Education Network Research Articles

FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: EVALUATING WOMEN'S ROLE IN GOVERNANCE

This study explores the impact of women's empowerment on their participation in governance, examining the multifaceted barriers that hinder political engagement. Through qualitative methods, including case studies and focus group discussions, the research captures the experiences of women who have navigated these challenges. The findings reveal that cultural norms, economic limitations, and institutional inadequacies significantly affect women's political involvement. Empowerment initiatives, such as educational programs and supportive networks, were found to enhance women's confidence and motivation to participate in governance. The study emphasizes the need for targeted public policies, including gender quotas and mentorship programs, to create an inclusive political environment. Ultimately, the research highlights that fostering women's empowerment is crucial for ensuring diverse representation and improving the effectiveness of governance, contributing to more equitable decision-making processes in society.

Penyuluhan Legalitas dan Perlindungan Hukum dalam Bisnis Digital

The digital economy encompasses online business transactions, electronic commerce, digital services, and the digital creative industry, offering opportunities for growth, innovation, and efficiency while also challenging privacy, data security, and the digital divide. Alumni have significant potential in the digital business world, with access to education, experience, and extensive networks. Some findings suggest that electronic money positively impacts economic growth, but legal protection challenges remain, such as consumer data breaches and the need for regulation. The PKM team provides outreach to alumni and active students on legal developments in digital business. Lectures and training methods are used to impart understanding of legality and legal protection in digital business. This outreach successfully enhances participants' understanding of legal aspects, such as business identification numbers (NIB), business permits, tax obligations, trademark registration, copyright, product regulations, and intellectual property protection to avoid legal risks and enhance their business reputation.

Enhancing Women’s Entrepreneurship in Rural Ecuador: A Study Protocol Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals

Women entrepreneurs in rural Ecuador face significant obstacles, including limited access to education, financial services, and business networks. Despite their vital role in the economy, gender inequalities hinder their success. This study protocol aims to evaluate the impact of a tailored business training program designed to empower rural women entrepreneurs and promote sustainable economic development. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Quality Education (Goal 4), Gender Equality (Goal 5), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8), the program will assess improvements in women’s agency, confidence, and business performance. Key results include a 54% increase in perceived self-efficacy and a 200% increase in locus of control observed in the pre-pilot phase, indicating enhanced decision-making capacities and program effectiveness. Expected improvements in business performance will be measured by sales figures and financial growth, with anticipated positive impacts on SDG 8. The program will also track participation rates, with high enrollment and completion rates contributing to SDG 4. Additionally, financial stability and the number of engaged suppliers will be monitored, supporting SDG 8. By incorporating additional structural interventions, the study will offer insights into enhancing the empowerment of rural women entrepreneurs, creating a holistic impact that fosters both individual and community development.

What Needs to be Learned by U.S. Cultural Heritage Professionals? Results from the Digital Preservation Outreach & Education Network

Abstract With the current proliferation of training opportunities available in digital preservation, this study asks: what are the most in demand digital preservation instruction topics? To answer this question, we did a qualitative content analysis of 168 Professional Development Support applications received by the Digital Preservation Outreach and Education Network (DPOE-N) between September 2020 and December 2023. The study finds that the management of digital records and metadata/cataloging standards were the most requested training topics, and that general and broadly applicable skills tend to be the most sought after. This indicates that there is a continuing need to provide education focusing on the core elements of digital preservation and knowledge, and that we have not moved on yet to a place where cultural heritage professionals are solely seeking skills in more advanced or specialized digital preservation topics.

Social media for radiologists: opportunities and challenges.

The use of social media in medicine offers unprecedented opportunities for social interaction. Activity on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn plays crucial roles in various medical services, particularly regarding patients' access to information and healthcare services, medical education, and professional networking. However, the integration of social media into healthcare is not challenge-free and has certain pitfalls. In this article, we address several critical issues that compromise the reliability and effectiveness of social media as a professional healthcare resource, particularly in the field of radiology. We discuss possible solutions and tips and tricks to facilitate the use of this valuable tool to our advantage and in a reliable manner.

