Socio-economic Development Of Country Research Articles

Unearthing research trends in emissions and sustainable development: Potential implications for future directions

Emissions play a crucial role in sustainable development since they are the primary cause of climate change, which has a significant impact on the environment. Emissions are connected with many sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Reducing emissions may contribute to climate change mitigation, clean energy delivery, and the socio-economic development of countries. Hence, a deep and thorough understanding of the research trends in emissions vis-à-vis sustainable development can provide the basis for mitigating their negative impacts on society. However, there have been no systematic analyses on emissions and sustainable development perspectives to the best of our knowledge, making it challenging to achieve deeper insight. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric, visual, social network, and statistical analysis of 2,392 documents appearing in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) to understand hot topics, how knowledge is structured, and trends that are emerging in this field. This analysis reveals that there has been a significant and continuous increase in concerns about emissions and sustainable development in the past few years. China was the most prolific contributor since it produced the highest number of publications and maintained active research institutions. The co-occurrence and trend topics analysis indicated that “sustainable development,” “greenhouse gas emission,” “climate change,” and “circular economy” were recognized as emerging research fields. Furthermore, the keyword burst citation analysis indicated that sustainable development and clean development were the most commonly found terms in the list of emerging trends. The present study is first of its type to depict the specific research field related to emission trends from a sustainable development perspective. The study reveals that there is a dire need to develop cost-effective technologies to reduce emissions and more accurate methods for measuring and predicting emissions and climate change. This article calls on policymakers and research scholars to engage more explicitly in developing and practicing emissions technologies within the sustainable framework to resolve today's policy challenges.

Композиція порівняльних характеристик соціальної політики європейських країн

The aim of the study is a scientific substantiation and compositional presentation of comparative characteristics of social policy trends in a number of European countries, taking into account a certain set of social security criteria and drawing analytical conclusions about their changes. The relevance of expanding the spheres of implementation of social policy, conditioned by the current transformations of social values and rapid technological development of the world economy, is substantiated. This requires constant monitoring of social changes and analysis of the impact of the global environment on the socioeconomic development of countries. Some comparative characterizations of social security of the population of several European countries are provided according to a number of criteria (ratification of the updated ILO Conventions on Social Security, effective social protection coverage (including the SDG indicators 1.3.1, 3.8.1), expenditures on health care and social protection, legislative coverage of social protection, child and family benefits, maternity protection, sickness assistance, protection against occupational injuries, protection against unemployment, disability benefits, old age pensions). The clear difference between the social policy of Ukraine and the European countries, which is mainly related to the socioeconomic situation of our country and has intensified since the beginning of the aggravation of hybrid threats and the need for military protection, is emphasized. The tendencies that determine the critical necessity of the current reforms in social policy and having a significant impact on the socioeconomic situation of the European countries are allocated. The further deepening of social problems and the need for even more active reform of the social sphere are emphasized. It is concluded that the main task of Ukraine in the current conditions is to meet the basic needs and interests of society, to maintain the basic processes of life of society, to ensure the development and creation of social values at a sufficient level.

Determinants of the formation of an inclusive economy in Middle East countries and its socio-economic consequences

Purpose. This research aims to investigate and determine the factors influencing the formation of an inclusive economy in the Middle East countries and analyze the socio-economic consequences of this process, including its impact on social development, employment levels, and poverty in the region. Methodology of research. The research is based on the scientific works of scholars in the field of inclusive economy in the Middle East. General and specialized research methods, including analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, and graphical methods, were utilized to analyze the key components of economic development, determinants of inclusive economy, and to present the research results effectively. Findings. The research identified key determinants of inclusive economy formation in the Middle East countries and analyzed its socio-economic consequences. Effective institutions, including the legal system, political structures, and regulatory mechanisms, were found to play a vital role in shaping an inclusive economy. Countries with strong and stable institutions have a better chance of developing an inclusive economy. Education and access to quality education were identified as critical factors for ensuring economic inclusiveness. A high level of education contributes to the development of a skilled workforce and increased employment. The study emphasizes the importance of developing sectors of the economy that create a high number of jobs and involve various social groups in the production processes, such as the development of small and medium-sized businesses. Effective social policies were highlighted for reducing inequality and combating poverty, as social programs and support mechanisms can contribute to inclusive economic development. The geopolitical situation, international relations, international trade, and foreign investments also significantly influence the formation of an inclusive economy and its impact on the socio-economic development of countries. Originality. This research focuses on the study of inclusive economy in the Middle East, which is a relevant and important area of research in modern economic and political science. Many studies in this field concentrate on Western countries, while this article focuses on a region with a unique socio-cultural and economic environment. A comprehensive approach to the study of inclusive economy was applied, taking into account various factors such as institutions, education, economic sectors, social policies, and external influences. This provides a more complete understanding of how inclusiveness in the economy is formed. The research also considers the impact of geopolitical factors on the development of an inclusive economy in the studied region, which is crucial for understanding the specific challenges and opportunities. Practical value. The research findings provide a basis for developing specific recommendations for Middle East countries in forming policies for an inclusive economy. These recommendations can serve as a foundation for the development and implementation of measures aimed at increasing economic inclusiveness and improving the quality of life for the population. The research results can be used by governing bodies to make informed strategic decisions regarding economic development and social policies to enhance economic inclusiveness, identify priority tasks for forming a more inclusive economy. Taking into account geopolitical aspects in the research has a significant impact on international relations and cooperation between Middle East countries and other nations, contributing to attracting investments and entrepreneurship development in the region. This creates new opportunities for economic growth and reduces unemployment through the implementation of programs and measures aimed at reducing social inequality and poverty in Middle East countries.

