Fundamental Pillars Research Articles

Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire (ASCQ), Portuguese (European) Version.

In a world where physical activity and social participation are fundamental pillars of a full and healthy life, confidence in walking has emerged as a fundamental aspect to assess, especially for older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a Portuguese (European) version of the Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire (ASCQ) that was both linguistically and psychometrically adapted. To do so, a translation method was used, followed by an assessment of its validity and reliability. The Portuguese version was completed by 173 older adults. To assess reliability, Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used. For sociodemographic and clinical characterization, as well as questionnaire scoring, descriptive statistical analysis was used. Pearson's correlation (r), Student's t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze criterion and construction validity. The Portuguese interactions with ASCQ were effectively translated and adjusted, revealing exceptional internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as reflected in Cronbach's alpha and ICC values of 0.95. No floor effect was observed; however, a ceiling effect was identified (3.5%). The criterion and construct validity were verified as all the correlations established were statistically significant. The adaptation of the ASCQ to Portuguese culture is adequate, making it valid for use within the Portuguese population.

Paths and synergies in accelerating the UN 17 SDGs through the lens of green chemistry: contributions from a Brazilian university and its Institute of Chemistry

Abstract This manuscript aims to bring reflections and inspiration towards how the university can act as a vector for tackling the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of the 2030 Agenda from the UN (United Nations) and the role of its community (undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty members). In this regard, the Institute of Chemistry from Sao Paulo State University – UNESP combines efforts with the university’s central administration and non-governmental organizations to implement and stimulate activities to spread green chemistry and sustainable practices in each of the four fundamental pillars of the university: teaching, research, outreach, and administrative sectors.

Landgrebe’s Opening of Phenomenology

Opening up to the world and individual reflective experience are fundamental pillars in the phenomenological approaches of Landgrebe, Fink, and Patočka. In the special case of Landgrebe and his constructive phenomenology, he seeks to address the problems of metaphysics through the clarification of meanings through the phenomenological interpretation of questions of idealism. For Landgrebe, strict knowledge coincides with the absolute, which arises from the possibilities of meaning or sense. The recovery of metaphysics, innate in the human being, requires evaluating the metaphysical origin of the birth of man. In this way, Landgrebe proposes to initiate the phenomenological path by seeking the path to the absolute in the depths of subjectivity. This path leads us to face the intersubjectivity of the world as objective and the primacy of the "you" over the "I". Landgrebe's original metaphysical phenomenology seeks to overcome the dualism between consciousness and being, and between knowledge and belief. The analysis of the intentional structure of the horizon reveals an absolutist concept that goes beyond man and his knowledge, representing both the basis and the link between them. Movement becomes the unique and original connection between subject and world.

Symposium 1: Doctoral education in a national network: providing an epistemic space?

In 2018 the Swedish National Graduate School for Digital Technologies in Education (GRADE) was initiated as a cooperative venture between six Swedish universities. In 2020, the Swedish national research school for the digitalisation of teacher education (in short called UPGRADE) was initiated. GRADE and UPGRADE aims to strengthen the expertise in these areas on a national level in Sweden and, in doing so, increase both national and international cooperation in research training activities. One of the fundamental pillars of GRADE and UPGRADE is the networked character of the doctoral studies, with joint courses provided by the participating universities and arranged using an interdisciplinary approach. The doctoral students are admitted to different disciplines, among others Applied IT, Computer science, Curriculum studies, Education, Educational Work, Informatics, Media technology, Technology and Learning, and Work Integrated Learning. This implies that several issues with a bearing on the digitalization of education, will be researched by the doctoral students from different epistemological and analytical perspectives and with different methodological approaches. At the 2020 Networked Learning Conference in Kolding, a first symposium was held where six of the doctoral students from the GRADE research school presented their work (Lindberg & Lundin, 2020). These reported on theoretical frameworks ranging from the theory of practice architectures (Kemmis et al., 2014; Mahon, Francisco, & Kemmis, 2017), basic conceptual underpinnings of behaviorism (Skinner, 1974); Actor-Network Theory (ANT) (Latour, 2005); Wenger's expanded theory of Communities of Practice; a multimodal perspective including things-to-things, things-to-human and human-to-human connections (Bonderup Dohn, Cranmer, Sime, de Laat, and Ryberg, 2018; Jones, 2015); and a focus on the technologies and their functions.