Atividades de Mediação da Leitura nas Bibliotecas Escolares da Rede Pública Estadual de Salvador

The general objective of this research was to highlight how reading mediation activities are developed in the school libraries in the Salvador state public educational network. In terms of methodology, this research was descriptive, employing a multiple case study approach to investigate reading mediation activities in these libraries. Moreover, questionnaires were applied by email seeking to understand how reading mediation activities are carried out in the 22 public school libraries. The results of the survey revealed that 19 librarians engage in reading mediation activities and that the most frequently cited objective for these activities was to encourage/stimulate/induce interest in reading. Thus, through the investigative trajectory, it was possible to conclude that the most common approach to reading mediation activities in public schools libraries in the Salvador state public educational network involves collective actions that occur more directly, with the participation of readers.

The use of ICT in field classes and offline, online and online fieldwork

This work aims to discuss the use of Information and Communication Technologies – ICT as teaching strategies in classes and fieldwork in online, offline and onlife modes, as, especially after the pandemic, students are accessing each increasingly using the web during classes via their cell phones, notebooks and iPads, which is not an isolated case, but a worldwide phenomenon. Based on experiences as teachers, the article presents the concepts to be explored and the experiences lived by the authors in peculiar situations of using ICT as teaching support. It also discusses deliveries of Chromebooks by the Government of the State of Goiás to students in the state education network and its contradiction in prohibiting, by virtue of State Law and a Note of Recommendation from the State Department of Education, the use of devices electronics in the classroom. It is concluded that it is necessary to critically rethink pedagogical practice using ICT both within school units and in field work and classes.

25 YEARS OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION POLICY (PNEA): A CASE STUDY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE DAILY SCHOOL LIFE OF 120 PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CABO FRIO, RJ

Objective: The objective of this study is to carry out a critical analysis of the National Environmental Education Policy based on a Case Study with 120 Teachers who are in the classroom, in Public Schools of the Education Network in the Municipality of Cabo Frio, RJ, Brazil. Theoretical Reference: There are several theories and authors who research and write about EA. Historically, it can be said that the first person studied to describe and teach about AE was Raquel Carson, in her book “Silecious Spring” where she described the problems caused by pesticides. Subsequently, there were several international meetings that gave rise to treaties and guidelines on the predatory way in which man deals with the environment in his capitalist model of production. Among the multilateral documents signed by Brazil is the EA Treaty. Currently, we have in practice the EAF resulting from philosophical understandings arising from Federal Law No. 9,795/99 “the EA law”. In contrast to the traditional EA model, our main source of analysis is the theories of “Critical EA”, aimed at building knowledge, awareness, critical cognitions and autonomy of people in relation to their interaction with environmental goods in a sustainable and sustainable way. perennial. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises exploratory field research. The technique used in the research was the “Case Study”. The quantitative method was used in the analysis of data obtained from the application of the field research instrument, namely: the questionnaire. Being applied to this statistical analysis. Each proposed question generated a table and a graph where the statistical percentages of the responses of the Teachers who answered the questionnaire are presented. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the results was then carried out. Results and Discussion: The results obtained confirm the hypotheses raised, as they demonstrate a lack in the training of undergraduates in undergraduate courses in relation to the EA theme, as well as an incipient and ineffective practice of formal EA in the daily lives of the Teachers surveyed. Implications of the Research: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are visible given the demonstration of a reality of the researched that is replicated throughout the education network of the researched municipality and possibly of Public School Teachers throughout the State of RJ. Originality/Value: This study significantly contributes to enriching the theory and practice of EAF, as it portrays the current scenario of teaching practice in relation to EAF in municipal schools with actuality and truth, demonstrating the obstacles, flaws and ways to be taken to make a constitutional right effective, namely the right to EA.

