Current State Research Articles

CRISIS MANAGEMENT OF AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IN CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL LAW

The article reveals the peculiarities of crisis management of educational institutions in conditions of martial law. The current state of functioning of educational institutions in Ukraine is analyzed. The problems of educational institutions that have arisen as a result of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine are outlined. An analysis of the research of Ukrainian scientists on the problems of crisis management of educational institutions in wartime is carried out. The essence of the concept of "crisis" is revealed, the causes, factors, symptomatic indicators and consequences of the social crisis in Ukraine are determined. The purpose of anti- crisis management of an educational organization and the peculiarities of performing the main management functions (planning, organization, motivation, control) in the context of the crisis associated with military operations on the territory of Ukraine are outlined. The ways to ensure the results of the educational institution's activities in the context of crisis in the context of systemic and crisis management are revealed. An algorithm for creating an anti-crisis management plan for an educational institution is proposed. Examples of the use of tools for analyzing the impact of environmental factors on the activities of an educational institution, projecting potential risks and threats are given. An indicative list of tasks of the crisis management team of an educational institution is presented. Attention is focused on the importance of the psycho-emotional state of teachers and support staff and the main tasks of the manager to maintain the microclimate in the team during the war.

Re-visiting the Discursive Power of Chinas Generation Z: A Perspective on the Rise of New Populism in China Through Self-Media

While the authoritarian rule of China and its media censorship have been extensively researched, the emergence of self-media has introduced a dynamic new platform for political engagement, especially among Generation Z. This paper presents an innovative research perspective, examining the transformative role of self-media in reshaping and fragmenting discursive power, and its subsequent influence on the development of populism in China. It analyzes the Partys degree of tolerance towards self-media within its overarching media regulation policies, and studies how this emergent public sphere of politics catalyzed the transformation of populism along with broad discussions and critiques of societal issues. Focusing on Generation Zs extensive use of self-media for political engagement, the paper underscores the younger generations disillusionment with the current state of media-driven populism under the Party's regime. The paper highlights how the lack of discursive power has contributed to an excessive proliferation of nationalism, formalism, and disparities in wealth distribution. The study offers valuable insights for future research on discursive power in authoritarian settings and stimulates discourse on how self-media simultaneously constructs and deconstructs the frameworks and understanding of populist ideologies.

Recent Contributions of Proteomics to Our Understanding of Reversible Nε-Lysine Acylation in Bacteria.

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been extensively studied in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Lysine acetylation, originally thought to be a rare occurrence in bacteria, is now recognized as a prevalent and important PTM in more than 50 species. This expansion in interest in bacterial PTMs became possible with the advancement of mass spectrometry technology and improved reagents such as acyl-modification specific antibodies. In this Review, we discuss how mass spectrometry-based proteomic studies of lysine acetylation and other acyl modifications have contributed to our understanding of bacterial physiology, focusing on recently published studies from 2018 to 2023. We begin with a discussion of approaches used to study bacterial PTMs. Next, we discuss newly characterized acylomes, including acetylomes, succinylomes, and malonylomes, in different bacterial species. In addition, we examine proteomic contributions to our understanding of bacterial virulence and biofilm formation. Finally, we discuss the contributions of mass spectrometry to our understanding of the mechanisms of acetylation, both enzymatic and nonenzymatic. We end with a discussion of the current state of the field and possible future research avenues to explore.

An Approach to Reduce Production Lead Time in the Valve Manufacturing Industry

Lean manufacturing aids improved productivity and product quality by identifying and eliminating waste. The present work aims to utilize Value Stream Mapping (VSM), a lean manufacturing technique to minimize the cycle time in the production of valves. A current state map is developed with available information gathered from the production unit, to identify the time-consuming factors like waiting time, improper inspection, and the lack of material and resources for manufacturing. Problem-solving techniques like 5s, JIT, KANBAN, and KAIZEN are used to reduce time-consuming activities. Value-Added and Non-value-added activities are identified through Current State Map. Activities such as placing a purchase order, drawing, assembling, testing, packaging, and shipping are Value-added activities. Non-Value-added activities are identified as rework, inspection, movement, waiting for the next process, and over-processing. The job waiting time between the next process is reduced by 70% using the future state map and the productivity is enhanced.