Digital platforms for regional economic research: a review and methodology proposal

Relevance. This article addresses the need for a comprehensive approach to the analysis of socio-economic data on territorial units. The existing statistical observation system provides a vast amount of data on the socio-economic development of countries, macro-regions, sub-regions, and municipalities. Despite the wealth of data available, research efforts often remain narrowly focused on specific scientific tasks. In the field of regional economy, many research methods have been developed, but there are almost no approaches to the combined use of these methods. Digital research platforms can solve these problems by providing a mechanism for complex analysis of data. Research objective. This study aims is to examine the essence of platformization in scientific research and to present a detailed overview of the functionality of existing digital research platforms on regional and spatial development to substantiate the methodology of distributed regional research. The authors examine and systematize the features of 40 digital platforms worldwide that are related to regional research, using methods such as comparative analysis, extended case method, and cross-case analysis. Data and methods. The authors examine and systematize the features of 40 digital platforms worldwide that are related to regional research by using methods such as comparative analysis, extended case method, and cross-case analysis. Results. The proposed methodology includes a system of criteria and a typology that includes five main types of platforms for regional research: information and communication platforms, distributed work and data storage platforms, service platforms, computing platforms, and transaction platforms. These types are described and their advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. Conclusions. Digital platforms should become the key form of organizing scientific research in the field of regional economics, as they allow for a comprehensive analysis of socio-economic data and scenario experiments on the "digital twins" of regions. The study proposes a general methodology for conducting distributed regional studies. This methodology provided a foundation for RegScienceGRID platform. Overall, this study highlights the potential of digital research platforms in regional studies and provides a useful methodology for evaluating and utilizing these platforms.

MODERNIZATION OF ACCOUNTING OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE REFORM OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND STRENGTHENING OF FINANCIAL SECURITY

Introduction. Reforming the public finance management system, including modernization of the accounting of financial resources and strengthening the financial security of economic entities in the state sector, is one of the most important problems of the Ukrainian government, as well as domestic scientists and practitioners. The scale of such reformation is very large and diverse. They include all components of the economic system of the state, aimed at minimizing the negative aspects of the current management system, expected risks and cover a wide range of practical actions. This would allow to overcome all the difficulties caused by objective, subjective, internal and external factors and contribute to the integration of the Ukrainian economy into the EU. The purpose of the article is to reveal the modern theoretical, methodological, and practical foundations of modernizing the accounting of financial resources in the state sector in the context of reforming the public finance management system and strengthening the financial security of economic entities, identify positive, negative, and problematic consequences and, based on them, propose development directions and expected implementation results this strategy. Methods. The work uses dialectical, metaphysical, historical, structural-logical, institutional, functional, and behavioral approaches. The research results are obtained through the application of methods of generalization, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, comparison, ascent from the concrete to the abstract and from the abstract to the concrete, estimation, prediction, and others. Results. The relationship between the reformation of the public finance management system, the directions of modernization of accounting in the public sector, financial resources and the financial security of economic entities is revealed. The strategic goals of the reform of the public finance management system and ways of realizing these goals are described. The most important stages of modernization of the accounting and financial reporting system in the state sector, its goals, approaches to clarifying the content of financial resources, in particular, in the state sector as an object of accounting, are considered. A significant place is devoted to the characteristics of the financial security of economic entities and the directions of its implementation in the state and communal sectors. The most important expected risks that can prevent the implementation of strategic tasks, as well as positive results that can be obtained as a result of the implementation of systemic measures to reform the public finance management mechanism and its individual components, have been formed. Conclusions. Substantiated are proposals for reforming the directions of modernizing the accounting of financial resources in the public sector in the context of reforming the public finance management system and strengthening the financial security of economic entities. With their effective implementation, they will help accelerate the pace of the country's socio-economic development, improve the living standards of citizens and integrate Ukraine into the European Economic Community, which is the strategic goal of the Ukrainian state.

