Developed Western Countries Research Articles

Reflections on Economics Education in China and Suggestions for Its Reform

Abstract Although the current economics education system in universities in China differs from developed Western countries, China has been deliberately emulating the economics education system in the West over the past two decades, a system that has been repeatedly criticized by international movements such as the “Post-Autistic Economics Movement” and the “International Student Initiative for Pluralism in Economics.” This article argues that the dominant position of mainstream Western economics in Chinese higher education contradicts the scientific principles of pluralism and does not align with China’s national conditions and the necessity for the development of a philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Based on the proposals put forward by faculty and students involved in the international movement for the reform of economics education over the past 22 years, this article recommends reforms to address the major weaknesses of economics education in China. The reforms address ten areas for improvement, including the overall goals of pluralism in economics education, curriculum design, teaching methods, an independent academic evaluation system, faculty development, and the evaluation of academic disciplines. The purpose of these reforms is to destabilize the dominant position of mainstream Western economics in higher education in China and gradually establish a new economics education system with a curriculum based on a plurality of approaches, a variety of critical pedagogies, and a methodology of problem-based learning.

Metataxomics reveals Blastocystis subtypes mixed infections in Colombian children.

Blastocystis sp., is an intestinal protist with a broad host range and a high prevalence in human populations worldwide, even in developed Western countries. The publication of conflicting evidence has divided the scientific community about the pathogenic role of this parasite. Even though, genetic studies on Blastocystis sp. revealed associations between genotypes and different pathogenic profiles. Conventionally, the detection of this parasite is based on microscopic or PCR methods, which offer meager or null performance in detecting mixed infections. In this work, we applied a metataxonomic NGS approach targeting the V4 region of the eukaryotic SSU-rRNA gene and classical phylogenetic methods. This approach allowed us to detect Blastocystis sp. in stool samples from infected children living in an urban setting in the city of Medellin attending the same daycare center. Phylogenetic analysis identified the subtypes present in the children as ST1, ST2, and ST3. Besides, mixed infections of subtypes ST1+ST3 were spotted in 16% of the analyzed stool samples.

Reflections on Economics Education in China and Suggestions for Its Reform

Although the current economics education system in universities in China differs from developed Western countries, China has been deliberately emulating the economics education system in the West over the past two decades, a system that has been repeatedly criticized by international movements such as the “post-autistic economics movement” and the “International Student Initiative for Pluralism in Economics.” This article argues that the dominant position of mainstream Western economics in Chinese higher education contradicts the scientific principles of pluralism and does not align with China’s national conditions and the necessity for the development of a philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Based on the proposals put forward by faculty and students involved in the international movement for the reform of economics education over the past twenty-two years, this article recommends reforms to address the major weaknesses of economics education in China. The reforms address ten areas for improvement, including the overall goals of pluralism in economics education, curriculum design, teaching methods, an independent academic evaluation system, faculty development, and the evaluation of academic disciplines. The purpose of these reforms is to destabilize the dominant position of mainstream Western economics in higher education in China and gradually establish a new economics education system with a curriculum based on a plurality of approaches, a variety of critical pedagogies, and a methodology of problem-based learning.

Study on the Dilemma of Implementing Rural LTC Insurance and the Implementation Path

Against the backdrop of China's ageing situation and the rising number of disabled persons, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security started to promote the construction of long-term care insurance in 2016. Compared to the mature LTC insurance models in developed Western countries, there are still many problems in the process of promoting LTC insurance in China due to the short duration of the pilot. This paper presents a synthesis of the dilemmas observed by different scholars in the process of promoting LTC insurance, and summarises the solutions and concrete implementation paths proposed by other scholars in response to these dilemmas. It can be found through the study that the lack of policies and laws, backward physical conditions and the difficulty in changing attitudes are the main reasons why it is difficult to promote LTC insurance in rural areas. Different scholars have accordingly put forward suggestions such as extending funding channels, strengthening the training of talents and creating a perfect care model.