Etna volcanic ash as new sustainable supplementary cementitious material

The use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) is one of the fundamental pillars in the transition towards sustainable binders, and the seek for new alternative SCMs is becoming more and more important to front, on one hand, the increased request, and the expected future shortage of some existing SCMs, such as blast furnace and steel slag, on the other. In this work the use of volcanic ash as a pozzolanic constituent in the manufacture of a type IV mixed cement has been explored. Thousands of tons of ash are erupted for each Strombolian event from the volcano Etna (Italy) . The periodicity and magnitude of the events is variable but very often impressive. In the year 2021 alone, 51 significant paroxysmal events occurred. The enormous quantities of material removed from urbanized areas constitute a valuable resource that can be reused instead of being disposed of as waste. The experimental results of the tests carried out for the physical, mechanical and chemical characterization of the new mixed cement showed that the volcanic material meets the requirements dictated by the standard EN 196-5 to assess pozzolanic properties, and can be effectively used in the production of commercial pozzolanic cements as a partial, or even total replacement for the natural pozzolans. These findings are fundamental to encourage the start-up of a production chain aimed at recycling the waste eruptive material of volcanoes that insist on urbanized areas. Moreover, a review of the regulative framework concerning test methods assessing the pozzolanicity of volcanic material is given.

Digital leadership in the digital era of education: enhancing knowledge sharing and emotional intelligence

PurposeEstablishing an effective educational system is directly tied to academic leadership, a multifaceted concept that differs from one environment to another. The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of digital leadership (DL) aspects in the enhancement of technical knowledge sharing (KS) and dealing with emotional intelligence (EI) among the teaching faculty of higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachFollowing a quantitative and cross-sectional research design, convenient sampling is employed for data collection via a self-administered questionnaire from 320 faculty members of private HEIs in Pakistan.FindingsStructural equation model (SEM) is used for path analysis. The results reveal a positive and significant effect of DL, aspects like visionary leadership (VL), digital citizenship (DC), systematic improvement (SI), on knowledge sharing (KS), and emotional intelligence (EI).Practical implicationsThis study has highlighted the significance of DL in private HEIs. The findings of the study imply that institutional heads of higher education institutions (HEIs) can successfully manage the knowledge assets that they have and those of their staff members, ensure the successful adoption of technology and foster product and process innovation that improves organizational performance and integrates successful strategies into the educational system by demonstrating DL aspects. The research also analyzes institutional heads' present leadership strategies to enhance response to technological change and innovations, which are considered fundamental pillars of organizational success. Ultimately, this will extend the literature on adopting DL techniques towards digital transformation in the education system.Originality/valueThis study empirically confirms the role of DL aspects such as VL, DC, and SI towards KS and EI. Most of the research demonstrates the direct impact of DL on EI, whereas the aspects of DL are not directly related to KS and EI. Studies have also shown how DL enhances its role in incorporating leadership in organizations, industries, and education, mainly in Western countries. This research addresses the gap in understanding the direct effects of DL aspects on KS and EI in non-Western countries, particularly within the education sector.

Integrated Approach of The Health Team in The Management of Malnutrition Marasmus in Children

Objective: To analyze, through the scientific literature, the importance of the integrated approach of the health team in the management of childhood marasmus malnutrition. Theoretical framework: Childhood marasmus malnutrition is a severe medical condition that mainly affects children under five years of age, and is characterized by an extreme lack of calories and essential nutrients, resulting in a state of severe emaciation where the child's body consumes its own tissues in an attempt to survive. Method: A descriptive integrative review with a qualitative approach, in which a search was carried out in Sicelo, PubMed, LILACS and the Cochrane Library. The descriptors "Malnutrition", "Protein-Calorie Malnutrition", "Patient Care Team" and "Child Health" were used in combination with the Boolean operator AND. Initially, 9,887 studies were found, but this was reduced to 119 studies, of which 12 were selected. Results and Discussion: The management of childhood marasmus malnutrition was shown to be crucial to ensuring the recovery and healthy development of affected children. Marasmus is a severe form of energy-protein malnutrition, characterized by extreme weight loss and loss of fat and muscle tissue, caused mainly by inadequate calorie and protein intake. Research Implications: The implementation of solid policies, education, continuous support for families and the commitment of health professionals are fundamental pillars for reversing malnutrition and corroborating healthy child development. Originality/value: The study incorporates pertinent theories, corroborating the literature through contributions to clinical practice in the face of childhood stunting.

