International Perspective Research Articles

Governmental student funding systems for higher education: an international perspective

The worldwide surge in demand for higher education (HE) aligns with an increasing need for effective student funding systems, particularly in countries where poverty poses a significant barrier to accessing HE. An international perspective on governmental student funding systems allows us to examine how other governments have implemented these systems to benefit their citizens. The aim of this article is thus to provide a global view of the functioning and challenges pertaining to student funding systems and to shed light on the policies in place in the international landscape. The realist systematic literature review methodology was deemed the most suitable for this study as various scholars have previously studied different facets of the topic. This study aligns with the interpretive research paradigm and qualitative methods. The desired information therefore already exists within the body of knowledge, although it has not yet been analyzed through this particular method. It is evident that both developing and developed countries experience challenges regarding student funding, both in the purpose thereof as well as in the implementation. This is a universal issue, and an in-depth literature review confirmed this phenomenon.

Institutional effects on family business internationalization: a systematic review

Abstract Family firms play a vital role in the global business landscape, significantly impacting their home countries GDP. These firms diverge from non-family counterparts in their internationalization strategies, yet they stand to gain substantial benefits from international expansion. Beyond economic considerations, family resources and values introduce non-economic factors that challenge traditional economic theories. This study leverages an institutional approach to illuminate the multifaceted influences shaping family firms’ internationalization, encompassing positive and adverse dynamics. The integration of institutional theory marks a recent shift in understanding family firm internationalization, encompassing institutional and economic geography perspectives. To foster discourse and guide future research, this paper systematically reviews peer-reviewed articles covering over a decade, from 2010 to 2023. It identifies formal and informal institutional elements, alongside economic geography factors, that either facilitate or impede family firms’ internationalization. This review underscores existing knowledge gaps at the nexus of institutional theory, economic geography, internationalization, and family business studies. Notably, the systematic literature review uncovered a limited corpus of only 41 articles, indicating the need for more research exploring the synergy between economic geography and institutional factors in the context of diverse internationalization strategies. Furthermore, the review highlights the underexplored terrain within social institutions and economic geography, revealing a notable gap in the extant research.

Comparative Analysis of Teaching Methods in EFL Education: German and Chinese School Practices Across Levels

This comparative analysis examines the teaching methods in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education in Germany and China across various educational levels. While Germany emphasizes immersive learning and practical language application, China focuses more on theoretical understanding. Despite these differences, both nations share a commitment to enhancing English proficiency among students. Evaluating effective teaching methods for adult second language acquisition in English requires careful consideration of the strengths of each approach, as well as individual preferences, learning styles, and cultural contexts. Considering the multicultural and international perspectives, Total Physical Response (TPR) is recommended as a valuable adjunct from primary school level onwards, alongside a synthesis of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and the Grammar-Translation (GT) Method. Furthermore, the augmentation of the Natural Approach can enhance the language learning experience. The findings offer pedagogical insights for Chinese educators to develop a more tailored English education methodology that aligns with China’s specific context.

Scope of Same-sex Marriages in India

This paper thoroughly examines the legal and socio-cultural landscapes surrounding same-sex marriage, delving into both domestic and international perspectives. Through a meticulous review of landmark legal cases, including Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India and Obergefell v. Hodges, the author elucidates the evolution of jurisprudence concerning LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality. Furthermore, the interpretation of existing laws within the context of same-sex marriages is scrutinised, highlighting the judicial reasoning and legal arguments that have shaped legal frameworks worldwide. Moreover, this study incorporates insights from a survey conducted by the author to gauge public attitudes towards same-sex marriage. Integrating empirical data with legal analysis generates a nuanced understanding of societal perceptions and challenges. Societal attitudes and stigma, religious perspectives, and the advocacy efforts of LGBTQ+ rights movements are critically examined, shedding light on the complexities inherent in navigating cultural norms and values. Ultimately, this paper underscores the imperative of advancing legal reforms and fostering societal acceptance to ensure the full recognition and protection of the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. By synthesising legal scholarship, empirical research, and socio-cultural analysis, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on same-sex marriage. It lays the groundwork for future research and policy initiatives in this vital human rights and social justice area.

Antimicrobial Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in critically ill adult patients -an international perspective on access, utilisation, and barriers.

BackgroundTherapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is an effective method for individualizing antimicrobial therapy in critically ill patients. The 2021 ADMIN-ICU survey studied a wide range of intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians worldwide to gain their perspectives on antimicrobial TDM. This paper reports the responses from this survey relating to TDM access, utilisation, barriers, and clinical value. MethodsAn online survey consisted of multiple-choice questions and 5-point Likert scales. The survey examined respondent's access to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results, drug assays and dosing software, as well as barriers to TDM. ResultsThe survey included 538 clinicians from 409 hospitals in 45 countries, with 71% physicians and 29% pharmacists. Despite most respondents having access to assays, 21% and 26% of respondents lacked access to vancomycin and aminoglycosides, respectively. In lower-income countries, almost 40% reported no access. Delayed drug assay turnaround time was the most significant barrier to TDM, particularly in lower-income countries. Routine access to MIC results was unavailable for 41% of respondents, with 25% of lower-income country respondents having no access to MIC or susceptibility reports. ConclusionsThis global survey indicated that consistent TDM usage is hindered by assay access in some sites, and timeliness of assay results in others. Addressing barriers to TDM, particularly in low-income countries, should be a priority to ensure equitable access to affordable TDM.

Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Development: An International Perspective

Abstract The present study examines the patterns of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Kazakhstan and draws comparisons with global trends. Based on statistical data spanning from 2000 to 2022, the study reveals that the growth of FDI in Kazakhstan has exhibited greater volatility and speed compared to developed nations. However, it is strongly associated with global FDI inflows and the growth of gross domestic product (GDP). This article aims to examine the patterns and determinants influencing FDI in Kazakhstan and to juxtapose these patterns with global trends. The main approach used in the study was systematic. The article’s contribution lies in its provision of novel insights into the dynamics of FDI in Kazakhstan and its correlation with economic growth. Furthermore, the article elucidates the various factors that contribute to the expansion of FDI in Kazakhstan, while also offering suggestions for the development of public policy in this domain. The article provides a comprehensive examination of FDI patterns in Kazakhstan, comparing them to global trends and identifying the factors that influence the dynamics of FDI. Furthermore, the article offers suggestions for expanding the economic base of Kazakhstan beyond its reliance on the oil and gas industry, enhancing focus on high-tech and innovative sectors, and enhancing the institutional framework.

Development of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Activity.

Global mobility has made global health a priority within nursing curricula and health care organizations. A collaborative online learning activity could promote international perspectives of health care delivery. Including a collaborative online international learning activity in continuing education for practicing nurses is a viable strategy that is consistent with the internationalization at home movement. Use of a qualitative descriptive evaluation approach when teaching prelicen-sure nursing students and educating practicing nurses provides effective international collaboration, promotes a global mindset, and provides an exemplar for professional development specialists to teach practicing nurses. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(5):220-223.].

Blind spots in medical education – International perspectives

Background All individuals and groups have blind spots that can create problems if unaddressed. The goal of this study was to examine blind spots in medical education from international perspectives. Methods From December 2022 to March 2023, we distributed an electronic survey through international networks of medical students, postgraduate trainees, and medical educators. Respondents named blind spots affecting their medical education system and then rated nine blind spot domains from a study of U.S. medical education along five-point Likert-type scales (1 = much less attention needed; 5 = much more attention needed). We tested for differences between blind spot ratings by respondent groups. We also analyzed the blind spots that respondents identified to determine those not previously described and performed content analysis on open-ended responses about blind spot domains. Results There were 356 respondents from 88 countries, including 127 (44%) educators, 80 (28%) medical students, and 33 (11%) postgraduate trainees. At least 80% of respondents rated each blind spot domain as needing ‘more’ or ‘much more’ attention; the highest was 88% for ‘Patient perspectives and voices that are not heard, valued, or understood.’ In analyses by gender, role in medical education, World Bank country income level, and region, a mean difference of 0.5 was seen in only five of the possible 279 statistical comparisons. Of 885 blind spots documented, new blind spot areas related to issues that crossed national boundaries (e.g. international standards) and the sufficiency of resources to support medical education. Comments about the nine blind spot domains illustrated that cultural, health system, and governmental elements influenced how blind spots are manifested across different settings. Discussion There may be general agreement throughout the world about blind spots in medical education that deserve more attention. This could establish a basis for coordinated international effort to allocate resources and tailor interventions that advance medical education.

Better Ways to Protect Indigenous Knowledge and Cultures Through Intellectual Property

Indigenous knowledge can be understood as a network of knowledge, beliefs and traditions that can be preserved and have some commercial value over time. Along with the increasing visibility of indigenous cultures in the global marketplace, there are also significant challenges. These challenges are often related to the physical destruction and utilization of indigenous lands and knowledge. The historical context and uniqueness of indigenous cultures suggest that they require greater attention and special protection under the law. From the current provisions and judgments, some individual authors have been compensated while the rights of the broader indigenous community have not been adequately protected. From an international perspective, the focus of the work of international organizations has expanded to include indigenous peoples' land claims and cultural rights. In addition to various international organizations and related instruments, a number of countries and regions are working to protect the intellectual property rights of indigenous cultures. Australia is a country that is typically faced with the protection of indigenous intellectual property. For Australia, the effective protection of indigenous knowledge remains an issue that needs to be addressed and managed through the legal realm. The positioning of indigenous knowledge in the law is complex and incomplete. Australia has played an important role at the international level, but the actual response within Australia to the international level has been minimal. Australia should therefore recognize and respond to these developments in legislation as soon as possible.