Analysis of Networking Tools Using Cisco Packet Tracer (CPT)

This study aims to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of network devices using Cisco Packet Tracer (CPT) as a simulation tool. CPT is a widely utilized network simulation software, commonly employed for designing and testing network configurations prior to real-world implementation. This research investigates various network topologies to assess the performance of devices such as routers, switches, and end devices. The research methodology encompasses the design of network scenarios, device configuration, and testing of various network protocols. The analysis reveals that CPT is capable of accurately replicating most functions and behaviors of network devices, providing a clear depiction of network performance under different conditions. The findings suggest that CPT serves as an effective and efficient tool for both educational purposes and network planning, despite certain limitations in features and realism when compared to actual hardware. This study is expected to offer valuable insights for professionals and academics in understanding and optimizing network design before deployment in real-world environments.

Comparative Analysis of Networking and Mentorship in Enhancing Soft Skills AmongDental Undergraduates, A Quantitative Study in a private dental college.

Introduction: The acquisition of soft skills is essential for undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students, enhancing their ability to communicate, collaborate, and adapt in the dynamic field of dental practice. While networking and mentorship are both recognized as valuable methods for developing these skills, their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the impact of networking and mentorship on the development of soft skills among BDS students in a private dental college. Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative approach was used, involving a survey administered via Google Forms. The study population comprised 250 participants, including current BDS students, alumni, and faculty members from Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry. Data were collected over six weeks, focusing on participation in networking and mentorship activities, and self-assessment of soft skills development. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 25 to compare the effectiveness of these two approaches. Results: Of the 250 respondents, 64% participated in networking activities, while 48% engaged in mentorship programs. Networking activities primarily included student organization gatherings and professional conferences, whereas mentorship was mostly one-on-one. Participants rated their competencies in various soft skills on a scale of 1 to 5. Networking was found to be more effective in enhancing communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, with 48% of participants favoring it over mentorship. Mentorship, although less impactful in certain domains, provided significant individual guidance and career support. Conclusion: The study highlights the complementary roles of networking and mentorship in developing soft skills among BDS students. Networking was particularly effective in enhancing communication and teamwork, while mentorship offered personalized support. Integrating both approaches into dental curricula can provider a supportive learning environment, promoting comprehensive professional growth. Future research should consider diverse sampling and objective measures to validate these findings. This study highlights the importance of structured networking and mentorship programs in dental education, benefiting students, practitioners, and faculty alike.

Virtual interprofessional education for the African continent: AFRI-VIPE

This article details how multiple universities came together in 2019 during the Africa Interprofessional Education Network (AfrIPEN) conference in Nairobi, Kenya, to create an interprofessional, multi-continent, multi-university opportunity to give their students an asynchronous and synchronous virtual interprofessional experience through a programme known as VIPE (virtual interprofessional education). The programme, which was created after the conference, was entitled AFRI-VIPE (Africa virtual interprofessional education). From that conference, four AFRI-VIPE events have been implemented to date. Asynchronous material was created, and synchronous sessions were held that utilised problem-based learning to reinforce the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies. Students’ competency attainment was assessed using the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS), and analysis of those data showed significant improvements across all six interprofessional subscales for students at both North American- and African-based institutions, as well as across professional groups. All data were kept anonymous. Challenges experienced during AFRI-VIPE included the difference in time zones, student attrition, connectivity and survey response rates. Through their participation in the VIPE model, students and facilitators from a variety of countries and professions appreciated the opportunity to learn with, from and about other students through exposure to authentic case studies.

The Application of Big Data in the Management of Ideological and Political Education in the Development of Education Network

Based on a brief analysis of the current situation of university education management and research on intelligent algorithms, this article constructs a university education management system based on big data. For the clustering and prediction modules in higher education management, corresponding algorithms are used for optimization design. A fuzzy clustering algorithm based on entropy weight is proposed to address the shortcomings of the C-means clustering algorithm. This algorithm adds weighting coefficients on the basis of improvement and continuously updates the clustering centers. The prediction module uses Apriori algorithm to map and compress the target transaction database, reduces the number of candidate item sets through pruning process, and designs simulation experiments to measure the performance of the algorithm. The simulation results show that the clustering results of this algorithm are closer to the actual clustering situation, with shorter running time and better algorithm performance.

