Financial markets have adopted measures aiming at strengthening insurance industry and digital financial assets. Efforts have also been made to strengthen the financial sector and expand lending opportunities in times of economic turmoil. The role of the central banks as a mega-regulator have played a crucial role in implementing coordinated policies and improving the stability of the financial sector. This review paper analyses 100 papers and proposes recommendations for policy makers. The results confirm the financial sector has shown positive performance indicators, and the capital market has become increasingly important along with non-credit financial institutions. However, the growing number of first-time investors in the capital market requires a renewed focus on consumer protection and financial literacy. In addition, the development of digital technologies has changed the landscape of financial services, forcing financial institutions to fight for continued customer loyalty.

Medicare, a major healthcare program under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended telemedicine services within several states in the US for different specialties for which it reimburses in order to establish a qualitative and accessible healthcare system. In parallel, it has been seen that teleradiology services by American Board Certified radiologists based offshore can significantly supplement healthcare delivery in the US by mitigating the shortage of radiologists and enhance outcomes of patient care especially for after-hours emergency work. Teleradiology can help workflow by improving workload distribution, lowering the cost of reporting, shortening turn-around-time for reports, and improving quality of life for staff. The aim of the article is to provide perspective on Medicare reimbursement of offshore telereporting services. We submit that due to its value proposition and contribution to healthcare, offshore telereporting by American Board Certified Radiologists is worthy of Medicare reimbursement and should be re-evaluated for its credits.

An appraisal of the groundwater potential of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike was carried out by integrating datasets from geology, geographic information system and electrical resistivity survey of the area. The study area is underlain by the Asu River group of Albian age. The Asu River Group in the Southern Benue Trough comprises of Shales, Limestones and Sandstone lenses of the Abakaliki Formation in Abakaliki and Ikwo areas. The shales are generally weathered, fissile, thinly laminated and highly fractured and varies between greyish brown to pinkish red in colour. Twenty (20) Vertical Electrical Sounding data were acquired using SAS 1000 ABEM Terrameter and processed to obtain layer parameters for the study area. A maximum current electrode spacing (AB) of 300 meters was used for data acquisition. Computer aided iterative modelling using IPI2 Win was used to determine layer parameters. In-situ Hydraulic Conductivity measurements at seven parametric locations within the study area were conducted and integrated with Electrical Resistivity measurements to determine aquifer parameters (e.g., Hydraulic conductivity and Transmissivity) in real time. This technique reduces the attendant huge costs associated with pumping tests and timelines required to carry out the technique. Accurate delineation of aquifer parameters and geometries will aid water resource planners and developers on favourable areas to site boreholes in the area. Several correlative cross-sections were generated from the interpreted results and used to assess the groundwater potential of the study area. Results show that the resistivity of the the aquifer ranges from 7.3 Wm–530 Wm while depth to water ranges from 11.4 m to 55.3 m. Aquifer thicknesses range from 8.7 m at VES 5 to 36.3 m at VES 6 locations. Hydraulic conductivity ranges from 1.55 m/day at VES 15.18, and 19 locations to 9.8 m/day at VES 3 and 4 locations respectively. Transmissivity varies from 17.48 m²/day at VES 19 to 98 m²/day at VES 3 locations respectively. Areas with relatively high transmissivities coupled with good aquifer thicknesses should be the target of water resource planners and developers when proposing sites for drilling productive boreholes within Alex Ekwueme federal University Ndufu Alike.

This study delves into the concept of the “cultural bomb” within the framework of non-military defense empowerment strategies in Indonesia. This approach can potentially change society’s views and attitudes towards various security threats as a realization of strengthening the defense and security system of the universal people (Sishankamrata) per article 30 paragraph (2) of the 1945 constitution. By leveraging media, education, and information technology, the cultural bomb acts as a social weapon that operates powerfully in the “space of mind,” shaping behavior and actions nonviolently. The issue of cultural threats pertains to the infiltration and imposition of foreign cultural values and practices that undermine local traditions and national identity, leading to social fragmentation and weakness. This study proposes the concept of a “cultural bomb” as a policy framework to address and mitigate these cultural threats. The research employs a qualitative approach using the Delphi technique, engaging experts from cultural studies and defense strategies to reach a consensus on the strategic application of the cultural bomb. The results indicate that the cultural bomb can effectively strengthen national identity and awareness of national defense by promoting local values and cultural resilience, thus enhancing societal cohesion and mitigating the impact of foreign cultural influences. The paper outlines the components of a cultural bomb, analyzes its application in international contexts, and discusses its implications in efforts to strengthen national identity and foster a sense of national defense awareness. Focusing on the “war over space of mind” ideology, it introduces “cultural hacking” as a strategic initiative to address cultural power imbalances in the post-truth era.

City planning is becoming more and more crucial as modernization and urbanization progress quickly. Making maps is an essential and helpful way in the city planning process for gathering data about the layout of a city and its elements, including the roads, traffic, buildings, and environment. Thanks to advancements in technology, computer software is now used to create maps, yielding more accurate and varied results. As a result, cartography is now closely related to and plays a crucial part in city planning. This brief essay will discuss the value of cartography in urban development and planning, as well as the connection between the two.