Volume 12, Issue 1, January 2024 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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THE IMPACT OF DIGITIZATION ON BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS. CASE STUDY OF BANK, OMAN []


ABSTRACT Digitization is the transformation of business models using digital technologies to generate income and value. It involves integrating digital tools in management, communications, production, and customer service. The main aim of this research is a case study on the impact of digitization on the business and operations of Bank and discuss how digitization affects and whether it will positively or negatively affect the business and operations of Bank. In this research, the efficiency of Bank's digitization services will be evaluated, the advantages of digitization that affect Bank's business and operations will be identified, and recommendations will be made to improve the digitization of Bank's business and operations. Information and data about this study will be obtained through primary data through a questionnaire to a sample of Bank residents and secondary data through articles, reports and websites. The results of this study will show that digitalization has a positive impact on Bank’s business and operations and service efficiency, leading to customer loyalty. Digitization is of great importance for banks, because it is one of the reasons for the success of Bank. Despite the many benefits of digitization, there are some recommendations because digitization requires constant development, innovation and improvement. Keywords: Impact, Digitization, Business, Operations, Services efficiency, Digital Banking, Oman

Examining the Relationship of Nurses’ Demographic Characteristics on Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue, and Secondary Traumatic Stress among Nurses []


Introduction: Nurses regularly face intense human suffering in constrained healthcare settings, providing care to patients dealing with sudden, disfiguring, and life-threatening illnesses. This exposure puts them at risk of experiencing fatigue and Secondary Traumatic Stress. Objectives: this study aims to identify the social demographic factors linked to Compassion Satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and Secondary Traumatic Stress among nurses in the northern part of Jordan. Methods: The research involved 372 nurses from five public hospitals, employing a correlational design with a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the fifth version of the Professional Quality of Life scale. Random sampling was utilized for participant selection, and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 with appropriate statistical methods. Results: The findings indicate that the age of nurses is solely associated with Compassion Satisfaction, while factors such as years of experience, education level, and current position held are correlated with Compassion Satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and secondary stress levels. Conclusion: the study underscores the necessity to implement measures addressing the adverse psychological effects of constant exposure to distress among nurses. Recommendations include providing training on stress coping and psychological adjustment, along with ample material and spiritual support and encouragement

ASSESSING THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL AYURVEDA PRACTICES IN HEALTH TOURISM: A CASE STUDY OF SRI LANKA. []


This study investigates the intricate dynamics of integrating traditional Ayurveda practices into the fabric of health tour-ism in Sri Lanka, with a specific focus on the moderating role played by Government Policies and Support. Employing a qualitative research design with thematic analysis, the research explores the perspectives of key stakeholders, including Ayurveda practitioners, health tourism establishments, government officials, and health-conscious tourists. The findings illuminate the seamless integration of Ayurveda within Sri Lanka's health tourism landscape, emphasizing that Ayurvedic principles are integral components of wellness programs rather than mere additions. Tourists, driven by a pursuit of holistic well-being, seek transformative experiences aligned with Ayurvedic traditions. Notably, Government Policies and Support emerge as critical moderators, influencing the integration, economic impacts, and challenges faced by Ayurveda practitioners. Economically, Ayurveda health tourism proves to be a substantial contributor to local economies, fostering growth, job creation, and financial benefits. The study recommends streamlined regulatory frameworks, targeted awareness cam-paigns, and sustainability guidelines, with Government Policies and Support acting as pivotal moderators in addressing challenges and fostering an environment conducive to the growth and authenticity of Ayurveda health tourism in Sri Lanka. This research offers valuable insights into the role of Ayurveda in health tourism, underscoring the moderating influence of Government Policies and Support. The findings advocate for a collaborative approach that preserves cultural authen-ticity, promotes sustainability, and ensures the continued success of Ayurveda practices in Sri Lanka's health tourism sec-tor under the guiding hand of governmental influence.

EFFECTS OF FASHION BLOGS ON CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN PAKISTAN []


Fashion changes every day so does the ways to market it. Since the internet based marketing trend has taken hype the people have happened to refer to fashion blogs due to its authenticity and first hand reliable opinions about the products beforehand. The fashion bloggers are being given preference over the traditional marketing channels due to their credibility in providing the authentic information and guidance regarding the product instantaneously. A survey based on 5 point Likert scale questionnaire was conducted among 250 respondents. To analyze the data T-test was the statistical technique used for this research. The research findings stated that fashion blogs certainly affects the consumer behavior partly it may attract their attention and result in changing their preference towards the product but on the same time it may not change the perception about the product being good or bad majorly or make the consumer make the purchase decision instantly.