Estimated timing of the first menstrual period and dietary and nutritional correlates of menarche among urban school-going adolescents in four sub-Saharan African sites.

Characterizing the timing of menarche and the factors that are associated with it is important for understanding a population's reproductive health needs and long-term health trajectories. We estimated the age at the menstrual onset among adolescent girls and the association between dietary and nutritional factors and menarche in four sub-Saharan African urban sites. We used cross-sectional school-based data from 2307 female adolescents aged 10-14 years collected by the Africa Research, Implementation Science, and Education (ARISE) Network in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Khartoum, Sudan; and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Logit models were used to estimate the median age at menarche at each site. Associations between menarche and BMI-for-age, stunting, dietary qualityand food insecurity across settings were assessed using Poisson regression models adjusted for country and school levels. The estimated median age at menarche was 13.1 years (95% confidence interval: 12.7, 13.5) in Ouagadougou; 12.9 (12.6, 13.2) in Addis Ababa; 13.3 (12.7, 13.6) in Khartoum; and 13.2 (12.3, 14.0) in Dar es Salaam. Between 18% and 49% of the girls in each setting had already menstruated. Based on the pooled multivariable models, underweight participants were 42% less likely (adjusted prevalence ratio [PR]0.58 [0.44, 0.77]) to have experienced menarche in comparison to normal-weight individuals. The likelihood of experiencing menarche increased for overweight [PR 1.47 (1.30,1.66)] and obese [PR 1.57 (1.35,1.82)] in comparison to normal-weight girls. Those stunted were 47% less likely to have experienced menarche [PR 0.53 (0.41, 0.69)] than their nonstunted counterparts. A lower likelihood of menarche among those experiencing moderate/severe hunger when compared to those with no/little hunger was also observed (PR 0.78 [0.63,0.96]). No evidence of association with dietary quality was found. Further research is needed to strengthen the body of evidence and inform evidence-based initiatives in low- and middle-income settings.

Achieving food security: Household perception and adoption of home gardening techniques in Ghana

As global food crises and high food prices continue to impact communities, there is a growing focus on strengthening local food systems and improving livelihoods. Home gardening techniques have gained renewed attention as a means of food production and enhancing household food security. However, there is a lack of empirical studies on the perception and adoption of home gardening techniques. This study therefore fills this gap by examining the perception and adoption of home gardening techniques among households in Ghana. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 348 households and data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Using a 5-point Likert scale, we analyzed the households' perception of home gardening techniques, and utilized a multivariate probit regression model to examine the factors influencing multiple adoption of home gardening techniques. The Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was used to test the level of agreement among ranked constraints in adopting home gardening techniques. The generalized Poisson regression was used to examine the number of adoption of home gardening techniques. The results revealed that most households perceived home gardening techniques as a way to improve household food security. Households were found to adopt multiple home gardening techniques, such as use of pots, sacks, and tires. Empirically, factors such as sex, education, occupation, income, technology cost, and social network had a significant influence on multiple adoption of home gardening techniques. Also, age, education, household size, income, technology cost, social network, inadequate space and insect and disease damages significantly influenced the number of adoptions of home gardening techniques. Furthermore, lack of time and inadequate space were the main constraints limiting the adoption of these techniques. We suggest government interventions to spur the adoption of home gardening techniques to improve household food nutrition.

