Bank Area Research Articles

Factors Associated with Supportive Care Needs Among Palestinian Women with Breast Cancer in the West Bank: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women in Palestine, where the need for supportive care frequently goes unmet. Therefore, this study aims to assess the supportive care services provided at the governmental hospitals in the southern area of the West Bank and to determine the factors associated with the unmet needs of these services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 362 women with BC. Data were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire that included the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34), patients' sociodemographic, economic, and clinical characteristics, as well as familial history of cancer and social support. Results: The study revealed that 61% of participants had unmet supportive care needs, with health system information, physical support, and psychological support being the most unmet needs. Factors contributing to unmet needs included age, marital status, familial support, and a family history of cancer. Chemotherapy and surgery increased the probability of physical care needs by fivefold, while hormone therapy reduced the probability of psychological needs (AOR = 0.36, p < 0.001) and patient care and support needs (AOR = 0.49, p = 0.01). Additionally, radiotherapy reduced sexual care needs by 58% and biological therapy by 60%. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for enhanced supportive care services for BC patients in the West Bank, especially regarding health system information, physical care, and psychological support. Addressing these needs through targeted interventions could significantly improve patients' quality of life.

Evaluation of fractured carbonate reservoir and prediction of favorable areas in the eastern area of Amu Darya Right Bank

Fractured carbonate reservoirs are significantly developed in the eastern area of the Amu Darya Right Bank. However, their types, distributions, and fracture characteristics remain unclear. This uncertainty complicates reservoir prediction and hampers exploration and development processes. Given the strong correlation between fracture development and productivity, analyzing fractures is crucial. Comprehensive evaluation and prediction methods for fractured reservoirs are essential for advancing the oil and gas industry. Based on core and geological data analyses, it finds that these reservoirs exhibit low porosity and low to ultra-low permeability. By employing conventional logging alongside specialized methods, such as electrical imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance, and far detection logging, fractures and their effectiveness can be identified and evaluated, clarifying the characteristics of reservoir spaces. Constrained by the results from core and logging analyses, seismic single attribute analysis techniques is applied to predict fractures in the HX block of Amu Darya. To mitigate the limitations of single-attribute analysis, utilize a well-supervised BP neural network method for comprehensive fracture prediction. This multi-attribute approach increases the fracture prediction probability from less than 70%–72.7%. By integrating geological understanding and well logging, and considering the influence of lithology and structure on the reservoir, synthesize the fracture prediction results to optimally select favorable areas.

Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring and Radiological Impact Assessment of Agbara Industrial Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

This study assessed the naturally occurring radioactivity of 40K, 238U, and 232Th, which pose a significant threat to human health, particularly when their concentrations exceed the threshold. Background radiation levels were measured at two specific locations, Access Bank and Market areas, across a total of forty (40) sample points. The measurements were taken using a calibrated RS125 Gamma Spectrometer (a portable NaI [Tl] detector) designed in Canada, in conjunction with a global positioning system (GPS) to accurately record the research coordinates within the Agbara industrial area, Ogun State, Nigeria. The mean activity concentrations of the primordial radionuclides were 177.87 Bqkg-1, 20.01 Bqkg-1, and 52.90 Bqkg-1 for 40K, 238U, and 232Th, respectively. More so, the in-situ measured dose rate (DR) ranges between 12.18 nGyh-1 (Access Bank area) and 97.95 nGyh-1 (Market area), with an average value of 47.22 nGyh-1. The average measured and estimated absorbed dose rates were within the safe limit of 57 nGyh-1 provided by UNSCEAR. However, the measured dose rates exceeded the recommended limit in ten locations, while measured activity for thorium exceeded the world average value for over half of the study locations. Although all estimated radiological parameters were within recommended threshold values, suggesting the low risk of exposure to higher levels of ionising radiation in most locations in the Agbara industrial area, there is a potential cancer risk for individuals who have resided in the area for 70 years or more due to long-term exposure to ionising radiation.

