Future Activities Research Articles

Explainable deep learning for disease activity prediction in chronic inflammatory joint diseases

Analysing complex diseases such as chronic inflammatory joint diseases (CIJDs), where many factors influence the disease evolution over time, is a challenging task. CIJDs are rheumatic diseases that cause the immune system to attack healthy organs, mainly the joints. Different environmental, genetic and demographic factors affect disease development and progression. The Swiss Clinical Quality Management in Rheumatic Diseases (SCQM) Foundation maintains a national database of CIJDs documenting the disease management over time for 19’267 patients. We propose the Disease Activity Score Network (DAS-Net), an explainable multi-task learning model trained on patients’ data with different arthritis subtypes, transforming longitudinal patient journeys into comparable representations and predicting multiple disease activity scores. First, we built a modular model composed of feed-forward neural networks, long short-term memory networks and attention layers to process the heterogeneous patient histories and predict future disease activity. Second, we investigated the utility of the model’s computed patient representations (latent embeddings) to identify patients with similar disease progression. Third, we enhanced the explainability of our model by analysing the impact of different patient characteristics on disease progression and contrasted our model outcomes with medical expert knowledge. To this end, we explored multiple feature attribution methods including SHAP, attention attribution and feature weighting using case-based similarity. Our model outperforms temporal and non-temporal neural network, tree-based, and naive static baselines in predicting future disease activity scores. To identify similar patients, a k-nearest neighbours regression algorithm applied to the model’s computed latent representations outperforms baseline strategies that use raw input features representation.

APPLIED DIRECTION OF THE STUDY OF HIGHER MATHEMATICS BY STUDENTS OF PROFES- SIONAL PRE-HIGHER EDUCATION

The article substantiates the need for a practical, professional focus of studying the course of higher mathematics by students of professional pre-higher education institution. The aim of the article is to highlight the ways of implementing the professional orientation of the content of mathematical disciplines in the education of students in various specialities of vocational higher education. Modern requirements for the development and reform of higher education require an increase in the professional competence of a bachelor’s graduate in each field of knowledge, the ability to creatively approach and find the solution to emerging professional tasks. Therefore, teachers of higher mathematics have the task of reorienting the teaching of the academic discipline with the use of professional problem solving. The purpose of the article is to highlight the ways of implementing the professional orientation of the content of mathematical disciplines in the training of students of professional pre-higher education in various specialties of the college. In connection with the rapid development of science and technology, the training of competent, competitive, and highly qualified specialists requires a high level of skills in applying mathematical apparatus in professional activities. Mathematics is the basis of studying physics, technology, general technical and special disciplines. At present, mathematical education has a significant impact on the formation of professional qualities of a modern specialist who is able to navigate the directions of development of modern science and methods of learning about the world around them, predict the impact of human production on society and the environment. Modern mathematics is used in the study of economic, humanitarian, biological, physical, technical and other phenomena. This is done by building a mathematical model. It takes into account all essential connections within the phenomenon. Under mathematical modelling we will understand the method of researching processes or phenomena by building their mathematical models and researching these processes. The applied direction of solving problems by students of various specialties is oriented towards future professional activity. This is an effective means of increasing learning motivation, and developing mathematical and professional competences. The results of the research are examples of practical problems of various sections of higher mathematics for students of economic and technical specialties. The applied nature of the given problems aims to combine the study of higher mathematics with special training of future bachelors and to give them the opportunity to gain experience in solving production problems, and to increase their professional competence. This is very important in times of fierce competition in the labour market. Conclusion. Practical skills and the ability to use the mathematical apparatus when solving applied, profession-oriented problems increase the motivation of students of higher and pre-higher education, and aid students to study other courses of professional disciplines, and do coursework and diploma projects, which will contribute to the maximum use of mathematical methods in the educational course of higher education mathematicians in the future professional activity. The obtained results open up prospects for further research in the following directions: development of methods of formation of skills to solve applied problems by students of various specialties, as well as strengthening integration links between fundamental and profession-oriented courses.

