upstream, 7.2% in the midstream, and a comparable percentage in the downstream areas. The research highlights the efficacy of integrating GIS and Visual Basic programming for the strategic development of water resource management systems, particularly in arid regions. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential for significant improvements in water storage and management, addressing the critical need for sustainable water resources in arid environments.
In the realm of sustainable urban development, a paramount focus is placed on the amalgamation of environmental conservation, the integration of smart technology, and the promotion of social inclusivity. This approach advocates for transit-oriented development, the establishment of resilient infrastructure, and the active engagement of communities. A critical balance is sought between economic viability and adaptive governance, aiming to cultivate cities that are simultaneously environmentally conscious, economically vibrant, and socially equitable. Within this context, Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) emerges as a pivotal tool, streamlining decision processes through the quantitative evaluation of alternatives against criteria such as environmental impact and social inclusivity. MADM plays an instrumental role in ensuring effective resource allocation, thereby fostering resilient infrastructure and optimizing the equilibrium between economic growth and sustainability in urban planning. This study delves into an advanced methodology for addressing uncertainties in decision-making, employing Picture Fuzzy Sets (PFSs), articulated through the meticulous application of the Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS). The utilization of the MARCOS strategy in decision-making is underscored by its proven robustness as a tool for pinpointing the optimal objective. This method integrates diverse aggregation strategies to adeptly navigate complex decision scenarios characterized by multiple criteria. To illustrate the adaptability and efficacy of the proposed methodology, a numerical case study is presented, offering a vivid demonstration of its practical application in the field of urban development.
Urban transportation systems, characterized by inherent uncertainty and ambiguity, present a formidable challenge in decision-making due to their complex interplay of factors. This complexity arises from dynamically shifting commuter behaviors, a diverse array of transit options, and variable traffic patterns. Such unpredictability hinders the formulation and implementation of effective strategies. Addressing this challenge necessitates innovative problem-solving methodologies capable of handling the nuanced uncertainties present in these systems. This study introduces the multidimensional neutrosophic fuzzy hypersoft set (MDNFHS) as a groundbreaking method for managing ambiguity in urban transportation planning. MDNFHS, emerging from the integration of neutrosophic fuzzy sets (NFSs) and hypersoft sets (HSs), uniquely encapsulates both the degrees of membership and non-membership. It is demonstrated that the tailored set-theoretic operations and distance measurements specific to MDNFHS enable enhanced manipulation and analysis, making it a potent tool in complex decision-making scenarios. The efficacy of MDNFHS in decision-making is exemplified through a compelling case study, showcasing its ability to offer clarity in situations marred by ambiguity. This novel approach is posited to revolutionize decision-making processes, offering a new level of certainty in environments traditionally dominated by uncertain elements.
This investigation examines the influence of ChatGPT on mathematics achievement, with a specific focus on the moderating role of students’ interest in mathematics. A sample of 250 students, encompassing undergraduates pursuing a Bachelor of Science and postgraduates engaged in Masters of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy programs in Mathematics Education at Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Kumasi-Ghana, was selected through random sampling. Employing a quantitative methodology, data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using Amos software, version 23, to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings revealed that student interest in mathematics significantly and positively correlates with the use of ChatGPT, as evidenced by a p-value of less than 1%. Conversely, ChatGPT’s direct influence on mathematics achievement was found to be negative, though not statistically significant, with a p-value of less than 1%. Furthermore, a direct, positive, and statistically significant relationship between students’ interest in mathematics and their achievement in the subject was observed, with a p-value of less than 1%. Notably, the study identified a statistically significant positive moderation effect of students’ interest on the association between ChatGPT usage and mathematics achievement, underlined by a p-value of less than 1%. The findings advocate for a cautious integration of ChatGPT in mathematics education, emphasizing that reliance on artificial intelligence should complement, not replace, traditional learning modalities. Additionally, it is suggested that future research might benefit from employing surveys or self-evaluation tools beyond questionnaires to gather data. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the nuanced role of student interest in leveraging technology-enhanced learning tools for academic success in mathematics.
Building upon the foundations of classical fractional derivatives, the general fractional derivative emerges as a significant advancement in the development of constitutive models, especially for materials with complex properties. This derivative distinguishes itself through a kernel function of variable form, enabling it to encapsulate diverse characteristics of the creep process more effectively than its classical counterpart. This study introduces a general-variable order fractional creep constitutive model, ingeniously linking the order of the fractional derivative to Talbot gradation, which describes the aggregate gradation of cemented backfill materials, alongside dosage and confining pressure parameters. The model's innovative design synergizes the kernel function's diversity from the general fractional derivative with the phase adaptability inherent in the variable-order derivative. This integration permits a comprehensive description of each stage of the creep curve for cementitious filling materials in varying compositions, leveraging the Gamma function's properties within the positive real number domain. The model's rationality and validity are substantiated through a comparative analysis between experimental creep curves and theoretical predictions, affirming its relevance and accuracy in practical applications. This approach represents a notable contribution to the understanding of cemented backfill materials' behavior, offering a robust tool for engineering analysis and design.