Üstün Yetenekli Bireylerin Vatandaşlık Kavramına İlişkin Algıları

Introduction: Citizenship plays a crucial role in protecting the identity of states and societies. Citizenship becomes even more important for gifted people who make important contributions to the scientific and technological development of a country. From this point of view, this study aims to explore the perceptions of gifted people trained at Science and Art Centers (SAC) in relation to the concept of citizenship. Method: The study was conducted using a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research designs. The study group of the research consisted of 23 6th grade students, 13 boys and 10 girls, studying at Science and Art Centers (BİLSEM) in İstanbul in the academic year 2020-2021. The data of the study was collected using a structured interview form developed by the researchers. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: It was found that gifted students defined citizenship as a person living in a place and having some basic duties and rights to the place to which they belong. The students mostly defined themselves as good citizens and stated that a good citizen has responsibilities towards his environment and country. In the context of the view that the state is a political institution in which people live together, the understanding of a social and legal state dominates. The main responsibility of citizens is seen in being hardworking and respecting the country and society. The majority of students feel connected to their country, with the most important factor for this connection being culture and history. While the most positive aspect of being a citizen of Turkey is its historical heritage, it is noteworthy that some of the students wish to be citizens of the developed Western countries. Discussion: The students’ views are largely consistent with studies in the literature on citizenship and state definitions and citizenship of other countries based on brain drain. However, unlike other studies, this one emphasized researcher personality, which is one of the distinguishing characteristics of gifted individuals, among the characteristics of citizens.

The Influence of Darwins Doctrine of Natural Selection on Gender in China

The status of women has been rising both at home and abroad, and while this is due to womens own efforts, the worldwide affirmative action movement has also played an important role. The purpose of this article is to explore to accelerate the development process of gender equality in China. Method of literature is applied. Source of materials include published books and journal articles. By analyzing the case studies of the affirmative action movements in developed Western countries in the past three years, we can draw some valuable nutrients to serve as a reference for domestic affirmative action efforts. By studying the impact of foreign feminist concepts on the current situation of gender in China, we can make some practical suggestions to accelerate the development process of gender equality. Although gender equality can increase competition, it is a powerful force for social progress. Chinese society is currently breaking the inherited notion of male superiority over female. With the transformation of society and the continuous improvement of the legal system, it is more important for women to strive for their equal rights.

Oldie but Goodie: Is Technetium-99m Still a Treasure Trove of Innovation for Medicine? A Patents Analysis (2000-2022).

Technetium-99m is the workhorse of diagnostic nuclear medicine. The aim of the work is to analyze the technetium-99m patents since 2000 to photograph its innovation. QUESTEL's ORBIT Intelligence system was used for the collection of technetium inventions disclosed in patents and patent applications in more than 96 countries in the period 2000-2022; 2768 patent documents were analyzed. Patent counting and analysis have shown that SPECT imaging using technetium-99m radiopharmaceuticals is still robust. The introduction of new technetium-99m radiopharmaceuticals into clinical routine goes beyond successful trials. In eastern economies, such as China and other emerging markets, patent applications are on the rise, while those in developed western countries are stagnating, with some exceptions for the United States. But despite the difficulties, academic and industrial research on these tracers remains essential for the development of nuclear medicine.

Schistosomal appendicitis: a rare cause of a common surgical condition

Despite the prevalence of schistosomiasis across the world, appendicitis secondary to schistosomiasis is a rarely encountered presentation even in endemic areas, letalone in developed Western countries. We report a case of a 34-year-old male in Australia with acute appendicitis and subsequent histopathology, demonstrating the presence of schistosome ova. The case highlights the difficulties in pre-operative diagnosis of this entity and the importance of its recognition for the practising surgeon, especially in the developed world, where this rare condition may be encountered because of changing global travel and migration patterns.

Exploring the Applicability of the PPP in Tourist Toilets: Reflections on the Laoshan Case in China

Although public–private partnerships (PPPs) for tourism have received extensive attention, there has been limited research on their application to tourist toilets. The purpose of this study was to systematically explore the applicability of PPPs with respect to the construction and operation of tourist toilets. The study conducted field investigations and semi-structured interviews in the Qingdao Laoshan Scenic Area (LSA), where purposive sampling techniques were used to manage participant selection and expand sample sizes. It finds that first, the use of PPPs to build tourist toilets is new and has shown both development potential and challenges. Second, the use of PPPs to provide tourist toilets is not yet mature owing to management and supply inefficiencies. Third, the DBTO model in the Laoshan case offers a significant methodological value for similar PPP projects, which could be replicated and promoted more widely when certain conditions are met. This study has filled a research gap in the global toilet revolution and shows a different path from the investment guarantee system in developed Western countries and the Guilin model in China. This application of a PPP in provision of tourist toilets also broadens the knowledge base of researchers studying PPPs in the field of tourism and could lead to the development of a policy approach with respect to PPPs’ application in the toilet revolution and regional tourism development.

