Comprehensive National Strategy Research Articles

Socio-economic inequalities in access to higher education in Ireland: achievements, failures and possibilities in comparative perspective

ABSTRACT The achievement of equality of opportunity has been an important driver of the major expansion of higher education systems. This paper provides a review of more than four decades of research on socio-economic inequalities in access to higher education in Ireland. To contextualise the Irish experience the paper provides an overview of the international literature on social mobility and on the role of higher education in the status attainment process. The analysis differentiates between changes in absolute and relative levels of inequality. It identifies the further inequalities which arise from participation in distinctive forms of higher education in a system differentiated by college type, field of study and programme duration. The examination of both the national and international literature points to the importance of developing a comprehensive national equity promotion strategy in education but also in the broader spheres of economic and social policy.

Exploring support for return-to-work: A comparative analysis of firm and country-level factors

Abstract Background Employers are important stakeholders in efforts to facilitate the return-to-work (RTW) of employees after sick-leave, but the available data reveal large variation in employer support for RTW across European countries and firms. This paper explores in a comparative perspective what factors at the country level and at the firm level can explain these differences. Methods Employer support for RTW is examined using microdata covering 31 countries from the Third European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER), conducted in 2019 (N = 9,775). These data are integrated with country-level indicators to capture national differences in economic incentives and institutional provisions concerning the management of sick-leave. Two-level mixed-effects logit models with random intercepts are used to estimate the impact that different firm characteristics and country-level factors have on the propensity to provide RTW support. Results The empty model has an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.345, indicating that a substantial share of the observed variation across European firms is determined at the country level. Larger establishments and those with workplace health risks are more likely to provide RTW support. Including firm-level indicators does however not reduce the observed between-country variance. Institutional differences in the economic costs of sick leave for employers, on the other hand, explain about 15% of this variance. The ICC drops more strongly after including in the model policy indicators that capture activating elements in the social security system and the existence of national policies targeting RTW. The full model explains almost two thirds (62.8%) of the observed between-country variance. Conclusions The findings highlight that only in few European countries employers are systematically involved in RTW support and strengthen the case for comprehensive policy strategies to engage employers in worker activation. Key messages • Employer characteristics, such as firm size, impact the propensity to provide RTW support, but they do not explain the large between-country variation that we observe across Europe. • Comprehensive national policy strategies and institutional incentives are crucial to engage employers systematically in RTW efforts.

The Role of Applying Artificial Intelligence in Improving Supply Chain Management and Sustainability: Evidence from Egypt Ports

This study aims to determine to what extent the application of AI could optimize supply chain management and contribute to the sustainability of Egyptian ports? Egyptian ports were selected to serve as an empirical study in this research, assessing their application of AI and their supply chain management. Interviews were conducted with a group of 7 managers from different Egyptian ports. The results of the interviews showed the main potential risks, ethical principles, and sustainability goals of applying AI to optimize the supply chain and thus ensure the sustainability of Egyptian ports. It also put forward suggestions and recommendations for overcoming these challenges and thus to formulate a comprehensive national AI strategy that aligns with both the sustainable development goals and the overarching vision of Digital Egypt (Vision 2030).

THE IMPACT OF DRUG COST ON MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN NIGERIA: A PERCEPTION AMONG PHARMACISTS

Background: Given Nigeria's huge economic instability, medication expenses may significantly impact medication adherence, creating a barrier to the treatment of various ailments. The study aimed to assess pharmacists' perceptions about the impact of drug costs on medication adherence in Nigeria. Methods: The study was cross-sectional among practicing pharmacists across Nigeria. The 25 items semi-structured questionnaire was administered online using simple random sampling with the snowballing technique to recruit the pharmacists for the study. The collected data was coded into Microsoft Excel 2016 and subsequently analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize the data, providing an overview of the demographic characteristics and key findings. Inferential statistics, specifically Pearson’s Chi-square test, were employed where applicable to determine the relationships between variables. Results: Total 161 pharmacists responded to the survey, giving an 80.5% response rate. The respondent rate was mainly young pharmacists (20–30 years old; 82.6%) and predominantly male (51.6%). Almost all the respondents possess only a bachelor of pharmacy degree (91.9%). Total 90% have practiced for 5 years or less, mostly in community settings (60.9%). Generic substitution has been cited as the most important technique to manage drug costs. Non-adherence due to cost was associated with practice settings, whereas adherence counseling was correlated with gender and setting of practice. All differences were not statistically significant at p<0.05. Conclusions: Most participants believe that the cost of medication is a major barrier to accessing quality healthcare and drives massive non-adherence among those who can barely afford the medicines. Implementing a comprehensive national strategy to enhance the healthcare system, expand the reach of the national health insurance program, and promote cooperation among healthcare practitioners will result in improved clinical outcomes for patients. Peer Review History: Received 22 May 2024; Revised 11 July 2024; Accepted 26 August; Available online 15 September 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, sansan4240732@163.com