The advent of China's “dual carbon” objectives necessitates stringent carbon emission reductions across all sectors, notably within the construction industry, which accounts for a significant proportion of the nation's emissions. This study presents a comprehensive examination of the allocation of building carbon emission rights, underpinned by an index system specifically designed for the construction sector, to adhere to the overarching goals of carbon neutrality. Ten refined indicators were developed, encapsulating principles of fairness, efficiency, and sustainability, including metrics such as construction stock and the value added by the construction industry. Employing a methodological framework that integrates a centralized Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach, the entropy method, and k-means clustering, this research delineates an effective strategy for the allocation of carbon emission quotas. The initial allocation for Henan Province in 2023 revealed a geographical variance, characterized by higher quotas in the west compared to the east, with Zhengzhou City allocated 16.53 Mt of carbon emissions—3.59 times greater than that allocated to Zhoukou City, the municipality receiving the lowest quota. Subsequent optimization and adjustment led to the identification that, out of eighteen cities and municipalities, ten require no immediate modification to their carbon emission rights. Meanwhile, four cities were found to have a surplus, and four faced a deficit. The findings not only offer actionable insights for the implementation of urban-level carbon reduction strategies but also enhance the discourse on the allocation of building carbon emission rights, thereby contributing to the broader aim of achieving carbon neutrality. The refined approach and empirical demonstration within Henan Province serve as a pivotal reference for similar endeavors in other regions, emphasizing the necessity for tailored, data-driven allocation strategies that account for local economic activities and construction practices.
Starting from social identity theory, this article explores the importance of interpersonal relationships to the work performance of teachers in private colleges and universities born in the 1990s, and examines the relationship among interpersonal relationship, organizational commitment and work performance. After conducting a questionnaire survey and analysis of 951 teachers from 19 private Colleges and Universities, the results show that aspects of interpersonal relationships, specifically caring for others and self-image, exert a significant positive impact on organizational commitment and work performance; and these factors can enhance the work performance of post-1990s teachers in these institutions through the partial mediating role of organizational commitment. Research shows that the interpersonal relationships established and maintained from public goals or private goals can promote the organizational commitment and work performance of post-1990s teachers in private colleges and universities. Higher level of interpersonal relationship can improve teachers’ identification and sense of belonging to the organization, and then improve their work performance.
In the contemporary landscape, sustainability emerges as a pivotal indicator of corporate commitment to environmental stewardship. This study aims to elucidate the extent to which tourism enterprises, particularly those in Balıkesir Province known for leveraging natural resources, manifest their sustainable practices and certifications in electronic media. Content analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The sustainability certificates of 118 accommodation facilities with tourism operation certificates operating in Balıkesir Province and the electronic platforms on which they share them were examined. It was determined that only 9 of the 118 accommodation facilities examined had an "Environmentally Friendly Facility" certificate. It was observed that only 7 of these 16 facilities displayed these documents on their websites. Additionally, very few facilities have a "Green Key" certificate. This study makes a unique contribution to the literature on the environmental responsibility fulfillment of tourism businesses and the practices to be developed to solve environmental problems. Through the findings of the study, suggestions are offered to all stakeholders necessary for sustainable tourism, especially accommodation businesses. The study's outcomes highlight the need for enhanced visibility of sustainable practices in electronic environments, thereby underscoring the imperative for tourism enterprises to augment their commitment to environmental sustainability.
This investigation explores the dynamics of logistics information traceability within the realm of e-commerce, emphasizing the simultaneous existence of diverse sales channels in the digital landscape. It adopts Stackelberg game theory to dissect multi-channel pricing strategies, underscoring the significance of consumer preferences pertaining to logistics information traceability and pricing structures. The study meticulously constructs a supply chain framework, predominantly supplier-driven, integrating both platform-based retail and direct sales channels. This framework serves as the basis for examining fluctuations in retail pricing and the aggregate profit margins under varying decision-making scenarios. It is revealed that platforms operating independently and opting for third-party logistics services for information traceability tend to achieve elevated traceability levels. In contrast, direct sales models managed by suppliers and utilizing e-commerce platform logistics services are associated with enhanced traceability. These insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of the strategic choices in e-commerce logistics, especially in the context of information traceability. This study's findings have broad implications for designing efficient logistics systems in the e-commerce sector, catering to the evolving demands of the digital economy.
Open Access