THE WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION IS “A LOST CAUSE” WITHOUT ROBUST MEASURES TO REPATRIATE STOLEN ASSETS TO COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN

The paper discusses the impediments inherent in using anti-corruption laws to repatriate stolen assets to the victim state. It examines both state laws and the international legal frameworks aimed at overcoming these obstacles. The assets in question are accrued by public officials from the proceeds of corruption, money laundering, tax avoidance and other forms of illicit financial transactions in countries where they have been hidden. While less developed countries are often the countries of origin, destination countries of stolen assets tend to be developed Western countries. There is ample evidence showing that the recovery and repatriation of stolen assets to countries of origin is more easily said than done, given the barriers they face. Victim states not only suffer a loss of revenue as a result of economic criminality, but they also incur huge expenses in attempting to recover criminal assets, without any guarantee that they will succeed in doing so. In essence, this article looks into the generic issues related to asset recovery. It examines the approaches adopted by both common law and civil law jurisdictions in Africa with respect to the repatriation of stolen assets, and explores the practicality of harmonising anti-corruption laws across the African continent, as has been done amongst member states of the European Union.

The Roles of School Counsellors in the Philippines: Challenges and Opportunities

School counselling has the potential to deliver significant support for the wellbeing of children. However, much of the research on school counsellors has been conducted in developed Western countries, with very limited research into factors influencing the effectiveness of counsellors in lower middle-income countries or in Asia. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of Filipino counsellors about their roles, and factors that supported or impeded their effectiveness. Seventeen school counsellors in the Philippines were interviewed, and the data were analysed thematically. Our findings suggest that Filipino school counsellors often carry out dual roles, experience a lack of role clarity, and are systemically disempowered in their schools. Relationships with school principals have a significant influence on counsellors’ roles and positioning in schools, and therefore on their effectiveness. The ability of principals to foster a school ethos supportive of counselling is essential in enabling counsellors to leverage the multifunctional nature of their work, become embedded and centrally positioned in the school community, and enhance their effectiveness. Doing so can enable counselling to be more culturally accessible to young people.

Polish Contribution to Software Engineering Research 1992–2021

Abstract Since the collapse of the Soviet Bloc, Polish researchers in the software engineering area made a large e ort to close the gap developed during the times of the Iron Curtain and the ensuing limited access to Western technology. The question arises as to whether they eventually managed to attain – or maybe even to surpass the scientific output in this area of the developed Western countries. In this paper, we perform analysis on papers published in 16 high-quality software engineering journals within the last 30 years to measure the Polish contribution to the global scientific output in the area of software engineering. We observe how the Polish contribution changed in quantity in relation to the global scientific output in subsequent years. We also identify the journals that attracted the Polish authors the most, the institutions located in Poland that contributed the most, as well as the most productive Polish authors and the most acknowledged works (in terms of citation number) written by Polish authors. Moreover, we investigate the topics most often chosen by them.

IJTIMOIY AHAMIYATGA MOLIK LOYIHALARNI AMALGA OSHIRISHDA JAMOAT FONDLARI ISHTIROKINI KENGAYTIRISHNING AYRIM HUQUQIY JIHATLARI

This article analyzes the issues of improving the mechanism of providing the rule-making process with scientific information. The purpose of the research is to develop relevant proposals, recommendations, and This research paper analyzes the role of endowment funds at present, their specific characteristics, organizational forms of endowment funds, goals and best foreign experience in this regard. To achieve this goal, various scientific and journalistic articles, opinions of scientists were studied in addition to statistical data. As a result of the study, with clear statistical data, the role of these funds in the field of education, and the contribution of state funds made by developed Western countries for the benefit of society and the state is described. The scientific and theoretical aspects of such funds, the types of these funds and the mechanisms of work were also studied. In addition, the activities of the endowment funds of the two largest universities in the world, the procedure for their financing and targeted spending are described. In addition, the article mentions special provisions on the establishment of a public fund, its operation, property, management bodies and liquidation from legal documents. At the same time, it is clarified that relations with public funds are regulated by a separate Law “On Public Funds”.