DUAL SANCTIONING OF HATE CRIMES AND HATE SPEECH AS PART OF EXTREMISM IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC: CONCEPTUAL, LEGISLATIVE AND PRACTICAL ISSUES

Background: Extremism poses a cross-border social problem, lacking a universally accepted definition. In principle, so-called hate crimes are specific types of criminal offences that cut across all types of extremism. We can even talk about their conceptual overlap. A special category of hate crimes is represented by so-called verbal attacks, known as hate speech, which are considered an abuse of freedom of expression from an international perspective as well as in jurisprudence of the European Court on Human Rights. As a result of such a perception, their criminal sanction comes into consideration. In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity of criminal law repression, another method of sanctioning hate crimes and hate speech is also possible, namely by administrative law. The existence of “multiple legal regulations” on extremism as delict caused a dual sanctioning system of extremism. It leads to application problems in legal practice, for example, an unclear understanding of offences from criminal and administrative perspectives or even the weak possibility of investigating such acts by State power. The main objective of the contribution is to point out the dual legal regulation (criminal and administrative) of the sanctioning of extremism, in particular its special category – hate crimes and hate speech. Moreover, the objective of the contribution is to assess its unclear issues in legal understanding and to identify specific application problems caused by its dual system (criminal and administrative). Special attention is focused on applicable sanctions in both the criminal law area and administrative law areas. At the end, suggestions on how to solve indicated problems are introduced. Methods: The primary sources used for the elaboration of the contribution are scholarly sources (books, studies, scientific papers, etc.), legislative instruments (national and international legislation) and case law (of Slovak national courts and the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union). The authors use traditional methods of legal scientific (jurisprudential) research – general scientific methods and special methods of legal science (jurisprudence). The general scientific methods used in the paper are predominantly logical methods, namely, the method of analysis, the method of synthesis, the method of analogy, and the descriptive method. The descriptive method has been used to familiarise the reader with the current legal regulation of extremism. The method of analysis has been used regarding relevant legal provisions and case-laws of courts. The method of synthesis has also been used. The special methods of legal science used here predominantly include methods belonging to a group of interpretative methods, namely, the teleological method, the systematic method and the comparative method. The teleological method has been used to explain the purpose of legislative instruments. The systematic method has been used to classify the relevant applicable law. The comparative method has been used to examine the relationship between legislative perspectives – criminal and administrative. Results and Conclusions: Regarding extremism offences committed in the Slovak Republic, in specific cases, the decision making whether the committed offence is criminal or of an administrative nature depends on the attitude of the person who committed it. In the Slovak Republic, legislative amendments are intended to address the area of extremism offences, but they have not been introduced as final. A new legal regulation of the administrative offences of extremism is envisaged in terms of their definition. A new sanctioning policy of extremism administrative offences by juvenile offenders is also expected. Moreover, the application of probation in case of offences committed by juvenile delinquents in the area of extremism is recommended and preferred. It would highlight the importance of restorative justice, including its strengthening. Probation would allow the court, when sanctioning extremism in the criminal law area, to create a so-called tailor-made sanction, which would strengthen the individualisation of the sanction, the educational purpose of the sanction and the achievement of both the purpose of the sanction and the purpose of the Criminal Code, which is to protect society from criminal offences and their perpetrators. Even the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic partially examined the modification of the elements of criminal offences of extremism.

Comparative Literature Analysis of National Security Management from The Global to Malaysia

The national security management structure is crucial to understand in ensuring whether the existing mechanisms are effective in dealing with national security issues and challenges. The country's approach, particularly through security agencies, should always carry out an assessment of internal and external threats from time to time, so that the integrity of the country's sovereignty remains guaranteed. The evolution of threat perception is in line with what is stated in the Malaysia Defense White Paper published in 2020 which is "the national interests in the present and future are tied to an uncertain security environment and the impact of an uncertain regional and global security environment, as well as an international strategic perspective become more complex and difficult to predict in the coming year.” Therefore, it is very important for a study to be carried out to see the comparison of national security management at the global and Malaysia so that good added value can be emulated, and the constraints faced can be used as lessons for improvement. The study uses Qualitative methods through library research which is the analysis of journals and online articles to obtain the views of past scholars on internal and external threats and security management structure, including the reformation required. The results of the analysis found that the threat that occurs in Malaysia same as the global except nuclear. Both globally and Malaysia face agency coordination problems due to national decisions and duplication of duties, state coordination issues due to the role being denied, reform failure and increased threats, weaknesses in reformation caused by political interference and there is a need for the involvement of all parties in national security management.

