bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal regulation of education in Ukraine. Part 4: Conditions and time limits for notifying the population of the basic requirements in the field of education
Authors: MARINICH Volodymyr , MYKLUSH Maryna , HOLUB Svitlana , YARA Olena
Published: September 2024

Conducting this study was a response to several actions that were taken by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine directly during the 2024 admission campaign and which were associated with interference in the process of admission to higher educational institutions of students who declared their desire to study full-time and on a paid basis in graduate school to obtain the third (educational and scientific) level of higher education. At the same time, interference in the process was carried out by introducing numerous changes to the rules for entry into higher educational institutions, which were often adopted after many applicants had completed participation in entering campaign. The purpose of the paper is to derive the main conditions, terms, and procedures for the promulgation of normative legal acts in the field of education, which affect the rights of educational institutions, entrants to educational institutions, and students. The result of the study is an in-depth analysis of the legal norms regulating the awareness of relevant rights and obligations, including in the conditions of martial law, as well as an analysis of normative legal acts that regulate educational activities. The conclusions of the paper contain conditions, terms, and procedures for the promulgation of normative legal acts in the field of education, which were established based on the results of the research. These conclusions address and highlight the peculiarities of the situation with human rights and freedoms in Ukraine under martial law in view of generally accepted international and national norms of law. In addition, the study reveals issues of legal regulation of education in 2024, including those related to entry into higher education facilities, conducting exams, tests and other competitions as well as the provision of educational services.
Organization and methodology of stress testing of banking risks
Authors: ORLOV Maksym
Published: September 2024

The paper identifies stress testing as an important tool that helps the NBU and banking institutions effectively manage risks. The importance of stress testing is determined by the possibilities of: assessing the stability of banks, identifying vulnerable places, increasing transparency and trust, preparing for crisis situations, improving policies and procedures. It has been proven that the effective conduct of stress testing allows: to ensure the stability of the banking institution, to identify vulnerabilities, to increase transparency and trust, to prepare for crisis situations, to improve policies and procedures.
It was determined that the NBU plays a key role in conducting stress testing, providing supervision of the banking system and determining general approaches to assessing the stability of banks by establishing regulatory requirements, analyzing the results of stress testing, developing policies and recommendations for banks.
It is shown that the main aspects of credit risk stress testing are: assessment of the impact on the credit portfolio, analysis of financial indicators, sensitivity to risks, development of preventive measures, capital planning, systematic approach to credit risk monitoring. The banking institution uses the results of stress testing to develop a strategy and business plan, risk management policies and procedures, and business recovery plans.
The methodology of stress testing of credit risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk of the bank book, market risk, and operational risk has been formalized, which should be carried out at least once a quarter. The purpose of stress testing and assumptions for developing stress scenarios for each type of risk are defined. Recommendations for improving the organization of the stress testing process have been developed.
A set of measures to improve the mechanism of stress testing of banking activity risks is substantiated: development of unified methods and algorithms of stress testing, harmonization of national approaches with international standards, integration of stress testing into the risk management system, technological support and automation of processes, improvement of personnel qualifications.
Problems of integration processes between Ukraine and the EU
Authors: POSOKHOV Ihor , OVCHARENKO Andrii , HUSAROVA Daria
Published: September 2024

The paper examines the problems of integration processes between Ukraine and the EU. The purpose of the paper is to generalize the theoretical aspects of economic integration, to highlight the existing problems of economic integration of Ukraine in the EU. Changes in the economic and political vector of Ukraine's development have significantly affected internal processes in the country, economic integration means compliance by Ukraine with certain requirements that should help it integrate into the EU economic space in various directions. Economic integration has always been one of the key issues in foreign countries. Some states are constantly trying to create economic associations for the development of foreign economic activity. This is primarily related to issues of economic security of states. Implementation of the Association Agreement is associated with certain problems. Undoubtedly, the state of war makes adjustments to this process, but even before that, the business side expressed certain comments regarding the implementation of the Agreement. The results of expert surveys on the impact of the Association Agreement, assessments of the future impact of the Association Agreement, the main obstacles to export and import have been synthesized. The main problems in the implementation of sectors of the Association Agreement are highlighted: corruption and shadow economy, insufficient protection of intellectual property rights, violations in the field of public procurement, lack of real and effective measures to increase energy efficiency, lack of real ways to stimulate environmentally safe production, low social security of the population, incomplete use of regulatory mechanisms for stimulating innovative development.
Comparative analysis of corporate social responsibility management: foreign experience
Authors: DIUZHEV Viktor , PODREZ Olha , DIUZHEV Oleksandr
Published: September 2024

