External Shaping Research Articles

EXAMINING THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT INTERNSHIP STUDENT TEACHERS' USE OF TECHNOLOGY: A STUDY OF UNIVERSITAS NEGERI MAKASSAR

This study investigates the factors influencing internship student teachers' use of technology at Universitas Negeri Makassar. The research aims to identify key determinants that shape their preferences and attitudes toward integrating technology into teaching practices. Data were collected and analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), revealing several critical factors with varying levels of influence based on their loading factors. The strongest predictors of technology use included Student Interest and Motivation (0.81), Perceived Value (0.79), and Self-Efficacy (0.76). These highlight the importance of student engagement, personal confidence, and the perceived utility of technology in driving adoption. Other significant factors were Resources and Infrastructure (0.72), Alignment with Curriculum Goals (0.64), and Administrative Support (0.63), underscoring the role of institutional and logistical support. Moderate contributions were noted from Societal and Cultural Influences (0.61), Government Policies and Mandates (0.57), and Professional Development Opportunities (0.54). These indicate external and professional contexts shaping technology integration. Meanwhile, Innovative Teaching Practices (0.53) and Professional Development (0.43) demonstrated lower impacts, suggesting room for improvement in training initiatives.

Unlocking Global Innovation

In the dynamic landscape of global innovation, researchers increasingly adopt an integrated approach using nonparametric and regression techniques. This study highlights the significance of this method in enabling countries to understand external factors shaping innovation outcomes. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) serves as a robust framework for evaluating innovation efficiency, helping countries optimize their innovation processes by scrutinizing resource utilization and identifying areas for improvement. Complementing DEA, Tobit regression analysis offers insights into the nuanced influence of external drivers on innovation. The findings reveal a mixed landscape: while high-income countries dominate innovation efficiency, some lower-middle and low-income countries show notable proficiency. China, classified as an upper-middle-income country, emerges as the most referenced benchmark. Based on benchmarking, inefficient countries can enhance their innovation policies and strategies, helping to bridge the global innovation gap. Despite all input capabilities showing a negative correlation with innovation efficiency, all output variables exhibit a positive correlation. Notably, there was no association between R&D and innovation efficiency in 2020, highlighting the need for judicious use of innovation inputs to avoid wastage. Additionally, the Tobit regression model exhibits a remarkable R-squared value of 0.8523, indicating that the 16 independent factors account for 85.23% of the variation in the innovation efficiency. Amidst technology-driven transformations, leveraging nonparametric analysis methodologies is essential for organizations aiming to thrive in the global innovation arena. This study highlights the crucial role of DEA in assessing innovation efficiency and emphasizes the importance of incorporating nonparametric analysis and regression techniques into strategic decision-making processes to formulate effective innovation policies.

Internal and External Collaborative Shaping: The Role of Official Information and Online Communities in Shaping a City’s Image

City image is essential for city marketing, yet the impact of “outside–in” shaping by social media in the Web 2.0 era has been largely overlooked. The decentralized and diverse Web 2.0 environment now dominates online information dissemination, influencing not just cyberspace, but also the physical urban landscape. These externally driven city images increasingly reflect and interact with traditional “inside–out” images shaped by official sources. Understanding the influence of external actors via social media compared to traditional internal sources, like government websites, is crucial. This dual analysis offers insights into city image formation, helping cities refine their marketing strategies. This study analyzed a representative social media platform alongside official government websites, using programming and a naive Bayes classifier. We developed a method to categorize the city images of selected U.S. world cities based on these two different media sources. The results are as follows: (1) We establish a city image categorization system that divides the considered U.S. world cities into four and five categories based on social media and official government website content, respectively. (2) We compare the groups and logics shaping global city images in different cyber eras based on the example of the U.S. world cities, and based on this, we explore the relative roles of groups outside the city. (3) We identify the preferences of forming different city images between external groups based on social media and internal forces based on government websites. In summary, this article takes world cities as an example to demonstrate that, in the Web 2.0 era, the image of a city depends on both internal and external groups and has varying degrees of preference. The unique urban image of each city is formed through two media content streams and quantitative preference.