Achieving new insights on rational design and application of double perovskite Y2CrMnO6 nanostructures as potential materials for electrochemical hydrogen storage performance

Fossil fuel consumption and environmental concerns have long motivated the use of electric vehicles around the world. To meet the global energy demand, hydrogen has been proposed as a clean energy carrier with carbon-free combustion. There is, however, a great need for high-performance electrode materials in hydrogen storage applications in order to achieve the desired goals of long life and superior specific capacity. The purpose of our study is to investigate how novel double perovskite Y2CrMnO6 (YCMO) nanostructures can be used as highly active electrocatalysts in hydrogen storage activity by kinetics of redox and physisorption mechanisms. For the first time, spherical-shaped YCMO nanoparticles were fabricated via sol-gel auto-combustion using grape juice as fuel and complexing agent. A series of physic-chemical and electrochemical techniques was used to analyze the electrochemical performance of resultant YCMO samples based on their uniformity, size, and phase purity, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel polarization. At a constant current of 1 mA in a three electrode set-up, the 15th profile of hydrogen storage capacity of YCMO-15, synthesized with 15 mL of grape juice, reached a maximum value of 465 mAh g−1 at a constant current of 1 mA, which is higher than that of YCMO-5 (355 mAh g−1) and YCMO-10 (350 mAh g−1). The results presented here can also lead to a new plan for developing Cr–Mn-based double perovskite oxides with hydrogen storage properties.

Evaluating and Improving the Metropolitan Economic Freedom Index

AbstractThe Metropolitan Economic Freedom Index (MEFI) ranks cities based on their support of free market enterprise. In its current state, MEFI purports to measure three constructs (government spending, taxation, and labor market freedom) with three equally weighted variables for each one, assuming perfect substitutability of variables. This study investigates the statistical consistency of MEFI through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Multiple models investigate current variable selection by providing a potentially better indicator of labor market freedom, aggregation assumptions by removing the requirements for fixed and equal weights, and statistical consistency by evaluating the fit between the data and models. Results indicate that the current MEFI model is not statistically consistent with the data, that weighting of variables should not be equal, that variable selection should be investigated, and that constructs should be re-imagined. The models investigated provide an initial starting point for redefining MEFI.

Bibliometric Analysis of Research Papers on Academic Stress (1989-2023).

This extensive study provides a comprehensive overview of the contemporary research landscape about academic stress, emphasizing on identifying the most relevant contributors and understanding prevalent trends. The analysis included 5,375 results from the PubMed database and revealed a consistent upward trajectory with fluctuations in research paper publications over the years. Network analysis and visualization were performed using the Biblioshiny app and VOSviewer software. The analysis identified that the University of Oslo has published the highest number of research papers related to academic stress. In contrast, the Netherlands, the USA, and Australia demonstrated the highest frequency of collaboration. Analysis of keywords and their co-occurrence provides an overview of the research focus and the areas associated with psychological stress due to academics. Thematic evaluation and topic trend analysis provided insights into the evolving nature of research in academic stress. The thematic map depicts two categories of themes - motor themes, including psychological stress, its epidemiology, the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the mental health of university students, particularly those in medical programs; and emerging themes, including oxidative stress and risk factors, indicated evolving areas of interest. A notable observation was the scarcity of research on primary school students, signaling a gap in the existing academic stress literature. Citation analysis identified the most cited authors, countries, universities, and sources. This multifaceted examination provides a nuanced understanding of academic stress research's current state and dynamics, offering valuable insights into trends, collaborations, and thematic shifts that will guide future research in this critical field.

The significance and challenges of turnover and retention of millennial professionals

PurposeThis paper aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the current state of the millennial literature, highlighting the significance and challenges of millennial professionals, their reported high turnover and the various recommendations designed to engage and retain them.Design/methodology/approachAn integrated review approach was applied to synthesise contemporary peer-reviewed articles, supplemented by legacy and grey literature and relevant book chapters, to comprehensively explore and construct a cohesive overview of the current research on the millennial workforce.FindingsWithin the wealth of available information, examining the various studies on millennial turnover reveals diverse theories, evidence and opportunities for advancement, underscoring the necessity for more robust empirical studies. The investigation identified three overarching retention strategy themes: (1) intergenerational conflict management, (2) workplace adaptations and (3) solutions rooted in a protean career orientation. In alignment with protean career concepts, coaching shows promise as an underexplored option.Practical implicationsThis article holds practical significance by offering researchers a comprehensive and cohesive overview of the millennial literature. Additionally, it gives organisations a novel perspective on the crucial role coaching can play in engaging and retaining millennial employees.Originality/valueThe increased focus on retaining millennial workers in recent decades has spurred a proliferation of articles and books on this subject. However, this body of research remains fragmented, lacking an overview that provides a clear picture of its current state. This review aims to bridge this gap.