Cost Management of Construction Project: The Application of BIM to optimize project cost and operation management []


This study investigates the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in optimizing cost and operation management within construction projects. The BIM is an essential technology that represents digital information concerning the structural and functional features of a building. This research investigates how BIM may help with more effective cost management, fewer project delays, and better resource allocation. Using the research question, how can Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhance cost management and operational efficiency in the construction industry? The study explores how BIM improves cost management, decreases project delays, and better allocates resources. The study hypothesizes that Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology does not increase cost efficiency in the context of construction projects in a statistically meaningful way. Using secondary data analysis, this paper analyzes journal articles, industry reports, and case studies pertaining to building information modeling cost control. The results show marked gains in project costs and resource efficiency when BIM is applied instead of non-using methods. This study improves our knowledge about what is possible with BIM and how it can change cost management practices to ensure that it provides a more sustainable and cheaper solution.

DIG INTO THE EXPERIENCES OF GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT VICTIMS []


ABSTRACT Generally, this study dig into the experiences of Gender-Based Harassment Victims in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The researchers explore this study to know the kind of harassment experienced by the participants, their immediate reaction right after the harassment experience, and how they cope with such harassment they experience. The participants of this study were two (2) from Marcos, two (2) from Laoag, and others from Pasuquin, Paoay, and Solsona those who accepted the researchers’ invitation respectively in the province of Ilocos Norte. The Participants were four (4) females, a male, a gay, and a lesbian having a maximum sample size of seven (7) victims the researchers made use of a checklist to qualify participants which were based on the acts punishable under the Safe Spaces Act and was validated by their school’s guidance counselor, lawyer and determined by using convenience and purposive sampling method. The data gathered were analyzed and interpreted using case analysis. The highlights of the data gathered in this study were the following: The kind of harassment experienced. The gender-based harassment the participants experienced included unwanted sexual advances and excessively unwarranted verbal harassment. The immediate reaction right after such harassment happened. The participants of this study responded by evasion to confront such harassment and bearing with it (which was categorized as flight response), and confront and take action to address and fight against such harassment (which was categorized as fight response). The way they cope with the situation. The participants of this study employed diversion to self-enablement (emotional-focused coping mechanism), isolation from socialization (avoidance-focused coping mechanism), and seeking help from others (support-seeking coping mechanism) The conclusion of this study proved that all regardless of their gender can be a victim of gender-based harassment, whether a man, woman, lesbian, gay, and the like. All can be victimized by such gender-based harassment. Also, the different participants’ immediate reactions, showed their reactions depended on their capability to defend themselves from their harasser upon the harassment experienced. And lastly, the participants’ way of coping relied on their personality as an individual and their support system. The researchers recommend the following based on the data gathered and the conclusions of the study: First is for the victims- if they are being victimized by gender-based harassment do not be afraid to report it to relevant authorities who can take action and respond to reduce such harassment, furthermore they also need to open it and share it with their friends, family, and other people close to them. The second is for the Parents- they should improve their parenting skills especially when they have a son or daughter who is underage because they are also prone to gender-based harassment. Third is for the Data Center College of the Philippines of Laoag City- to adopt the gender-based harassment manual in the institution to make the school free from any kind of harassment. Fourth is the Implementing Body- the PNP, LGU, AND other implementing bodies should adopt the output (Manual) of this study to strengthen in promoting and implementing the R.A. 11313, to increase awareness of the individuals, and to create a community free from gender-based harassment. And lastly, Future Researchers- The aforementioned law is still new and only a few are still aware of it. More research must be done to pinpoint what are the factors that cause or contribute to the occurrence of GBH and to closely collaborate with relevant stakeholders to spread RA 11313 to other people, since this law is still in the early stage of being fully implemented and only a few are aware of it, in conducting studies like this.

WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT FOR AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS SP) CUTIVATION IN BIOFLOC TANK IN APUNG VILLAGE, BULUNGAN REGENCY, NORTH KALIMANTAN PROVINCE (LOW PH WATERS) []


This research aims at evaluating the African catfish cultivation that employed biofloc technology to make it capable of meeting customers’ demands and to be business opportunities for the people of Apung Village, Tanjung Selor District, Bulungan Regency. The African catfish cultivation that used biofloc technology was first developed in Apung Village, where the demand for the fish was so large, yet the number of its cultivators was still highly limited. The obstacles in cultivating fish in Apung Village lies in its water quality with its acidic pH and the difficulty to obtain water. Thus, the fish cultivation that employs biofloc tank technology has served as an alternative to address the water quality issue. This is because biofloc technology is the one that could deal with low water quality. Since no fish cultivation had used biofloc tank technology in Apung Village, this activity began with developing the biofloc tank and the fish to be cultivated was determined based on the one that had a great demand, in this case the African catfish. This African catfish culti-vation started from stocking 1,500 fish of 4-7 cm size in one biofloc tank. The observations were carried out during the building of biofloc tank, fish stocking and harvesting. The African catfish was kept from August through December 2023. The water quality was ob-served from such parameters as pH, temperature, DO, and TDs. From the research, it could be concluded that the African catfish could be cultivated in Apung Village despite its less optimal water quality as a result of the acidic pH (5 - 6). This was possible because the African catfish could still tolerate it, as could be seen from the fish wight growth during the stocking until the harvesting.

Evaluation of physiological stress induced by dexamethasone on growth performance, bone morphometry and meat quality parameters in rabbits []


The study aimed to investigate the impact of stress on growth performance, meat quality, and bone morphometry of physiologically stressed rabbits induced by dexamethasone in feed. Forty male albino rabbits were divided into two groups: Group A (control) and Group B (dexamethasone fed). Body weight, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, meat quality parameters (pH, moisture content, protein content, fat content, and ash content), and bone morphometry parameters (tibia, fibula, radius, and ulna measurements) were evaluated. The results showed that the rabbits supplemented with dexamethasone exhibited significantly higher body weight (2023±102.79 g) and daily feed intake (164.43±16.27 g) compared to the control group. The feed conversion ratio was significantly improved in the supplemented group (0.82±0.01), indicating enhanced feed conversion efficiency. There were no significant differences in meat pH and ash content between the two groups. However, the supplemented group had significantly higher moisture content (74.8±0.50%), protein content (22.40±0.35%), and fat content (5.50±0.25%) in the meat. In terms of bone morphometry, the supplementation had a significant positive effect on fibula length, width, and circumference, as well as on radius height, length, width, and circumference. There were no significant differences in tibia and ulna measurements between the two groups. In conclusion, dietary dexamethasone supplementation decreased the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, meat quality parameters, and certain bone morphometry parameters in physiologically stressed rabbits. These findings suggest that dexamethasone administration in rabbit feed leads to altered growth performance, bone morphometry and meat quality parameters.

Mathematical Modelling and Analysis of Alcohol-Tramadol Co-Abuse in Indigent Suburbs of Nigeria []


It is not uncommon the menace substance abuse contributes to the wellness and developmental structure of a country. In this research work, a deterministic mathematical model of substance abuse consisting of multiple substance(s) viz Alcohol and Tramadol is constructed from compartmentalized model. The co-abuse of alcohol and tramadol have deteriorated the substance epidemic in Nigeria, with specialty to the indigent sub-regions. Building on the insights from epidemiology, our model entails for controlling the spread of co-abusers ideologies in the society. We introduce a simple compartmental model suitable to describe co-abusers group; The population $N(t)$ is divided into five compartments: $S(t)$, $A(t)$, $T(t)$, $C(t)$ and $R(t)$ denoting the Susceptible, Alcohol substance users, Tramadol substance users, Combined substance users group and Rehabilitated populations respectively. We establish that the equilibria of the submodels are locally and globally asymptotically stable when the sub-model threshold parameters are less than one(1). The basic reproduction number $R_0$ due to co-abuse was derived with the Next Generation Matrix method; Also sensitivity analysis shows that the most sensitive parameters in the co-abuse epidemic is the Alcohol and Tramadol recruitment rates $\beta_1$ and $\beta_2$ respectively, implying as more susceptible individuals imitate alcohol-tramadol intake, co-abuse will more likely increase and this would lead to the continuous co-abuse of substances by individuals of the populace. Excel sheets was employed for plot-visibility of each parameter behaviour indicating the need to design awareness campaigns of the precariousness instituted by alcohol use and thus co-abuse with tramadol; through counsellings, sanatoriums, the media and law-enforcement agencies.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING []


The purpose of the study is to explore work-life balance and employee well-being within one of the companies selected for the study. In this study, the researcher examines how work-life balance initiatives implemented by an organization impact the overall well-being of employees. This study examines how work-life balance practices impact employee satisfaction, performance, and retention. Interviews and surveys will be used to collect primary data, while relevant literature and regulatory documents will be used to collect secondary data. As a result of this study, the chosen company will have a better understanding of the impact of work-life balance on employee well-being. In order to promote work-life balance and enhance employee satisfaction and well-being within an organization, it is necessary to provide insights that can guide the development of effective strategies.

