bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN VIETNAM
Authors: Lu Buu Phuc Hau , Chau Thuy Vy , Pham Thi Ngoc Anh , Huynh Huong 
Published: November 2024

<p>In this day and age, extracurricular activities play an important role in the full development of university students by enhancing their soft skills, which are basically for their occupations and social calendar. In the face of significant benefits, numerous students face obstacles in meeting the demands of the job market due to a lack of soft skills. More than 83% of students are unable to accomplish job requirements due to skills deficiency, according to statistics from the Vietnam Institute of Educational Research. This paper reports the findings from an investigation into students’ perceptions of the necessity and development of soft skills through extracurricular activities, particularly focusing on Youth Union activities by conducting a questionnaire survey of foreign language students. The findings show that foreign language students are fully aware of the essential soft skills. The findings also point out why they choose to participate in extracurricular activities to develop these skills.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0875/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT PRACTICE AND ITS CHALLENGES ON TRAINEE’S LEARNING, MOTIVATION AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AT BONGA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ETHIOPIA
Authors: Gebreyes Mulugeta Teshome , Abajemal Sisay Abdela 
Published: November 2024

This research investigates formative assessment practices and their challenges regarding trainees’ learning, motivation, and academic achievement at Bonga College of Education. A descriptive survey design using the census method was employed for the study. The research utilized a mixed-methods design, specifically an embedded mixed-method approach. The survey method included a questionnaire and an attitude rating scale for quantitative data collection, while qualitative data were gathered from semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis to complement the quantitative findings. Respondent characteristics were analyzed using frequency and percentage analysis, while data from the questionnaires and motivation rating scale underwent correlation, regression, and chi-square testing. The data collected through document review and interviews were carefully recorded, transcribed, and thoroughly analyzed. The results revealed that formative assessment practices across various fields of study at Bonga College of Education were inadequate, with significant gaps identified. Findings indicated that, for most teachers, formative assessment primarily referred to coursework assigned during the teaching and learning process and was closely associated with scored marks. Additionally, the research identified common challenges faced by teachers in implementing formative assessment across different fields of study within the college. Furthermore, the study showed a positive and significant correlation between instructors’ formative assessment practices and students’ motivation to learn. It also found that teachers’ formative assessment practices positively correlated with students’ academic achievements. Based on these findings, several recommendations were made.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0720/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
EXPERIENCES OF FILIPINO TEACHERS IN THE GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL (GCC) COUNTRIES’ HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Gilbang Cherubim S. , Manila Zarah Jane P. , Quiachon Laura L. , Roble Alex Nino L. , Sablas Cruza D. , Fernandez Edroslyn J. 
Published: November 2024

This study explores the experiences of Filipino teachers working in higher education institutions within Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, focusing on the challenges they encounter and the teaching strategies they apply. In-depth interviews were done by researchers using qualitative methodologies. Criterion sampling is used to choose the participants for this study. The criteria are as follows: teachers should be teaching in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country; (2) they should have rendered at least 9-11 years of teaching experience to capture a wide range of perspectives in higher educational institutions in the GCC countries; and (3) Participants should be from the undergraduate programme. The researchers interviewed five participants from higher education institutions in one of the GCC countries for IDI, all of whom fell within Creswell's recommended ranges. The collected data was subjected to a thematic analysis while ethical guidelines were followed. The study results highlight that Filipino teachers in GCC higher education institutions face challenges and opportunities in adapting to the teaching and learning process. This includes the utilization of the spoon-feeding method, the direct teaching approach, and the application of the Socratic method. Teachers also reported dealing with minimal student engagement, having difficulty managing students, being passive students, having poor attendance, and having a language barrier. The study underscores the importance of tailored support systems to enhance the integration and effectiveness of foreign educators in GCC higher education. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the global mobility of educators and the evolving landscape of higher education in the GCC region.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0713/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
POLICY OF COMMON COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT IN TAIWAN’S HIGHER EDUCATION AND ITS APPLICATION IN UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS DATA
Authors: Ji Deng-Yuan 
Published: November 2024