Comparative study for coastal aquifer vulnerability assessment using deep learning and metaheuristic algorithms.

Coastal aquifer vulnerability assessment (CAVA) studies are essential for mitigating the effects of seawater intrusion (SWI) worldwide. In this research, the vulnerability of the coastal aquifer in the Lahijan region of northwest Iran was investigated. A vulnerability map (VM) was created applying hydrogeological parameters derived from the original GALDIT model (OGM). The significance of OGM parameters was assessed using the mean decrease accuracy (MDA)method, with the current state of SWI emerging as the most crucial factor for evaluating vulnerability. To optimize GALDIT weights, we introduced the biogeography-based optimization (BBO) and gray wolf optimization (GWO) techniques to obtain to hybrid OGM-BBO and OGM-GWO models, respectively. Despite considerable research focused on enhancing CAVA models, efforts to modify the weights and rates of OGM parameters by incorporating deep learning algorithms remain scarce. Hence, a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm was applied to produce the VM. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for OGM-BBO, OGM-GWO, and VMCNN were 0.794, 0.835, and 0.982, respectively. According to the CNN-based VM, 41% of the aquifer displayed very high and high vulnerability to SWI, concentrated primarily along the coastline. Additionally, 32% of the aquifer exhibited very low and low vulnerability to SWI, predominantly in the southern and southwestern regions. The proposed model can be extended to evaluate the vulnerability of various coastal aquifers to SWI, thereby assisting land use planers and policymakers in identifying at-risk areas. Moreover, deep-learning-based approaches can help clarify the associations between aquifer vulnerability and contamination resulting from SWI.

Connecting classic cycle tourism with micromobiles - Case study of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina

Connecting classic cycle tourism with micromobiles - Case study of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina

(127) Is Artificial Intelligence Ready to Help Urologists?

Abstract Introduction ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI. It's a variant of the GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) architecture, a transformer-based neural network used for natural language processing tasks. The model has been trained on a massive corpus of text data and can generate human-like responses to topics and questions. ChatGPT can be used for chatbots, conversation agents, and language translation. The integration of AI into urology has the potential to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs, ultimately leading to a better healthcare experience for patients. Objective The objective of this study is to assess the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) when it comes to urologic problems and to determine whether it is sufficiently developed and prepared to provide useful assistance to urologists in their clinical practice. This study aims to assess the accuracy, reliability, and potential benefits of one AI language model (ChatGPT) in efficiently answering common patient questions, providing patients with accurate educational information, minimizing patient harm, and guiding patients towards appropriate management. By exhibiting ChatGPT's capabilities and limitations in the context of urology, the study aims to demonstrate how AI can be helpful in everyday urological practices. Methods ChatGPT (chat.openai.com) was presented with typical clinical scenarios and patient questions. Results AI wrote the introduction answering “What is ChatGPT?” and “How can AI help urologists?”. For the conclusion, AI was prompted with “Is artificial intelligence ready to help urologists?”. Figures summarize the answers to common patient questions given by ChatGPT. Conclusions The use of AI in the field of urology is still in its early stages and more research is needed to determine its full potential. However, there have already been some promising developments and successful applications. For example, AI algorithms have been used to accurately diagnose prostate cancer, predict patient outcomes, and improve surgical planning. While AI has the potential to revolutionize the field of urology, it is important to note that AI is not a substitute for human expertise and judgment. AI algorithms can provide valuable insights and assistance, but the ultimate decision making and treatment planning should still be done by experienced urologists. Additionally, it is important to ensure that AI systems are developed and used in a way that respects patient privacy and data security, and that the outcomes of AI-assisted decision making are transparent and explainable. In summary, AI has the potential to greatly benefit the field of urology. Still, it is important to approach its use with caution and continue evaluating its impact as more research is conducted. Disclosure No.