Health information behavior and related factors among Estonians aged ≥ 50 years during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to introduce the outcomes of a study analyzing the relationships between willingness to use technology for health purposes, health information behavior (HIB), health behavior (HB) choices, readiness for COVID-19 vaccination, socioeconomic indicators and self-reported health among older adults aged = 50 years living in Estonia.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 501 people aged = 50 in Estonia in 2020, a month after the end of lockdown.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that the more recurrent the need for HI was (rho = 0.11, p < 0.05) and the more regularly one searched for it (rho = 0.14, p < 0.01), the more willing a person was to get vaccinated. Also, interest in digital applications corresponded to vaccination readiness (rho = 0.25, p < 0.001). However, this relationship did not emerge in the case of other HBs such as healthy eating and exercise. Differences in HIB should be taken into account when developing effective means of health communication designed especially for crisis situations.Originality/valueEstonia is known as one of the digital front runners in the world. However, social welfare and the well-being of disadvantaged groups among the population (e.g. older people) have not yet caught up with the more developed Western countries. Thus, learning more about the health-related information behavior of older adults, e.g. the kind of health information they are seeking and using in Estonia, allows policymakers, health information providers and libraries in Estonia to plan and carry out more effective interventions and help them to improve the existing systems so as to furnish older adults with relevant information.

Level of Knowledge of Special Education Teachers towards Occupational Therapy

The implementation of occupational therapy intervention in education is very important and necessary among special education students with learning disabilities. However, in Malaysia, these practices still need to be seen compared to developed Western countries such as the United States. This study was conducted to explore the level of knowledge of special education teachers with learning disabilities about occupational therapy. The objective of this study is to identify the level of knowledge of special education teachers towards occupational therapy, to identify the importance of the level of knowledge of special education teachers towards occupational therapy, and to identify the way of implementing the level of knowledge of special education teachers towards occupational therapy. This study is a survey study involving 210 special education teachers in the Malacca district. The design of this study uses a quantitative approach, which is the filling of questionnaires and document analysis for the data collection process. This study uses Bloom's Taxonomy Model and the Iceberg Competency Model. Overall, the findings of the study show that the level of knowledge of special education teachers towards occupational therapy is at a moderate level (mean=3.39, SD = 0.885, N=210). While the importance of the level of knowledge of special education teachers towards occupational therapy is at a high level (mean=3.69, SD = 0.803, N=210), and the way of implementing the level of knowledge of special education teachers towards occupational therapy is also at a high level (mean =4.01, SD= 0.716, N=210). Finally, this study proves to the special education teachers in Malaysia that knowledge, awareness of the importance and implementation of occupational therapy interventions plays an important role in detecting students' fine and gross motor problems furthermore impacting the development of special needs students.

Investigation of the continuous mode of mixing when changing the rotation frequency of the impeller of the mixing plant

With the development of farms, by analogy with developed Western countries with well-established agricultural production, certain hopes are placed on solving the domestic food problem. It has been established that there are very few power tools for small-scale mechanization and agricultural implements for them. However, the domestic industry can provide almost complete mechanization of processes and bring it to a comprehensive one. It is also known that without solving this problem, that is, without a high level of mechanization of production processes, it is impossible to achieve high performance in the functioning of the farm. The domestic industry has now developed and put into production various power tools for small-scale mechanization. As new equipment is developed and put into production, both the quantitative and qualitative (type and structure) composition of the power equipment fleet and the set of agricultural machines for them change. The article deals with the installation for the preparation of liquid feed mixtures with the continuous introduction of components. This mode is one of the modes of any mixer.