FORMATION OF CORPORATE CULTURE OF OFFICERS: FOREIGN EXPERIENCE

The article analyzes various perspectives on the formation of corporate culture. The purpose of the article is to review foreign scientific research in the context of the formation of corporate culture in military organizations. Among the analyzed sources are both fundamental works and works of modern authors describing the current state of affairs in the armed forces of Western countries. To achieve the defined goal and fulfill the tasks, theoretical research methods were applied – analysis, synthesis, generalization of scientific sources, in which the definitions of “corporate culture” and “organizational culture” were determined and the state of their formation in the armed forces of different countries was described. The results of research. It is observed that foreign researchers often conflate the concepts of “corporate culture” and “organizational culture”. The majority of scholars focus their studies on organizational culture, with leadership recognized as one of the most influential factors shaping it. Furthermore, the development of corporate culture is closely intertwined with societal and military unit traditions. National, historical, religious, racial, social, and gender characteristics contribute to the establishment of distinct sets of norms and traditions that serve as the foundation for the corporate culture within the armed forces. The entrenched corporate culture among officers influences their career choices, often mirroring those of their parents. However, researchers caution against the emergence of castes within military organizations, as this phenomenon can lead to the degradation of the armed forces. Emphasizing the significance of military training institutions, the article underscores their role in shaping an effective corporate culture among officers by instilling the foundational principles that guide their future activities and worldview. It has been observed that there are several common classifications of the concept of “corporate culture”. However, they can be condensed into two primary models: flexible and hierarchical. The hierarchical model delineates the roles of each participant, the extent of their responsibilities, and the modes of interaction among them. Conversely, the flexible model underscores the capacity for scalability, adaptation, and rapid response to changes in external conditions. Additionally, some researchers highlight that such changes may yield both negative repercussions for corporate culture and offer new opportunities for its development. Historical experience demonstrates that the corporate culture of officers is subject to ongoing evolution. Specifically, the widespread integration of modern information and communication technologies in military affairs is already reshaping both the battlefield and intra-unit relations. The analyzed publications in foreign sources indicate that most researchers identify the concepts of “organizational culture” and “corporate culture” and mostly use the first term. Many studies point to differences in the corporate culture of different countries and different eras, as well as military branches. Therefore, national traditions and certain features inherent in national armies determine the rules that shape corporate culture. It is noticeable that considerable attention is paid to the analysis of threats that exist or may arise in the future. At the same time, the authors offer their own recommendations that would prevent the development of negative effects. Conclusions. The main factor that would contribute to the increase in the effectiveness of the formation of an effective corporate culture is considered to be training in higher education institutions during the training of future officers as well as military training and training during service. Also, most researchers point to the importance of adapting to the changing conditions of the external environment, both for officers and for their corporate culture in general.

The genetics of the European polecat in the Iberian Peninsula

AbstractVolunteer‐based roadkill monitoring schemes, including road carcass sampling, can represent considerable advances with respect to classical methods employed in conservation biology. We studied the genetic diversity, structure, and dynamics of the European polecat (Mustela putorius) across the Iberian Peninsula. We used samples of road carcasses collected by volunteers because this carnivore is an elusive species otherwise difficult to monitor with standard field protocols. We gathered 238 samples obtained from 2004 to 2022 from 13 different areas (8–31 samples/area). Using microsatellite loci, we identified 4 genetic units with gene flow among 3 of them in the Iberian Peninsula. The genetic variability was steadily low in 1 of the areas (Girona) for all the parameters evaluated. This area is also genetically isolated from the other studied areas. The inbreeding coefficient was significant in the north‐ and south‐Iberia units, and we did not detect a bottleneck signature in any of the 4 genetic units. Future conservation actions should consider the genetic dissimilarity among detected units and elucidate the ecological factors that have led to the observed genetic patterns.

Development of an Comprehensive Budget Management and Performance Evaluation System

The rapid advancement of socio-economic conditions and technology offers enterprises opportunities to enhance their capabilities. As they expand operations, improving management precision becomes essential. Budgeting, a crucial accounting tool for implementing corporate strategy, quantifies action plans and translates strategic planning into specific quantitative measures. Budget management involves forecasting, planning, evaluating, and providing feedback on future business activities and financial outcomes, guiding operational optimization and driving the achievement of strategic goals. Comprehensive implementation of budget management is highly significant for enterprises. This paper explores the characteristics and implementation details of comprehensive budget management, assesses the achievements and shortcomings of Company A in its practice, and analyzes its budget performance evaluation methods, particularly the deficiencies in indicator design. Using the balanced scorecard theory and methods, this study designs a budget performance evaluation indicator system tailored to Company A’s context. This system, based on the company’s strategy and objectives, employs budget performance evaluation as a means to achieve overall strategic goals through business improvement and employee motivation.