(238) Hyaluronic Acid in Urology: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Introduction Introduction: The use of hyaluronic acid (HA) as a non-surgical treatment for various pathological and cosmetic conditions within urology has been of great interest in recent literature. HA has been studied for use in several conditions including Peyronie’s disease, penile size augmentation, and premature ejaculation. Currently, HA is not first-line or standard therapy for any of these conditions; however, it has been increasingly utilized in clinical practice. Objective To provide an updated review and meta-analysis of the current state of hyaluronic acid use in urology, characterize its adverse effects, as well as briefly discuss future directions of research for HA in urology. Methods Multiple PubMed search strategies were run utilizing search terms, including: “hyaluronic acid”, “penile OR penis”, “augmentation”, “injection”, “enhancement”, “Peyronie disease”, “penile fibromatosis”, “premature ejaculation”, “cosmetic urology OR genital cosmetic”, “men’s health”, and “penile diseases” among other related iterations. Relevant data extracted included mean and standard deviation (for both pre- and post-HA injection or control treatment): International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score, intravaginal ejaculatory latency (IELT), glandular circumference/girth, erect penile girth, and plaque size Results Our search strategies yielded 136 studies of which 33 studies were included for systematic review (Figure 1). Among all studies, complications were generally rare with the procedure. 4 studies reported penile ecchymosis and a study reported paresthesia and numbness. There was 1 case report of glans penis necrosis, two of abscess formation, one of acute hypersensitivity reaction, and one of sepsis secondary to HA injection, which represented the most serious complications reported. Several studies also reported irregular nodule formation, which resolved with time or mild pressure application. In the metanalysis, 16 studies were included. IELT, penile girth, glans circumference, and IIEF-5 were all significantly increased on a fixed-effects model. 9 studies examined the change in IELT after HA injection, with an effect size of 2.335 [2.147,2.522], p-value= <0.001 (figure 2). Regardless of intent of study, 4 studies reported increase in glans circumference (figure 3) with effect size: 2.3 [2.066, 2.534], p-value= <0.001. Similarly, 4 studies showed increase in penile girth (figure 4) with effect size: 1.729 [1.504, 1.954], p-value = <0.001. 3 studies demonstrated IIEF-5 improvement with effect size: 0.996 [0.739–1.252], p-value= <0.001. With only 2 studies reporting pre- and post-op plaque length while others reporting the mean reduction in plaque amount, the plaque size was generally reduced after HA treatment, but this was not statistically significant, p-value= 0.069 with effect size: -0.252 [-0.524, 0.019]. It should be noted that of the 26 primary studies (excluding the 7 case reports), only 7 studies were randomized, controlled studies while others were either retrospective or single arm in nature. Conclusions While the use of HA in urology shows promising results in terms of efficacy and minimal side effects, there is a need for more randomized controlled trials to validate its potential advantages. Future research should focus on optimizing treatment protocols and exploring the expertise of sexual medicine specialists in administering HA therapy. Disclosure No.

New Horizons in Understanding and Developing Treatments for Human Reproductive Physiology

This comprehensive review delves into the cutting-edge advancements and emerging trends in the field of human reproductive physiology. It aims to shed light on the intricate processes governing human reproduction and the novel therapeutic approaches being developed to address various reproductive health issues. The review begins with a detailed exploration of the fundamental aspects of human reproductive systems, including hormonal regulation, gametogenesis, and the genetic underpinnings of reproductive functions. Significant attention is given to recent breakthroughs in treating infertility, highlighting new findings in both male and female reproductive health. The review discusses the evolution and current state of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF, and their increasingly successful application in overcoming infertility. Furthermore, it explores the potential of personalized medicine in tailoring treatments to individual reproductive disorders, considering genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Innovations in contraceptive technologies and their implications for reproductive health management are also examined. The review extends into the realm of reproductive genetics, emphasizing how genomic studies have enhanced our understanding of reproductive disorders and congenital anomalies. Ethical, social, and legal considerations surrounding the latest reproductive technologies are critically analyzed, recognizing the complex interplay between scientific advancements and societal norms. The review concludes by identifying future research directions, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing our understanding and treatment of human reproductive physiology. This article serves as a vital resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, offering a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future prospects in human reproductive health and medicine.