Building the concept of a socially responsible enterprise is an important element of the process of implementing sustainable development at enterprises and in the country as a whole. The purpose of the paper is the analysis and systematization of key aspects of social protection, provision of social services, organization and management of social responsibility of enterprises, organizations and the state as a whole in developed countries of the world in order to develop a mechanism of social responsibility management in Ukraine. To achieve the goal, the following tasks have been set to research modern approaches to social protection and the provision of social services in foreign countries of the world, as well as to analyze the best foreign practices in managing social responsibility at the enterprise, local and state levels. A scheme of interconnection of local social responsibility, consisting of external and internal and operating at the level of the enterprise, region, industry, and state, has been built. The scheme made it possible to substantiate the criteria by which the analysis was carried out - social protection, social services, management of social responsibility by levels (state, local and enterprise or organization level). It was concluded that the management of social responsibility is carried out in countries according to the models of social responsibility chosen by the state in accordance with traditions and culture. At the same time, there is no single classification of these models. The classifications differ only in the complete disclosure of the European model. It has been proven that the models of social responsibility differ in the level of intervention by state authorities regarding social protection and the provision of social services. The conducted comparative analysis will allow to build a mechanism for managing the social responsibility of the enterprise.
Effect of Basic Amenities Provision and Residents Satisfaction on Willingness to live in Public Housing Estate Lafia, Nasarawa State
Authors: Keffi Musa Adamu , Gambo MJ. , Usman H.
Published: September 2024

It has been testified that international concerns have been growing over the weakening housing conditions in urban areas of developing nations and the issues of poor housing excellence is therefore a global phenomenon. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of basic amenities provision on willingness to live in public housing estate Lafia, with a view to suggest ways to improve on the level of satisfaction with basic amenities provided in the study area. The study adopted descriptive design and quantitative approach and the study used questionnaire survey from 500 household heads, the study adopted stratified random sampling technique and SPSS software version 22centrs was used for data analysis and the results were presented in tables. The study concludes by demonstrating 13.6% of the willingness to live is influenced by the basic amenities provision and resident’s satisfaction which means that basic amenities provision and residents’ satisfaction have medium effect size on willingness to live in the study and amenity provision and satisfaction have a statistically insignificant effect on the willingness to live with P-value 0.191 and 0.232 > 0.05. The study recommended that the government should increase healthcare centres by building a new clinics or hospitals, or expand existing ones, to bring medical care closer to residents living in 500 housing estate. The study recommended that the government should upgrade or improve infrastructure in existing markets, including proper sanitation, waste management to ease the situation of market facilities in the study area.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Vegetables Grown on Irrigated Land in Butura, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbole Alexandra Simi , Wuyep Solomon Zitta , Monday Seri Nentok , Boilif Yilni Edward , Ocheri Maxwell Idoko
Published: September 2024

Vegetables have positive antioxidative properties and are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, if consumed in large quantities, eating vegetables polluted with heavy metals may be harmful to human health. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of heavy metals on irrigated pepper, cabbage and Irish potatoes grown in Butura. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA240FS) was used to analyze cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) levels. Three samples were selected from each of the vegetables grown on nine selected farms at distances of 0 m, 10 m, and 30 m. This forms a composite sample of vegetables at each farm. The study showed that the concentrations of cobalt, chromium, cadmium, copper, arsenic, zinc and nickel were within the standard limits set by the FAO/WHO, except for lead, which is higher than the allowable limits for vegetables. These patients may have behavioral problems, neurological complications and hematologic disorders. Thus, these findings could lead to a risk for the human population consuming these vegetables. It is recommended that irrigation water and agricultural soils be constantly monitored to determine the concentration of metals accumulated by crop plants to ensure that crop plants are safe for consumption by humans.
The Role of Electronic Marketing to Increase Sales and Enhancing Competitive Advantage at Deemah Company, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdelgadir Somaia Osman M.
Published: September 2024

Electronic marketing system plays vital roles in business firms to achieve their basic objective of profit maximization. Such roles including enhancing consumers to purchase, increasing sales volume and firms competitive advantage. This research addresses the role of electronic marketing in increasing sales and enhancing competitive advantage at Deemah Company in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire used to collect the primary data from 101 respondents who purposively selected from the the company products consumers, while the secondary data obtained from relevant sources. The study findings revealed a statistical significant relationship between electronic marketing and enhancing consumer confidence to purchase; increased sales; and competitive advantage. The study proposed some recommendations including development and introduction of contemporary digital marketing methods to enhance consumer confidence to purchase. The Company also ensures quick customer service and responds to inquiries, which creates competitive advantage that distinguishes it from other competitors.
Response of Nigeria’s Stock Market to Portfolio Investment Flux: Asymmetric Evidence
Authors: Uguru Ndubuisi Eme , Nwokoro Athanasius , Okpara Roy Maduabuchi
Published: September 2024