Strategies of Automated Machine Learning for Energy Sustainability in Green Artificial Intelligence

Automated machine learning (AutoML) is recognized for its efficiency in facilitating model development due to its ability to perform tasks autonomously, without constant human intervention. AutoML automates the development and optimization of machine learning models, leading to high energy consumption due to the large amount of calculations involved. Hyperparameter optimization algorithms, central to AutoML, can significantly impact its carbon footprint. This work introduces and investigates energy efficiency metrics for advanced hyperparameter optimization algorithms within AutoML. These metrics enable the evaluation and optimization of an algorithm’s energy consumption, considering accuracy, sustainability, and reduced environmental impact. The experimentation demonstrates the application of Green AI principles to AutoML hyperparameter optimization algorithms. It assesses the current sustainability of AutoML practices and proposes strategies to make them more environmentally friendly. The findings indicate a reduction of 28.7% in CO2e emissions when implementing the Green AI strategy, compared to the Red AI strategy. This improvement in sustainability is achieved with a minimal decrease of 0.51% in validation accuracy. This study emphasizes the importance of continuing to investigate sustainability throughout the life cycle of AI, aligning with the three fundamental pillars of sustainable development.

Examine the Relationship Between the Professional Competency of IA and the Effectiveness of RM in Improving Compliance in Iraq's Public Organization

The importance of internal audits has escalated in the current dynamic and intricate economic and financial landscape. It plays a crucial role in assisting management in attaining its goals by offering unbiased and independent assurance regarding the efficiency of risk management, the sufficiency of internal control, and the accuracy of financial reporting. It is widely known that Iraq has seen instances of fraud and mismanagement of public funds in recent years, highlighting a systemic flaw in the regulatory structure and the auditing profession inside public sector organizations. However, by enhancing compliance through the fundamental pillars of optimizing the efficiency of internal audits and the efficacy of risk management, we can envision a future where the misuse of public funds and various forms of corruption are minimized. This, in turn, will lead to improved adherence to relevant laws and the production of reliable financial statements that can be used for decision-making by appropriate stakeholders. It is the role of government agencies to prioritize these improvements, as they have the power and responsibility to do so. We created a questionnaire of three dimensions and 45 paragraphs to fulfil the research objectives. A sample of internal auditors in sectoral organizations was randomly selected, comprising 283 respondents. We employed both primary and multiple regression analyses to examine the hypotheses. The study concluded that there needs to be a strategy for continuing education for internal audit employees, which indicates a lack of sufficient interest in this topic and the lack of clear strategies and policies for risk management.

Studying harms of interventions with an equity lens in randomized trials

Equity and health equity are fundamental pillars in fostering a just and inclusive society. While equity underscores fairness in resource allocation and opportunity, health equity aims to eradicate avoidable health disparities among social groups. The concept of harms in interventions—undesirable consequences associated with the use of interventions—often varies across populations due to biological and social factors, necessitating a nuanced understanding. An equity lens reveals disparities in harm distribution, urging researchers and policymakers to address these differences in their decision-making processes. Furthermore, interventions, even well-intentioned ones, can inadvertently exacerbate disparities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive harm assessment. Integrating equity considerations in research practices and trial methodologies, through study design or through practices such as inclusive participant recruitment, is pivotal in advancing health equity. By prioritizing interventions that address disparities and ensuring inclusivity in research, we can foster a more equitable healthcare system.

Understanding the Role of Internal and ESG Factors in Economic Growth: Panel Regression Findings

Economic growth, as a development, is influenced by a myriad of factors, both external and internal. While past research has extensively examined external factors such as trade dynamics and foreign direct investment, there exists a notable gap in understanding the internal factors affecting economic growth. This gap is particularly evident in countries categorized by the methodology outlined below. In this study, we examined the impact of both internal and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors on economic growth. These factors encompass a wide range of aspects, including demographics, fiscal policies, and institutional quality, among others. The identified internal factors serve as the fundamental pillars that not only contribute to the stability of economic growth but also promote the positive impact of ESG performance on economic development.

