Future Activities Research Articles

Educational needs of the EAES young surgeons.

Surgical residency programs are facing ongoing challenges since the pandemic. The Young Member (YM) Task Force of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) has been created to support surgical residents and surgeons under 40, promoting activities that could be useful for young surgeons and to improve networking between members of different countries. This project aimed to explore educational needs among European surgical residents to inform the EAES curriculum for young surgeons. Within the EAES surgical society, the YM developed a survey to capture residents' views on their professional needs. Different aspects were considered, from demographic information to the major topics of interest on a professional side. Semi-automatic answers and personal suggestions have been gathered and considered for the analysis. Data were captured from 386 respondents across 57 different countries, major responders were represented by the group of 31-35years old (40%). Considering professional growth, young surgeons rely on scientific research (56%), but they struggle finding adequate support of facilities. In the education and training section, fellowships and hands-on-courses (27%) were the most proficient activities. Mentorships and webinars were important to develop leadership, as well as social events to build up a professional network. This project has identified young surgeons' educational and professional needs that can inform the EAES future projects and activities.

“Between formulas and freestyle” – a qualitative analysis of peer tutor preparation and its impact on peer relations

BackgroundPeer tutorials are widely used in medical and health professions education. Some evidence suggests that peer tutorials can have positive effects for student peer tutors and tutees alike. To promote these positive effects, peer tutors are often prepared for their tasks. However, detailed information about this preparation is missing in the literature. The present study thus examines from the tutors’ perspective how peer tutor preparation is conducted, both in interprofessional and uniprofessional contexts, and how this preparation affects peer relations.MethodsA qualitative design was used for the study. For data gathering, three online focus group discussions were conducted with student peer tutors from uniprofessional and interprofessional settings who had a background in health professions. Data were analysed inductively via thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 19 individuals participated in three focus group discussions (n = 6/n = 6/n = 7). From the participants’ perspective, preparation measures were heterogenous. Of a wide range of different measures, some were perceived as more helpful, others as less helpful. In analysing the data, three relevant themes came up which were dereived from the peer tutors’ perspective: roles, eye level, and (self-)trust. All three themes were found to be closely related and appeared to have a direct influence on peer relations. This influence on the learning/teaching process was either positive or negative depending on the respondents’ experiences.ConclusionFrom the peer tutors’ perspective, the preparation they received affected their relationships with their peers in a variety of ways, influenced by the context and the peer tutors’ needs. This finding should be taken into account when planning and implementing future preparatory activities. In addition, further pedagogical considerations and discussions about preparatory activities for peer tutors and their potential impact on social and cognitive congruence are needed.

Charting Progress in the Science of Technical Assistance for Implementation of Evidence-Based Interventions.

Technical assistance (TA) has long been a strategy utilized to support implementation of a range of different evidence-based interventions within clinical, community and other service settings. Great progress has come in extending the evidence base to support TA's use across multiple contexts, the result of more extensive categorizing of implementation strategies to support systematic studies of their effectiveness in facilitating successful implementation. This commentary builds on that progress to suggest several opportunities for future investigation and collaborative activity among researchers, practitioners, policymakers and other key decision-makers in hopes of continuing to build the success highlighted in this special issue and elsewhere. Authors call for increased attention to operationalization and tailoring of TA, considering how TA services can be sustained over time and how to consider externally-provided TA versus that housed within an organization. In addition, the commentary suggests a few key areas for capacity-building that can increase the quality, reach, and impact of TA for the future.

Kontribusi Mahasiswa dalam Merealisasikan Kreativitas Diri Melalui Model Pembelajaran Special Event di Politeknik Pariwisata Prima Internasional

Creativity is an activity that positively impacts human growth and development. One form of human growth and development is the output of creativity through an activity and a product. EPHICS emerged as a form of creativity from international prime tourism polytechnic students and involved students. Qualitative descriptive methods followed by observation and visualization of layouts assisted by the interview process and documentation to collect data related to research. As a result of this activity program, students make a field learning model that can continue to hone creativity and is expected to develop EPHICS even better. SWOT analysis and analysis of the concept of event implementation become the basis for the activity evaluation process. The evaluation results obtained after each activity is completed are used as material for improvement in the implementation of future EPHICS activities to make it even better.