Editorial: Embracing New Horizons

In September 2024, ‘ISRA International Journal of Islamic Finance’ (IJIF) has been rebranded, and its publication is being continued under a new title, ‘International Journal of Islamic Finance and Sustainable Development’ (IJIFSD), following an institutional collaboration between the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and INCEIF University. The collaboration in the publication of IJIFSD marks the interest of both institutions in driving innovative research to create more meaningful real-world impact and support sustainable economic development in societies. The collaboration brings the combined resources and expertise of the two institutions in providing a premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge research by synthesising the principles of Islamic finance and sustainable development practices. While IJIFSD will continue to be published by ISRA Research Management Centre, INCEIF University, it will now have the added leverage of IsDBI to support its sponsorship and ensure its open and free accessibility to readers. The new title incorporates the terms ‘sustainable development’ as a strategic move to align the journal with the evolving landscape of Islamic finance that promotes global sustainability goals and, thus, results in a journal that is broader in scope and coverage. Therefore, besides focusing on the areas of Islamic economics, banking and finance and its related fields—Islamic capital markets, Islamic social finance, takāful (Islamic insurance), Islamic financial law, and Sharīʿah applications in Islamic finance—attention will also be given to the discourse on sustainability and sustainable economic development. With the expanded scope, it is expected that the journal will garner increased appeal to a wider range of authors and readers. It will also be able to reach a wider range of markets that have not yet been served, as well as have greater impact through enhanced citations. The key features of the rebranded journal therefore include: Focus: emerging trends such as green finance, impact investing, financial inclusion. Platform: fostering a community of forward-thinking scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to share insights on issues of concern. Goal: providing practical solutions for sustainable economic development and showcasing Islamic finance’s role in creating shared prosperity.

Use of traditional tools and micro-computed tomography for the taxonomy of carnivorous bivalves from the deep waters of Southwestern Atlantic

Abstract In this study, we conduct a morphological integrative analysis, using traditional techniques and micro-computed tomography imaging, on Septibranchia species. Specimens deposited in malacological collections and samples collected aboard the research vessels Puerto Deseado and Austral off Mar del Plata (~36°S), San Jorge Gulf (~46°), and Marine Protected Area Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank area (~54°S), at depths ranging from 200 to 3000 m, are the subjects of this study. Seven species were identified, including Cardiomya cleryana (d’Orbigny, 1846), Cardiomya knudseni (Allen &amp; Morgan, 1981), Lyonsiella cf. fragilis Allen &amp; Turner, 1974, and Cetoconcha spinulosa (Thiele, 1912), previously found in the study area. Cardiomya fragilissima (E. A. Smith, 1885), an Antarctic/sub-Antarctic species, extends its distribution up to 36°S. Two new species, Cetoconcha gigas sp. nov. and Lyonsiella tentaculata sp. nov., are described. A lectotype is designated for Pholadomya adelaidis Hedley, 1916 and a neotype for Sphenia cleryana d’Orbigny, 1846. A detailed description of the morphological characters of each species and genus, along with insights into their geographical and bathymetric distribution, are provided. The micro-computed tomography analysis of Cardiomya cleryana, Cardiomya fragilissima, and Cetoconcha spinulosa contributed to a detailed anatomical inspection and revealed the presence of muscle bundles associated with the anterior portion of the visceral mass in the scanned specimens.

Reducing Carbon Footprint by Using Thermal Insulation Materials in Palestinian Buildings

Buildings account for 39% of emission worldwide. The study aims to clarify the effects of thermal insulation materials used in West Bank Palestinian buildings, to demonstrate their capacity to reduce emissions and saving cost. Using a variety of records from the Engineers Syndicate and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, a thorough study of buildings in the West Bank area was carried out to determine the number and area of buildings. Additionally, data from sources of energy was collected for the study years 2018–2021. Following the use of thermal insulation materials to the buildings, computations were then equipped with thermal insulation materials, and calculations to estimate the energy savings and reductions in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The results show, using insulating materials reduce energy consumption by 27.23% and CO₂ emissions significantly. It is anticipated that the cost recovery period for new construction is 0.39 to 1.09 years, and for repaired buildings it is between 4.34 and 7.2 years. Depending on the location and typical temperature of the area. The study recommends working for the widespread use of insulating materials in all new construction and for retrofitting existing structures. These initiatives will support international efforts to reduce emissions and achieve sustainable development goals in addition to improving energy efficiency.