Methodology of tariff setting in gas supply: the experience of Ukraine

Introduction. Gas supply is one of the most important components of Ukraine's energy security, as well as an important factor in the country's socio-economic development. However, Ukraine's gas sector faces numerous challenges, including low energy efficiency, high dependence on imports, lack of transparency and corruption, unregulated market and mismatch of tariffs to costs and market conditions. In this context, the methodology of tariff formation in gas supply is a key tool for achieving efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability of the gas sector. Purpose. Conduct a generalization of the methodology of tariff formation in gas supply. Method (methodology). In the process of research, the methods of concretization and comparative analysis were used, which made it possible to determine the features and differences of various methods of tariff formation in gas supply. Results. An analysis of the methodology of tariff formation in gas supply as one of the key tools of reforming the gas sector of Ukraine was carried out. It made it possible to determine how gas prices are formed for different categories of consumers, how costs and profits of gas companies are taken into account, how energy efficiency and investments in the gas sector are stimulated, how social justice and protection of low-income population groups are ensured. The normative and legal basis of the domestic methodology of tariff formation in gas supply is characterized. Among them, the Procedure for the formation of tariffs for the transportation of oil and petroleum products through main pipelines, the Procedure for the formation of tariffs for the transportation of natural gas through distribution pipelines based on multi-year stimulating regulation, the Procedure for determining the regulatory base of assets of entities engaged in the distribution of natural gas, the Methodology for determining and calculating tariffs for natural gas transportation services for entry points and exit points on the basis of multi-year incentive regulation, Methodology for determining and calculating the tariff for natural gas distribution services, Methodology for determining and calculating tariffs for natural gas storage (injection, selection) services in relation to gas storage facilities to which the regime of regulated access.

Burden and Trends of Cancer in Bangladesh: Insights into Breast, Lung, Cervical, and Liver Cancers and Implications for Public Health Interventions

Burden and Trends of Cancer in Bangladesh: Insights into Breast, Lung, Cervical, and Liver Cancers and Implications for Public Health Interventions

He problem of youth unemployment in Ukraine

Unemployment refers to acute macroeconomic problems. Since unemployment is not a new problem, but in wartime among young people, it acquires a special importance among socio-economic relations, and therefore acquires special relevance in our time. In today's conditions, the youth of our country who have graduated from educational institutions are increasingly faced with unemployment and feel redundant in the labor market. Insufficient number of vacant jobs, lack of work in a specialty, high competitiveness on the labor market, lack of state guarantees regarding employment, unsatisfactory working conditions offered to young people by employers, graduation from an educational institution does not provide any guarantees of employment in a specialty, all this leads to the uncertainty of youth in its future and requires immediate solutions.
 Young people in Ukraine make up the majority of the working population, have more education, creativity, the ability to learn new things, master new professions and are the engine of the country's socio-economic development. Therefore, the state faces the task of regulating the youth segment of the labor market, ensuring employment guarantees, helping small and medium-sized businesses, improving internship conditions for students of professional and higher educational institutions, motivating and preparing young specialists for modern labor market conditions.
 The article analyzes the essence of such a phenomenon as unemployment. The main factors of the occurrence of this phenomenon are determined, the importance of youth in the socio-economic development of the country is characterized. Statistical data from the State Employment Service are presented, the state of unemployment in Ukraine and its consequences are analyzed. Proposals are made to solve the problem of unemployment in the labor market among young people and increase the level of employment in the state.