Management of sustainable land use projects in accordance with EU requirements

The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the management of sustainable land use development projects in Ukraine and the EU countries and to develop recommendations for improving Ukrainian practices in accordance with the requirements of the European Union. The methodology was based on a systematic approach and included the analysis of statistical data, an expert survey, and the calculation of an integral index of compliance with EU requirements. The study focused on three key aspects: restoration of degraded land, introduction of organic farming, and water management. The results revealed that Ukraine is lagging behind in all the parameters under study. In the area of restoration of degraded land, it was found that the area of restored land in Ukraine (8.4% of the total area of degraded land) is almost twice less than the average of the EU countries studied (16.8%). Investments in land restoration in Ukraine (310 EUR/ha) are only 39% of the EU average (792 EUR/ha). The analysis of the development of organic farming showed that the share of organic land in Ukraine (1.1% of the total agricultural area) is almost 6 times lower than the average for the EU countries under study (6.7%). The number of certified organic producers in Ukraine (3.2 per 100,000 population) is 6.4 times lower than the average for EU countries. In the field of water management, it was found that the irrigation efficiency in Ukraine (60%) is significantly lower than the EU average (77.4%), and the share of land with drip irrigation in Ukraine (5.2%) is 3.5 times lower than the EU average (18%). The calculation of the integral index of compliance with EU requirements showed that Ukraine (56 points) significantly lags behind the average of the EU countries studied (82.4 points). Based on the identified differences and successful practices of EU countries, a set of recommendations has been developed to improve the management of sustainable land use projects in Ukraine. Key recommendations include the development of a comprehensive national strategy, the creation of specialised financing funds, the introduction of economic incentives, the modernisation of monitoring systems, the harmonisation of standards with the EU, and large-scale educational campaigns. The study emphasises the need to significantly improve approaches to managing sustainable land use projects in Ukraine to bring them closer to EU standards and ensure efficient use of land resources

Recovering cultural heritage: historical insights into Ethiopia’s unique approach

ABSTRACT Ethiopia, a nation rich in cultural and natural heritage, faces the challenge of recovering numerous cultural treasures dispersed across the globe. While Ethiopian regimes have sought to return these cultural treasures since the second half of the 19th century, the journey towards complete recovering remains incomplete. Thus, this article examines Ethiopia’s unique approach to recovering its heritage, contrasting it with strategies employed by other African nations. Despite over a century and a half of efforts, Ethiopia’s endeavors have been limited in scale and scope, leaving a significant portion of its cultural heritage abroad. The absence of a comprehensive national strategy has further hampered progress. The article stresses the need for a collaborative approach involving government agencies, cultural organizations, and international partners. This collaboration must encompass diplomatic negotiations, legal frameworks, and public awareness campaigns. Only through a unified and determined strategy can Ethiopia reclaim its rightful legacy and ensure the preservation of its cultural heritage for future generations.

Assessing the feasibility of test-and-cull and test-and-segregation approaches for the control of high-prevalence bovine tuberculosis in Ethiopian intensive dairy farms