Characteristics of and Protection and Utilization Strategies for Cliff Landscapes in Mountain Cities: A Case Study of the Two Rivers and Four Banks Area in Chongqing

Characteristics of and Protection and Utilization Strategies for Cliff Landscapes in Mountain Cities: A Case Study of the Two Rivers and Four Banks Area in Chongqing

Detection of a mud volcano in the Weitan Banks area of the northern South China Sea

Detection of a mud volcano in the Weitan Banks area of the northern South China Sea

Ethical discourse of ethical (Islamic) finance: a systematic literature review (1988–2022) and the way forward

Purpose This paper aims to portray the publication pattern, key themes, study trends and future directions for the studies on ethics in Islamic finance. A total of 194 published documents that includes journal articles, books and book chapters and conference proceedings were screened for the period 1988 to August 2022 and categorized based on designated sectors of the Islamic finance industry. This paper also highlights the change in research trends in all three sectors of Islamic finance and suggests possible areas for future research. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted using the “advanced search” function of “google scholar” by using the option “find articles” with the keywords “Ethic (s/al)”, “Islamic banks”, “Islamic banking”, “Islamic finance”, “Islamic capital markets” Takaful, Islamic insurance without restricting the time frame, author list and the platform. Furthermore, the search for relevant articles was conducted on other mainstream index databases such as “Web of Science” and “Scopus”. Findings Among the highlights of the findings were an increase in publications on ethical issues after the global financial crisis and an increase in publications in high-impact mainstream business and finance journals. A higher number of studies were documented in the area of Islamic banking and finance followed by Islamic capital markets and Islamic insurance/Takaful. Although a greater number of empirical studies were published than conceptual studies, dominance was resulted due to the replication of the studies in various jurisdictions based on the same concepts or models rather than applying diversified concepts in various jurisdictions. Originality/value This study contributes to the growing literature on ethical and/or Islamic finance as a guide for researchers to identify research gaps and provides a systematic direction for future studies in the area of ethics in Islamic finance.

The Impact of Paternalistic Leadership on Employee Job Performance: A Field Study on Commercxial Banks in the Arab Republic of Egypt

This study investigates the influence of paternalistic leadership on employee activity performance inside the business banking area in Egypt. Paternalistic management, characterized by a hierarchical shape where leaders take a shielding position while looking forward to loyalty and obedience from subordinates, is mainly relevant within the context of the Arab lifestyle, wherein familial and hierarchical values play a great position in the administrative center dynamics. Through an area that involves a pattern of personnel from numerous business banks, we employ quantitative strategies to analyze the relationship between paternalistic management styles and employee performance metrics. The findings show that paternalistic leadership undoubtedly affects activity and overall performance by fostering a supportive work environment that enhances worker motivation and process pleasure. Moreover, the examination highlights the cultural nuances that form management practices in the Arab Republic of Egypt, suggesting that a paternalistic technique aligns properly with neighborhood cultural values, leading to improved performance consequences. This study contributes to the prevailing literature on management and employee performance by supplying empirical proof from a unique cultural context. It gives realistic implications for bank managers looking to enhance worker productivity via adaptive management patterns. Ultimately, the take a look at underscores the importance of knowledge cultural effects on management effectiveness. Keywords : Paternalistic Leadership, Job Performance, Commercial Banks, Egypt

Penghijauan Lingkungan melalui Program Penanaman Pohon: Gerakan Bersama Masyarakat Desa Cirumpak

Environmental problems do not only occur in urban areas, but in rural areas environmental problems also often occur. Greening is an alternative effort to prevent environmental problems. The aim of reforestation activities in service is a form of land restoration to improve damaged environmental conditions and support the local ecosystem of Cirumpak Village. The methods used in this activity include (1) socializing the importance of reforestation, (2) Handing over tree seedlings to the people of Cirumpak Village who are assisted by the Village Secretary and chairman of KKM group 75 at Bina Bangsa University. The handover of tree seedlings was carried out at 03.00 WIB, (3) technical assistance for planting. Planting tree seedlings is divided into several places, namely, the area around the Village office, the river bank area and the area of ​​residents' homes. Based on observations, when greening was carried out, this activity received positive appreciation from the sub-district, RT, RW, and the Cirumpak Village community because this greening was an effort to prevent environmental problems in Cirumpak Village.