The study investigates the nonlinear effects of foreign portfolio investment on the Nigerian stock market. Quarterly data was sourced from CBN statistical bulletin spanning from first quarter of 2005 to last quarter of 2022. Econometric pretest was conducted. Results from the NARDL model show significant persistence in the All Share Index (ASI), where past values strongly influence current values, aligning with momentum and short-term dynamics studies. Bond Portfolio Foreign Investment (BPFI) has a slightly positive but not robust effect on ASI, serving more as a stabilizer than a driver. Equity Portfolio Foreign Investment (EPFI) lacks an immediate impact but may affect ASI with a delay, illustrating the complex influence of foreign equity on market indices. The analysis of market capitalization (MCAP) reveals that while immediate increases in BPFI boost MCAP, lagged increases may cause reversals, and EPFI’s effects suggest initial destabilization followed by stabilization. These results reflect the transient and sometimes destabilizing effects of foreign capital flows in emerging markets. The study recommends that policymakers develop strategies to manage both short-term and long-term impacts of foreign investments. This could include controlling the pace of capital flows and creating incentives for long-term investments to reduce market volatility and enhance stability.
Measurement inaccuracy of wearable photoplethysmogram in military smartwatch
Authors: Ra Dongyeob , Han Chankyu , Moon Sungho , Kim Kangmin , Lee Jonghwa
Published: September 2024

As the military adopts wearable devices, soldiers use them to check their own health and perform operations. Under these conditions, measurement errors in military smartwatches can significantly affect soldier safety and survival. Photoplethysmogram (PPG) measurement errors may arise from various factors including the physical condition of the user, contact point, and environmental conditions. In particular, soldiers may experience rapid changes in their heart rates owing to intense training and operational activities. In such situations, errors in PPG measurements may pose challenges in accurately assessing the health status of soldiers. Therefore, enhancing PPG measurement functionality using wearable devices is important to accurately assess the health status, improve survivability, and enhance the operational performance of soldiers on the battlefield. Consequently, research and development in this area are necessary. Thus, our study examined the factors contributing to potential PPG measurement errors in smartwatches, assessed the extent of these errors, and discussed approaches to improve and mitigate them.
Recent Advances in the Therapeutic Potential of Fucoidan: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: M Pavithra , Birla Bose Bhuvaneswari , Catherine Juala
Published: September 2024

Fucoidan, a polysaccharide primarily comprised of l-fucose and sulfate groups possesses a unique chemical structure that underpins its notable therapeutic potential. Its remarkable biological functions such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, immunoregulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties have gained substantial recognition in the global food and pharmaceutical industries. This review highlights recent advancements in understanding fucoidan’s potential biological activities that could innovate treatments for oral infections and inflammatory diseases. A systematic search for relevant articles published between January 2000 and July 2024 was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Manual searches of references listed in the identified publications were conducted to ensure thorough coverage of the subject. The inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed articles in English-language, encompassing meta-analysis, randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, case-control studies and in vitro studies. Exclusion criteria comprised abstracts, opinion pieces, review articles not providing original analysis, and studies not directly addressing the therapeutic effects of fucoidan. This rigorous selection process aims to encapsulate the most significant and recent scientific evidence regarding the therapeutic applications of fucoidan. Fucoidans, with their diverse pharmacological properties, hold promising therapeutic potential which could emerge as a novel therapeutic option for treating wide range of diseases. Fucoidans have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial in reducing inflammation related to periodontal diseases and other oral conditions. We anticipate that this review will serve as a foundational guide and inspire continued product development centered on fucoidan. Clinical relevance to interdisciplinary dentistry:  Fucoidan, a polysaccharide rich in fucose holds wide pharmacological effects  Enhancement of oral health outcomes through anti- inflammatory properties  Antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens  Wound healing property may aid in periodontal diseases.
The Efficacy of Video-Assisted Instruction in Preventing Lipohypertrophy in Patients Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Prabha R Mercy Russelin , Varghese Tinu
Published: September 2024