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is endemic and has a substantial impact on the livestock sector in Ethiopia and other low and middle-income countries (LMICs). With a national emphasis on dairy farm intensification to boost milk production and spur economic growth, the incidence of bTB is anticipated to rise. However, Ethiopia, like other LMICs, lacks a comprehensive national bTB control strategy due to the economic and social infeasibility of traditional test-and-cull (TC) approaches. To inform the development of such a strategy, we evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of TC and test-and-segregation (TSg) strategies for bTB control on Ethiopian dairy farms. A TC approach was used at Farm A [N = 62; comparative cervical test (CCT) > 4 mm, starting prevalence 11.3%] while TSg was implemented at Farm B (N = 45; CCT > 4 mm, prevalence 22.2%), with testing intervals of 2–4 months. Both strategies achieved a reduction in bTB prevalence to 0%, requiring seven rounds of TC over 18 months at Farm A, and five rounds of TSg over 12 months at Farm B’s negative herd. The results show that adopting more sensitive thresholds [CCT > 0 mm or single cervical test (SCT) > 2 mm] during later rounds was pivotal in identifying and managing previously undetected infections, emphasizing the critical need for optimized diagnostic thresholds. Cost analysis revealed that TC was approximately twice as expensive as TSg, primarily due to testing, labor, and cow losses in TC, versus construction of new facilities and additional labor for TSg. This underscores the economic and logistical challenges of bTB management in resource-limited settings. Taken together, our study highlights an urgent need for the exploration of alternative approaches including TSg and or vaccination to mitigate within herd transmission and enable implementation of bTB control in regions where TC is not feasible.

Estimation of Opportunities for Trafficking in Persons: Analysis of Podes 2021 Data for Sanggau and Pontianak Regions in the Framework of Strengthening National Resilience

The relocation of the capital of the Republic of Indonesia (IKN) to East Kalimantan was chosen by the government due to its proximity to Balikpapan and Samarinda, water resources, and extensive plains with minimal risk of natural disasters, along with available government land for development. However, this plan has sparked various debates regarding its impact on urbanization, spatial planning, infrastructure provision, as well as the potential marginalization of local communities and social conflicts. From the perspective of national resilience, this study aims to identify human trafficking opportunities in Sanggau Regency and Pontianak City using a quantitative approach. The findings reveal that the presence of foreign nationals (WNAs) and the dominance of the tertiary employment sector significantly influence the level of human trafficking. These results underscore the necessity for a comprehensive national resilience strategy to prevent human trafficking and support the establishment of a new capital city in East Kalimantan.

Addressing the challenges of dementia care in Nigeria: A call for a comprehensive national strategy

AbstractDespite the growing prevalence of dementia, driven by an ageing population and compounded by cultural misunderstandings and stigma, Nigeria lacks a coherent national plan to address this issue. The article points out that although Nigeria has enacted policies such as the National Aging Policy, which do not sufficiently address the specific needs of people living with dementia. It underscores the necessity of integrating a dementia strategy within the broader health and social care systems of Nigeria. The article draws on the World Health Organization's Global Dementia Action Plan to elaborates on several critical areas for action, including public health prioritization of dementia, awareness and stigma reduction, improved diagnosis, treatment, care, and support, alongside bolstering support for caregivers. It stresses the importance of a dementia‐friendly infrastructure, research and innovation, and leveraging community support to foster a more inclusive society. Furthermore, the article outlines current state of healthcare and social support systems in Nigeria, pointing to significant gaps in infrastructure, healthcare workforce, and financial mechanisms that hinder effective dementia care. Hence, elevating dementia care as a national health priority, and increasing access to quality care and support, Nigeria is well positioned to mitigate the impact of dementia on families and the person with dementia. The call to action is clear: a national dementia strategy, informed by global best practices and tailored to Nigeria's unique cultural and societal context, is essential for addressing the challenges of dementia care and improving the well‐being of affected individuals and their families in Nigeria.

Manufacturing Industry Resource Endowment Index and Its Big Data Model

This study aims to demonstrate the application of big data models in the evaluation of manufacturing competitiveness across different countries and economic entities. It involves analyzing algorithms and data structures, designing algorithms for evaluating manufacturing competitiveness suitable for different countries and economic entities, and providing algorithmic and theoretical support for building computer assessment models for manufacturing competitiveness in economic entities. The research adopts qualitative and quantitative methods, comparing and analyzing empirical data on manufacturing resource endowment and competitiveness in various countries, combining theoretical analysis and empirical data. By conducting a literature review and empirical research, relevant information and data are collected to establish the relationship between manufacturing resource endowment index and competitiveness. Through case studies and comparative research, this study explores the main factors affecting manufacturing competitiveness in different countries and their interrelationships. It confirms that the competitiveness of manufacturing industries in different countries is influenced by factors such as resource endowment. Further analysis quantifies the relationship between national manufacturing resource endowment and competitiveness, leading to the design of computer algorithms, data structures, and processing logic. The results demonstrate the significant role of resource endowment in manufacturing competitiveness, serving as a crucial basis for formulating comprehensive national strategies. The innovations of this study include: 1. Introducing the manufacturing resource endowment index as a key variable for evaluating competitiveness, enriching the content of competitiveness big data models. 2. Designing comprehensive data structures, algorithms, and processing logic for assessing manufacturing competitiveness from multiple perspectives. 3. In-depth analysis of the relationship and analytical methods between manufacturing strategies, resource endowment, and competitiveness, providing theoretical and model references for the design of computer big data operation platforms.