Influence of Mozambique Channel eddies on larval loss of two shallow-water commercial shrimp species

The shallow-water shrimp fishery is an important social and economic sector in Mozambique. However, catches of shrimps have been declining over the last decades, presumably due to poor recruitment. Climate change has been proposed as a potential cause of increased mesoscale eddy activity over the Mozambique Channel, which may have played a role in poor shrimp recruitment. Indeed, stronger eddies could transport matter, including increased numbers of shrimp larvae, from the coast to unfavourable offshore areas. In this study we used a biophysical model to investigate the influence of eddies on the dispersal of larvae of two commercial shrimp species (Penaeus indicus and Metapenaeus monoceros) from their spawning areas on the Sofala Bank. We found some 5 large events of offshore or southward transport loss (&gt;10% loss) from the Sofala Bank caused by eddies, occurring sporadically. The northern and central Sofala Bank areas were the most affected by larvae lost offshore. Simulations revealed that temperature-induced larval mortality, associated with cold-core cyclonic eddies, could also play a role in larval loss of up to 40%, which is greater than the larval transport loss associated with the eddy circulation. However, when they survived, larvae transported offshore could travel long distances (600–1600 km in 15 days), potentially promoting connectivity with other stocks in the region.

Perceived Effects of Spatial Stability on Regional Banks’ Customer Satisfaction

It is a necessity to examine the effect of spatial stability in commercial spaces. These areas exist to facilitate the frequent flow of people and have an effect on how people perceive these spaces. This paper is an academic attempt to illuminate the impact that circulation and spatial stability have on a banking area. Certain key elements that impact circulation are explored and deductions are made on the necessity of these elements on spatial stability. The main outcome of this paper shows that customer satisfaction and effective circulation are strongly linked. Furthermore, this study suggests that architects and the government should acknowledge the need to incorporate building circulation aspects that have a higher influence on consumer satisfaction and not overlook them.

Literature Review: Development of Credit Union Research Topics Perspectives in The Field of Financial Accounting

In the modern era, technological developments are changing so rapidly that they are causing social imbalances, including in the business world. Current entities must be able to adapt to changes in the modern era, one of which is the non-profit Credit Union entity. The purpose of this research is to examine trends in mapping the development of Credit Union research because considering the current conditions, many non-profit entities need information to make decisions quickly, accurately and accountably. This research uses descriptive quantitative methods with a Literature Review model using VOSviewer and Publish or Perish. The data used is secondary data obtained from the official website of the Scopus journal. The research conducted focuses on the sub areas of Financial Inclusion, Consumer Welfare, Commercial Banks and Cooperatives. The research results found a total of 200 Scopus articles from 2018 to 2024 and sorting was carried out to find articles that were relevant to Credit Unions. The results of this sorting found 59 Credit Union articles. Thus, the sample size of this research was 59 articles from the 200 articles found. The development of Credit Unions with analysis of topics, keywords, authors, journal names, organizations and countries is the result of research mapping. Researchers also found that the development of Credit Union research fluctuated every year based on the results of the researchers' analysis. The contribution of this research is to provide an overview of a broader research area for future researchers in the Credit Union research topic focused on financial accounting.