A thick fatty tissue called lipohypertrophy develops in the insulin site as a result of repeated injections at the same location. Patients with diabetes mellitus who use regular insulin are more likely to experience it. The absorption of insulin is impacted in these adipose-rich regions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how well individuals with diabetes mellitus responded to video- assisted instruction on lipohypertrophy prevention. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of video- assisted instruction in preventing lipohypertrophy and investigate the relationship between lipohypertrophy preventive pretest knowledge and certain socio- demographic factors. Thirty patients with diabetes mellitus receiving insulin injections made up the total sample size. To choose the samples, a convenient sampling procedure was applied. Using a self-administered questionnaire, the investigators evaluated the participants' degree of knowledge regarding lipohypertrophy prevention during the pretest. A half-hour of video- assisted instruction on lipohypertrophy prevention was conducted on the same day. A posttest using the same instrument was carried out five days later. 10.4% of the samples had strong knowledge during the pretest, 43% had average knowledge, and 46.6% had poor knowledge. Following video-assisted instruction, 71.2% of samples possessed excellent knowledge, 25.5% had average knowledge, and 3.3% had inadequate knowledge regarding lipohypertrophy avoidance. A paired "t"test was employed, and the results indicated a statistically significant increase in knowledge ('t'=9.25, p <0.05). Pretest knowledge scores and a few chosen demographic factors do not correlate. The study came to the conclusion that patients with diabetes mellitus can effectively prevent lipohypertrophy by learning more through video assisted education.
‘I think you’d strike’: Interpreting Preston in
The Strike
Authors: Sanders Mike
Published: September 2024

The literary aftermath of the Preston lock-out has been dominated by Charles Dickens’s
Hard Times
(1854) and Elizabeth Gaskell’s
North and South
(1854–1855). Far less well known is
The Strike
, an anonymous tale published in 1855 by the Oxford publishing firm John Henry Parker. This article explores the relationships between
The Strike
and the ‘industrial novel’ (particularly
Hard Times
and
North and South
) as well as comparing their respective handling of the historical reality of the Preston lock-out. It analyses the similarities and differences in the literary handling of the lock-out across all three texts and argues that, in terms of historical verisimilitude,
The Strike
generally demonstrates a greater degree of historical accuracy than either of its better-known counterparts. Additionally, it argues that the tale’s interest in co-operation suggests an author with Christian Socialist affiliations and, in its closing paragraphs, offers circumstantial evidence pointing to the Rev. Charles Marriott as a potential author of
The Strike
.
Strikers and ‘Knobsticks’: Intimidation and Violence During the Preston Strike and Lock-Out of 1853–1854
Authors: Darwen Lewis
Published: September 2024

The Preston strike and lock-out of 1853–1854 has been understood as representative of an important shift in the conduct of unions during industrial disputes in the second half of the nineteenth century. Unlike the radical-led and often violent clashes of the 1840s and earlier, the decades from 1850, it has been argued, saw collective action move towards organised, peaceful negotiation. In this, the apparent peacefulness of the Preston dispute, which was noted by many contemporary commentators and has since been reiterated by historians, situates it neatly within the appearance of social harmony during the ‘Age of Equipoise’. Yet, as this article will argue, the experience for many operatives involved in the dispute was quite different. Those who did not support the cause were ostracised as ‘knobsticks’, a deeply stigmatising epithet, and frequently subjected to verbal abuse. Indeed, the article shows that intimidation, threats of physical violence and, occasionally, actual violence were important, though informal, dimensions of the conflict, vital to the maintenance of discipline and conformity among the rank and file. Physical violence, certainly, was uncommon, but it existed within a wider climate of intolerance towards ‘knobsticks’; class traitors who threatened the success of the movement.
Enhancement of the Cerean Exosphere by Sublimation from Complex Craters
Authors: O’Brien Patrick , Scully Jennifer E. C. , Landis Margaret E. , Schörghofer Norbert , Hayne Paul O.
Published: September 2024

On icy bodies like the dwarf planet Ceres, impacts excavate volatile-rich material from beneath a dessicated lag layer and deposit it in the near-surface environment where higher temperatures drive sublimation. Ice has been detected in the upper meter of the ejecta blanket and interior of Occator crater, suggesting that large craters could be a significant source of exospheric water vapor. We assess the present-day exospheric contribution of a complex crater by first estimating the extent of volatile-rich deposits associated with a crater of a given size. We use a vapor diffusion model to calculate sublimation rates from the deposits, taking into account constraints on the thermophysical parameters of icy regolith from the Dawn mission. Extrapolating this model to craters formed throughout Ceres’ history, we find that the cumulative present-day sublimation rate from all complex crater deposits is ∼0.01 kg s−1, a factor of a few times greater than the outgassing rate from the global ice table. The dominant source of sublimation is not the conspicuous faculae but rather the volatile-rich ejecta blankets, which cover a significantly larger area than deposits in the crater interior. Because large impacts can blanket a significant fraction of the surface with ice-rich ejecta, complex craters are crucial for understanding the background present-day exosphere and the history of sublimation on icy bodies.
Parasitoid wasps associated with Antigastra catalaunalis (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) in Northern Sinaloa, Mexico
Authors: Sarazú-Pillado Ramón A. , González-Hernández Héctor , Lomeli-Flores J. Refugio , Valdez-Carrasco Jorge M. , Cortez-Mondaca Edgardo , Guzmán-Franco Ariel
Published: September 2024