The Impact of The Green Bonds on The Financial Sustainability: Evidence From Egypt

Egypt’s Vision 2030 delineates a comprehensive national strategy aimed at fostering sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on environmental conservation and economic advancement. Central to this vision is the integration of green finance instruments, notably green bonds, as pivotal tools for realizing environmental objectives while driving economic growth. However, the successful implementation of green bonds faces multifaceted challenges, including market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and the establishment of robust monitoring mechanisms. This research conducts an in-depth exploration of the intricate relationship between green bonds, environmental sustainability, and economic development within the context of Egypt’s Vision. Drawing on a synthesis of academic literature and insights gleaned from international case studies, the study critically evaluates the mechanisms for implementing green bonds. It also identifies the financing challenges and opportunities inherent in Vision green economy aspirations, while proposing strategic pathways to enhance the efficacy of green bond deployment. Formulating a set of research hypotheses, the study examines the alignment of green bond implementation mechanisms with Vision 2030 objectives, evaluates the impact of market perceptions and regulatory frameworks on green bond financing effectiveness, and assesses the role of international collaborations in mitigating financing challenges. Furthermore, the research explores key variables such as environmental impact, green bonds, and financial sustainability to elucidate their interconnections and implications for sustainable development. By offering nuanced insights and actionable recommendations, this research aims to enrich the discourse on sustainable development and financial innovation in Egypt. It seeks to bridge existing knowledge gaps, inform strategic decision-making processes, and facilitate the formulation of evidence-based policies conducive to realizing Egypt’s sustainable development aspirations outlined in Vision 2030. Keywords: Egypt’s Vision 2030, Green Bonds, Sustainable Development, Financial Innovation, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Growth.

Report of the Task Force on Food Security

The Report on Food Security was prepared by the Task Force set up in the Planning Commission by the Prime Minister of Pakistan in May 2008 to: (i) review the production, availability, storage, and consumption of essential food commodities in Pakistan; (ii) examine the food procurement system and status of storage facilities; (iii) analyse price trends of essential food commodities; (iv) assess the impact of (food) price hike (observed in 2007-08) on vulnerable groups; and (v) devise an action plan for promoting food security for the vulnerable groups. It produced two Interim Reports in July 2008 and September 2008 before the submission of the Final Report in February 2009. The setting up of the Task Force by the newly elected government soon after it had taken over was timely in that it preceded the start of the ‘Rabi sowing season for the next (winter 2008-09) wheat crop, the staple food in Pakistan. It must also be seen in the context of the unprecedented increase in global food prices in 2007-08 and rising threat of hunger and food insecurity, especially in developing countries. The need for evolving a comprehensive national strategy for food security was therefore pressing and urgent. The main elements of the national strategy for food security identified by the Task Force are: (i) achieving a growth rate of at least 4 percent during the next decade (2010 2020) for agricultural sector with special focus on livestock sub-sector; (ii) setting up an efficient food procurement and distribution system for ensuring around the year food security in all regions of the country; (iii) adopting a pro-poor growth strategy to enhance access of poor households to food; (iv) establishing transparent and efficient safety nets for the vulnerable groups. An important contribution of the Report was the construction of a food security index (FSI) incorporating (with suitable weights) major aspects of food security. It also recommended the adoption and frequent updating of the proposed FSI to monitor food security situation in the country.

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria: Challenges and Recommendations

Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, and a high disease burden. Digital health technologies offer promising solutions, but their implementation and impact remain limited and fragmented. This review examines the challenges of digital transformation in Nigerian healthcare and provides recommendations for overcoming these obstacles. While digital health initiatives have shown promise in improving access to care, enhancing health education, and streamlining healthcare delivery, significant challenges persist. These include infrastructure deficits, digital literacy gaps, financial constraints, regulatory issues, and concerns about data privacy and security. Rural and underserved areas face particularly acute challenges, risking the exacerbation of existing health inequalities. Overcoming the challenges of digital health transformation in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach. Recommendations include developing a comprehensive national digital health strategy, investing in infrastructure and digital literacy, creating a supportive regulatory environment, and fostering public-private partnerships. By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can harness the power of digital health to build a more robust, equitable, and effective healthcare system.