Student Evaluation of Teachers’ Effectiveness (SETE) scale: translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties in a Latin American sample

IntroductionTeacher effectiveness is a burgeoning field. Those responsible for educational policies seem increasingly committed to this fact, since it is one of the most important factors that influence the success of a university student; for this reason, the study of this topic has gained relevance in recent years. Therefore, an instrument with adequate psychometric properties is needed to measure this construct in Spanish-speaking countries.ObjectiveThe study had the purpose of translating, adapting, and evaluating the internal structure, providing evidence of reliability and validity of the Student Evaluation of Teachers’ Effectiveness (SETE) Scale in a Latin American sample.MethodsAn instrumental study was carried out and through convenience sampling, data were collected from 1,000 university students from South America belonging to a private educational network. The participants were between 18 and 40 years old (M = 21.25, SD = 2.99). Analyzes used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS 24 statistical software.ResultsConfirmatory Factor Analysis provided a 4-factor, 28-item fit model (CMIN/DF = 4.359; CFI = 0.956; SRMR = 0.030; RMSEA = 0.058). The results demonstrated good internal consistency (α = between 0.927 and 0.961; CR = between 0.927 and 0.962; AVE = between 0.646 and 0.799). Evidence of validity and reliability was obtained for the total sample.DiscussionThis adaptation and validation of the SETE scale makes it a valid, useful, reliable, and necessary tool that can be considered to evaluate teachers’ effectiveness from the perspective of university students.

Quantitative Changes in the Publishing of Lithuanian Scientific Journals in 2015–2022: Public and Private Sectors’ Adaptation to the Changing Conditions

The article analyses the quantitative changes in the Lithuanian scientific journal publishing in 2015-2022. The study reveals the problems of public bibliographic accounting and terminology in order to comprehensively analyse the public and private sector published print and electronic scientific journals. The gaps and uncertainties identified allow for the improvement of official publication records in the future, avoiding ambiguities in the assessment of the publication volumes of scientific journals. Science policy makers and implementers should take the initiative to standardise the definition of scientific journals, as this is the only way to achieve a clearer approach to this form of science communication. Although the annual volume of scientific journal publications has shrunk by 18.1% (from 265 (2015) to 217 (2022) publications), the decline itself has not been sharp. The decline has been stabilised by business involvement, changes in the evaluation of colleges, and the transformation of professional journals, book series and conference proceedings into scientific journals. Flexibility has been provided by electronic publishing instruments, which have reduced the dependence on external financial sources. The public publishing sector has tended to reduce the number of scientific journals in all scientific fields. This was mainly due to the reorganisation of the higher education network, the qualitative requirements for scientific articles and the reorganisation of scientific collectives. The publishing business has seen the greatest potential in the fields of technology and the medical and health sciences, and as a result, the number of journals published in these fields has not declined and continues to grow. Despite the private sector's growth trends, 50% of journals have 30 or more years of publication. This forms the core of Lithuanian scientific journals, which public sector publishers are striving to preserve and integrate into the international scientific environment.

Bullying experiences in childhood and health outcomes in adulthood.

This study examines whether the experience of being bullied at school has a long-term impact on three health outcomes in adulthood in Japan: subjective health, mental health, and activity restriction due to health conditions. We employed a random effects model and the Karlson-Holm-Breen method to decompose the total effect of being bullied at school on health inequality into a direct effect and an indirect effect working through intervening factors including education, marriage, economic well-being, and social networks. We used the Japanese Life Course Panel Surveys 2007-2020 (waves 1-14), a nationally representative panel data set that includes 2,260 male and 2,608 female respondents. The results demonstrate that for both men and women, the direct effect of being bullied at school was strong and significant. Bullying experiences in childhood had a long-term impact on health outcomes in adulthood, regardless of social background and mediating factors of education, marriage, economic well-being, and social networks. Bullying victimization increased the risk of poor subjective health, low mental health scores, and activity restriction due to health conditions. Intervening factors (especially economic well-being and friendship) mediated the association between bullying experiences and all health outcomes, but their contributions were modest. Policy measures not only to prevent bullying during childhood but also to alleviate its negative consequences in adulthood should be considered to help people who have encountered adverse childhood experiences.