Dampak Rendahnya Sikap/Perilaku Harmonis, Adaptif dan Kolaboratif terhadap Kerja Berkelanjutan Pegawai Publik

The impact of low levels of harmonious, adaptive and collaborative attitudes and behavior on the sustainability of public employees' work. Sustainable work is a necessity for public employees to achieve organizational goals and provide optimal public services. However, low attitudes and behavior can hamper productivity and work efficiency. A harmonious attitude reflects the ability to work well with colleagues, adaptive behavior means being able to adapt to changes in the work environment, and a collaborative attitude means being able to work together with other people to achieve common goals. Harmonious, adaptive and collaborative attitudes are very important, these attitudes in the context of public employees. Adaptive and collaborative attitudes are fundamental pillars in achieving success for public employees in providing services to the community. In the rapidly changing era of globalization, civil servants need to have adaptive abilities to remain productive and provide the best service. The low level of harmonious, adaptive and collaborative attitudes can be caused by a work environment that is not conducive and a lack of adequate training and development. The causes of low levels of harmonious, adaptive and collaborative attitudes and the importance of condescending support in developing these attitudes. By understanding and overcoming these obstacles, public employees can work sustainably, achieve organizational goals, and provide optimal public services.

Geriatric Oncology: A 5-Year Strategic Plan.

The increasing rate of the older adult population across the world over the next 20 years along with significant developments in the treatment of oncology will require a more granular understanding of the older adult population with cancer. The ASCO Geriatric Oncology Community of Practice (COP) herein provides an outline for the field along three fundamental pillars: education, research, and implementation, inspired by ASCO's 5-Year Strategic Plan. Fundamental to improving the understanding of geriatric oncology is research that intentionally includes older adults with clinically meaningful data supported by grants across all career stages. The increased knowledge base that is developed should be conveyed among health care providers through core competencies for trainees and continuing education for practicing oncologists. ASCO's infrastructure can serve as a resource for fellowship programs interested in acquiring geriatric oncology content and provide recommendations on developing training pathways for fellows interested in pursuing formalized training in geriatrics. Incorporating geriatric oncology into everyday practice is challenging as each clinical setting has unique operational workflows with barriers that limit implementation of valuable geriatric tools such as Geriatric Assessment. Partnerships among experts in quality improvement from the ASCO Geriatric Oncology COP, the Cancer and Aging Research Group, and ASCO's Quality Training Program can provide one such venue for implementation of geriatric oncology through a structured support mechanism. The field of geriatric oncology must continue to find innovative strategies using existing resources and partnerships to address the pressing needs of the older adult population with cancer to improve patient outcomes.

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of farmers towards urban agroecology in Malaysia

Adopting agroecological approaches to build resilient urban food systems has recently gained traction around the world, but there is little to no reliable literature on the knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives of urban farmers towards these nature-based solutions in many developing nations, including Malaysia. The present study conducted an online survey to determine the extent to which local urban farmers understand and employ agroecology, as well as to assess their awareness and views on using agroecological practices and sustainable farm management. We found that the majority of respondents are unfamiliar with agroecological principles, with 79 % agreeing or strongly agreeing that implementing sustainable agricultural practices is challenging. However, more than 90 % of respondents are aware of the environmental consequences of excessive input utilisation. Our findings highlight the need for improved initiatives to promote agroecological approaches among farmers by sharing knowledge and best practices. In light of the growing threat posed by urban heat islands and the rapid urbanisation, this study offers novel insights into the knowledge gaps and perceptions about agroecological approaches among urban farmers, challenges that must be addressed to promote sustainable agriculture, and the potential role of farmers in achieving the three fundamental pillars of sustainability—planet, people, and prosperity.

Discursive strategies for legitimizing U.S. sanctions policy towards Russia (2021-2023)

The aim of the study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of discursive strategies for legitimizing the United States (U.S.) sanctions policy against Russia during the Biden Administration. The paper is based on a constructivist theory within the study of international relations and methodological innovations by T. van Dijk, T.J. van Leeuwen, R. Wodak. The research investigates the hypothesis that the absence of an international legal framework for anti-Russian sanctions creates an increased need for the United States to legitimize them. The work uses critical discourse analysis (CDA) to investigate discursive strategies of legitimization of U.S. sanctions against Russia (through 1) emotions; 2) hypothetical future; 3) procedures; 4) expert opinion; 5) altruism). The study shows that anti-Russian sanctions is a part of the hegemonic foreign policy of the United States. It is manifested, reproduced, and justified through the official narrative. Political discourses containing ideological attitudes are used by the United States to create, maintain and protect its identity, which is based on the binary opposition “ Self-Positive Representation - Other-Negative Representation” and has a projection on the country's foreign policy. The most convincing discursive strategies of legitimization are those that appeal to the fundamental pillars of American identity (strategies 1, 2, 5). Strategies that rely on more specific/ situational grounds and argumentation systems are the least convincing (strategies 3, 4).