Bovine Tuberculosis: Ethiopian Perspective

Bovine tuberculosis is a significant zoonotic disease affecting livestock and humans worldwide, causing substantial economic losses and posing serious public health risks. This review aims to provide an overview of bovine tuberculosis in Ethiopia, highlighting its prevalence, risk factors, transmission routes, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic methods. Mycobacterium bovis primarily causes bovine tuberculosis, which is characterized by granulomatous lesions in various organs. Transmission occurs through inhalation, ingestion of contaminated materials, and direct contact with infected animals. The age, breed, herd size, and management practices are some of the risk factors for bovine tuberculosis. In Ethiopia, the disease is prevalent but poorly controlled, lacking a national control program. Effective diagnosis relies on methods such as the tuberculin skin test, culture, and PCR. Control measures include test-and-slaughter programs, movement restrictions, biosecurity protocols, and public health education. This review underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive national control strategy, enhanced surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and investment in research to mitigate the impact of bovine tuberculosis in Ethiopia, thereby safeguarding both animal and human health.

AI Innovation and Economics Growth: A Global Evidence

Abstract This research investigates the impact of artificial intelligence on economic growth, focusing on how AI-related activities such as scholarly publications, patent filings, and national AI strategies influence GDP across different national contexts. The study utilizes a comprehensive dataset from 2010 to 2023, covering 141 countries, and employs the SGMM to analyze the economic impacts of AI. Additionally, the study incorporates a Random Forest algorithm to assess the importance of various AI-related features, providing a nuanced understanding of which aspects of AI are most predictive of economic outcomes. This dual-methodology approach allows for robust analysis by addressing potential endogeneities with SGMM and validating feature significance with Random Forest. This ensures a thorough examination of AI’s contributions to economic growth. The SGMM analysis confirms that AI innovations significantly boost economic output, particularly in countries with robust AI strategies and advanced infrastructure. Complementing this, Random Forest analysis highlights that patents per million and comprehensive national AI strategies are crucial in predicting economic growth. These features are key drivers, indicating that dense innovation environments and strategic planning are essential for maximizing AI’s economic benefits. The study suggests that to leverage AI’s full economic potential, policymakers and business leaders should develop comprehensive AI strategies and foster environments conducive to AI integration. This research contributes unique insights into the quantitative effects of AI on economic growth, highlighting the role of national policies and infrastructure in enhancing AI’s economic impact. It offers a nuanced understanding of AI’s potential as a driver of sustainable economic development.

Effect of avian influenza scare on transmission of zoonotic avian influenza: A case study of influenza A (H7N9)

Avian influenza scare is a human psychological factor that asserts both positive and negative effects on the transmission of zoonotic avian influenza. In order to study the dichotomous effect of avian influenza scare on disease transmission, taking H7N9 avian influenza as a typical case, a two-patch epidemic model is proposed. The global dynamics and the threshold criteria are established by LaSalle invariant principle and the theory of asymptotic autonomous system. To mitigate the negative effects and curb illegal poultry trade, a game-theoretic model is adopted to explore the optimal policy of culling subsidies to reasonably compensate stakeholders for their economic losses resulting from the scare. The optimal policy of culling subsidy is found to heavily depend on the penalty of illegal poultry trade, the stakeholders’ income, the intensity of control measures, and the prevalence level of the disease. The negative effect of avian influenza scare on disease transmission is considerably more significant than the positive effect. In order to avoid a widespread outbreak of zoonotic avian influenza across the region, a comprehensive national global control strategy is essential and effective, even in the presence of the negative effect of the avian influenza scare.