<p>This study focus on the competency assessments conducted through the University Career and Competency Assessment Network (UCAN), a platform widely utilized in Taiwan’s higher education system. Using a private university in Taiwan as a case study, the research tracked cohorts of students who enrolled between the 2018 and 2021 academic years. UCAN assessments were administered as pre-tests during the students’ first year and post-tests in their third year to measure changes in their common competencies. Institutional data obtained from these assessments were analyzed using one-way ANCOVA and independent sample t-tests to explore the impact of the Higher Education Sprout Project, which emphasizes innovative teaching, on students' competency development. The results from the longitudinal analysis reveal significant improvements in all eight core competencies, with the most notable self-efficacy gains observed in communication, problem-solving, and information technology skills.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0726/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
WAHRNEHMUNG DER STUDIERENDEN HINSICHTLICH DER NUTZUNG DIGITALER TOOLS DURCH LEHRKRÄFTE IM DAF-UNTERRICHT
Authors: Macanović Petra , Müller Mirela , Ugrina Silvija 
Published: November 2024

<p>Die Auseinandersetzung mit dem Thema Mediennutzung im Deutsch-als-Fremdsprachenunterricht ist das Ergebnis eines parallelen Studiums der Pädagogik und der Germanistik. Diese Arbeit vereint die in diesen beiden Studienbereichen gewonnenen Erkenntnisse und bietet eine interdisziplinäre Perspektive auf das Thema Medien. Ziel der Forschung war es, die Einstellungen von Germanistik StudentInnen auf der Bachelor- und Masterebene an der Philosophischen Fakultät in Split zu erfassen. Insgesamt nahmen N=48 Befragte an der Studie teil. Die zuvor genannten Einstellungen stehen in engem Zusammenhang mit den Medien und deren vielfältiger Nutzung. Es wurde festgestellt, dass die StudentInnen der Meinung sind, keine ausreichendenen Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten in diesem Bereich zu haben. Der Unterricht, den sie erleben, stellt oft ein schlechtes Beispiel dar, bei dem die Lehrkräfte die Medien nicht ausreichend beherrschen. </p><p>The discussion of the topic of media use in German as a foreign language teaching is the result of a parallel study of pedagogy and the German language. This work combines the knowledge gained in these two fields of study and offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the topic of media. The research aimed to record the attitudes of German studies students at the bachelor's and master's levels at the Faculty of Philosophy in Split. A total of N=48 respondents took part in the study. The attitudes mentioned above are closely related to the media and their diverse use. Findings indicate that students feel they lack sufficient training opportunities in this area. The lessons they experience are often poor examples, with teachers demonstrating insufficient familiarity with media. </p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0798/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
THE IMPACT OF MOTIVATION ON THE PERFORMANCE AND JOB SATISFACTION OF YOUNG EMPLOYEES WORKING AT THE SIERRA LEONE YOUTH COMMISSION
Authors: Kamara Osman G. , Kamara Ruth Y. 
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact of motivation on performance and job satisfaction among young employees at the Sierra Leone Youth Commission. One of the objectives this study seeks to address is to identify the various motivational factors that influence the job performance and satisfaction of young employees in the Sierra Leone Youth Commission. This research aimed to explore the relationship between motivation, performance, and job satisfaction among the staff. Therefore, the study utilized both primary and secondary sources of data as well as qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. Analysis of the data using SPSS revealed that motivation plays a pivotal role in driving exceptional performance among the respondents. Key factors influencing motivation include remuneration, personal growth, and work-life balance. The findings suggest that the staff at the Youth Commission are highly motivated, resulting in outstanding performance. Employees are indeed a crucial component of business development and success. Based on this, the study recommends that employee motivation can be achieved through empowerment, which involves providing autonomy, recognizing individual contributions, and fostering a positive work environment. In addition, the study suggests that regular feedback, opportunities for growth and development, and competitive compensation packages can also enhance employee motivation and productivity.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0726/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
EXPLORING TRANSLATION PROCESSES: THE ROLE OF TEXT TYPE, TRANSLATOR COMPETENCE, AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN TRANSLATION STRATEGY SELECTION
Authors: Yuemeng Xu 
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the factors that influence the selection of translation strategies during the translation process. By implementing a think-aloud protocol and conducting interviews with university students varying in translation experience, the author examines the role of text type, translator competence, and cultural differences in translation strategy selection. The results indicate that text type significantly impacts strategy choice, with expressive texts tending towards free translation and informative texts favoring a more literal approach. Additionally, translator competence, particularly experience and knowledge, was found to play a crucial role in the adoption of appropriate translation strategies. Finally, cultural factors, including culture-specific elements and the balance between source and target cultures, were also identified as significant influences on translation strategy selection. Overall, this study sheds light on the complex interplay of factors that guide translators in their decision-making processes.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0799/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
THE MEDIATING ROLE OF MARKETING CAPABILITY AND INNOVATION CAPABILITY IN THE LINK BETWEEN STRATEGIC ORIENTATION DIMENSIONS AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE(IN THE CASE OF SELECTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES OPERATING IN ETHIOPIA)
Authors: Imiru Getie Andualem 
Published: November 2024