EDUCATIONAL AUTONOMY AS AN IMPORTANT PREREQUISITE FOR THE FORMATION OF FUTURE PHDS’ RESEARCH COMPETENCE IN THE CONDITIONS OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

The trend of student-centred education in higher education institutions imposes new requirements on standards within the achievement of professional competencies. This leads to the popularisation of such a technology as learning autonomy, which requires analysis from the perspective of its application in the ed- ucational space of higher education institutions. The relevance of this research is determined by the necessity to develop skills in future Doctors of Phi- losophy (PhD candidates) to independently plan their learning and research activities within the conditions of postgraduate studies. The resolution of this task is based on the skills of implementing goal-setting, pro- ject planning, and reflection strategies. On the basis of current educational trends, it becomes possible to analyse learning autonomy as an effective way of teaching future PhD candidates to ensure the successful implementation of their future professional and research activities. The purpose of this research is to examine the concept of “learning autonomy” as an effective meth- od of increasing the awareness of future PhD candidates in the process of developing research competence in terms of postgraduate studies. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were formulated: to consider learning autonomy as an effec- tive method of teaching and personal development of future PhD candidates; to analyse the scientific lit- erature on the stated issue and draw parallels between the definitions of “autonomous learning” and “in- dependent work”; to identify the main advantages of learning autonomy in the context of developing re- search competence. To achieve the aforementioned tasks, the following theoretical research methods were applied: the method of deduction, content analysis, formalisation, method of generalisation, and systematisation of the results of the existing studies on the stated issue. Study results. The results of the study revealed that the concept of “learning autonomy” is relevant in the context of modern education. Noting the absence of a unanimously accepted definition of this term in pedagogy, the article examines various interpretations proposed by both foreign and domestic researchers. On the basis of the conducted analysis of definitions, the article incorporates our own understanding of the concept of “learning autonomy”, emphasising its special importance for future PhD candidates with- in the conditions of postgraduate studies for the successful and effective development of research compe- tence.The article characterises the main descriptors that comprise learning autonomy, namely: the ability to set goals, target-oriented execution skills, the ability to self-reflect, intellectual independence, interac- tion and cooperation, self-governance skills, conscious, and effective independent management of learn- ing activities. Relying on practical experience, methods for enhancing learning autonomy have been identified in- cluding problem-based teaching, and partially search, research and project methods. The leading strategies of autonomous learning activities for future PhD candidates were identified as follows: primary and auxil- iary ones. The primary strategies include learning material acquisition strategies, educational-information- al, cognitive, compensatory, creative, and specialised strategies. Auxiliary strategies encompass metacog- nitive and socio-emotional strategies. It has been concluded that the development of such personal qualities as independence and autono- my is a necessary condition for carrying out independent activities, ensuring the success and continuity of the process of professional development of future specialists within the conditions of postgraduate studies, and the development of their research competence.

Ophthalmological research in Germany: suggestions by an international expert panel.

To evaluate the research performance in ophthalmology in Germany based on the findings of the recent research map of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and to suggest strategies for future improvements on anational level both to DOG as well as to politics. The focus is on preclinical and translational clinical research. International expert panel evaluation and discussion organized by the Task Force Research of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG). The international view on the German ophthalmological research landscape was generally positive. The value for money relationship was judged as very good. As Germany is facing an aging society and vision impairment will create an ever-increasing socioeconomic burden, the reviewers suggested several lines of future activities: an increased activity of securing intellectual property, more lay audience lobbying, intensified collaboration and critical mass building between "lighthouses" of ophthalmic research in Germany, as well as the establishment of aGerman national eye institute equivalent. The ophthalmological research performance in Germany was rated to be very good by an international expert panel. Nonetheless significant improvements were requested in the fields of translation (clinical trials, IP), synergy between specialized institutions and governmental funding for aGerman center for eye research.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of a Large USDA Sesame Collection.