New records of Hymenoptera parasitoids of the sesame webworm, Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), are presented for Northwest Mexico. Taxonomic assignation was based on morphological features. Partial sequences of the COI region from the most common parasitoids were deposited in GenBank. Six species of wasps were obtained: Bracon (Habrobracon) platynotae Cushman (Braconidae), Eiphosoma dentator Fabricius (Ichneumonidae), Perilampus platigaster species group (Perilampidae), Brachymeria annulata Walker, Conura side Walker, Conura maculata Fabricius (Chalcididae) and Goniozus punctaticeps Kieffer (Bethylidae). Partial sequences of the COI region obtained from the most common parasitoids helped to confirm at genus level but not species. This is the first record of the association of all these parasitoid species with A. catalaunalis.
Three new taxa of the lichen genus Lobothallia (Megasporaceae, Ascomycota) from China
Authors: Zhang Yanyun , Wang Lun , Yu Xinmeng , Cheng Su , Liu Junlan , Wang Xinyu
Published: September 2024

Two new species; Lobothallia crenulata Lun Wang & Y. Y. Zhang, L. lobulata Lun Wang & Y. Y. Zhang and one new variety; L. subdiffracta var. rimosa Lun Wang & Y. Y. Zhang, are reported from China and described, based on morphological, chemical and molecular characters. Phylogenetic analyses showed that these new taxa form monophyletic groups. Lobothallia crenulata and L. lobulata, together with L. hydrocharis, L. radiosa and L. recedens, form a well-supported clade, whereas L. subdiffracta var. rimosa is nested within the samples of L. subdiffracta. Lobothallia crenulata is characterised by its placodioid thallus, thickly pruinose upper surface with a rimose appearance, aspicilioid to lecanorine apothecia with a crenate thalline margin and concave, black and pruinose discs. Lobothallia lobulata is characterised by its placodioid thallus, pruinose upper surface with lobules, aspicilioid when immature, lecanorine to zeorine apothecia at maturity and concave to plane, dark brown, shiny and epruinose discs. Lobothallia subdiffracta var. rimosa is characterised by its areolate thallus, rimose and pruinose upper surface, lecanorine apothecia and slightly concave to plane, black and pruinose discs. Secondary metabolites were not detected in the two new species nor the new variety. A key is provided for the species of Lobothallia in China.
Parathyroid Adenoma Presenting as Femoral Tumor Lesion in a 27-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Mocritcaia Anastasia , Peris Pilar
Published: September 2024

Metabolic bone diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis of osteolytic lesions. Here, we describe a case of primary hyperparathyroidism with multiple osteolytic lesions that improved following parathyroidectomy.
Changes at Presentation in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A 24-Year Study of the Early Undifferentiated Polyarthritis (EUPA) Cohort
Authors: Carrier Nathalie , Roux Sophie , Masetto Ariel , de Brum-Fernandes Artur J. , Liang Patrick , Maoui Meryem , Boire Gilles
Published: September 2024

Objective

To analyze changes in baseline characteristics of patients with very early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 24 years in the Early Undifferentiated Polyarthritis (EUPA) cohort.

Methods

Consecutive patients with recent-onset polyarthritis fulfilling RA classification criteria recruited in EUPA were assessed at baseline. Three successive periods were defined: (1) prior to the general availability of biologics (1998-2004; 245 patients), (2) prior to the implantation of the 2010 classification criteria (2005-2010; 266 patients), and (3) the most recent decade (2011-2022; 329 patients).

Results

At baseline, demographics, BMI, swollen and tender joint counts, proportion fulfilling 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology criteria, modified Health Assessment Questionnaire, shared epitope status, patient-reported outcomes except pain, and patient global assessment of disease activity remained stable over the 3 periods. Despite a marked decrease in active smoking (22.2% to 12.1%), prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and prior cancer increased. Although duration of symptoms increased from a median of 2.9 to 4.1 months, decreases were seen in seropositivity (53.9% to 42.2%) and C-reactive protein beginning in the 2005-2010 period. A large decrease in erosive status (Sharp/van der Heijde erosion score ≥ 5; 18.3% to 9.4%) was only observed after 2011; this decrease occurred mostly in seronegative patients. Use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs prior to inclusion remained low and stable (25.7%), but use of oral corticosteroids increased (18% to 33.4%).