The impact of home institutions on the internationalization of emerging market SMEs: a systematic review

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review literature on home-country institutional factors influencing the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from emerging markets. Based on the analysis, the authors propose a research agenda to guide future studies in this field. Design/methodology/approach This paper follows a systematic procedure to review 58 selected articles on how institutional contexts in emerging economies impact SME internationalization, covering studies from 1999 to 2023. This period was chosen to capture recent research following the post-1990 market liberalization in most emerging economies, which has shaped new opportunities and challenges for SMEs expanding abroad. Findings This literature review shows that SMEs’ internationalization knowledge in emerging markets is strongly shaped by home-country institutional conditions. Key mechanisms include imprinting by home institutions and learning from domestic institutional sources, both critical yet underexplored areas in SME development. These processes offer substantial opportunities for future research into how institutional contexts influence SMEs’ global growth. Originality/value This research builds on previous studies that have emphasized firm-level and external factors such as host market appeal, consumer needs and resource availability driving SMEs’ internationalization. Focusing on home institutional factors, the authors provide a comprehensive review of academic studies and propose a future research agenda on the external institutional influences shaping emerging market SMEs’ global expansion.

Tensão entre monoteísmo e politeísmo na Bíblia Hebraica e no Antigo Israel

The article analyzes the tension between monotheism and polytheism in the Hebrew Bible (HB) and the religion of ancient Israel, proposing that the development of monotheism was a gradual and multifaceted process. The study examines biblical passages and archaeological evidence suggesting the coexistence of polytheistic beliefs alongside the predominant worship of Yahweh. The author discusses the use of terms such as henotheism and monolatry to describe the religious phenomenon in ancient Israel, arguing that monotheism only fully consolidated during the exilic period. The applied methodology includes the distinction between “emic” and “etic” approaches, allowing for a contextualized analysis of religious practices without imposing modern concepts. Additionally, the article explores the influence of other deities, such as El, Asherah, and Baal, on Israelite religiosity, suggesting that the transition to monotheism involved a process of assimilation, exclusion, and transformation of religious practices. The conclusion is that Israelite monotheism did not emerge abruptly, but as the result of a long theological and political reflection, with both external and internal influences shaping religious thought over time.

Innovative Strategies for Hosts in the Dissemination of China's Narrative System in the Age of Intelligent Media

In the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the "second integration" emphasized the contemporary significance of excellent traditional Chinese culture, highlighting the construction of an independent narrative system based on the integration of traditional Chinese culture and local cultural practices. In today’s society, China faces challenges in the dissemination of its narrative system, such as the external shaping of cultural symbols and a relatively singular form of cultural communication. The integration of culture and tourism has become a popular topic in recent years, with tourism programs serving as a window to showcase Chinese culture. Although cultural programs and tourism programs have both seen substantial development, creating a comprehensive program that effectively integrates both remains a task requiring continuous reflection from hosts. Particularly, current tourism programs face challenges like weak cultural relevance, lack of distinctive hosting styles, and hollow content. These issues present new challenges to hosts and offer great development potential for related programs. The key topic of this paper is how hosts can leverage their expertise to expand the program’s reach or enhance its content dissemination. Through research, the paper identifies innovative approaches for hosts in cultural tourism programs, summarized into three phases: tasks to be completed in the pre-production, production, and post-production stages. The analysis covers the core content, the host’s positioning, and communication methods. The proposed innovative paths provide new perspectives and ideas for more effectively disseminating Chinese cultural symbols abroad.

Economic Erosion: Examining Germany's Decline as a Business Destination

This study delves into the complex web of causes that have contributed to Germany's gradual decline as a sought-after business location. This scholarly work methodically examines a variety of internal and external variables shaping the country's economic environment, thus providing a comprehensive picture of the significant challenges currently faced by the German economy. The study methodically analyzes key variables such as labor market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, demographic changes and infrastructure improvements to uncover the root causes of this decline. The results of this research are of enormous importance for the formulation of strategic, precise policy initiatives aimed at revitalizing the German economy, strengthening its resilience and restoring its position as a global beacon for industry recruitment and retention. Using a strong mixed methods approach, this study leverage the synergy of primary data collected through surveys, interviews and case studies, and secondary data derived from government reports, academic publications and economic indicators. This multi-layered technology makes it easier to recognize observable patterns and develop concrete, realistic plans that will lead Germany to long-term economic development and prosperity. This research is a component of efforts to revitalize Germany's economic strength and restore its reputation as a leading commercial center, and provides useful information for policymakers, industry executives and academics alike. The comprehensive analysis presented in this study has far-reaching implications for the larger European economic environment and contributes to the global discourse on sustainable economic development and renewal

Airline business models as complex systems: assessing component interdependencies through interpretive structural modelling