Comparative study between Machine Learning Models and a Deep Neural Network Model for Air Temperature Prediction in Zambia []


Abstract: Accurate temperature forecasting is important and can be used in specific applications such as agriculture, weather prediction, energy management and early warning systems in cases of extreme cold and hot temperatures. This research focuses on leveraging on the capabilities of deep learning to enhance temperature predictions accuracy. Machine learning models for regression were used as baseline models to compare with the outcome of the Deep Neural Network. The DNN model proposed in this research employs a multi-layer neural network which learns relationships and patterns in the historical dataset. The dataset was downloaded from kaggle website and extracted data specific to Zambia. The model performance was evaluated using various metric which included R-Squared, Mean Absolute percentage error and root mean squared error. The results demonstrated that the DNN model moderately outperformed traditional machine learning models on the test data. The baseline machine learning models included both linear and ridge regression, K-Nearest Neighbor, Random forest. The findings from the research can be instrumental in improving the accuracy of weather forecasting which can in turn help in agriculture planning, agriculture adaptation and climate monitoring. Key Words: Temperature, deep neural network, regression, random forest, Pre-processing

Seasonal Assessment of Aquifer Vulnerability to Pollution in Garoua Using G.O.D Method []


The increase in population, urbanization and agricultural activities in Garoua, can lead to deterioration of water resources in Garoua. This study was to determine the vulnerability of the Garoua aquiferous formations to pollution. The acronym of G.O.D is; groundwater confinement (G), overlying strata (O) and depth to groundwater (D). The results of GOD vulnerability indices for various seasons are: 0.34 - 0.72 Wet, 0.32 - 0.68 Wet-Dry, 0.28 - 0.64 Dry and 0.32 - 0.7 Dry-Wet. The study area is classified G.O.D indices into four vulnerability classes with seasons: Low (0.6%), moderate (16.5%) and high (82.9%) in Wet season; Low (23.2 %) and high (76.8%) Wet-Dry season; Low (1.7%), moderate (30.5%) and high (67.8%) in the Dry season; Moderate (15.2%), high (79.9%) and extreme (4.9%), Dry-Wet season; High vulnerability to pollution occurs in all seasons with the extreme class in the dry season. High to extreme vulnerabilities occur due to low depth to water table and the high permeability that allow easy infiltration of dissolved pollutants. During the Wet season water is available, thereby increasing the pollution opportunity to carry pollutants into the aquifers while in the Dry season there is water scarcity that increases demand and the stress on the aquiferous formations. This study serves as a blueprint to enable stakeholders exploit, monitor and manage groundwater resources in the aquiferous formations in Garoua.

Determination of Groundwater Corrosion Indices in Yaounde - Cameroon: Seasonal Variations []


This study determined the encrustativity, corrosivity, aggressivity indices of the groundwater and its variability with seasons in Yaounde. Six indices, Puckorius (PSI), Langelier (LSI), Ryznar (RSI), Larson–Skold (LI), Aggressivity (AI) and Corrosivity (CI) were programmed in Microsoft Excel and their spatial variations illustrated using Global Mapper18 and SurferV18. From the range of values for the model indices; LI is 80% non-corrosive, 15% corrosive and 5% highly corrosive in the wet season while 50% non-corrosive, 25% corrosive and 25% highly corrosive in the dry season. The PSI of the groundwater is encrusting in the wet season and corrosive in the dry season; LSI is corrosive in both seasons; RSI is intolerably corrosive in both seasons. Comparing these values of the six stability indices with seasons elucidated that groundwater of Yaounde is encrusting in one season and corrosive in another and there is variation in the percentage of corrosion, suitability and scaling indices. Carrying out groundwater tests only in one season might lead to errors in selecting material types, planning/construction of groundwater supply networks, selecting the best methods to prevent corrosion and storage of network replacement components, which may pose serious network management challenges. This potential to cause damage to groundwater supply infrastructure in Yaounde needs to be factored in present network planning, remediation and management to proffer solutions to such networks. Keywords: Groundwater; Corrosion-indices; Seasonal-variations; Yaounde-Cameroon