Conclusion

Baseline characteristics of patients with RA evolved since 2005 toward less seropositivity and lower blood inflammation but with more comorbidities. Milder erosive damage at baseline became evident only since 2011, mostly in seronegative patients. These changes at baseline, before any intervention, suggest ongoing secular trends that may favorably affect outcomes in patients with early RA.
Fostering Critical Soft Skills of Graduates for Employability and Professional Growth
Authors: Huzooree Geshwaree , Soupramanien Loga Devi Balla , Rughoobur-Seetah Soujata
Published: September 2024

In the 21st century's evolving professional landscape, graduate employability and growth rely on critical soft skills. This chapter explores these essential soft skills for success in dynamic workplaces, emphasizing their growing importance. Employers now value soft skills for navigating complex environments and collaborating effectively. Reviewing existing literature, the chapter identifies key soft skills that enhance employability, career advancement, and job performance. It highlights the insufficiency of technical skills alone for organizational success, underscoring soft skills' pivotal role. Examining studies on work patterns and soft skills, the chapter proposes a framework to identify and prioritize essential soft skills, guiding educators, employers, and policymakers. It discusses challenges in developing these skills and suggests strategies for embedding them in education. By addressing these complexities, the chapter provides actionable insights to overcome challenges, enhancing graduates' readiness and adaptability in today's professional landscape.
Navigating Success
Authors: Okonkwo Obinna Vincent , Ogunsakin Babatunde Ayodeji , Doargajudhur Melina Seedoyal , Hosanoo Zuberia Aminah , Critchley Bernie
Published: September 2024

The employability of project management (PM) graduates was a common topic of discussion in the past decade. Employers are constantly looking for graduates who can thrive in the challenging, complex, and ever-changing project environment. In response, adopting cutting-edge teaching strategies by educational institutions is essential given the growing demand for practical project management skills. Graduates must master relevant project management skills in addition to acquiring transferable skills which include but are not limited to leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. This chapter adopts a case study approach to describe strategies undertaken to advance the key skills of the postgraduate project management learners at a Scottish university. This approach not only bridges theory and practice through the curriculum but also prepares them for the future workforce.
The Impact of Experiential Learning on Revitalizing Critical Thinking Skills for Workforce Preparation
Authors: Yadav Mohit , Mishra Dipandi , Misra Sasmita , Dewasiri Narayanage Jayantha , Mittal Shashank
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the potential of experiential learning, an educational approach emphasizing hands-on experience and real-world application, to address this critical skills gap. In-depth interviews with education and workforce development experts yielded insights on the perceived effectiveness of experiential learning in fostering critical thinking skills. While experts highlighted its potential, challenges like scalability and resource constraints were also identified. Thematic analysis revealed additional benefits beyond critical thinking, such as enhanced communication and collaboration skills. The research also discusses the need for future studies to measure the long-term impact of experiential learning and explore effective strategies for faculty development and technology integration. By addressing these limitations and pursuing further research, this study paves the way for a future where experiential learning empowers graduates with the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century workplace.
Exploring the Impact of Cultural and Gender Diversity on ESG Performance Reporting of EU Healthcare Corporations
Authors: Cepeda Catarina , Silva Amélia , Carreira Francisco
Published: September 2024

The primary research objective is to analyze the influence of cultural and gender diversity (board cultural diversity and board gender diversity and executive's member gender diversity) on the companies Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance reporting and the mediating effect of workforce and human rights policies. This study utilizes data sourced from healthcare listed companies within the European Union (EU). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is employed to examine the interplay among various constructs. Results show that board cultural and gender diversity has a positive impact on ESG performance reporting. However, the workforce only improves the relationship between board gender diversity and ESG performance reporting. This study contributes to the literature by incorporating multidimensional perspectives of diversity into one general framework that stresses the mediating role of workforce in the interactive effect of cultural and gender diversity initiatives with ESG reporting practices. Moreover, by promoting ESG measures that apply global gender diversity and equality, the findings have practical implications for human resource policies and development at the organizational level.
The Quality of Sustainability Reporting of the Largest Portuguese Companies
Authors: Monteiro Sónia , Roque Vanda , Faria Márcia
Published: September 2024

This study aims to identify whether regulation and sector of activity influence the quality of sustainability reporting. By analysing the content of 2021 sustainability reports of 66 large Portuguese companies, the authors construct a sustainability reporting quality index based on the 2016 GRI standards. By means of a univariate and multivariate analysis, they test the influence of regulation and sector of activity on the quality of sustainability reporting. The results suggest that the requirement for non-financial reporting, imposed by the European directive, does not influence the quality of Portuguese companies' sustainability reporting, except in the environmental dimension. Although the quality index is low (19.6%), the results show that there are statistically significant differences between the quality of environmental reporting and the type of sector. According to the analysis, companies belonging to environmentally sensitive sectors report environmental information with higher quality.
Enhancing Electronics Engineering Laboratory With Experimental Learning Using Virtual Reality
Authors: Al-Ghawi Sana , Hussain Shaik Asif
Published: September 2024