Epidemiology of stroke in the Left bank area of Kyiv region on the eve of the 38th anniversary of the man-made Chernobyl disaster: implementing international experience into practice (modern view of the problem and own research)

The article highlights the global problems of stroke. Most of them are associated with three groups of risk factors for stroke: well-known pathogenetic, psychogenic, and ecological factors of environmental pollution. The authors draw attention to this on the eve of 38th anniversary of the man-made Chernobyl disaster (April 26, 1986) comparing data on the stroke in Japan after the Fukushima nuclear accident (March 11–12, 2011) due to the earthquake, which led to the reactor core melting at three power units. Issues of improving the provision of specialized medical care to patients with stroke, risk factors for stroke are considered to minimize the consequences, optimize treatment, prevention of risk factors, especially in areas where the population is exposed to incorporated radiation damage through food, water, milk, fish, meat, berries, mushrooms, as well as the issues of improving the specialized stroke care, creation of stroke centers in regions of Ukraine. Studies conducted show that there are many causes of strokes, and they are not yet fully understood. The features of the clinical course of strokes in the Chernobyl liquidators are their development in the middle (40–49 years) and advanced age, long vascular history characterized by vascular dystonia transformation into dyscirculatory (postradiation) encephalopathy during the onset, the predominance of ischemic stroke over hemorrhagic one, lesions mainly of the carotid system, the relative benignity of clinical course, progressive nature of mental disorders, concomitant somatic pathology, the presence of stable pathomorphological substrate from both vascular endothelial dysfunction and cerebral liquor system. The obtained information complements the data on the pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis of cerebral strokes in Chernobyl liquidators and is of practical interest. Raised issues of optimizing the provision of specialized care in stroke units, centers and further rehabilitation, their sufficient supply, both in terms of staffing and equipment, are becoming a cornerstone in overcoming the stroke epidemic. Based on the above, there is still a need to continue substantial research in this area, promptly develop and implement a scientific concept on the prevention, early detection of major modifiable risk factors for stroke together with family medicine doctors, specialist physicians, proper stroke treatment, which will undoubtedly improve quality of life of patients and their relatives.

Response of plants and soils to inundation duration and construction of the plant‒soil association mode in the hydro‒fluctuation belt of the reservoir wetland

Hydro-Fluctuation Belt (HFB), a periodically exposed bank area formed by changes in water level fluctuations, is critical for damaging the reservoir wetland landscape and ecological balance. Thus, it is important to explore the mechanism of hydrological conditions on the plant-soil system of the HFB for protection of the reservoir wetland and landscape restoration. Here, we investigated the response of plant community characteristics and soil environment of the HFB of Tonghui River National Wetland Park (China), is a typical reservoir wetland, to the duration of inundation, as well as the correlation between the distribution of dominant plants and soil pH, nutrient contents, and enzyme activity by linear regression and canonical correlation analyses. The results show that as the duration of inundation decreases, the vegetation within the HFB is successional from annual or biennial herbs to perennial herbs and shrubs, with dominant plant species prominent and uneven distribution of species. Soil nutrient contents and enzyme activities of HFB decreased with increasing inundation duration. Dominant species of HFB plant community are related to soil environment, with water content, pH, urease, and available potassium being principle soil environmental factors affecting their distribution. When HFB was inundated for 0–30 days, soil pH was strongly acidic, with available potassium content above 150 mg kg−1 and higher urease activity, distributed with Arundo donax L., Polygonum perfoliatum L., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., and Daucus carota L. communities. When inundated for 30–80 days, soil pH was acidic, with lower available potassium content (50–150 mg kg−1) and urease activity, distributed with Beckmannia syzigachne (Steud.) Fern.+ Polygonum lapathifolium L., Polygonum lapathifolium L., Medicago lupulina L. + Dysphania ambrosioides L. and Leptochloa panicea (Retz.) Ohwi communities. Using the constructed HFB plant-soil correlation model, changes in the wetland soil environment can be quickly judged by the succession of plant dominant species, which provides a simpler method for the monitoring of the soil environment in the reservoir wetland, and is of great significance for the scientific management and reasonable protection of the reservoir-type wetland ecosystem.