PurposeThis paper explores the intricate interdependencies among core components of airline business models (BMs). In the airline industry, where BMs are complex systems, a successful BM requires an orchestrated configuration of various components. However, there is a paucity of research in BM literature pertaining to the interrelationships among key components of airline BMs.Design/methodology/approachEmploying interpretive structural modelling, we gathered input from experts in Iran to assess the driving power and dependency of elements within airline BMs.FindingsOur findings highlight the significance of operating environment conditions and competitive market dynamics as pivotal external components shaping the foundational structure. Value proposition, customer relationship management, and process monitoring are crucial linkage components that drive power and dependency. Notably, capturing value is positioned with the highest dependency.Practical implicationsWe utilised the ISM technique to visualize interdependencies within airline business models, aiding strategic decision-making. Our findings suggest aligning business and operational strategies with market needs ensures effective value creation and capture, maintaining competitive advantage in the airline industry. In addition, our research reveals critical factors affecting value creation and capture, emphasising monitoring the operating environment and competitive market, and strategically managing value propositions and customer relationship initiatives in the airline industry. We advise adapting business models to external changes for sustained growth and recommend regular monitoring of industry trends and customer expectations.Originality/valueFramed within complexity theory, these insights offer valuable perspectives on identifying and situating critical BM components in the airline industry. The practical implications derived from this study serve as strategic tools for airline managers and potential investors to optimise the design of their airline BMs.

Exploring the role of learning goal orientation, instructor reputation, parasocial interaction, and tutor intervention in university students' MOOC retention: A TAM-TRA based examination.

While MOOC platforms allow universities to implement various strategies such as brand promotion and student recruitment, the alarmingly low retention rate suggests a need to explore the critical factors that influence students' course retention. So far, studies on MOOC platforms focus either on the students' individual factors (i.e., students' personal factors such as perceived value) or situational factors (i.e., external influences shaping students' behavior, such as system quality) for students' learning, thus lacking a complete view of those determinant factors. This study integrates the TAM model with the TRA model to analyze the roles of three important antecedents (learning goal orientation; LGO, instructor reputation; IR, & parasocial interaction; PI) on university students' perceived value (PU) and learning attitude (LA), two critical predictors of MOOC retention (CR). Using data from an online survey of 449 Chinese university students, the hypothesis model was tested using PLS. We found that LGO, IR, and PI each positively affect PU; LGO, IR, and PI each positively affect LA; PU and LA each positively influence course retention (CR), with each impact enhanced by tutor intervention (TI). The theoretical and practical implications of such findings are presented.

Empowering emerging teacher leaders: insights from a self-study community of practice

ABSTRACT Teacher leadership is on the rise in educational settings, yet concerns persist regarding the lack of training and support for teachers transitioning into leadership roles. In response, the authors—a teacher educator and five emerging teacher leaders—established and engaged in a self-study community of practice. These five emerging teacher leaders were in the process of transitioning into formal positions as instructional coaches and sought an environment conducive to their development as leaders. Employing self-study research methods, we explored our participation in the community as a formative leadership development initiative. Through this inquiry, we uncovered internal and external factors shaping our readiness for community development, identified developmental processes within the community that fostered our growth as instructional coaches, and acknowledged the community’s influence in reshaping our understanding of instructional coaching and driving action in our school environments. We conclude by underscoring the imperative of supportive developmental experiences like ours for emerging teacher leaders to effectively fulfil their roles and responsibilities. Additionally, we advocate for participatory research led by teacher leaders to cultivate fresh insights into teacher leadership and its associated functions.

How to Enhance Female Self-Perception and Social Role Awareness in Adolescent Education Through The Second Sex

This paper explores how Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex can be utilized in adolescent education to enhance female self-perception and social role awareness. The Second Sex critically examines the socio-cultural construction of femininity, arguing that gender roles are not innate but socially imposed. By integrating Beauvoir’s insights into the educational curriculum, young women are encouraged to critically analyze the external narratives shaping their identities and societal roles. The paper discusses key themes from The Second Sex, such as the myth of the “Eternal Feminine,” the socialization of girls, and the critique of traditional gender expectations. It highlights classroom strategies, including reflective writing, media analysis, debates, and collaborative learning, which empower students to challenge conformity, build critical thinking skills, and redefine their roles in society. Through this approach, educators can foster a supportive environment that inspires young women to actively shape their identities and resist restrictive societal norms, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and self-aware generation.