Sesame, Sesamum indicum L., is one of the oldest domesticated crops used for its oil and protein in many parts of the world. To build genomic resources for sesame that could be used to improve sesame productivity and responses to stresses, a USDA sesame germplasm collection of 501 accessions originating from 36 countries was used in this study. The panel was genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology to explore its genetic diversity and population structure and the relatedness among its accessions. A total of 24,735 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were identified over the 13 chromosomes. The marker density was 1900 SNP per chromosome, with an average polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.267. The marker polymorphisms and heterozygosity estimators indicated the usefulness of the identified SNPs to be used in future genetic studies and breeding activities. The population structure, principal components analysis (PCA), and unrooted neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree analyses classified two distinct subpopulations, indicating a wide genetic diversity within the USDA sesame collection. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 29.5% of the variation in this population was due to subpopulations, while 57.5% of the variation was due to variation among the accessions within the subpopulations. These results showed the degree of differentiation between the two subpopulations as well as within each subpopulation. The high fixation index (FST) between the distinguished subpopulations indicates a wide genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation among and within the identified subpopulations. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) pattern averaged 161 Kbp for the whole sesame genome, while the LD decay ranged from 168 Kbp at chromosome LG09 to 123 Kbp in chromosome LG05. These findings could explain the complications of linkage drag among the traits during selections. The selected accessions and genotyped SNPs provide tools to enhance genetic gain in sesame breeding programs through molecular approaches.

Sosialisasi Transformasi Digital bagi UMKM sebagai Bagian Penguatan Fondasi Ekonomi Masyarakat Kabupaten Tangerang

Activities to socialize digital transformation of Micro small and Medium Enterprises in Tangerang Regency were carried out online and were attended by 497 participants with various backgrounds. There were three speakers and were guided directly by a moderator. Explained the problems and obstacles in implementing digitalization for micro small and medium enterprises, and the importance of digital transformation. This community service seminar was also filled with material about breaking down household waste into gold and beauty by the second resource person. The activity went well and was interactive between participants and resource persons. It is hoped that in the future similar activities can be carried out directly and continuously so that they can maximize the progress of Micro small and Medium Enterprises in Tangerang Regency

Impact Assessment as a Legal Design Pattern—A “Timeless Way” of Managing Future Risks?

Impact assessments are increasingly employed and debated as instruments for mitigating the fundamental rights risks associated with artificial intelligence, platforms and personal data processing. However, before their adoption in connection with technology and fundamental rights, impact assessments have been used for decades to mitigate large undertakings’ environmental and social impacts. An impact assessment is a process for collecting information to identify a future action’s effects and mitigate its unwanted effects. This article proposes that impact assessments represent a distinct legal design pattern with core elements that can be replicated in new legal contexts requiring ex-ante identification and mitigation of foreseeable risks. The tensions between diverging interests, temporality, epistemics and economics characterise this legal design pattern. The impact assessment process seeks to resolve these tensions by enabling translation between the regulator, the executor of the planned action and the stakeholders impacted by it. Awareness of the underlying patterns allows the lawmaker or the regulator to learn across diverse impact assessment models. Design pattern thinking advances research both on law and regulation by uncovering the tensions underling the design solution, as well as pattern interaction between legally mandated impact assessments and those representing other regulatory instruments. Finally, the approach raises awareness of the instrument’s shortcomings, including spheres where relying on complementary legal design patterns, such as precautionary principle, is more justified.

Sezonowa i przestrzenna zmienność jakości wody w systemie jezior Lumina-Rosu w delcie Dunaju w Rumunii