Spatial Variation of the Received Signal Strength of Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) over Dutsin-Ma Town, Katsina State, Nigeria

The need for coverage areas assessment is important at ensuring quality of service. This study investigated the spatial variation of the Received Signal Strength (RSS) of MTN in Dutsin-Ma Town, Katsina State, Nigeria. The RSS was measured along four different routes from the main Transmitting Base Station (TBS) located at Unity Bank area using an Android Smartphone Samsung Galaxy Model A20. GPS receiver was used to monitor the elevation, geographic coordinates and Line-of-Sight of the various data points from the TBS up to about 2 km for each route using drive test protocol. Three sets of measurements were carried out covering morning, afternoon and evening. The obtained data were used to classify the coverage areas into Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Fringe based on 3/4G-GSM standards. From the results, the mean values of the RSS for Routes A, B, C and D were -62, -91 and -75 dBm; -71, -90 and -85 dBm; -68, -99 and -83 dBm; -63, -93 and -83 dBm for morning, afternoon and evening respectively. These findings revealed that MTN RSS is more reliable in the morning and evening compared to the afternoon over Dutsin-Ma. This could be attributed to higher tower load which characterizes the afternoon times compared to morning and evening. Results also revealed that Route A, has the Best Area Network coverage, followed by routes D and B, while route C recorded the weakest. MTN Nigeria is advised to site more TBS in Dutsin-Ma to improve their quality of services in the community.

A Study on the Economic Strategies Employed by the Nomadic Moor Community Residing along the Chenab River Bank from an Anthropological Perspective

This anthropological study delves into the economic strategies and mechanisms of the nomadic Moor community living alongside the Chenab River. Witnessing the unique economic practices that nomadic communities, such as the Moors, develop due to their cultural and environmental influences is truly captivating. This study aims to explore the Moor community's intricate economic activities in the Chenab River bank area. Ethnographic research methods will be utilized to uncover these complexities, including participant observation, interviews, and historical and contemporary data analysis. This study seeks to understand how the Moor community navigates economic obstacles while maintaining their nomadic way of life. It achieves this by examining their resource utilization patterns, trade networks, and strategies for making a living. Furthermore, this study explores the wider anthropological context of the Chenab River bank region, examining the complex connection between the economic practices of the Moor community and the social, cultural, and environmental dynamics of the area.

Impact of Green Finance on Environmental Performance with the Mediation of Financial Innovation: Evidence from Nigerian Bank

Objective: This study examines the mediating effect of financial innovation on the relationship between green finance and environmental performance. Design/Methods/Approach: A targeted sampling technique was used for access bank selection. Copies of the structured questionnaire were sent to 250 branch managers of Access Bank in southwestern Nigeria. A total of 200 questionnaires were completed and returned to researchers. Data were analyzed using the STATA 15 version using structural equation modeling. Findings: The results show that green loans, green training, green investment, and green policy have a positive and significant impact on environmental performance. This means that green finance parameters are the driving force behind Nigeria's environmental initiatives and performance. Furthermore, the study showcases that financial innovation partially mediates green loans, green investments, green training, and environmental performance. The study also confirms that financial innovation does mediate green policy and environmental performance. Originality/Value: Prior studies have confirmed the correlation between green finance and environmental outcomes. However, despite various research endeavors highlighting the influence of green finance on overall ecological performance and introducing financial innovation as a mediator, this aspect remains unexplored in the context of the banking sector. Practical/Policy implication: Given that financial innovation partially mediates green loans, green investments, green training, and environmental performance, the results of this investigation are of importance to policymakers and financial institutions in the area of banks’ environmental performance. This study provides insights on financial innovation and green finance in financial institutions to foster green banking activities to promote environmental sustainability and performance.

Diffusion of Mobile Technologies in the Area of Financial and Insurance Activities in Poland

The diffusion of innovation in the area of banking and certain financial services is a topic eagerly taken up in empirical research, but in the case of Poland the study of this phenomenon in the area of finance and banking that utilizes the econometric models in question is practically non-existent. This article attempts to fill this research gap to some extent. The main objective of the article is to present a comparative analysis of the rate of mobile technologies diffusion among 3 groups of enterprises in the financial and insurance sectors: banking and lending, insurance and reinsurance, and brokerage and other activities. The occurrence of diffusion of mobile technologies and its rate was studied with the help of a logistic function. Results show that in companies operating in the insurance industry, the phase of rapid growth of mobile innovation diffusion lasted longer than in other groups of enterprises, but the highest dynamics of mobile innovation diffusion in the first phase of this phenomenon was achieved by companies conducting brokerage and other activities.