<p>The purpose of this study is to determine the mediating role of Marketing and Innovation Capabilities in the link between Strategic Orientation dimensions and Business Performance. 385 questionnaires were distributed to CEOS, marketing managers &amp; marketing experts, and brand managers, production managers, finance managers, IT specialists, research &amp; development managers of 20 manufacturing firms and only 300 questionnaires were used for final analysis. After confirming that the CFA measurement models fulfill the GOF statistics, the discriminant validity analysis results show that the AVE values exceeded their respective square inter-construct correlations in several cases. Following Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to investigate the underlying theoretical structure of the phenomenon and Confirmatory Factors Analysis (CFA) measurement models that meet the Goodness-of-Fit (GoF) statistics, the discriminant validity analysis results show that the AVE values are more significant than their respective square inter-construct correlations in several cases. The reliability test for all seven constructs is above 0.7, which satisfies the recommended threshold in the literature. The statistical software utilized for data analysis in this study was PROCESS Macro 3.4.1 and SPSS 25. The study's findings revealed that all four dimensions of strategic orientation and marketing and innovation capabilities had a favorable and significant impact on business performance. Both marketing and innovation capabilities have mediated the relationship between strategic orientation components (MO, EO, TO, and KO) and business performance. This study concludes that focusing solely on strategic components is insufficient and that integrated organizational processes are required to attain truly outstanding business performance. The study discovered that greater marketing and innovation capabilities enhance business performance (both financial and marketing). As a result, manufacturing businesses should examine each component of strategic orientation independently - market, entrepreneurial, technological, and knowledge orientations - while assessing fundamental abilities, which include marketing and innovation capabilities.</p><p> </p><p><strong>JEL:</strong> M31, O31, O32, O36, L25, L26, L60</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0187/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
EXPRESSION OF VITAMIN D3 RECEPTOR IN TUMOR TISSUE AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLINICAL FEATURES, PROGNOSTIC INDICATORS AND EXPRESSION OF VITAMIN D3 RECEPTOR IN HODGKIN LYMPHOMA
Authors: Baraz Lale Saka , Miskioğlu Mine , İşisağ Aydın , Mavili Seda , Aydoğdu İsmet , Hekimsoy Zeliha 
Published: November 2024

<p><strong>Background and objectives:</strong> In our study, we aimed to investigate the expression of vitamin D receptor and the relationship between clinical features, prognostic indicators, and expression of vitamin D receptor in Hodgkin lymphoma. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> Pathology records and medical files of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma were evaluated. Forty-two tissue samples were analyzed retrospectively. Vitamin D receptor staining was performed with immunohistochemistry. The patients were divided into low, medium, and intense staining subgroups. The demographic data, clinical and biochemical values of patients were reviewed retrospectively, and the relationship between clinical features, prognostic indicators, and vitamin D receptor expressions were examined. <strong>Results:</strong> VDR staining was positive in Reed-Sternberg cells of all Hodgkin lymphoma patients. The cases were divided into three groups according to VDR staining intensity as low, medium and intense staining and compared with known clinical prognostic parameters. Only the presence of symptom B was statistically significantly different. Gender, bone marrow involvement, extralymphatic involvement, mediastinal mass, bulky mass, mean leukocyte count, and treatment response were associated with vitamin D receptor staining intensity, but they were statistically insignificant. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study is the second study showing VDR in tumor Hodgkin lymphoma tumor tissues and is meant to be the first to evaluate its association with clinical and biochemical prognostic laboratory tests. Vitamin D receptor staining in all Hodgkin lymphoma patients led to the conclusion that VDR can be used in the histopathological differential diagnosis of HL. More studies are needed to assess and demonstrate the relationship between prognostic and diagnostic indicators and vitamin D receptor intensity of immunohistochemically detected VDR in tumor tissues of Hodgkin lymphoma. Also, further studies with serum vitamin D levels and other histologic subtypes can provide more reliable results.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0715/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
FUZZY LOGIC-BASED POWER MANAGEMENT IN GRID-CONNECTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
Authors: Ali Hani Saed Faraj , Ali Magdi Saad Farag 
Published: November 2024