Bibliometric Review of Prefabricated and Modular Timber Construction from 1990 to 2023: Evolution, Trends, and Current Challenges

Due to its inherent characteristics, such as a light weight and ease of workability, timber is ideal for prefabricated and modular construction. However, since the research in this field covers a wide range of niches such as structural engineering, building physics, design for assembly and disassembly, and life cycle analysis, among others, and since there has been considerable development of the field in past years—boosted by new mass timber products and tall timber construction—it is difficult to critically analyze the current state of the art, current trends, and research challenges. Therefore, this research aimed to cover a systematic review of 409 articles to assess the field of prefabricated and modular timber construction critically. The methodology comprised a co-word network approach using the Science Mapping Analysis Software Tool (SciMAT, Version 3) to illustrate their evolution from 1990 to 2023. The findings show that the circular economy and digital technologies significantly impact the development of these technologies, which can potentially provide practical solutions for designing buildings with a circular approach and improving productivity and efficiency in the construction process. However, it is essential to acknowledge a notable deficiency in the research and understanding of these subjects. Therefore, various sectors must take the lead in conducting a thorough reassessment to enhance research and development in the field. Finally, the findings from this research can significantly contribute to existing knowledge and serve as a comprehensive platform for the further exploration of prefabricated and modular timber construction.

(227) Vaginismus - Current State of Knowledge

Abstract Introduction Vaginismus is defined as a penetration disorder in which any form of vaginal penetration is often painful or impossible. It has traditionally been referred to as an involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles due to actual or anticipated pain associated with vaginal penetration. Vaginismus is predominantly unknown among clinicians and women. Vaginismus causes women to feel pain, fear and anxiety with penetration attempts. It is a poorly understood and underdiagnosed condition, for which many women do not gain support. This is due to the lack of knowledge of the condition, for the shame and embarrassment felt by vaginismus sufferers which means many do not discuss the issue. Objective Vaginismus is commonly experienced medical issue, affecting about 1–7% of the female population worldwide. Female pain is often viewed not as a medical fact, but as a misimpression or misinterpretation of bodily events. Vaginismus is not the only condition that has been placed in context of neglect. Other sexual pain disorders, such as vestibulodynia, vulvodynia and dyspareunia, have also been met with doubt and disbelief. An examination of the disbelief surrounding female reportage of their own bodily events will not only be beneficial in terms of perception of vaginismus, but also for general women’s health. Methods This systematic review will provide an assessment of the current state of vaginismus. The following databases has been searched from the study inception to July 2023: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library), PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web Of Science, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, UpToDate, Polish Medical Bibliography and consultations of Polish specialists and discussion forums of patients have been used. Results Vaginismus influences the quality of life, in the most serious form it can result in unconsumated marriage, sterility and thus can lead to the separation of a couple. When adequately approached, the problem can mostly be solved. Treatment often involves multimodal approaches such as education, medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy and possibly surgery. Conclusions Vaginismus is a common and significant sexual problem that causes distress and frustration for both partners. There are women for whom vaginismus is a serious problem and who are not able to cope with the situation without professional help of specialists. Deepening the specialists knowledge in this field is essential for successful treatment. Vaginismus is a well recognized clinical condition associated with non-consummation and considerable distress in women. It has received little scientific attention, and further well designed studies are needed. Disclosure No.

Shovel allocation and scheduling for open-pit mining using deep reinforcement learning

ABSTRACT The open-pit production system is a highly dynamic and uncertain environment with complex interactions between haulage and loading equipment on a shared road network. One of the key decisions in open-pit short-term planning is the allocation sequence of shovels to mining faces to meet the production targets established by long- and medium-term strategic plans. Deep Reinforcement Learning(DRL) techniques are commonly used in dynamic production environments. In this approach, an agent is trained on a simulation of the production system to learn the optimal decisions based on the system’s current state. This paper proposes a DRL approach based on the Deep Q-Learning algorithm to obtain a robust shovel allocation plan for open-pit short-term planning. First, a discrete-event simulation of the mining production system incorporating trucks, shovels, crushers, waste dumps, and the road network is created. This simulation models the uncertainties of each component’s operating cycle based on historical activity records, and it is used to train the DRL agent. The goal is to learn a robust shovel allocation strategy for the next production quarter, 3 months, to meet the tonnes per hour (TPH) production target to be delivered to the crusher feeds by interacting with the production simulator. The framework is tested in an iron ore open-pit mine case study where the shovel allocation agent successfully learns a strategy that consistently delivers the desired production target.

Patient-Generated Health Data (PGHD): Understanding, Requirements, Challenges, and Existing Techniques for Data Security and Privacy.