Unveiling crustal deformation patterns along the north Tabriz fault from 2015 to 2022 using multi-temporal InSAR analysis

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the recognition of crustal deformation patterns surrounding the North Tabriz Fault in Northwestern Iran, utilizing Multi-Temporal InSAR analysis. The fault, despite its seismic inactivity for over two centuries, has a long history of ancient seismicity, with earthquake recurrence intervals exceeding two centuries. This makes it highly susceptible to future activity and the generation of significant and devastating earthquakes. However, limited research has been conducted on extracting and modeling deformation patterns of the North Tabriz Fault to identify its active segments. The primary objective of this study is to derive a general trend for fault displacement and investigate regions under pressure in terms of abnormal crustal movements. The results indicate that the Earth's crust in the surrounding regions of the central and northwest segments of the fault exhibits an upward movement ranging from approximately 2 to 10 millimeters per year from 2015 to 2022. In contrast, neighboring areas of the northwestern fault, as well as the northwestern, western, and southwestern parts of Tabriz County, experience ground subsidence with rates ranging from approximately 5 to 40 millimeters per year. These findings are consistent with GNSS-derived line-of-sight measurements obtained from some IPGN stations around the fault with an RMSE of 1.72 mm/yr. Furthermore, the study identifies critical points near the fault that exhibit varying and diverse displacement patterns over time, suggesting significant strain and notable stress within the subsurface environment. According to the analysis of time series data on crustal movements at the identified critical points, it has been found that the prevailing motion pattern of the Earth's crust within the fault zone largely conforms to a sinusoidal descending pattern. Additionally, recent earthquakes in the northwest vicinity of the fault have been observed to occur close to these critical points. Using line-of-sight (LOS) data acquired at these critical points, the study estimates a slip rate of 7.71 ± 0.01 mm/year and a locking depth of 11.27 ± 0.01 km, contributing to a better understanding of the fault's seismogenic behavior. These findings provide valuable insights into the crustal deformation patterns around the North Tabriz Fault, highlighting active segments and regions under pressure.

Pelatihan Peningkatan Kapasitas UMKM dan Kepariwisataan

On July 15, 2024, a community service activity was held in Kampung Dadap Timur with the topic "Training for Enhancing the Capacity of MSMEs and Tourism." The primary goal of this activity was to improve the skills and capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and tourism destination management in the area. Initial observations identified fundamental needs in MSME management, budgeting for traditional food businesses, and applying the Sapta Pesona tourism concept. These findings served as the basis for designing relevant and targeted training materials. Preparations for the activity included intensive coordination among the service team to ensure the readiness of materials and equipment. Preparations also involved selecting and setting up the training venue, including audiovisual facilities and printed materials. The training covered: (1) MSME management strategies, including business planning, marketing, and product development; (2) budgeting techniques for traditional food MSMEs, including cost estimation, financial management, and pricing strategies; (3) application of the Sapta Pesona concept in tourism to enhance the quality of tourist experiences; and (4) practical sessions teaching how to make chicken dumplings and Es Kuwut. The training was designed to provide practical skills and in-depth knowledge to participants. Evaluation of the activity indicated that the training had a significant positive impact. Participants felt more confident and prepared in managing their businesses and tourism. However, the evaluation also identified some challenges, including the need for more specific case studies and ongoing support. It is recommended that future activities include follow-up sessions and more diverse training materials.

Evaluation of a cross-border field simulation exercise on the response to outbreaks of infectious diseases in Namanga, Kenya and Tanzania.