This chapter investigates the potentially transformative implications of integrating virtual reality technology into the field of electrical and instrumentation engineering to enhance the educational experience and change the traditional way that students study and experiment with electronic instrumentation by utilizing the future possibilities of virtual reality. Electronics and instrumentation have consistently been at the center of modern technological development, powering industry, health care, and scientific study. However, considering its important function in developing this world of teaching, taking complicated topics related to instrumentation remains a difficulty. As a student in this specialization, the author has personally faced and encountered the restrictions of the traditional laboratory environments in universities, where most physical components are frequently in short supply, costly, or even unreachable.
Evaluating the Long-Term Impact of VR in Education
Authors: Paul Sreelekha , Ghosh Sanchita , Roy Bitan , Sarkar Saptarshi Kumar
Published: September 2024

Virtual reality (VR) can completely transform traditional teaching techniques, as this chapter explores its long-term effects in education. It draws attention to the short-term advantages, such as increased engagement and better retention of knowledge, but it also draws attention to the knowledge vacuum about its long-term effects. Pedagogical alignment, curricular integration, professional development, access and equity, and assessment and evaluation are important components that lead to effective integration. The study provides evidence-based suggestions on how to maximize virtual reality's potential to improve learning outcomes for educators, legislators, and stakeholders. Investing in professional development, encouraging teamwork, putting fairness and access first, coordinating VR experiences with curricular standards, carrying out continuous assessment and research, and promoting interdisciplinary and project-based learning are some of the main suggestions.
Virtual Reality in the Education System
Authors: Pandit Satyabrata , Sarkar Saptarshi Kumar , Barik Sreya , Shau Sutapa
Published: September 2024

The learning technique that involves the learners in facilitating training in a virtual environment hence extends traditional mode of training that was considered new, is known as virtual reality learning. In this chapter, the author examines experiences of technology use in schools specifically in the classroom and then evaluates implications of the use of virtual reality. This study endeavours to expose the specified literature review approach, the definition and guidelines of the integration of VR in education, a systematic approach and case studies in an endeavour of analysing how this technological innovation could contribute to the students' interest, understanding, and recall of issues, matters, and concepts, regardless of discipline and academic year. Therefore, considering the standpoint of the virtual reality integration as one of the effective learning strategies in education, the issues, including high costs, the technical issue, and the lack of professional development concerning VR for educators, must be addressed for this technology to meet its potential. Besides, the guidelines are given for obtaining the optimal results from VR in context of education and for making sure that the opportunities which are derived out from it are reasonable, reachable, and sustainable in nature, which have also been enclosed in the conclusion part of the chapter.
Deep Learning-Driven Multi-Stage Product Visual Emotional Design Utilizing Web Semantics
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Wang Juanfen , Zhu Lin
Published: September 2024

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the generation of emotional expression images has become a key research field. This article introduces a novel multi-stage emotion generation model cascade method that utilizes CGAN, Pix2Pix, and CycleGAN to create images with enhanced emotional depth and visual quality. We have outlined our approach, which involves a continuous process from emotional initialization to texture refinement, and then to style transition. Our experiments on facial and automotive datasets show a significant improvement in image quality compared to traditional models, with an average increase of 40 percentage points in structural similarity (SSIM) and an average increase of 11.1 percentage points in peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). The research findings emphasize the potential applications of our model in advertising, entertainment, and human-computer interaction, where visual effects of emotional resonance are crucial.
A Alfabetização Científica e Tecnológica nos anos iniciais do ensino de ciências: uma análise da produção acadêmica
Authors: Silva Yasmin Cristina Ribeiro da , Silveira Dieison Prestes da , Lorenzetti Leonir
Published: September 2024

O presente artigo buscou mapear e discutir a produção acadêmica presente no Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) e nas atas do Encontro Nacional de Pesquisa em Educação em Ciências (ENPEC) sobre a Alfabetização Científica e Tecnológica (ACT) no Ensino de Ciências nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental, contribuindo com o processo formativo crítico, autônomo e reflexivo dos sujeitos sociais na contemporaneidade. Para isso foi realizada uma pesquisa de estado da arte, selecionando 50 pesquisas que se inserem no escopo deste estudo. Como forma de análise foram criados descritores e categorias emergentes, seguindo a proposta da Análise Textual Discursiva. De modo geral, as pesquisas mapeadas sinalizam que a Alfabetização Científica e Tecnológica auxilia no processo crítico dos sujeitos, conduzindo-os a uma tomada de decisão fundamentada.
Mini-histórias: evidências de aprendizagens no cotidiano da educação infantil
Authors: Francesconi Laercio , Pansera-de-Araújo Maria Cristina , Tracana Rosa Branca
Published: September 2024