Insights into the use of telemedicine in primary care in times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic - a cross-sectional analysis based on the international PRICOV-19 study in Austria

BackgroundThe SARS-CoV2 pandemic as well as the implementation of public health measures to decrease the spread of the virus re-sparked the call for “virtual” health or “distance” treatments. This paper aimed to assess the use of video consultations, the up-to-dateness of practice websites, and the views of GPs on whether eHealth is a positive aspect for the future of their practices in publicly -funded primary healthcare facilities in Austria.MethodsThe cross-sectional online questionnaire, part of the PRICOV-19 study, was conducted from December 2020 until July 2021. We randomly recruited 176 GP practices across Austria. Descriptive statistics as well as binary logistic regression models were applied to examine the associations between telemedicine use and practice factors.ResultsCompared with before the pandemic (3.8%), 7.6% of publicly funded GP practices have been using video consultations since the pandemic. In line with this, 93.9% of the practices had no increase in video consultation use. Fewer than half (44.3%) had an up-to-date webpage, and 27.8% assumed that the pandemic might have been a positive driver for eHealth in their practices. Positive associations with video consultation use could be found in practices with fewer patients aged 70 years and over than the average and more patients with chronic diseases than the average.ConclusionThe use of video consultations in general practice and the readiness for other telemedicine approaches are both very low in Austria. Austria has to urgently follow the example of countries with a transparent and comprehensive national digital health strategy that includes video consultation. Without a proper payment system, patient inclusion, and support with regard to administrative and organizational aspects, no substantial change will occur in spite of an increase in need due to the pandemic and changes in the patient population.

‘It’s properly changed, and I think it’s going to continue.’ How the pandemic and the cost of living crisis remade the teaching assistant role

ABSTRACT This paper presents evidence of how the role of teaching assistants (TAs) in England has been remade by the Covid pandemic. Drawing on data from a national survey of 9,055 TAs and 22 semi-structured interviews with TAs, teachers and headteachers, the authors show how essential TAs were to schools’ responses to managing the disruption caused by the pandemic. TAs kept schools functioning and supported the pastoral and wellbeing needs of children and families, both in school and in the wider community. As life and learning return to normal, the informal duties that TAs took on during lockdown have persisted, leading to a marked increase in workload. At the same time, TAs find themselves struggling to make ends meet amid a fresh crisis concerning the rising cost of living. Headteachers report fears of losing TAs to better-paid jobs and being unable to recruit replacements. Problems maintaining provision for pupils with additional needs and exacerbating challenges regarding teacher workload and retention are forecast. Despite schools’ innovative and well-meaning efforts to recognise and demonstrate their appreciation of TAs, this paper argues that this does not amount to a robust TA retention strategy. A comprehensive national development strategy and investment in the TA workforce is recommended to address longstanding issues concerning their role, identity, value and pay.

The impact of artificial intelligence on modern education: prospects and challenges

This paper examines the intricate links between artificial intelligence (AI) and education, delving into both theoretical and practical aspects while evaluating possible ramifications for labor market dynamics, professional activity, and wider educational paradigms. Our research methodology involved analyzing relevant scientific literature, classifying data, consulting with subject matter experts, and synthesizing the results. Our research suggests that AI has the ability to greatly improve pedagogical processes, personalize learning experiences to meet individual student needs, and successfully address the time and financial limitations that are inherent in traditional educational models. However, our study also reveals challenges related to data confidentiality, potential plagiarism and fraud associated with AI use, and socioeconomic disparities resulting from unequal technology access. Additionally, we identified a significant gap in current AI usage standards legislation. It is essential for researchers, educators, and policymakers to recognize the potential risks of AI implementation in educational settings and proactively develop strategies that prioritize ethics, safety, and effectiveness. With labor market trends favoring specialists knowledgeable in utilizing AI tools, a consequent change in curricula is expected. In response to our findings, we recommend the creation of new academic disciplines that concentrate on the cultivation of AI expertise; the establishment of comprehensive national AI strategies; the crafting of retraining roadmaps for those who may be affected by AI automation; the inclusion of online AI courses in existing educational programs; and the promotion of grant funding for future AI research. Our future research will concentrate on reducing the potential negative impacts of integrating AI into educational systems.

Unemployment and underemployment are causes of suicide.

Epidemiological studies indicate that labor underutilization and suicide are associated, yet it remains unclear whether this association is causal. We applied convergent cross mapping to test for causal effects of unemployment and underemployment on suicidal behavior, using monthly data on labor underutilization and suicide rates in Australia for the period 2004-2016. Our analyses provide evidence that rates of unemployment and underemployment were significant drivers of suicide mortality in Australia over the 13-year study period. Predictive modeling indicates that 9.5% of the ~32,000 suicides reported between 2004 and 2016 resulted directly from labor underutilization, including 1575 suicides attributable to unemployment and 1496 suicides attributable to underemployment. We conclude that economic policies prioritizing full employment should be considered integral to any comprehensive national suicide prevention strategy.