Women's Economic Transformation: A Literature Review on Empowerment through Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion in Pekalongan, Indonesia

This systematic literature review (SLR) explores factors influencing women's empowerment through entrepreneurship and financial inclusion in Pekalongan. Key elements supporting or hindering women entrepreneurs include access to capital, entrepreneurship education, training, and robust support networks. Financial inclusion, encompassing banking services, microcredit, and financial education, is crucial for enhancing women's economic capacity and independence. The research employs a structured SLR methodology, using databases like Scopus to identify relevant studies from the past decade. The data collection involves keyword identification, literature search, screening, full-text review, and data extraction, followed by thematic analysis and coding. The findings reveal that well-designed government and NGO programs significantly impact women's economic and social well-being, with success dependent on local context and sustained support. Policy recommendations for Pekalongan include increasing access to financial services through microcredit and entrepreneurship training, expanding financial education programs, strengthening support networks via women's business groups and mentoring, and addressing socio-cultural barriers. Tailored policies and programs that consider the local context are essential for effective implementation. This study's comprehensive approach, combining women's entrepreneurship and financial inclusion within Pekalongan's context, provides practical recommendations for policymakers and enriches existing literature, offering a framework for future research and policy development in similar socio-economic settings.

Learning Outcomes and Educational Effectiveness of Social Media as a Continuing Professional Development Intervention for Practicing Surgeons: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the learning outcomes and educational effectiveness of social media as a continuing professional development intervention for surgeons in practice. Social media has the potential to improve global access to educational resources and collaborative networking. However, the learning outcomes and educational effectiveness of social media as a continuing professional development (CPD) intervention are yet to be summarized. We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases from 1946 to 2022. We included studies that assessed the learning outcomes and educational effectiveness of social media as a CPD intervention for practicing surgeons. We excluded studies that were not original research, involved only trainees, did not evaluate educational effectiveness, or involved an in-person component. The 18-point Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) was used for quality appraisal. Learning outcomes were categorized according to Moore's Expanded Outcomes Framework (MEOF). A total of 830 unique studies revealed 14 studies for inclusion. The mean MERSQI score of the included studies was 9.0 ± 0.8. In total, 3227 surgeons from 105 countries and various surgical specialties were included. Twelve studies (86%) evaluated surgeons' satisfaction (MEOF level 2), 3 studies (21%) evaluated changes in self-reported declarative or procedural knowledge (MEOF levels 3A and 3B), 1 study (7%) evaluated changes in self-reported competence (MEOF level 4), and 5 studies (36%) evaluated changes in self-reported performance in practice (MEOF level 5). No studies evaluated changes in patient or community health (MEOF levels 6 and 7). The use of social media as a CPD intervention among practicing surgeons is associated with improved self-reported declarative and procedural knowledge, self-reported competence, and self-reported performance in practice. Further research is required to assess whether social media use for CPD in surgeons is associated with improvements in higher level and objectively measured learning outcomes.

Continuing Education and Curriculum: Complementary Dimensions of Education

Objective: This study aimed to carry out an investigative review, under the State of Knowledge model, which addresses the curriculum in continuing education in order to look for evidence that continuing education improves/reframes/refutes the conception of curriculum. Theoretical Framework: The incessant search for quality education seems to be the keynote of the ongoing training available to teachers with the most varied themes and formats. Continuing professional improvement and critical reflection on pedagogical practice, as well as the need to review the simplistic view of teaching activity, are arguments in favor of training. Method: Data collection was carried out on the Journal Portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel with the descriptors: “continuing education for teachers”, “curriculum”, “National Common Core Curriculum” and “basic education”. The research is of qualitative nature and follows the arguments of Discursive Textual Analysis. Results and Discussion: The results suggest that continuing education improves, reframes and/or reaffirms the conception of curriculum. Research Implications: The study found evidence showing that curriculum and continuing education are intrinsically linked; as such, thinking about either one individually may undermine discussions. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature as the reality caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has called into question the training provided by education networks and brought to light aspects of the curriculum that need to be reviewed.