The main aim of the present scientific paper is to assess water quality of the surface water of various lakes located in the Lumina-Rosu interdistributary depression, Danube Delta, Romania. As specific objectives, the paper considered to spot the main potential sources of contamination and their environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Equally, the purpose of the article is to emphasize the importance of monitoring the water quality of the Danube Delta, for preserving these unique natural water resources and their ecosystem services (fresh water, biodiversity, flood control, recreation, nutrient cycling, fishing and other traditional activities, ecotourism). Surface water samples collected from several control sections situated on the main tributaries and canals, as well as from lakes were investigated physically (To - C, EC - μS/cm, TDS - mg/L, turbidity - NTU units, TSS - mg/L) and chemically (pH - units, DO - mg/L, N-NO2- - mg/L, N-NO3- - mg/L, P-PO43-- mg/L, Chla - mg/L, SiO2 - mg/L, TOC - mg/L, SO42- - mg/L, S2- - mg/L, H2S - mg/L and synthetic detergents - mg/L). Generally, the hydro-physical-chemical characteristics and water quality assessment of the surface waters of the lakes manifest the combined effect of both processes occurred in the catchment (weathering, sediment supply and transport), as well as the in situ lake processes (photosynthesis, sediment mixing, biogeochemical cycling, evaporation, eutrophication, productivity changes). Overall, the physical and chemical characteristics of the sampling sites investigated at high waters of the Danube are quite similar to those measured at low waters. The differences that mainly occurred within the lakes are more related to the limnological variables and the local environmental conditions. Anyway, a significant seasonal variation was noticed in the lakes, during the dry period, when different physical and chemical characteristics appeared to be influenced by high air temperature, lack of precipitation, low water level regime, low dissolved oxygen level regime, all related to climate change effects etc. Moreover, the anthropogenic factor that left its mark on some physical-chemical characteristics of water should not be omitted either. However, the results obtained within this study did not show such alarming values as might have dangerous effects on the investigated aquatic environments. The water quality information within this case study may be used for improving the understanding of the water quality issues and to better coordinate and plan for future monitoring activities in and around the Danube Delta environment. The results will contribute to updating the existing database with relevant information for a sustainable future of the Danube Delta and in similar areas that are subjected to such environmental challenges.

Biodiversity and community structures across the Magellan seamounts and abyssal plains in the western Pacific Ocean revealed by environmental DNA metabarcoding analysis

Seamounts within deep-sea ecosystems are recognized as biodiversity hotspots, yet they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities such as overfishing, resource exploitation, and climate change. To establish environmental baseline data and assess the impacts of current or future anthropogenic activities, we conducted environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding analyses to comprehensively characterize prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity across various water depths of the Magellan seamounts and the adjacent abyssal plains. Metabarcoding analysis revealed higher richness and diversity in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities within the seamounts compared to the abyssal plains. Overall, the analysis identified 9,068 prokaryotic amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), representing 39 phyla and 47 classes. Similarly, 4,569 eukaryotic ASVs were identified, spanning 34 phyla and 93 classes. Furthermore, our results revealed distinct community structures between the seamounts and abyssal plains, with turnover across different water depths. These findings are crucial as they indicate the unique ecological roles and potential vulnerability of seamount communities, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation strategies. Our study underscores the importance of conducting comprehensive long-term environmental assessments of the impacts of anthropogenic activities on seamount ecosystems and highlights the potential of eDNA metabarcoding as a powerful tool for guiding conservation and management efforts in remote and challenging marine environments.

The Role of Salience and Memory in Fertility Decisions: Experimental Evidence

Public policies use communication campaigns to affect individual behavior. We analyze how providing women with information on the beneficial effects of using formal childcare may affect their realized fertility. We argue that cues in the messages are particularly salient for mothers and women with fertility intensions, since they activate these women’s past memories. Hence, cues induce these women to create mental representations of future actions, such as realized fertility. We exploit a randomized survey experiment run in 2011, which provides information on the positive effects that attending daycare may have on the children’ future cognitive development. Using a follow-up survey run six-year later we show that the treatment increases realized fertility among mothers and women with declared fertility intentions, for whom the communication was more salient. Yet, the treatment did not affect the individual knowledge nor recall of the information provided in the message. Our results carry important policy implications: persuading individuals is difficult, but communication can be effective if salient.

