University of Seychelles

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed financial management practices across global enterprises, necessitating a comprehensive examination of how technology innovation influences financial reporting quality. This study investigates the role of technology innovation in enhancing financial reporting quality within digital enterprises operating in Seychelles, a jurisdiction increasingly positioning itself as a hub for digital business operations. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks of digital transformation and financial management innovation, this research synthesizes empirical evidence from multiple studies examining the intersection of digital finance, technological innovation, and enterprise financial performance. The analysis reveals that technology innovation, encompassing blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data analytics, significantly improves the timeliness, security, reliability, and overall quality of financial reporting. Furthermore, the study identifies critical mediating mechanisms through which digital transformation enhances financial reporting, including the alleviation of financing constraints, optimization of resource allocation, and improvement of operational efficiency. The findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of digital transformation's impact on financial management while providing practical implications for digital enterprises in Seychelles seeking to leverage technology innovation for enhanced financial reporting quality.

Abstract This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships of extant crocodiles and the population structure of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). We combined mitochondrial genomes from museum specimens with genetic data from modern samples to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the saltwater crocodile and clarify the identity of the extinct Seychelles crocodile. Mitochondrial genomes were sequenced for 11 museum specimens of Crocodylus halli, C. niloticus, C. novaeguineae, C. palustris and C. porosus, including the Seychelles crocodile. In addition, the mitochondrial control and ND4 regions were analysed for 187 and 13 C. porosus individuals, respectively. This study provides the most comprehensive Crocodylus phylogeny to date, establishes the phylogenetic placement of the extinct Seychelles crocodile as a distant population of the saltwater crocodile and provides no mitochondrial support for C. halli as a distinct species from C. novaeguineae. Nineteen haplotypes were identified among C. porosus samples, showing no clear mitochondrial geographic structure. However, this probably reflects the limited resolution of mitochondrial DNA rather than true genetic homogeneity, consistent with nuclear genomic studies revealing strong regional differentiation. Our results highlight the need for conservation strategies that recognize the broad genetic connectivity of C. porosus populations rather than emphasizing subspecies distinctions.

The Blue Economy (BE) framework is poised to transform the development pathway for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), enabling them to reimagine their growth potential as Large Ocean States (LOS). Amid the ever-present threats of climate change, such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and erratic weather patterns, SIDS face unique vulnerabilities that demand innovative, ocean-based solutions. The Republic of Seychelles is a pioneer in the Blue Economy space, having launched its national Blue Economy Roadmap and Strategic Policy Framework in 2018. This paper examines the evolution of Seychelles’ Blue Economy agenda, highlighting its achievements and setbacks. The pandemic, for instance, severely disrupted the nation’s economic agenda. Despite such challenges, Seychelles has demonstrated resilience and offers valuable insights for other nations such as Russia, which are seeking to pursue sustainable ocean-based growth models. The paper explores the policy, institutional, and financial dimensions of the Blue Economy model in Seychelles, and also addresses the broader implications for a global Blue Economy discourse. It offers best practice considerations on adaptive governance, integrated marine management, and the importance of aligning environmental and socioeconomic aspects of development with long-term economic goals.

ABSTRACT Aim Knowledge of the main drivers of population differentiation is crucial for understanding evolutionary processes and preserving biodiversity. While primarily studied in terrestrial habitats, the mechanisms operating in the marine realm are less well understood. This study reconstructed the phylogeographic history of a tropical seabird to identify relevant marine barriers promoting intraspecific diversity in the Western Indian Ocean. Location Western Indian Ocean. Taxon Three subspecies of tropical shearwater : Puffinus bailloni bailloni , P. b. nicolae, P. b. colstoni. Methods We used restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing and applied population genomics to birds from six breeding colonies to assess intraspecific diversity, population genetic structure and connectivity in the tropical shearwater. Results were complemented with data from six oceanographic variables and effective migration surfaces to evaluate the role of oceanographic factors in driving population differentiation. Results All analyses consistently separated the birds from the northern colonies (subsp. nicolae and colstoni ) from those of the southern islands (subsp. bailloni ), but failed to assign the colstoni birds as a different taxon. Results revealed remarkable levels of genetic differentiation within an ocean basin in a highly vagile species and suggested higher levels of gene flow at the northern limit of the species' distribution compared to the southern range. Main Conclusions Our study suggests that ocean surfaces and sea surface temperature may constitute an important barrier to gene flow for the tropical shearwater and potentially other marine species in the region. This study does not support the colstoni form as a different subspecies, highlighting the need for further taxonomic reassessment. Ultimately, the results allowed us to identify Europa and Aldabra as the most threatened management units and propose conservation strategies directly applicable to these most at‐risk colonies.

peer reviewed

ABSTRACTSexual dimorphism defines frigatebird (Fregatidae) courtship, with males inflating bright red gular pouches to attract mates. We document rare cases of female gular pouch inflation in Lesser (Fregata ariel) and Christmas Island Frigatebirds (F. andrewsi). This previously undocumented behavior likely does not serve an adaptive function but may reflect physiological anomalies (hyperandrogenism) or endocrine‐disrupting chemicals, warranting further investigation.