Sustainable futures in agricultural heritage: Geospatial exploration and predicting groundwater-level variations in Barind tract of Bangladesh

Groundwater resources are one of the essential aspects of achieving self-sufficiency in a country's agricultural production, poverty alleviation, and socioeconomic development, particularly in agricultural heritage management and practices. In the Barind Tract in Bangladesh, groundwater levels have steadily declined due to growing irrigation demand. Surface water sources become scarce during the dry season, and groundwater levels fall to levels that make minimum cultivation challenging. In these circumstances, determining the current status of groundwater is key to any action in the future. This study investigated the existing geospatial pattern and critical zone of groundwater level in Chapainawabganj District, a significant area of the Barind Tract of Bangladesh, and predicted future groundwater levels considering multiple factors. Kriging, a sophisticated geostatistical method, was performed to examine the geographical pattern and groundwater variations, and time series analysis was employed to determine data trends and make future projections. The current study used groundwater level data from 23 monitoring stations over 10 years (2009–2018). Exponential, Gaussian, and Spherical models were cross-matched here for the best predictor model in four fitness measures to determine groundwater concentrations (RMSE, ME, RMSS, ASE), and Box-Jenkins ARIMA (3,1,0) was found best-fit for predictions, and variance estimation. Likewise, cross-validation has been assessed for the accuracy of anticipated results across spatial scales. Although more research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms, critical zones, and their pattern of modification, possible recharge zones and their locations have been identified. Future groundwater levels, critical zones, and recharge locations have been indicated for the research area and potential recommendations.

Carbon emission reduction potential of renewable energy, remittance, and technological innovation: empirical evidence from China

Although the effects on environmental quality have not yet been extensively studied, some studies demonstrate that renewable energy, remittances, and technical innovation contribute to a country's socioeconomic development. In light of this, the current study utilizes annual data from 1990 to 2020 to evaluate the impact of renewable energy, remittances, and technical innovation on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in China. By using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing, the research was able to reveal persistent associations between CO2 and the regressors. Long- and short-run ARDL results also demonstrated that CO2 emissions rise alongside economic development, but the using renewable energy, remittances, and technical advancement help to lower emissions in China. The reliability of these results was determined using fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS), and canonical cointegrating regression (CCR). In light of these significant determining, several policy suggestions are proposed.

Global burden of cancers attributable to tobacco smoking, 1990-2019: an ecological study.

Identifying risk factors for cancer initiation and progression is the cornerstone of the preventive approach to cancer management and control (EPMA J. 4(1):6, 2013). Tobacco smoking is a well-recognized risk factor for initiation and spread of several cancers. The predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) approach to cancer management and control focuses on smoking cessation as an essential cancer prevention strategy. Towards this end, this study examines the temporal patterns of cancer burden due to tobacco smoking in the last three decades at global, regional, and national levels. The data pertaining to the burden of 16 cancers attributable to tobacco smoking at global, regional, and national levels were procured from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study. Two main indicators, deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), were used to describe the burden of cancers attributable to tobacco smoking. The socio-economic development of countries was measured using the socio-demographic index (SDI). Globally, deaths due to neoplasms caused by tobacco smoking increased from 1.5 million in 1990 to 2.5 million in 2019, whereas the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) decreased from 39.8/100,000 to 30.6/100,000 and the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDALR) decreased from 948.9/100,000 to 677.3/100,000 between 1990 and 2019. Males accounted for approximately80% of globaldeaths and DALYs in 2019. Populous regions of Asia and a few regions of Europe account for the largest absolute burden, whereas countries in Europe and America have the highest age-standardized ratesof cancers due to tobacco smoking. In 8 out of 21 regions, there were more than 100,000 deaths due to cancers attributable to tobacco smoking led by East Asia, followed by Western Europe in 2019. The regions of Sub-Saharan Africa (except southern region) had one of the lowest absolute counts of deaths, DALYs, and age-standardized rates. In 2019, tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL), esophageal, stomach, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer were the top 5 neoplasms attributable to tobacco smoking, with different burdens in regions as per their development status. The ASMR and ASDALR of neoplasms due to tobacco smoking were positively correlated with SDI, with pairwise correlation coefficient of 0.55 and 0.52, respectively. As a preventive tool, tobacco smoking cessation has the biggest potential among all risk factors for preventing millions of cancer deaths every year. Cancer burden due to tobacco smoking is found to be higher in males and is positively associated with socio-economic development of countries. As tobacco smoking begins mostly at younger ages and the epidemic is unfolding in several parts of the world, more accelerated efforts are required towards tobacco cessation and preventing youth from entering this addiction. The PPPM approach to medicine suggests that not only personalized and precision medicine must be provided to cancer patients afflicted by tobacco smoking but personalized and targeted preventive solutions must be provided to prevent initiation and progression of smoking. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-022-00308-y.

FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGIES: FACTORS OF REGIONAL PENETRATION

The socio-economic development of countries and regions in the present and especially in the future will increasingly be determined by the prevalence of financial technologies (mobile banking, fast payment systems, personalized financing, insurance, investment, etc.). The benefits of fintech in the form of increased business activity, economic growth and welfare in general are realized to a greater extent in megacities and in countries with a high standard of living. The problems of developing countries and remote and sparsely populated regions are the low penetration of financial technologies and the growing digital divide. The consideration of fintech development factors showed the predominantly macroeconomic and political nature of the factors of direct impact on the process of spreading innovations in the financial sector. A comparative analysis of median incomes and the share of the population below the poverty line in Russia, a macroregion and a separate region showed their direct and inverse relationship with the level of penetration of financial technologies. Measures are proposed to increase incomes by paying an unconditional basic income to the population of remote villages and ensuring the availability of financial services to the population and businesses in regions with a low level of their development through state subsidies to mobile operators.

The Current State of Development of The Real Estate Sector in The Context of The New Crown Epidemic and The Direction of Subsequent Development

In February 2020, the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank published articles emphasising the positioning of "no speculation in housing" and not using real estate as a means of short-term economic stimulation, and promoting the improvement of the basic economic housing security system; various places made policy adjustments in respect of housing provident funds and land rentals, etc. Policy adjustments were made in various areas such as housing fund and land concessions. The impact of the new epidemic has increased China's fiscal spending, and the real estate economy, as a source of revenue, plays an integral role in the country's socio-economic development. The arrival of the epidemic will also have a serious impact on our economy, with consumer habits changing; the erratic nature of the epidemic will make people more inclined to "tighten their belts" and use their assets for emergencies, and the real estate industry will cool down as a result. In the era of rapid development of big data, the real estate industry is getting a more systematic and comprehensive data and provides a different perspective for its subsequent development direction, and a more objective understanding of the current situation of the real estate industry under the influence of the epidemic. This study is based on the Newcastle pneumonia epidemic and uses big data networks to understand the current economic development of the real estate sector, and to analyse and deduce the subsequent development of the real estate sector and the direction of adjustment in accordance with the current situation, in order to promote the steady development of the real estate economy and thus reduce the impact of the Newcastle epidemic on the national economy and revenue growth.

A meta‐analytic review of attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities as measured by the ASQ‐ID and related variables: Is context the key?

BackgroundThe attitudes of others towards the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities are one of the main perceived barriers to them expressing their sexuality. Research on what influences these attitudes yields heterogeneous results.MethodA systematic review of the literature and a meta‐analysis were carried out.ResultsEleven studies using the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire—Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ASQ‐ID) were included. Within the included studies, the country's socio‐economic development and level of individualism were associated with attitudes towards the sexual rights, parenting and self‐control of adults with intellectual disabilities. General population and staff samples held more favourable attitudes than family samples in terms of sexual rights and parenting. Age and gender did not yield significant results.ConclusionsVariables related to country context may underlie the differences observed between countries and therefore influence the population's general thinking and ideologies. Unexpectedly, no age differences were observed. Gender‐related results may reflect rapprochement between genders in sexuality. These findings are relevant for researchers and practitioners, as they suggest the importance of considering contextual factors when developing effective interventions that aim to support adults with disabilities to live their sexuality.

Complete Solution of Financial Management to Promote and Develop Science and Technology Organizations in the Ministry of Science and Technology

Over the years, with the attention of the Party and State, Vietnam's science and technology industry has received increasingly large investments. The achievements in science and technology as well as the scale and scope of application of these achievements, therefore, are also increasing. However, compared with other countries in the world as well as in the region, Vietnam's science and technology level is still low, not meeting the requirements set forth by the country's socio-economic development process. Science and technology has not yet become the main growth engine of the economy. One of the main reasons is that Vietnam has not yet built a complete and synchronous financial mechanism for S&T activities, thus not attracting enough necessary financial resources. Therefore, this article focuses on analyzing and proposing solutions to improve financial management at science and technology organizations in Vietnam today.