Association of Dietary Protein Intake with Muscle Mass in Elderly Chinese: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Most data regarding the association between dietary protein intake and muscle mass come from developed Western countries. This cross-sectional study investigates the association between the amount and distribution of dietary protein intake and muscle mass in elderly Chinese adults. This analysis includes 4826 participants aged 60 years and above from the dataset of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) 2018. Protein intake data were assessed using 3-day, 24 h dietary recalls. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was obtained using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Two-thirds of dietary protein intake comes from plant sources in the elderly Chinese population. The median total dietary protein intake was 60.5 g/d in low muscle mass participants for males and 52.5 g/d for females, which was lower than for their respective counterparts. Compared to the lowest quartile of protein intake, the highest total protein intake group had increased muscle mass by 0.96 kg among men and by 0.48 kg among women (p < 0.0001), and the highest vegetable protein intake group had increased muscle mass by 0.76 kg among men and by 0.35 kg among women (p < 0.0001). The amount of dietary protein intake with each meal was less than 20 g. High total protein intake and high plant-based protein intake were positively associated with higher muscle mass. A U-shape was observed between total dietary protein intake and low muscle mass risk in elderly Chinese adults. It should be encouraged to increase total daily protein intake to maintain muscle health.

A bibliometric analysis of the global landscape on STEM education (2004-2021): towards global distribution, subject integration, and research trends

Purpose This study aims to provide a comprehensive review and bibliometric analysis of the literature in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education over the past 15 years, with a specific focus on global distribution and research trends. Design/methodology/approach This study collected 1,718 documents from the Web of Science (WOS) database and analyzed their timeline distribution, geographical distribution, research topics, subject areas, learning stages and citation burst using a bibliometric approach with VOSviewer and Citespace. Findings Results indicated that: overall, STEM education has increasingly gained scholarly attention and is developing diversely by emphasizing interdisciplinary, cross-domain and regional collaboration. In terms of global collaboration, a collaborative network with the USA in the center is gradually expanding to a global scope. In terms of research themes, four key topics can be outlined including educational equity, pedagogy, empirical effects and career development. Social, cultural and economic factors influence the way STEM education is implemented across different countries. The developed Western countries highlighted educational equity and disciplinary integration, while the developing countries tend to focus more on pedagogical practices. As for research trends, eastern countries are emphasizing humanistic leadership and cultural integration in STEM education; in terms of teachers’ professional development, teachers’ abilities of interdisciplinary integration, technology adoption and pedagogy application are of the greatest importance. With regards to pedagogy, the main focus is for developing students’ higher-order abilities. In terms of education equity, issues of gender and ethnicity were still the hottest topics, while the unbalanced development of STEM education across regions needs further research. Originality/value This study provides a global landscape of STEM education along the timeline, which illustrates the yearly progressive development of STEM education and indicates the future trends.

Acculturation Strategies among Immigrants in Malaysia: A Comparative Analysis between Developed Western Countries and Developing Asian Countries

Acculturation Strategies among Immigrants in Malaysia: A Comparative Analysis between Developed Western Countries and Developing Asian Countries

The Short Outcomes and In-Hospital Complications in Patients with STEMI Revascularized with Primary PCI

Context: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most effective reperfusion therapy with low complication rate in comparison to thrombolysis. Aims: We aimed to study the short-term outcomes of primary PCI at a large tertiary care center in India. Settings and Design: A prospective cohort of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary PCI was enrolled between December 2015 and November 2016. Subjects and Methods: The demographic profile, risk factors, clinical characteristics, inhospital complications, and outcomes at 30 days were assessed. The primary outcome was a composite of death, reinfarction, and repeat revascularization. Acute left ventricular failure (LVF), complete heart block (CHB) or bradyarrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation, stroke, and major thrombolysis in myocardial infarction bleeding were the inhospital complications that were considered the secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 237 STEMI patients with primary PCI were enrolled, accounting for 7.5% of all PCI procedures performed during this period. The mean age was 55.4 ± 11.9 years, and 86.5% were male. The mean window period was 5.1 ± 3.18 h, and the mean door-to-balloon time was 58.4 ± 11.5 min. Prior to PCI, the most often administered antiplatelets were clopidogrel in 54.4% of patients and prasugrel in 55.6%. The aspiration thrombectomy was done in 70.8% of patients. Predilatation with balloon was required in 41.8% of patients. Drug-eluting stents were implanted in 98.3% of patients. The primary outcome was found in 3.3% of patients (deaths – 2.9% and reinfarction – 0.4%) and the secondary outcomes were observed in 13%. The common inhospital complication was CHB or bradyarrhythmia in 5.0% followed by acute LVF in 4.6% and then VT in 2.1%. Conclusions: The primary outcome rate is as good as reported in developed Western countries in contemporary treatment practices of STEMI. CHB and acute LVF were the major inhospital complications among patients of STEMI treated with primary PCI.