Travel and trade, whilst playing a critical role in economic development, contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, including novel or emerging diseases, which can threaten health security locally, regionally and globally. The World Health Organization mandates preparedness through field simulation exercises to address infectious disease outbreaks, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the impact of the 2019 Namanga field simulation exercise, conducted in the border town shared by Kenya and Tanzania, on improving cross-border outbreak preparedness and response. It focused on participants' knowledge, skills acquisition and real-world application. An anonymous online survey was administered to participants 37 months post-field simulation exercise. In addition, key informant interviews and a focus group discussion with the Joint Border Management Committee in Namanga were conducted. The June 2019 field simulation exercise enhanced the skills, knowledge, and confidence of participants, including members of the border community, in preparing for and responding to outbreaks including COVID-19. The skills and knowledge gained were deemed valuable, relevant, and effective for use in future response activities. The analysis is limited by potential response bias, as only participants with positive experiences of the field simulation exercise may have responded more favourably. Addressing the limitations of design and implementation of the field simulation exercise and the challenges of cross-border response identified in this study are critical to optimising future responses.

‘Cyber-rattling: can ‘pre-positioning’ in cyberspace amount to a threat of the use of force under Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter?

ABSTRACT Pre-positioning is the process by which computer code is installed on the network or system of a rival state, to allow for future hostile cyber activity if required. This process is a critical concern for states given its potential for destabilisation in international security. Consideration of how international law, specifically Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, governs pre-positioning is therefore important. Analysis of threats of force in cyberspace remains under-studied however, and threats of force are undefined in the UN Charter. This article identifies the key criteria for a threat of force, and concludes that although cyber pre-positioning could in some circumstances result in a use of force, it is unlikely that it is communicated in sufficiently precise terms, beyond that of ‘cyber brandishing’, to amount to a threat of force. The article considers what this may mean for states’ ability to respond to cyber pre-positioning.

An Investigation of Content-Specific Unit Emotions in Secondary Physical Education

The intent of quality high school physical education (PE) is to develop a connection with students to help enhance their desire to continue engagement beyond K–12 education. While traditional instructional approaches may produce benefits, it is important to recognize continued data suggesting reasons for decreased student motivation and participation. The purpose of this study was to investigate student responses in their perceived control, value, emotions, and intentions for future activity as it pertained to differing content areas throughout their PE curriculum. The participants included 72 9th grade students. The students participated in five instructional units: modified volleyball, spikeball, outdoor adventure, yoga, and drumfit. At the conclusion of each unit, students responded to a virtual survey utilizing previously validated instruments measuring a variety of emotional contexts. The results were analyzed using a variety of measurements. The in-depth data revealed that student intention may be more anchored in value and emotion than previously identified. Students’ emotional connection to the content appears to be vital to their motivation, engagement, and intention to engage in the activity outside of PE. Based on these findings, teachers should make a concerted effort to select content based on student interests and value, instead of choosing content they find interesting and meaningful.

‘Coaching differently’: using positive practice-based group coaching to promote personal and professional well-being

ABSTRACT Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) teachers face significant challenges to their personal and professional well-being that can influence the quality of their interactions with children. Despite this recognition, interventions exploring the potential of Positive Psychology and School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) to address the personal and professional well-being of ECEC teachers are lacking. In this paper, we present how a training program, theoretically grounded on the PERMA model and SWPBS approach, was delivered to 50 Portuguese ECEC teachers using an innovative coaching model, Positive Practice-based Group Coaching. The participants attended 10 on-site training sessions designed to explore the potential of group dynamics on self-reflection and problem-solving. Results indicate that the integration of the PERMA model and SWPBS approach was highly satisfactory and that a non-directive, flexible, and informal coaching style was crucial for the success of the implementation process. We discuss how Positive Practice-based Group Coaching can be useful for future professional development actions to promote the personal and professional well-being of professionals in ECEC.

In-depth characterization of food and environmental microbiomes across different meat processing plants

BackgroundProcessing environments can be an important source of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms that cross contaminate meat and meat products. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbiome of raw materials, processing environments and end products from 19 facilities producing different meat products.ResultsThe taxonomic profiles of the microbial communities evolved along processing, from raw materials to end products, suggesting that food contact (FC) surfaces play an important role in modulating the microbiome of final products. Some species persisted with the highest relative abundance in raw materials, food processing environments and/or in the final product, including species from the genera Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Brochothrix, Acinetobacter and Psychrobacter. Processing environments showed a very diverse core microbiota, partially shared with the products. Pseudomonas fragi and Pseudomonas sp. Lz4W (in all sample and facility types) and Brochothrix thermosphacta, Psychrobacter sp. and Psychrobacter sp. P11F6 (in raw materials, FC surfaces and end products) were prominent members of the core microbiota for all facilities, while Latilactobacillus sakei was found as a dominant species exclusively in end products from the facilities producing fermented sausages. Processing environments showed a higher amount of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors than raw materials and end products. One thousand four hundred twenty-one medium/high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were reconstructed. Of these, 274 high-quality MAGs (completeness > 90%) corresponded to 210 putative new species, mostly found in processing environments. For two relevant taxa in meat curing and fermentation processes (S. equorum and L. sakei, respectively), phylogenetic variation was observed associated with the specific processing facility under study, which suggests that specific strains of these taxa may be selected in different meat processing plants, likely contributing to the peculiar sensorial traits of the end products produced in them.ConclusionsOverall, our findings provide the most detailed metagenomics-based perspective up to now of the microbes that thrive in meat, meat products and associated environments and open avenues for future research activities to better understand the microbiome functionality and potential contribution to meat quality and safety.BW5-yJYgBWXLb4-yN7W47nVideo

Prevalence and Diversity of Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Irish Peatlands

The prevalence of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) in the Irish peatlands was investigated in five different peatland habitats—raised bog, cutover scrub/woodlands, fens and peat grasslands, which were further sub-categorised into fourteen different sub-habitats. Within the raised bog habitat were healthy bog hummock (HBH), healthy bog lawn (HBL), degraded bog hummock (DBH) and degraded bog lawn (DBL) and the fen habitats were fen peat (FP) and rich fen peat (R-FP). Cutover scrub or woodland habitat included cutover scrub rewetted (C-RW), cutover scrub non-rewetted (C-NRW), woodlands rewetted (W-RW) and woodlands non-rewetted (W-NRW). Grassland included wasted peat (WP), rough grazing (RG-I) and improved fen peat grassland (IFPG-RW and IFPG-NRW). Soil samples from peatlands were all collected between July and December 2023 when the temperature ranged from 12 to 20 °C. One half of each sample was used for molecular nematode analysis and the other half for morphological identification of nematodes. For the morphological identification, a specific nematode extraction protocol was optimised for peatland soils, and the extracted nematodes were fixed onto slides to be studied under a high-power light microscope. Subsequently, the other part of the soil was processed to isolate total DNA, from which the 18S rRNA gene was sequenced for the identification of nematode taxa. The extracted DNA was also used for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting analysis to determine banding patterns that could classify different bog habitats based on PPN random primers. Compared to that in the climax habitats (HBH, HBL, DBH, DBL, FP, R-FP), PPN prevalence was recorded as being higher in grasslands (WP, RG-I, IFPG-RW and IFPG-NRW) and scrub/woodland ecosystems (C-RW, C-NRW, W-RW, W-NRW). The results indicate that nematode populations are different across the various bog habitats. Emerging and current quarantine PPN belonging to the families Pratylenchidae, Meloidogynidae, Anguinidae and Heteroderidae were noted to be above the threshold limits mentioned under EPPO guidelines, in grassland and wooded peatland habitats. Future actions for PPN management may need to be considered, along with the likelihood that these PPN might impact future paludiculture and other crops and trees growing in nearby agricultural lands.

‘Unbecoming’ a Professional: The Role of Memory during Field Transitions in Japan and the USA

AbstractExisting scholarship documents how, in becoming a professional, such as a partner in a professional services firm (PSF), one's habitus comes into alignment with field expectations. Less understood, however, is what happens to habitus and, relatedly, to professionals' accumulated cultural, social, and economic capitals, as individuals ‘unbecome’ a professional and transition away from the field. We examine this overlooked phenomenon via individual and focus group interviews with partners retired from PSFs in Japan and the USA. We find that, in unbecoming a professional, aspects of ex‐partners' habitus may be misaligned with the field they operate in, prompting a hysteresis effect. The lack of fit of habitus with one's current circumstances is induced by ex‐partners' nostalgia regarding accumulated capitals, that is, wistful memories capable of structuring present and future actions. By demonstrating how nostalgia informs ex‐partners' experience of the hysteresis effect, this paper contributes to understandings of the importance of memory when detaching from one's profession. Furthermore, given that our investigation is carried out across two distinct cultural settings, we also theorize how country‐specific historical work arrangements may condition memory in professionals' unbecoming from PSFs.

Educational technology for the formation of project competence for engineering students

Project competence is essential to the professional education of engineering students. It synchronously affects all three components of future professional activity, forming the ability to be creative, carry out scientific research and apply modern technological solutions. However, there often is a lack of attention to master projecting in educational programs, especially for junior undergraduate students. The article describes the developed educational technology for organising project-based learning (PjBL) in the actual educational process conditions to mould engineering students' project competence. It was based on incorporating a short module dedicated to mastering the basic principles of PjBL into the existing curriculum. During the module, students developed, executed and publicly defended their projects. The choice of topic was up to the students, provided the project was dedicated to waste management. The mastery of the seven PjBL essential elements was considered an indicator of the level of project competence formation. Conducting research in the current educational process put forward strict limitations regarding the project execution time, their permanent adjustment through feedback, and timely evaluation. Short daily surveys via Google Forms devoted to each lesson topic let one organise permanent feedback between the teacher and students. The effectiveness of the applied technology was evaluated by two more detailed surveys at the beginning and after the end of the training. The understanding of PjBL elements was noticeably improved. The improvement was statistically significant for four elements, while for the remaining three, it was borderline.

Responsible Consumption: Developing Sustainable Habits of Living for The Future

This study looks at consumer behavior in a variety of socioeconomic circumstances with regard to sustainable consumption trends and variables. The study highlights the importance of personal beliefs, sociocultural elements, and outside influences by using a mixed-methods approach to uncover subtle patterns in consumer choices. To comprehend the intricacies of sustainable consumption, the theoretical framework incorporates socioeconomic variables, environmental psychology, and marketing methods. To collect both quantitative and qualitative data, the study makes use of questionnaires, interviews, and content analysis. The results emphasize how business sustainability activities and education play a part in influencing sustainable customer behavior. According to the research, there are still issues that need to be resolved, such as the absence of uniform sustainability criteria and more robust governmental interventions. The results highlight the significance of comprehensive approaches incorporating business, policy-driven, and educational activities for a sustainable future.

A comprehensive review on safe reinforcement learning for autonomous vehicle control in dynamic environments

To operate safely in a dynamic environment, autonomous vehicles must possess the same level of predictive driving abilities as human drivers and must be capable of anticipating the future actions of other dynamic objects in the environment, especially those of neighboring vehicles. The development of safe autonomous vehicles (AVs) poses a challenging task as it requires algorithms that can make real-time decisions in unpredictable circumstances. Reinforcement learning (RL) presents a promising approach for AV control, as it utilizes trial and error to enable optimal decision-making. However, traditional RL algorithms are unsuitable for safety-critical applications, as they may explore unsafe actions, potentially resulting in accidents. Safe reinforcement learning (SRL) algorithms have been developed to address this issue, prioritizing safe and reliable decisions. These algorithms incorporate constraints to prevent unsafe actions or utilize techniques to estimate action risk and avoid actions deemed excessively risky. Despite computational challenges, SRL holds significant promise for AV control, and is likely to play a crucial role in developing safe and reliable systems. SRL methods are critical for the general adoption of autonomous vehicles by guaranteeing their safety and reliability. These algorithms utilize methods like uncertainty and risk estimation along with penalty functions, to avoid excessively risky actions and have the potential to significantly reduce accidents and build public trust in autonomous driving. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as the dynamic nature of real-world traffic, high computational costs, and the diversity of road design; and these varying conditions make the designing, testing, and validating of SRL algorithms difficult. Despite these challenges, SRL presents a promising solution, through integrating new sensing technologies and machine learning techniques, to develop safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation systems.

Longitudinal effects of a professional development program on principals’ leadership practices: results of a baseline latent change score model

ABSTRACT Principal leadership plays an important role in teacher practices and student achievement. Professional development (PD) can help principals to improve their leadership practices – yet few studies to date have examined the effects of formal PD on principals. The present study uses matched data from n = 62 principals and n = 1112 teachers to investigate the longitudinal effects of an 18-month PD program regarding school improvement for principals in Germany. Results from baseline latent change score modelling suggest positive changes in principals’ self-reported leadership practices aimed at improving instructional quality at their schools and promoting teacher development. The positive change in practices is partly reflected in the reports of teachers in the respective schools. We find evidence for characteristics of high-quality PD programs for principals, such as joint participation of leadership pairs, group discussions, internships and coaching, that might help practitioners to design future PD activities for principals. Research should further examine characteristics of effective PD for principals taking control groups and confounding variables into account.

Incorporating a solid code of ethics can help keep your board on the straight and narrow

Before voting in a new board member, your organization surely conducts a thorough vetting of the candidate and keeps an eye out for any red flags that might be a cause of concern about their future behavior and actions while serving on your board. Even still, there are steps that your nonprofit should take to further instill expectations of responsible, ethical behavior—and at the top of the list is a formal code of ethics that all board members must read, understand and sign, experts say.

The impact of patent infringement litigation decisions on firms’ innovation performance in China

The judiciary protects the value of innovation through remedies such as injunctions and damages when patent rights are infringed, adjusting the expected returns on future innovation activities for firms. Based on data from 1,062 Chinese firms involved in Patent Infringement Litigations (PILs), this study uses three-way fixed-effects Poisson panel regression models to examine the dynamic impacts of a PIL win-or-lose decision on breakthrough and incremental innovation performance for plaintiff and defendant firms. The study finds that plaintiff micro and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) can only engage in short-term breakthrough innovation after winning a PIL. Plaintiff medium and large-sized enterprises (MLEs) tend to adopt the patent defence strategy after winning, while losing a case positively impacts their breakthrough and incremental innovation. Defendant firms adopt the strategy from incremental innovation to breakthrough innovation after winning, while losing inhibits their innovation. The current Chinese patent system has an imbalance in incentivizing innovation for MSEs. Whether winning or losing, defendant MSEs participating in litigation significantly inhibit their innovation performance at different levels. This paper provides a multidimensional angle for studying the relationship between patent protection and corporate innovation.

The Futuristic Entrepreneurial Actions for Tribal Farmers of North-east India

The North-East region of India, with its rich cultural diversity and biodiversity, is especially well-suited for agricultural growth. Given its potential, one would expect this region to be at the forefront of agri-entrepreneurial activities. Additionally, with the last few years, agriculture and its supplementary sectors became crucial components of entrepreneurial projects buoyed up by the existing need for sustainable food production, appropriate management of resources, and improving the living standards in rural areas. However, this expectation contrasts with findings from Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) studies for North-East region of India. Therefore, the study aimed to identify future entrepreneurial actions in the Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Using an open-ended questionnaire, the researchers employed a triangulation approach to analyse potential ventures in the region. The study identified ten key entrepreneurial actions. Agro-tourism emerged as the top choice among local tribal farmers, while the commercialization of Mishmi teeta (a traditional medicinal plant) was ranked highest by experts in the region. These findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders in the region. The study highlights the entrepreneurial interests of tribal farmers and suggest areas for entrepreneurial policy development in the region. Additionally, the findings also offer actionable insights for designing training programs or policy initiatives aiming to empower tribal farmers through entrepreneurship in agricultural and allied sector.