Technologies for Studying and Teaching Human Anatomy: Implications in Academic Education.

The teaching of human anatomy (HA) constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of the curriculum in biological and healthcare-related programs. Therefore, it is imperative that the methodology and didactics employed in this discipline equip students in the best possible way. The traditional method of teaching HA involves lectures and practical classes with previously dissected cadaveric specimens and dissection activities. Concurrently, the present era is witnessing the emergence and popularization of new digital technologies connected to the internet, among which we can highlight smartphones, quick response codes, and virtual reality devices, along with the dissemination of complementary imaging methods, such as radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography. From this perspective, the objective of this review is to analyze how each of these new tools integrates into the academic context, in order to diversify the teaching of HA and contribute to better understanding of the HA content during academic training, as well as the clinical applications.

The Role of Social Media in Enhancing Social Awareness and Community Participation in Education

Education is recognized as one of the fundamental pillars in societal development. The advancement of information technology, particularly social media, has transformed the paradigm in education. Social media offers a broad and easily accessible platform for communities to share knowledge, information, and experiences. This research aims to delve deeper into the role of social media in enhancing social awareness and community participation in education. The research method employed in this study is a literature review using a qualitative approach and descriptive analysis. Data for this research were gathered from Google Scholar for the period 2008-2024. The study findings indicate that social media plays a significant role in enhancing social awareness and community participation in education. Through its ability to disseminate information quickly and widely, social media opens up opportunities to broaden societal awareness of social and educational issues. Furthermore, social media also facilitates active participation in learning and discussions, both in formal and informal contexts

Earthquake, flood and resilience management through spatial planning, decision and information system

Assessment and planning of crisis management with the natural disasters approach include many components. In this regard, floods and earthquakes are some of the fundamental pillars in this field. With this view, paying attention to the current and future planning and research priorities of the world shows that crisis management in flood-prone and earthquake-prone areas and increasing resilience are the most important priorities for sustainable development studies and planning in the world. The western region of Iran (Lorestan province) has a special place due to the prominent features of flood and seismicity. This study aims to investigate the current situation regarding floods and earthquakes and increase the resilience of settlements with emphasis on the study area. After studying the current structure of flood and earthquake zoning according to multi-factor criteria, zoning was performed based on the integration of GIS and AHP information systems, and at the output of the work, high-risk settlements were determined separately for rural and urban areas with geographical coordinates, and then areas with low, very low, medium, high, and very high resilience were presented separately for rural and urban settlements. Also, after analyzing the SWOT model, strategies to increase the resilience of settlements to floods and earthquakes were presented. The study method of this research and the results, strategies, and operational options presented while being used in the study area are also applicable in other areas.

ENGLISHVR: USO DE REALIDADE VIRTUAL NO ENSINO DA LÍNGUA INGLESA NAS ESCOLAS DE ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL ESTADUAL BRASILEIRO

The teaching of the English language is one of the fundamental pillars in the educational formation of students in today's world. The practice of the language contributes to the development of communication and expression skills, in addition to promoting interculturality and access to entertainment and study media. However, Brazilian schools predominantly employ the traditional teaching method, which relies on learning through grammatical rules and literal translations. This method is monotonous and repetitive, having as a consequence the demotivation of students with the discipline. Therefore, the application of technologies in education, such as virtual reality, increases students' interest in learning through interactive activities that encourage creativity and fun, improving the quality of education, absorption of content and their cognitive skills. This work presents a virtual reality tool that offers interactive three-dimensional virtual environments with the aim of assisting in the teaching and learning of English language for Brazilian elementary school students. The virtual environments were evaluated by the project researchers through a specific usability questionnaire for this type of environment, obtaining a final average of 4.53 out of 5.0, being considered suitable for future use in classrooms.

Regulation and organization of the lawyer profession in Romania in accordance with the provisions of Law no. 51/1995

The legal system in Romania is based on the principle of the rule of law, which ensures equality before the law and the protection of individual rights. Within this system, the lawyer plays an essential role in providing legal services and guaranteeing a fair and just trial for all citizens, representing and defending the rights of his clients before the courts and in other legal proceedings. Through their legal expertise and commitment to justice, lawyers are fundamental pillars of the legal system and help maintain its balance and integrity.