Esthétique de la révolte poétique chez Lautréamont et Aimé Césaire []


Abstract This study is devoted to the aesthetics of poetic revolt in Lautréamont and Aimé Césaire. Lautréamont and Césaire are two poets separated by time and space but who meet in their way of revolutionizing French poetry. Two poets who can be described as rebellious in their poetic composition and in their opposition to aesthetic and moral values and to civilization. Lautréamont and Césaire practice poetry where the expression of revolt against literary and cultural heritage is constant. The first complicity of these two writers resistant to academicism appears through the choice of a prose which mocks the rules which have for a long time governed poetic creation. Indeed, whether it is the Songs or the Notebook of a Return to the Native Country, these are works marked by a constant aggressive dynamic. Rebellious and nervous poems, these two strange texts overturn everything to which the reader loving French letters was accustomed. Keywords: Aesthetics, revolt, poetry, surrealism, syntax, unusual images.

Environmental Degradation and Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria: A Case Study of Rivers State. []


Abstract Environmental Degradation and Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria: A Case Study of Rivers State. By Ezeaku Emeka Cyril The University of America Curacao Willemstad This article delves into the critical issue of environmental degradation and its profound implications for sustainable economic development, focusing on a compelling case study in Nigeria, specifically Rivers State. The study underscores the urgent need to address environmental degradation as a pressing concern that directly impacts the economic trajectory of the region. Rivers State, known for its vast natural resources and economic potential, has grappled with the adverse consequences of environmental degradation stemming from factors such as oil exploration and unsustainable land use practices. The article explores the multifaceted dimensions of this degradation, ranging from oil spills and deforestation to pollution and habitat loss, and their detrimental effects on the region's ecological integrity. Furthermore, the article examines the intricate interplay between environmental degradation and sustainable economic development. It elucidates how the degradation of natural resources not only hampers economic growth but also exacerbates socio-economic disparities, posing grave challenges to poverty alleviation efforts and social well-being. Through empirical analysis, the article unveils the stark reality of the environmental challenges faced by Rivers State and offers insights into policy interventions and sustainable practices that can mitigate environmental degradation. The study highlights the importance of adopting a holistic approach, which integrates environmental conservation, resource management, and economic diversification strategies. In conclusion, this article underscores the vital importance of addressing environmental degradation as an imperative component of achieving sustainable economic development in Rivers State, Nigeria, and serves as a pertinent case study for regions facing similar challenges globally. Keywords: Environmental Degradation, Sustainable Economic Development, Resource Management

Systems Thinking as a Paradigm Shift for Transformational Sustainability []


This article explores the concept of systems thinking as a profound paradigm shift essential for achieving transformational sustainability. It delves into the fundamental principles of systems thinking, highlighting its potential to revolutionize our approach to addressing complex and interconnected sustainability challenges. The article begins by elucidating the core principles of systems thinking. It emphasizes the importance of viewing complex issues holistically, recognizing the interdependencies, feedback loops, and dynamic nature of systems. The study underscores the need for a transformational approach to sustainability. It argues that piecemeal solutions are insufficient in addressing the multifaceted and systemic challenges that global sustainability encompasses. Through real-world examples and case studies, the article illustrates how systems’ thinking has been applied successfully in various domains, from environmental conservation to organizational management. The article highlights the role of collaborative decision-making processes in harnessing the power of systems thinking. It discusses how stakeholders from diverse backgrounds can work together to design and implement sustainable solutions. Acknowledging the challenges of embracing systems thinking, the study addresses potential barriers, including resistance to change, limited awareness, and the need for enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration. The article concludes by emphasizing the urgency of adopting systems thinking as a fundamental shift in our approach to sustainability. It calls for increased education and awareness, fostering a culture of systems thinking, and integrating it into policy and decision-making processes. In a world facing complex and interrelated sustainability challenges, systems thinking emerge as a paradigm shift that holds immense promise. This article advocates for the widespread adoption of systems thinking as a transformative tool to address the intricate and pressing sustainability issues of our time. Keywords: Understanding systems thinking, Transformational sustainability, Systems thinking in practice: Collaborative decision-making, Challenges and barriers: The path forward: