Article Research Articles

Dilemmas and Governance Strategies in the Implementation of the Modern Apprenticeship System in Chinese Vocational Colleges: A Perspective from Principal-Agent Theory

As China's industrial economy transitions towards high-quality development, the demand for highly skilled technical personnel has surged. The modern apprenticeship system, an important mechanism for deepening collaboration between educational institutions and enterprises, has been widely promoted within vocational colleges. However, nearly a decade into its implementation, this system faces challenges such as insufficient engagement from enterprises, loose relationships between schools and businesses, and a lack of assessment and feedback mechanisms. These issues have led to suboptimal outcomes in talent development. This paper innovatively applies principal-agent theory to expose conflicts in value demands, adverse selection, and moral hazards within the multifaceted principal-agent relationships among vocational colleges, enterprises, and the government. It proposes governance strategies that involve multi-stakeholder participation in policy-making, the establishment of qualification entry systems for cooperative enterprises, and the improvement of supervision and incentive mechanisms. These strategies aim to resolve conflicts and enhance cooperation efficiency, thereby providing robust support for the effective implementation of the modern apprenticeship system in vocational colleges.

Rediscovery and Restoring Forgotten Principles: Returning to the Past to Transform and Shape VET for the Future. Back to the Basics in VET

The article explores the historical foundations and contemporary practices of Vocational Education and Training (VET), uncovering a cyclical relationship between past and present methodologies. It begins by analysing the traditional apprenticeship systems of medieval Europe and their counterparts in Asian contexts, demonstrating how these early models laid the groundwork for modern vocational education. The article then traces the historical origin of VET in response to shifting economic conditions and technological advancements, identifying key contemporary practices—such as competency-based education, work-based learning, and experiential learning—as rebranded versions of historical approaches. The analysis emphasizes that many of these so-called “innovations” are not entirely new but are instead adaptations of time-tested methods that have been revitalized to address current educational demands. This historical perspective underscores the importance of integrating traditional practices to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of modern VET systems. The discussion stresses the importance of learning from historical experiences to inform future developments in vocational education, suggesting that a deep understanding of VET’s historical context can provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers alike. The article also addresses the potential pitfalls of renaming and rebranding educational approaches, which can lead to misleading perceptions and adverse effects, hindering educators and policymakers from recognizing foundational principles that remain pertinent today. Additionally, the uncritical dismissal and rejection of past educational principles signifies a denial of the cultural and educational traditions that informed their development and shaped them. Acknowledging and recognizing these historical influences can enrich contemporary educational frameworks and promote a more nuanced understanding of the current educational landscape.

Scientific production on robotic metabolic and bariatric surgery: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on its current world status.

Robotic metabolic and bariatric surgery (RMBS) has emerged as an innovative approach in the treatment of severe obesity by combining the ergonomic precision of robotic technology and instrumentation with the established benefits of weight loss surgery. This study employs a bibliometric approach to identify local research trends and worldwide patterns in RMBS. The research methodology used "robotic" and "metabolic" or "bariatric surgery" to search Web of Science. Articles that were published prior to December 31st, 2023, were included. The analyses were developed using the Rayyan and Bibliometric, in R Studio. 265 articles from 51 different journals were included. Scientific production of RMBS experienced a significant annual growth rate of 21.96% from 2003 to 2023, resulting in an average of 12.6 papers published per year. A high correlation (R2 = 0.94) was found between the year and number of articles. The mean number of citations per document was 13.25. Approximately 90% of the journals were classified as zone 3, according to the Bradford categorization. International collaboration was identified in 10.57% of cases, with the University of California and the University of Illinois being the most common organizations. The countries with the highest number of corresponding authors, in descending order, were the United States of America, China, and Switzerland. Scientific production in RMBS has experienced sustained growth since the first original publications in 2003. While it has not yet reached the volume, impact, and international collaboration seen in studies related to non-robotic metabolic and bariatric surgery, RBMS holds potential that remains to be explored.

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Method on the Life Expectancy of Patients with Various Diseases in Iran: A Literature Review Study

Context: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy method focusing on acceptance and commitment to life values. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the ACT method on the life expectancy (LE) of patients with different diseases. Evidence Acquisition: The present study is a literature review that collects findings from past related studies in the last two decades. For this purpose, the essential and common Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were first identified. Then, the desired MeSH terms were searched in the most reliable and essential international databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and national databases, including Magiran, SID, Iran doc, etc. First, 265 articles were identified, and then 18 were selected as final studies considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The findings of 18 studies were extracted for the present study. Some different types of patients, including those with rheumatoid arthritis, depression, multiple sclerosis, asthma, diabetes, liver transplants, chronic pain, cancer, physical-motor disabilities, drug addiction, and others, were shown to increase LE through the use of the ACT method. The main finding of the present study was that using the ACT method to increase LE in patients with various diseases has a significant effect, which was clearly highlighted in all the selected studies. Conclusions: Based on the findings, ACT is an effective and high-efficiency method in increasing patients' LE. Acceptance and commitment therapy can improve LE, resilience, quality of life, compliance with treatment, and other patient benefits, thus improving the speed of recovery for patients. Therefore, the ACT method, which is a non-pharmacological method, can be used by specialists and clinical psychology experts for different patients.

Causes of Nurses' Migration, A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: One of the foundations of the health system are nurses. Migration is one of the factors of reducing and losing this valuable capital. Methods: In this systematic review study, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, Magiran and Google Scholar databases were searched without time limit and based on the Prisma method, and in order to evaluate the quality of the articles, critical evaluation checklists of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) were used. Results: First, 265 articles were extracted. After screening and removing duplicate articles, unrelated, without complete text, the qualitative evaluation stage was performed, and finally 17 articles were included in the study. No intervention was reported in the articles and no study prioritized the identified effective factors. The causes affecting migration were classified into two main categories: Causes related to the country of origin (push factors) and causes related to the destination country (pull factors). The factors in the countries of origin and destination were counted in three areas: individual factors, social factors and cultural factors. Income, job position, job security, continuing education facilities and educational technology, team relations and facilities in the work environment and family status were identified as the most important factors affecting migration. Conclusion: Nurses and especially young nurses from third world countries had a high desire to immigrate. Considering the multi-dimensional causes affecting the migration of nurses, in order to manage this phenomenon effectively, special attention and structural reforms in the social, cultural, political and economic dimensions are needed

Unveiling New Horizons: Advancing Technologies in Cosmeceuticals for Anti-Aging Solutions.

In the last years, the landscape of anti-aging cosmetics has been marked by significant advances in cosmeceutical delivery systems. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of these technological innovations, with a focus on anti-aging effects, from 2018 to 2023. The methodology included a thorough search on PubMed and through gray literature, applying rigorous exclusion criteria. The descriptors were selected based on the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). A total of 265 articles were found. Exclusion criteria were applied, and 90 of them were selected for full reading. After reading the full 90 articles, 52 were excluded, leaving 38 articles for final evaluation composing this review. The key findings highlighted a clear prevalence of studies exploring nanotechnology, including nanoparticles, niosomes, and liposomes. Most of the formulations analyzed in this review emphasize antioxidant activities, which play a crucial role in preventing premature aging caused by free radicals. The reviewed studies revealed specific activities, such as the reduction in melanin synthesis, the inhibition of enzymes involved in the skin aging process, and the prevention of morphological changes typical of aging.

Высокое служение Отечеству: к 75-летию Н.М. Валеева

The article is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Doctor of Philology, Professor, Academician of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Honoured Scholar of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Russian Federation, the member of the Union of Writers of Russia and the Presidium of the Union of Local Historians of Russia – Nail Mansurovich Valeev. It describes him as an outstanding Russian humanities scholar, literary critic, art critic, historian, local historian, cultural studies scholar, major organiser of scientific events and a public official. His unique and resonant academic work, significant and conceptual projects contribute to the prestige of our republic and country. Over the three decades of his life in the city of Elabuga, he wrote hundreds of articles and ten books about the historical and cultural heritage of Elabuga, about the fate of Elabuga merchants-benefactors. His enormous work on organising a purposeful study of the history of the city led to the recognition of Elabuga as one of the tourist-attractive cities of Russia. Regularly held international scientific conferences devoted to the study of the fate of the merchant dynasties of the city and the creative heritage of the forgotten classic of Russian literature D.I. Stakheev, attracted the attention of scholars from all over Russia and around the world, as well as the descendants of the merchant dynasties of the Stakheevs from Australia, Switzerland, Great Britain, France, etc. to the rich history of the city. Huge work was carried out by N.M. Valeev to draw the attention of the Republic of Tatarstan Academy of Sciences academics and the scholars of the Federal Research Center “Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences” to the study and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Chistopol. Academic works of N.M. Valeev about the life of Kazan art of the twentieth century, the Literary Chistopol encyclopedia, the monograph Boris Pasternak in Chistopol. To the origins of the “Doctor Zhivago” novel and other works caused a wide resonance around the country and the world, attracted the attention of specialists to the rich history of Tatarstan and Chistopol.

Research on the classroom teaching design model of enterprise mentors from the perspective of modern apprenticeship

With the advancement of modern apprenticeship, corporate mentors play an increasingly important role in vocational education. However, in the face of new talent training models, corporate mentors face many problems and challenges in classroom teaching design work. This study aims to investigate the problems encountered in the classroom teaching design process for corporate mentors from the perspective of modern apprenticeship. It proposes a classroom teaching design model based on the BOPPPS model that integrates digital technology to solve these problems. This model aims to enhance corporate mentors' teaching design capabilities and classroom instruction quality through digital technology empowerment and optimization of the BOPPPS model. The research results of the paper provide a theoretical, systematic, and scientific classroom teaching design model for enterprise instructors. It provides new perspectives and practical solutions to the classroom instructional design of enterprise instructors under the modern apprenticeship system.

Did the Bologna Process Challenge the German Apprenticeship System? Evidence from a Natural Experiment

Did the Bologna Process Challenge the German Apprenticeship System? Evidence from a Natural Experiment

The Practice and Exploration of Modern Apprenticeship System for Accounting Talent Cultivation in Higher Vocational Education

With the rapid development of society and economy, in the context of increasingly rigorous skills and qualifications requirements for financial talents in various fields, the modern apprenticeship system training model has emerged. Modern apprenticeship is a way for colleges and enterprises to deepen cooperation, aiming to cultivate students by integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which is an innovative talent training model that is crucial for cultivating high-level financial talents. This article starts from the meaning, advantages, and significance of implementing the modern apprenticeship system in higher vocational accounting majors, examines the realistic difficulties faced by higher vocational accounting majors in implementing the modern apprenticeship system training model, and explores measures to improve the modern apprenticeship system training model to solve the problems faced by higher vocational accounting majors in modern apprenticeship teaching.

Inflation’s Reduction of the Real Minimum Wage and Unemployment in the USA: 1987 to 2021

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Hundreds of articles have been written that include empirical estimates of the dis-employment effects of minimum wages; however, many of these articles find statistically insignificant effects, some find significant negative effects, and a few find significant positive effects. Most of these studies use multivariate analyses which can be criticized for omitting key variables. The omitted variables problem ruins all statistics and estimates. This paper uses reiterative truncated projected least squares (RTPLS), a solution to the omitted variables problem, to estimate the percentage increase in unemployment due to a one percent increase in the real minimum wage using monthly data for the 50 states of the USA from 1987 to 2021. RTPLS produces a separate elasticity for every observation where differences in these estimates are due to omitted variables. We argue that RTPLS solves most of the econometric problems that David Neumark identified in his keynote address at a minimum wage conference in Berlin in 2018. We find that the percentage change in the unemployment rate due to a one percent change in the minimum wage ranges between 1.156 and 3.389, that the elasticities for different states tend to move together over time, and that all these elasticities are statistically significant at a 95 percent confidence level.</span></p>

Entrepreneurial learning in informal apprenticeship programs: Exploring the learning process of the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS) in Nigeria

Entrepreneurial learning in informal apprenticeship programs: Exploring the learning process of the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS) in Nigeria

Qualitative Analysis of the State of Apprenticeship Training in Abeokuta South Local Government

This study examined the state of apprenticeship training in Abeokuta South Local Government. It examines the attitude of relevant stakeholders towards apprenticeship training; the level of apprenticeship training and factors that influence apprenticeship training in Abeokuta South Local Government. Conceptually, the paper briefly explained the overview of apprentice, factors influencing apprenticeship training and cognitive learning theory served as the basis of theoretical frame. The paper revealed that the attitude of the stakeholders especially the trainer and the trainee are positive however, need more commitment from the government, the trainer and the trainee. More so, the paper revealed that there was high level of apprenticeship decline in the society. Finally, majority of the respondents mentioned poverty, high learning fee, internet fraud, peer group’s influence, etc as factors affecting apprenticeship training. However, this paper recommends that all the stakeholders should be deliberate and commited in their goals of ensuring a viable apprenticeship system for the teeming youth in the country.

Exploring apprentice selection by skilled trade artisans in the Ghanaian construction industry

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the factors influencing trade artisans’ choice of skills selection as apprentice’s trainee in the Ghanaian construction sector and to identify and address the challenges associated with traditional apprenticeship. Trade artisans with technical know-how in construction and general workplace skills from the traditional apprenticeship training (TAT) in the area of construction were selected from selected sites and training centers. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopted the purposive sampling technique with the aim of gathering knowledge from individuals with expertise in the research area, particularly trade craftsmen who have been trained through the TAT system and are directly involved in construction-related works. Partial least square structure equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analytical approach and principal component analysis were used to reduce the dimensionality of the data set and preserve as much information as possible. Findings Three major components, namely, personal and social interest, job assessment and stability and family and faith were identified as the variables that influence an artisan's choice of a skill trade. These influenced the choice of apprenticeship training by young trainees in choosing apprenticeship as a mode of training. Personal interest, living situation of artisans and parents’ educational attainment are the most influencing factors that determine artisans’ choice of selected trades. Moreover, the study also shed light on the challenges inherent in traditional apprenticeship systems, such as the lack of formal technical education, limited access to modern technology and information and poor working conditions. Practical implications The study underscores the imperative for stakeholders to enhance apprenticeship programmes within the construction sector. This involves providing more stable job opportunities, improving working conditions and offering access to modern technology and information. Such enhancements not only attract more young individuals to apprenticeship training but also ensure the sustainability and relevance of the workforce in meeting industry demands. Originality/value The study finally developed a model that could be used as a foundation for future PLS-SEM evaluation and identified the factors that influence the selection of apprenticeship training by trade artisans.

Research on Talent Cultivation in Digital Media Technology at Vocational Colleges Under the Modern Apprenticeship System

Research on Talent Cultivation in Digital Media Technology at Vocational Colleges Under the Modern Apprenticeship System

The Role of the Igbo Apprenticeship System in Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria

The growth of entrepreneurship is vital for Nigeria's economic development, with Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) playing a key role. This study examines the impact of the Igbo Apprenticeship System on entrepreneurship development and youth employment in Nigeria. Through semi-structured interviews with 50 Igbo business owners at Dugbe market in Ibadan, Oyo State, a significant market in South-Western Nigeria, the research highlights the system's role in establishing small businesses and imparting entrepreneurial skills to apprentices. The study confirms that the apprenticeship system is well-established within the community, with all respondents familiar with it. It highlights the system's critical role in entrepreneurship development in Nigeria, noting that 98% of respondents have participated in the system, and over 60% have sustained their businesses for more than ten years. The system also positively impacts youth employment by providing young people with the skills necessary to start and run their own businesses. However, it shows limited success in empowering females, and challenges such as financial settlement issues and a hostile work environment persist. The study recommends restructuring the system to shift from an individualistic focus to one that promotes teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support, with a particular emphasis on enhancing inclusivity for women.

Bibliography and research of the press of the Communist Party of Lithuania of 1917-1940

The press of the Communist Party of Lithuania from 1917 to 1940 holds a significant place in the history of Lithuanian press. The scope of this research is quite extensive, covering about 1,100 books and booklets, 413 periodicals, and several thousand appeals. The research on this subject began in 1947. Currently, more than 10 researchers are actively working on this topic. Hundreds of articles dedicated to this subject have been published in selected scientific works such as "Book Research" ("Knygotyra"), "The Problems of the LCP History" ("LKP istorijos klausimai"), and "Journalistics" ("Žurnalistika"). About 8 theses have been defended, but only a small portion of this material has been published—just 2 works, and not completely. The main peculiarity of this research is the use of both bibliographical and historical approaches. The most intensive work of this kind began in the 1960s and was further developed in the 1980s, culminating in the bibliographical works "The Press of the CP of Lithuania 1917-1940. Volumes 1-2." The problems surrounding the publication of the classics of Marxism-Leninism are analyzed in separate, more detailed articles. The primary challenge at present is to generalize the history of the CP press of Lithuania in a monographic study.

Bone and joint infections. Algorithms of antibiotic therapy in surgical practice

Bone and joint infections such as osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, etc. are serious medical conditions that require prompt and effective treatment. Without proper intervention, these infections can lead to significant complications, including chronic pain, deformity, loss of function, and even systemic complications such as sepsis. Antibiotic therapy plays a k ey role in the management of these infections making it possible to prevent serious complications, preser ve limb function, reduce treatment costs, and improve clinical outcomes. The ar ticle discusses the basic principles and algorithms for antibacterial treatment of infection in the given localization, taking into account modern clinical recommendations and standards of pharmacotherapy. Timely diagno - sis and adequate treatment can reduce the risk of complications and improve the prognosis in patients with bone and joint infections. The rational use of antibiotics is also a par t of the fight against developing microbial resistance, which is of great importance for public health.

Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world: Challenges and prospects

The study examined the challenges and prospects of Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world: The specific objectives were to: determine the challenges of Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world and examine the prospects of Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world. The research design was descriptive survey method. Study Area was Enugu State. The sample size of 163 respondents were taken from population of 276 apprentices from different major markets – Kenyetha market (44), Ogbete market (41), Timber market Abakpa (53), Artisans markets (64) and Gariki market (74) Enugu Metropolis business clusters in Enugu state, Nigeria. Research questions of the study were answered using mean score and standard deviation. The hypotheses stated would be tested with chi-square and single regression analysis. The empirical result showed that there are significant challenges of Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world (Chi-square: 33.62 > Critical-value: 0.000) and there are significant prospects of Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world (Chi-square: 98.48 > Critical-value: 0.000). The study recommended that Nigerian government should formulate policy that enforce justice between apprentice master and his apprentice to control non-settlement of apprentice after several years of patience.

Changing a postgraduate certificate in academic practice to a postgraduate apprenticeship at one English university: impacts for academic identities and staff development practices

ABSTRACT Since 2018, new UK academics can enrol on a postgraduate Academic Professional Apprenticeship (APP) to become accredited higher education professionals. This new apprenticeship replaces or runs alongside traditional newer academic programmes such as Postgraduate Certificates of Academic Practice (PCAP). We share findings from a programme evaluation at one of the first adopters of the APP which explored the experiences of course participants and those supporting them. With 35 interview or focus group participants, findings show how the apprenticeship element adds more development and support opportunities for both, the apprentices and experienced academics supporting them. However, challenges around protecting time for development and balancing workload remained and there were challenges associated with the concept of being an apprentice. We also found some changes to the programme curriculum as a result of mapping it to the apprenticeship standard.