The evolution of Patient-Generated Health Data (PGHD) represents a major shift in healthcare, fueled by technological progress. The advent of PGHD, with technologies such as wearable devices and home monitoring systems, extends data collection beyond clinical environments, enabling continuous monitoring and patient engagement in their health management. Despite the growing prevalence of PGHD, there is a lack of clear understanding among stakeholders about its meaning, along with concerns about data security, privacy, and accuracy. This article aims to thoroughly review and clarify PGHD by examining its origins, types, technological foundations, and the challenges it faces, especially in terms of privacy and security regulations. The review emphasizes the role of PGHD in transforming healthcare through patient-centric approaches, their understanding, and personalized care, while also exploring emerging technologies and addressing data privacy and security issues, offering a comprehensive perspective on the current state and future directions of PGHD. The methodology employed for this review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Rayyan, AI-Powered Tool for Systematic Literature Reviews. This approach ensures a systematic and comprehensive coverage of the available literature on PGHD, focusing on the various aspects outlined in the objective. The review encompassed 36 peer-reviewed articles from various esteemed publishers and databases, reflecting a diverse range of methodologies, including interviews, regular articles, review articles, and empirical studies to address three RQs exploratory, impact assessment, and solution-oriented questions related to PGHD. Additionally, to address the future-oriented fourth RQ for PGHD not covered in the above review, we have incorporated existing domain knowledge articles. This inclusion aims to provide answers encompassing both basic and advanced security measures for PGHD, thereby enhancing the depth and scope of our analysis.

A summary of initiatives to address teacher shortages in hard-to-staff schools in the Anglosphere

ABSTARCT This article brings together a number of key issues that emerge in research around the problem of teacher shortages in hard-to-staff schools. It offers a broad overview of the hard-to-staff schooling sector as discussed in recent academic literature and provides a context-specific overview of the literature around workforce shortages in hard-to-staff schools with relevancy for high poverty contexts. In line with Williams et al. (2022) position on “Local Strategies, Global Inspiration,” this paper focuses on the problem of teacher shortages in hard-to-staff schools in Australia while looking to both Australian and broader Anglosphere literature (p.120) to reconsider responses to teacher recruitment and retention. The paper begins with a survey of the current state of this issue of workforce shortages in hard-to-staff schools in Australia. Turning our attention to literature from both Australia and Anglosphere countries, the summary then focuses on the specific initiatives and mechanisms employed for recruiting and retaining teachers in hard-to-staff schools, particularly the organisational contributions of Initial Teacher Education that support recruitment into hard-to-staff schools. The article concludes by highlighting limitations and critiques of hard-to-staff initiatives in the literature to inform policy and organisational considerations when addressing the issue of teacher shortages going forward.

Developments in Atomistic and Nano Structure Evolution Mechanisms of Molten Slag Using Atomistic Simulation Methods.

Molten slag has different properties depending on its composition. The relationship between its composition, structure, and properties has been the focus of attention in industrial manufacturing processes. This review describes the atomistic scale mechanisms by which oxides of different compositions affect the properties and structure of slag, and depicts the current state of research in the atomic simulation of molten slag. At present, the research on the macroscopic properties of molten slag mainly focuses on viscosity, free-running temperature, melting point, and desulphurization capacity. Regulating the composition has become the most direct and effective way to control slag properties. Analysis of the microevolution mechanism is the fundamental way to grasp the macroscopic properties. The microstructural evolution mechanism, especially at the atomic and nanoscale of molten slag, is reviewed from three aspects: basic oxides, acidic oxides, and amphoteric oxides. The evolution of macroscopic properties is analyzed in depth through the evolution of the atomic structure. Resolution of the macroscopic properties of molten slag by the atomic structure plays a crucial role in the development of fundamental theories of physicochemistry.

Green finance in bulk shipping

ABSTRACT The worldwide growing concern about climate change is leading industries to adopt measures to reduce negative externalities. New financial instruments have been developed under the umbrella of green finance aimed at meeting the financial requirements linked to significant investments for green strategies. Bulk shipping companies are increasingly aware of the environmental impacts caused by their operations. Nevertheless, the nature and intensity of funding solutions aiming at supporting green investments from bulk shipping companies are still scarcely investigated by academics. The first objective of this paper is to examine theoretical aspects associated with the green transition in the bulk shipping industry. The second objective is to empirically investigate the current state in green finance by analysing the most adopted green financial products by major international bulk companies, taking into account the most suitable solution for each green investment strategy and option available in the market. A multiple case study methodological approach is used to shed light on the current role of green finance in the bulk shipping industry. The research outcomes provide detailed insights to academics and practitioners about the range of green investment and financial solutions in the bulk industry, in terms of preferred financing methods, magnitude of financial resources gathered and other relevant profiles.