Over 29 years (1996–2024) in a lagoon environment in the Chagos Archipelago (Indian Ocean) we conducted a mark-recapture growth rate study during which 135 juvenile hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) were each caught two or more times. Growth rate in straight carapace length (SCL) decreased in larger turtles with predicted mean growth rate for turtles with a starting SCL of 35 cm at 1.64 cm.y−1, decreasing to 0.90 cm.y−1 for a SCL of 60 cm: SCL(cm.y−1) = -0.03 x SCL + 2.68 (R2 = 0.15; F1,162 = 28.24, p < 0.001). After 2006, the size structure of the population changed, most likely because of an influx of small turtles (30–40 cm SCL). The resulting increase in population density may explain the decrease in size specific growth rates and body condition (calculated as mass/(SCL2 x SCW)) over time, with growth rates being faster at the start of the time series and slower at the end. For turtles in the SCL size classes 40–50 and 50–60 cm, when the initial measurement was taken prior to 1999 versus after 2018, the mean growth rates (SCL) decreased from 1.92 to 1.36 cm.y−1 and from 1.43 to 0.67 cm.y−1 in these two size classes respectively. A survey of 35 studies of hawksbill growth rates around the world showed that the size specific growth rates we recorded for immature hawksbills in the Chagos Archipelago are the lowest ever found for this species, likely due to density-dependent growth rates limited by food supply. Our findings point to the low growth rates that might have occurred more broadly prior to human exploitation of hawksbill turtles.

ObjectiveSheehan's syndrome (SS) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by ischemic necrosis of the anterior pituitary gland secondary to massive postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and shock. It commonly leads to multiple hormonal deficiencies, such as adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, and hypopituitarism. Affected individuals may present with signs and symptoms including weight gain or loss, cold intolerance, hair loss, menstrual irregularities, and hypotension. Diagnosis is often delayed due to its nonspecific presentation and overlap with conditions like postpartum depression and chronic fatigue syndrome. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, management challenges, and complications associated with the delayed diagnosis of SS.Case PresentationA 35-year-old female was diagnosed with SS in 2016, at the age of 26, following severe PPH and hemorrhagic shock after a vaginal delivery in 2013. Initially, she experienced failure to lactate, followed by amenorrhea, frontal balding, weight loss, hypotension, chronic fatigue, mood swings, and polyuria. For several years, her symptoms were misattributed to postpartum depression, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. A comprehensive endocrine evaluation revealed secondary adrenal insufficiency, central hypothyroidism, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, as evidenced by low levels of ACTH, cortisol, TSH, free T4, FSH, LH, and prolactin. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed partial empty sella, supporting the diagnosis of SS. She was started on lifelong hormone replacement therapy (HRT) consisting of hydrocortisone, levothyroxine, and estrogen. She remained highly sensitive to hormone doses, requiring frequent adjustments every other month. Despite modifications, she continued to experience persistent symptoms, including fatigue, hair loss, extreme mood swings, night sweats, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, epigastric pain (worsened on an empty stomach), nausea, vomiting, bloating, and passage of blood in stool, likely related to long-term medication use. Pregnancy was later achieved through ovulation induction using human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG). She developed an adrenal crisis during pregnancy, which was managed through hydrocortisone dose modification. The immediate postpartum period was uneventful under treatment, but she required close endocrine follow-up for ongoing metabolic and reproductive concerns.ConclusionThis case highlights the typical clinical presentation of SS in a postpartum patient, including lactation failure, fatigue, and amenorrhea, which can facilitate early diagnosis of this serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Delayed diagnosis is often linked to prolonged morbidity, affecting both quality of life and fertility. Lifelong HRT, regular endocrinological monitoring, and individualized treatment plans are essential for managing endocrine dysfunction, osteoporosis risk, and cardiovascular complications. Awareness, early screening, and multidisciplinary collaboration among endocrinologists, obstetricians, and reproductive specialists are pivotal in improving long-term outcomes and reducing diagnostic delays.