A Framework for the Analysis of Personal Learning Networks

This paper reports on research undertaken to map and analyse Personal Learning Networks (PLNs). PLNs are the total preferred connections to the different people, technological devices, services, and information resources an individual uses for learning activities and learning goals in all learning contexts. Drawing from Education, Web Science, Digital Sociology and Network Science, a Framework was developed which conceptualises PLNs as egocentric interaction networks involving a mode, purpose and endpoint. The Framework introduces the idea of measuring the frequency of interaction along paths consisting of pre-determined, generalised nodes (and node sets). This eliminate network differences at the micro level and allows meaningful comparison and aggregation of individual PLNs into groups or whole samples. Quantitative survey data was collected as part of a FutureLearn MOOC and in real-time converted by a bespoke mapping and visualisation tool into an online PLN map. Analysis indicates that regardless of any contextual factors, individuals interact nearly three quarters of the time via digital devices, and just a quarter of the time face-to-face or non-digitally. One third of those interactions are with smartphones, most often for the purpose of gathering information from web searches. Individuals also interact more frequently with non-humans than they do with humans. Chi-square significance testing to examine the effect of a range of external shaping factors found that the PLNs of apparently diverse groups display a considerable homogeneity. Gender, country of residence and position on the Digital Resident-Digital Visitor spectrum have no effect on the size and use of a PLN. Age and being a UK HE student have the most effect. There may also be evidence of a Network Lifecycle, with a critical period of PLN growth occurring during the age of 18-25. This means that universities are ideally placed, indeed may even have a duty of care, to foster PLN development in educationally and personally productive ways. If HE institutions are to respond to the networked student, living, working and learning in a network age, then no longer can the learner be considered separately from the network of people, devices, services and information resources they use for daily life. Transitioning towards a PLN-centred, networked learning HE pedagogy and learning design may arguably be the most suitable response to a study body which is increasingly and inextricably embedded in a sociotechnical reality.

On Transducing Properties of Kombucha-Proteinoid Complexes.

We investigate the information processing capacities of kombucha-proteinoid proto-brains, focusing on the transducing properties through accommodation spiking, tonic bursting spiking, and optical and acoustic stimulation. We explore self-organization, adaptability, and emergent phenomena in this unconventional proto-architecture. By constructing kombucha-proteinoid networks exposed to diverse audio stimuli, we analyze nonlinear dynamics using time series analysis. Assessing information representation in the presence of extreme noise, we examine the system's resilience. Our results illustrate intricate pathways resulting from the interplay between the synthetic biological substrate and bio-inspired stimulation. The kombucha-proteinoid proto-brains consistently map complex stimuli to distinct activation levels, showcasing their adaptability and potential for information processing without the need for external shaping circuits.

Exploration of the Digital Path of External Image Shaping of High-pitched Mountain Songs in Eastern Sichuan in the Era of Intelligent Media

In the era of intelligent media, the boundaries of information dissemination have been infinitely broadened, and the protection and inheritance of traditional culture are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. As a bright pearl in the cultural treasures of Bashu, the high-pitched mountain song of eastern Sichuan urgently needs to shine with new brilliance on the stage of globalization with its unique artistic charm and profound historical heritage. The purpose of this paper is to explore how to use digital means to create the unique image of high-pitched folk songs in eastern Sichuan Province in the context of the era of intelligent media, and to give wings to this intangible cultural heritage through the deep integration of technology and culture.

Dinamika Pengaruh Eksternal dalam Pengambilan Keputusan Kebijakan Pertahanan

In contemporary geopolitics, the formulation of defense policies is subject to a complex interplay of external factors, ranging from the influence of powerful actors to economic interests and ideational factors. This research aims to deepen our understanding of the external factors shaping defense policy decisions and their implications for national security strategies. Drawing upon qualitative research methods using secondary data analysis, this study investigates three key dimensions: "The Interplay of Power: External Actors and National Defense Policy," "The Intersection of Money and Muscle: Economic Interests in Defense Policy," and "The Power of Ideas: How Ideational Factors Shape Defense Policy." The findings reveal the significant role of external actors, such as superpowers and international organizations, in shaping defense policy decisions through various mechanisms of influence. Moreover, economic interests, including arms trade and energy security considerations, emerge as critical determinants of defense policy priorities. Furthermore, conceptual factors, such as security narratives and public perceptions of threats, profoundly influence defense policy formulation. This research contributes to the existing literature by comprehensively analyzing the multifaceted nature of external factors shaping defense policy decisions. The novelty lies in the holistic approach that integrates insights from political science, economics, and security studies. Keywords: defense policy, economic interests, external factors, ideational factors

Exploring the effects of digital transformation from a dual (internal vs external) marketing management perspective