Sustainable development trend of Vietnam’s energy industry and orientations for sustainable development of Vietnam oil and gas group until 2030 with vision to 2045

Energy plays an important role in the socio-economic development of countries in general and particularly in the context that Vietnam is a dynamic economy with a high growth rate. In order to achieve the goals of sustainable economic development, the Government of Vietnam is determined to implement and accelerate structural transformation of the energy sector towards a greener, cleaner and more efficient use of energy.
 As a national oil and gas company making large contribution to the country’s socio-economic development and at the same time a pillar in ensuring the national energy security, in view of the direct impacts of the energy transition trend, the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group is responsible for joining hands with the Government to ensure energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect the environment and adapt to climate change, thus contributing to successfully implementing the sustainable development strategy.

Assessment of the Antibacterial Potency of Usnea sp. against Foodborne Pathogens

ABSTRACT 
 The increase in the incidence of foodborne diseases has been demonstrated by epidemiological studies, and the adverse impact on the socio-economic development of countries has been also reported by health authorities. The combat against foodborne pathogens through the use of natural biosources has become the focus of recent research. Lichens produce several secondary metabolites with various biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-cancer etc. due to competition with other living things in their surrounding environment. In this perspective, we aimed to investigate the antibacterial properties of Usnea sp. that collected from Kastamonu, Turkey against five foodborne pathogens in the present study. These tested bacteria included both Gram-positive and Gram-negative ones. Our data demonstrated that the acetone extracts of Usnea sp. had antibacterial efficiencies especially against Gram-positive bacteria tested (C. perfringens, S. aureus, and B. cereus) at varying percentages. This potential antibacterial activity of Usnea sp. suggests that it can be used in the food industry. Since it has already been reported to be used in dishes or ingredients of bread, it gives the idea that it may be used as a food additive (such as a preservative, extending shelf life). However, detailed studies for its toxicity or the dosages that do not be toxic should be done.

Autoregressive Distributed Lag Approach (ARDL) to Corruption and Economic Growth Nexus in Nigeria

The corruption in Nigeria is generating concern around the globe and among its citizens. This concern is because corruption has continued undermining the country's socio-economic development. Thus, this study empirically investigates the impact of corruption on economic growth in the Nigerian economy using annual data from 1980 to 2018. The study employed the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model as its estimation technique. In this study, economic growth was proxied by gross domestic product growth rate (GDPGR), while corruption was proxied by the corruption perception index. The result revealed that corruption has a negative and significant impact on economic growth in Nigeria in the long run. This finding implies that corruption has impeded the economic development process in Nigeria within the period of this study. Thus, it was recommended that anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, such as the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) should be strengthened by enacting laws that will empower them to investigate, arrest and prosecute offenders.

THE USE OF INTERGRADED-SKILLS APPROACH FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE IN TEACHING ENGLISH

The relevance of this theme is due to the process of globalization of the world community, which has a particular impact on the socio-economic development of countries and individuals. Globalization has led to direct changes in the existing educational systems of most countries (adoption of the Bologna Declaration, shift to a twotier higher education system, academic mobility, etc.). Therefore, in addition to providing academic perspectives and professional skills, it is necessary to train and develop communication skills that will enable students to become competitive professionals and adapt to modern society. This article describes the process of applying an integrative approach to teaching communication skills. In the scientific and pedagogical literature, the integrative approach is considered a pedagogical tool that integrates the knowledge acquired by students into the process of developing interdisciplinary skills. In the conclusion of the article the problems faced by teachers of English, as well as ways.

Ghana's railway transport services delivery: A review

Ghana's once vibrant railway system is presently in a state of disrepair as a result of neglect and underfunding over the years; from an initial network size of 947 km in 1960 to an operational rail line of just 160 km in 2020. The Ghana railway sector's past performance is reviewed together with 5 other countries, namely; Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as the prospects of the industry to the Government's intention. Four (4) indicators were considered in the assessment, they are, the effectiveness of the available rail line, total goods transported by rail, total passengers that traveled by rail, and accessibility to rail service. Relatively, Ghana showed the highest decline in the effectiveness of available rail lines, from 68% in 1980 to 16.9% in 2020. Again, Ghana and Nigeria experienced a substantial decrease in freight volumes transported (81%) between 1990 and 2020, whiles South Africa, Germany, and the United Kingdom witnessed increases averaging 100,000 million ton-km annually over the same period. Accessibility to railway services has consistently decreased over the years; from service access of 29.6% in 1960 to 0.6% in 2020 tells the awful state of the railway sector. However, the prospects of investing in a modernized railway system appear good as the government's drive to industrialize the country continues and new mineral deposits are exploited. The sector is undergoing restructuring to increase private sector participation in the delivery of rail transport services and to stimulate the country's socio-economic development.