Selection of Li-Ion Batteries Used On Electric Vehicles

The lithium-ion battery is one such energy source. Li-Ion batteries are widely used in EVs for three reasons: they are more energy efficient than conventional batteries, have a longer lifespan, and charge batteries more quickly. The following is a succinct description of the Li-Ion battery's operating principle: The battery's active component is the electrochemical cell, consisting of a cathode and an anode, which are separated and connected by an electrolyte. The primary function of the electrolyte is to facilitate the movement of ions. When the battery is discharged, lithium ions migrate from the anode through the electrolyte to the cathode, while the accompanying electron powers an electrical device. During the charging process, electrons travel from the cathode to the anode through the separator, while current flows from the anode to the cathode. The performance of Li-Ion batteries is primarily influenced by the materials used for the cathode and anode. Early in the nineteenth century, electric vehicles (EVs) using batteries were designed and manufactured. However, compared to fossil fuel cars, whose ingenuity and development outshone EVs, it lagged behind in producing high power. At the moment, internal combustion engines powered by fossil fuels are being phased out in favour of electrical motors for traction because of climate change. Zero CO2 emissions, development on materials has advanced significantly thanks to nanotechnology, and battery development is no exception. On the creation of nanostructured materials for electrodes used in li-ion batteries, several research studies have been described. To provide safe, sturdy, and trustworthy automotive vehicle systems, reliable systems are essential. The selection of Li-ion batteries for use in electric vehicles (EVs) holds significant research significance. Li-ion batteries are currently the preferred choice for EVs due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and relatively low self-discharge rate. However, there are several key research areas that contribute to the importance of battery selection: In this Research we will be using Weighted product method and Weighted sum method. Alternate Parameters taken as LCOB, LNMCOB, LMOB, LFPB, LTOB. Evaluation Parameters taken as Reliability, Safety, Specific power, Specific energy density, Price. The study that was done is briefly summarised in the following lines, along with a prediction of potential future actions. It discusses the evaluation process that was put together before going through the findings related to the utilisation of Li-NMC and Life P batteries in electric cars.

Evolving Epidemiology and Antibiotic Resistance in Enteric Fever: A Comprehensive Review.

Enteric fever, predominantly caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhiand Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi, remains a significant global health challenge. This comprehensive review examines the evolving epidemiology and antibiotic resistance associated with enteric fever. We provide an overview of the disease's definition and historical context, highlighting the substantial impact of antibiotic resistance on treatment efficacy. The review details the global burden, incidence trends, and risk factors of enteric fever while elucidating the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the disease. A critical analysis of antibiotic resistance mechanisms reveals the alarming rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, complicating treatment regimens and underscoring the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Current treatment protocols, the role of empirical therapy, and the rational use of antibiotics are discussed in depth. Additionally, we explore prevention and control strategies, emphasizing the importance of vaccination programs, sanitation improvements, and effective public health interventions. The review concludes with recommendations for future actions, including enhanced surveillance, research and development of new antibiotics, expansion of vaccination efforts, and improved public health infrastructure. The findings highlight the necessity for updated clinical guidelines and sustained global efforts to address the challenges of enteric fever and its evolving antibiotic resistance patterns. Through coordinated action and continued innovation, it is possible to mitigate the impact of this enduring public health threat.

Competition vs cooperation: An agent based model for sustainable tomatoes’ import system

Food systems are dominated by multiple risks inflicted by their surrounding environments that pose pressures on the continuous and efficient supply of food products. Market dynamics represented by competitive and cooperative behaviors of the system's main players is one of the uncertainties that influence the availability and affordability of food products. Efficient modeling of these risks can assist decision-makers in simulating and predicting future actions that mitigate the impact that market dynamics have on the provision of food products. This paper suggests an Agent-based model-based framework that simulates the behavior and tracks the economic and environmental performances of the tomato supply system in the State of Qatar. It considers three different scenarios representing the current situation of the market in addition to a competitive and a cooperative trade network. Interactions between trade partners are modeled using two game theoretic approaches counting Cournot competition and Cartel collusion. Based on the research findings, a competitive global market can bring economic benefits to Qatar as an importing nation, but this approach also entails substantial water consumption and results in significant environmental emissions. Conversely, collaboration among exporting countries demonstrates a potential 20% reduction in water usage and a 15% decrease in environmental emissions compared to the competitive scenario, offering enhanced environmental performance albeit at higher economic costs. This study provides a prescriptive analysis that enables policymakers to quantify the trade-offs between economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. These insights are crucial for guiding strategic planning for food supply security and environmental conservation. By understanding the implications of market structure changes, policymakers can navigate potential challenges more effectively and develop targeted policy interventions that enhance the resilience of the food supply system against market volatility and environmental impacts. This analysis supports proactive policy-shaping that aligns with their desired outcomes, ensuring a balanced approach to managing economic benefits and environmental considerations.