PurposeThis paper sheds light on the factors facilitating the digital transformation (DT) of companies, examining the empirical evidence according to a new and original dual lens: the internal and external marketing management perspective.Design/methodology/approachThrough an explorative research design based on semi-structured interviews, we investigate the perceptions of some managers involved in managing the DT of their own companies.FindingsThe findings, organized from an internal and external marketing perspective, show how DT requires efforts in nurturing: (1) its organizational and cultural nature; (2) new managerial skills and e-leadership. These factors activate DT as an accelerator of (3) production processes and service provision and (4) competitive strategies.Practical implicationsOur findings underscore critical practical implications for organizations embarking on a DT journey. Firstly, managers should prioritize creating a culture that encourages employees to embrace change and technology. Secondly, recognizing the importance of new managerial skills and e-leadership, managers need to invest in developing the expertise to effectively lead DT efforts. The related skills encompass digital literacy, change management and the ability to inspire and guide teams through the complexities of a DT.Originality/valueThis paper suggests that organizations should holistically approach DT, focusing on culture, leadership and strategic deployment of digital tools. The proposed dual lens offers a valuable and simple answer for academics and practitioners to effectively frame the internal dynamics and external factors shaping DT.

Human gut microbiome, diet, and mental disorders.

Diet is one of the most important external factor shaping the composition and metabolic activities of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in host health, including immune system development, nutrients metabolism, and the synthesis of bioactive molecules. In addition, the gut microbiome has been described as critical for the development of several mental disorders. Nutritional psychiatry is an emerging field of research that may provide a link between diet, microbial function, and brain health. In this study, we have reviewed the influence of different diet types, such as Western, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and ketogenic, on the gut microbiota composition and function, and their implication in various neuropsychiatric and psychological disorders.

Beyond Words: A Psychoanalytic Inquiry into Silence and Trauma in the Novel 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides

This research was conducted on a comprehensive psychoanalytic inquiry of Alex Michaelides' novel 'The Silent Patient,' focusing on unraveling the intricacies of silence and trauma within the narrative. The study meticulously analyzes the protagonist Alicia Berenson's deliberate choice of silence as a profound form of communication, transcending simplistic victimhood narratives. Employing a qualitative approach, the research delves into the psychological landscape of the characters, with a specific focus on the evolution of Alicia's character. The socio-cultural and historical contexts, particularly within a psychiatric institution, are examined to understand the external factors shaping the characters' experiences. Through thematic exploration, the study identifies recurring motifs such as suppressed personal narratives and the transformative potential of self-discovery. This research contributes to the discourse on mental health representation, emphasizing the enduring relevance of psychoanalytic theory in illuminating the complexities of the human psyche within literary exploration.

ПІДВИЩЕННЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ТА ОЦІНКА ВИКОРИСТАННЯ РЕСУРСНОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ СІЛЬСЬКОГОСПОДАРСЬКИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

Research on increasing the efficiency of utilizing the resource potential of agricultural enterprises is particularly relevant in the modern world, where agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustainable development. Population growth, climate change, limited resources, and constant technological innovations pose significant challenges to the agricultural sector. Therefore, studying issues related to the efficient use of resources and assessing their potential is strategically important for enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises. One of the key aspects of the research is the analysis of resources available to agricultural enterprises, such as land, water, human resources, capital, and technologies. Understanding how these resources can be optimally utilized is crucial for the development of resilient and productive agricultural systems. The article discusses the essence and importance of enhancing the resource potential specifically of agricultural enterprises. It explores the internal and external factors shaping production-resource potential. Special attention is given to the assessment and methods of improving resource utilization efficiency on agricultural enterprises. In particular, it is determined that one of the main tools for assessing resource utilization efficiency is key performance indicators, and key aspects of the role of assessing resource utilization efficiency of enterprises are separately considered and described. Additionally, a model for conducting such an assessment is provided. Directions for improving the efficiency of resource utilization of agricultural enterprises and their characteristics are identified. Overall, scientific research in the field of enhancing efficiency and assessing the utilization of the resource potential of agricultural enterprises is critical for ensuring the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, increasing its production capacity, and ensuring food security. Furthermore, such research provides valuable insights and strategies for optimizing resource management practices, fostering innovation, and addressing emerging challenges in agricultural production.

A Novel Inflated Tube Robot With External Multimodal Shaping Joint Mechanism

A Novel Inflated Tube Robot With External Multimodal Shaping Joint Mechanism