With the ever-increasing application of photovoltaic systems on the power grid, energy flow management and grid stability have become a key factor, especially under varying conditions like variable cloud cover and fluctuating load demands. The paper looks forward to proposing a fuzzy logic approach to the management of energy regarding a solar energy system connected to a grid, aiming at obtaining an optimised power distribution among PV generation, the grid, and battery storage. The proposed system will be driven by five input parameters, PV value, grid availability, load demand, battery state of charge, and tariff rate, to regulate the energy flow activity within different scenarios. The simulation results developed in the MATLAB Simulink environment proved the effectiveness of the applied controller in maintaining energy stability and fulfilling the requirements of a load within seven case studies for a 24-hour duration. The work points out the potential of fuzzy logic, besides reliability, in enhancing the efficiency of various renewable energy systems integrated with conventional energy supply grids.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0799/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
Assessing Cognitive and Perceptual Abilities in Imaginative and Mainstream Elementary Schools: A Case Comparison
Authors: Mavrelos Emmanouil , Daradoumis Thanasis 
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact of imaginative pedagogy on the cognitive and perceptual abilities of elementary school students aged 7-8, using a case comparison approach. Focusing on a Waldorf school as a case for imaginative education and a mainstream Greek school, the research examines abilities including Spatial, Linguistic, Kinesthetic, Naturalistic, Mathematical and Musical. The study utilized a mixed method consisting of playful assessment activities and classroom observations to evaluate these abilities comprehensively. The findings reveal that students in the Waldorf school demonstrate significant advantages in the Spatial, Linguistic, Kinesthetic and Naturalistic areas, attributed to the school's imaginative teaching methods. More specifically, imaginative pedagogy is shown to resonate well with competences related to physical activities, language processing, understanding of the natural world, and visual-spatial reasoning. In contrast, there are no significant differences in Math-Logic and Musical abilities between the two school types, despite the traditional emphasis on language and mathematics in mainstream Greek schools. The study highlights the potential benefits of imaginative pedagogy for holistic cognitive development, suggesting its applicability in mainstream education.

Received: 15 July 2024 | Revised: 21 October 2024 | Accepted: 30 October 2024

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Mendeley Data at http://doi.org/10.17632/y2hkn43sd8.1.

Author Contribution Statement
Emmanouil Mavrelos: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing. Thanasis Daradoumis: Conceptualization, Writing - review & editing, Supervision.
Factores económicos y niveles de morosidad en la cartera de crédito del sector cooperativista en Ecuador
Authors: Riofrio Rivas Anabel María , Chamba Tandazo José Job , López-Lapo Jorge Luis 
Published: November 2024

En el contexto de la economía, el sistema financiero popular y solidario tiene un rol fundamental al facilitar el ahorro, crédito e inversión, lo que promueve la inclusión y el desarrollo local. Por tanto, el estudio realizado tuvo como propósito cuantificar el impacto de los factores económicos sobre los niveles de morosidad registrados en la cartera de crédito del sector cooperativista segmento uno en el Ecuador, durante el periodo 2018-2022. Se empleó un enfoque cuantitativo, hipotético, deductivo, de diseño no experimental de tipo longitudinal y explicativo. El muestreo empleado fue no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se usó fuentes secundarias disponibles en sitios web como la Superintendencia de Economía Popular y Solidaria (SEPS), Banco Central del Ecuador (BCE), Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos (INEC). Se utilizó el modelo de regresión lineal múltiple por mínimos cuadrados ordinarios (MCO) que fue procesado en Gretl. A la morosidad se la considero como variable dependiente y a la tasa activa, tasa de desempleo y PIB como variables independientes. Los resultados mostraron que existe relación significativa de 59,16% entre la morosidad, las tasas activas y el desempleo, mientras que el PIB no mostró significancia en este estudio. En este sentido es importante que las instituciones financieras se preparen y se adapten a las fluctuaciones económicas que afecten el crecimiento económico del país, con el fin de aplicar estrategias que aseguren su estabilidad financiera a corto y a largo plazo, prestando servicios a los sectores más vulnerables contribuyendo a la inclusión financiera y al dinamismo económico.