Using formative interventions to study emerging technologies in construction practices: the case of the Ground Penetrating Radar

The potential impact of emerging technologies is challenging for construction management researchers to study, as these technologies have yet to become embedded in current organisational practices. Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) offers a method called formative interventions that may assist in this challenge. However, existing formative intervention methods are not adequately tailored to the study of emerging technologies, necessitating a more immersive engagement of the researcher-interventionist. This article proposes a renewed participatory take on the role of the researcher-interventionist and outlines the actions that researchers can undertake to investigate the future impacts of emerging technology. Specifically, we describe the interventionist role through a study of utility detection activities in which we intervened with emerging Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology at twelve construction sites. We analysed our role through an inductive coding approach using interviews and field visit data. Our findings reveal five interventionist action types for intervention studies with emerging technology. These include shaping conditions, exposing tensions, supporting problem resolution, operating tools, and facilitating reflection. The action types prompted subjects to reevaluate elements of the activity system and helped describe three potential future activity systems that integrated GPR as a new tool. These findings demonstrate that a participatory take on formative interventions provides a potent means to unveil possible activity systems incorporating emerging technologies. We contribute five formal intervention action types to the literature that equip interventionist researchers with methodological tools to use CHAT in a practice-based study of emerging technologies on construction sites.

Impact of economic policy uncertainty on the firm's working capital requirements

Policy uncertainty is the uncertainty about the government's future actions. Economic policy uncertainty (EPU) may exist when the macroeconomic environment becomes uncertain. The impact of EPU is significant on the firm's working capital management policy. This study investigates the impact of EPU on the working capital requirement (WCR) level. This study uses the data from 32,190 firms from 22 countries from 1986 to 2017. The results demonstrate that EPU has a significant positive effect on the WCR level. The positive effect of EPU on the WCR remains the same even when we control the endogeneity problem. Considering the possible transmission channels, we divide our sample into the financially constrained and unconstrained firms. The result shows that EPU increases the firm's financial constraints, and those financially constrained firms tend to increase their WCR level to run their day-to-day operation and avoid the risk of losing.

Навчальний посібник як елемент освітнього простору бакалавра математики в умовах змішаного навчання в Україні

The article considers the peculiarities of creating and functioning of a textbook (digital textbook) in higher mathematics for bachelors of mathematics in a blended learning environment in Ukraine, and reviews the literature on the topic. The purpose of the article is to analyze the problems and prospects of creating new type of textbooks and digital manuals in mathematical disciplines for higher education institutions in a blended learning environment in Ukraine. The features of a modern digital textbook in mathematical disciplines in the preparation of a bachelor of mathematics are discussed: 1) theoretical aspects of creating textbooks in the educational space of the bachelor of mathematics in the conditions of mixed learning in Ukraine; 2) structure and content of the digital textbook in accordance with the current regulatory framework and practical experience of teachers; 3) techniques of visualization of educational material in mathematical disciplines and demonstration of some of them in the author’s textbooks; 4) the use of CMC and digital technologies in textbooks based on a sound mathematical idea; the main criterion for the effectiveness of the use of mathematical programs in teaching higher mathematics is the availability of a methodological system for their use; 5) the results of the questionnaire, which indicate a positive attitude of students to the use of CMC in the study of mathematical disciplines; according to students, the role of programs for mathematical purposes in teaching should be auxiliary. It is shown that a high-quality digital textbook ensures the formation of not only the mathematical culture of a future specialist, but also the formation of such basic competencies as the ability and willingness to self-learn, apply knowledge, skills and abilities to work with computer mathematics systems, self-education and future professional activity. The use of a digital textbook integrated into the learning technology designed and implemented by the teacher allows him or her to choose their own creative strategy and methodology for teaching students.

Using a sustainability measurement metric to assess a campus of the federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Mato Grosso (IFMT)

In this paper, we propose using a sustainability measurement metric to evaluate a campus of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Mato Grosso (IFMT), aiming to strengthen practices and ensure greater transparency of related actions to the topic. Sustainability refers to the ability to create means to meet the basic needs of the present without affecting future generations, relating economic, social, cultural, and environmental actions to preserve natural resources. Therefore, actions need to be taken to make this happen today. However, today, sustainability is not yet a vanquished topic, but work like this can contribute to improving and measuring sustainability. To develop this Index, the dimensions characterizing sustainability and the relevant variables were identified, after which the Index was developed, and its validation was conducted through its application using structured interview techniques with on-site visits. Data were spreadsheeted and analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel software. As a result, the institution received a score of 48.15%, which indicates that sustainability actions are considered deficient. However, it is expected to provide the institution with data to support new strategic decisions regarding investments and resource allocations to strengthen the institution's performance in the field of sustainability.