O artigo apresenta discussões sobre a origem, especificidades e finalidades das mini-histórias, documento pedagógico, que auxilia os professores a evidenciar e compreender as aprendizagens, no dia a dia escolar das crianças. Assim, o objetivo geral é investigar as práticas pedagógicas realizadas pelos professores, tendo a documentação pedagógica como suporte para dar visibilidade às aprendizagens realizadas pelas crianças. A partir das atividades das crianças em diálogo com autores, procurou-se analisar as observações, registros fotográficos e vídeo gravações. Os estudos estabeleceram diálogos com Fochi (2019), Vecchi (2013), Altimir (2010) e Galvani (2016). O debate sobre o papel da documentação pedagógica, em especial das mini-histórias, ultrapassa o mero registro das atividades para demonstrar as aprendizagens nas exposições escolares e nos álbuns enviados para as famílias, pois subsidia o planejamento do professor nas atividades prospectadas.
Análise de possíveis problemas de Progressão Aritmética em livros didáticos do Novo Ensino Médio: um olhar por meio da resolução de problemas
Authors: Lazarini Laís Vitória , Mendes Luiz Otavio Rodrigues
Published: September 2024

O objetivo deste estudo é buscar e analisar situações de Matemática, que podem se tornar problemas, presentes em livros didáticos do Novo Ensino Médio, que permitam trabalhar o conteúdo de Progressão Aritmética. Para tal, nos apropriamos da pesquisa documental para buscar e selecionar os livros didáticos. Assim, estes livros foram analisados qualitativamente em suas unidades que tratam da Progressão Aritmética. Ao todo, quatro situações foram encontradas na introdução do conteúdo. Contudo, apenas duas foram elegíveis como possíveis problemas. Estas foram discutidas à luz da literatura e apresentadas para serem trabalhadas como ponto de partida. Nossos resultados revelam que para se trabalhar com Progressão Aritmética por meio da Resolução de Problemas, podem ser necessários conhecimentos prévios de sequência e funções. Os problemas por nós considerados tinham a característica de ser contextualizados. Desta forma, o livro didático é um material valioso que pode auxiliar professores que desejam trabalhar com a Resolução de Problemas.
Effect of Printing Resolution on the Dimensional Change and Microstructure of the Additive-Manufactured Parts for Dental Applications
Authors: Jatupongpairoj Pattanan , Khwankitsirikhun Tawanrat , Jatupongpairoj Nannapat , Thumthae Chalothorn , Suebsamarn Orakarn , Boonmee Sarum
Published: September 2024

The study investigates the impact of printing resolution on the dimensional change and microstructure of additive-manufactured parts, specifically dental crowns produced through binder jetting and sintering. Dental crowns are crucial for dental restoration, providing strength and support to damaged teeth. The additive manufacturing process involves digital scanning, 3D metal printing, sintering, and post-processing. The focus here is on the dimensional accuracy and microstructure of the sintered parts made from 17-4PH stainless steel powder. Two printing resolutions, 250 μm and 400 μm, are evaluated to observe their effects on the final properties. Results reveal that printed parts exhibit a significant enlargement (17-19%) due to allowances for binder removal during sintering. Sintered parts, while smaller than printed parts, still exhibit a 4-7% enlargement compared to the original CAD model. Microstructural analysis indicates the presence of ferrite and austenite matrix structures, with particles identified as silicon dioxide residue from the binder. The finer resolution (250 μm) shows greater particle area and count, leading to higher microhardness. These findings provide insights into the dimensional changes and microstructural features crucial for precision in dental applications utilizing additive manufacturing technology.
The Effect of Chemical Texturization Parameters on the Diameter of Pyramids on Silicon Solar Wafers
Authors: delos Reyes Ronald Allan S. , Acbang Levie Ann Villalon , Rosell Clarisse Jane Salandanan , Saba Julianne Labiel Manalo
Published: September 2024

Light capturing is an essential part of many optical devices such as solar cells. This study aimed at modifying surface reflectivity of silicon solar wafers to improve light trapping. A simple and easily controllable etching technique was used to achieve this objective. The surface topography of silicon wafers was modified by etching a controllable pyramid structure on these surfaces. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution was used to etch the silicon surface; the concentrations of KOH were 1mol/L and 2mol/L at temperatures 50°C and 70°C and a varying etching time of 15 and 30 minutes. The surface morphology of the wafer was analyzed by optical microscopy. The activation energy for the reaction was shown to be 42.2 kJ that is very near the value indicated by previous investigators. A texturization mechanism was also advanced using a new parameter that monitors the progressive changes in the diameter of the pyramids. This analysis shows a general increase in the sizes with reduction at certain intervals that can be attributed to the difference in etching rates of the crystal family planes.