A Case Study of Maritime Hydrogen Energy Development in Jiangsu Province in China

This study aims to develop a systematic review of hydrogen energy storage technologies and maritime applications, intending to present an international perspective on the matter. This study analyses the role of advanced storage methods in enabling renewable energy systems integration in coastal regions, using Jiangsu Province of China as an example. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used as the research method. Data was obtained from research studies over the period 2015–2023. The analysis included a total of 96 papers from Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect databases. Results show that Europe and East Asia led publications at the intersection of hydrogen storage and marine applications over the past decade. One of the main issues associated with maritime hydrogen adoption found in the dissertation is related to the mismatch between technological readiness levels and commercial maturity. Findings indicate promise for fuel cell integration with ships, ports, offshore wind farms, and other coastal transport sectors. However, the realization of the project depends on infrastructure development, policy support, and viable business models tailored to the marine environment. Focused demonstration projects and public-private collaboration can further progress towards robust hydrogen-based energy storage ecosystems in suitable regions like Jiangsu and beyond.

The Role of UNCLOS 1982 in Maintaining and Protecting the International Marine Environment

The disposal of nuclear waste in the Sea of Japan is a complex and controversial issue where it involves aspects of international law and the international environment. Japan, as one of the largest nuclear waste-producing countries, has faced pressure to manage that waste in a way that complies with international legal principles and environmental norms. International law, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), provides a framework for the management of marine resources, including waste disposal issues. However, the lack of clarity in international regulations regarding nuclear waste creates challenges in determining the limits of state responsibility and obligations. From an international environmental perspective, nuclear waste disposal can have long-term detrimental impacts on marine ecosystems and human health. Sustainability and sustainability of marine ecology must be a primary consideration in decisions regarding nuclear waste disposal. Meanwhile, various international conventions and agreements such as the Espoo Convention and the Aarhus Convention emphasize the importance of public participation in environmental decision-making. Therefore, the involvement of civil society in the decision process regarding the disposal of nuclear waste in the Sea of Japan is essential to ensure representation of public interests and concerns. This research aims to find out and analyze Japan's actions in dumping nuclear waste into the Pacific Ocean. The problem formulation in this research is: what is the role of UNCLOS 1982 in maintaining and protecting the international marine environment? This research was written using the normative juridical research type, which includes examining legal conflicts, legal vacancies, or vague norms.

Accessing Health Information and Health Services

European health communication is rich and diverse in terms of international perspectives, scientific approaches and topics. The ECREA Aarhus Best Papers special issue showcases this diversity. It features the best papers presented at the health communication section of the ECREA conference, which took place in Aarhus in 2022. Four papers were selected for publication through a comprehensive evaluation procedure.

“I Am Not Complaining”

This study explores the learning needs of international students at a Canadian private university. Through a qualitative content analysis of 580 students’ emails, we identified and examined 819 requests and complaints The analysis highlighted trends about due dates, assignment resubmissions, regrading, and plagiarism issues, leading to the identification of five primary needs: improved internet access and digital literacy support, acknowledgment of cultural differences, assignment design without assumptions, accessible learning management systems, and inclusive learning environments. These findings underline the necessity of empathetic listening to develop strategies that facilitate international students' transition to Canadian higher education, enhancing their learning experiences. The research suggests innovative approaches for incorporating international students' perspectives into course and program design, advocating for active engagement with these students to create educational environments that are inclusive and responsive to their unique needs.

Adult education and social justice: International perspectives

Adult education and social justice: International perspectives

A Learner-Centred International Perspective on the Advantages of Distance Thesis

Purpose: The research aims to specify attitude towards DT as well as advantages/strengths/opportunities of DT based on views of international learners in the times of the coronavirus or similar necessary conditions. Design/Methodology/Approach: Qualitative data and qualitative data analysis techniques were need to reach the purpose of the research. Therefore, the study which was conducted to determine the views of international learners about advantages/strengths/opportunities of DT was designed by the qualitative model. Totally 14 international learners participated the research from different countries. An online form was administered to international learners in Turkey to collect data for the research questions. Qualitative descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings: The findings consist of two subjects as the attitude towards distance thesis and the advantages of distance thesis. Attitudes of international learners towards DT are very positive that a great majority of the them confirm idea of DT (%85.70) and most of them (%78.57) want to apply DT in case of necessity like coronavirus. The advantages of DT are determined as follows: Flexibility, time saving, cost saving, access information in digital world, chance for working learners, uninterrupted supervision, communication with online meeting, working with digital information-applications-tools-technologies, learning diversity, getting a degree from university at a distance, collaboration with peers and experts from different institutions, support for modernization of universities, contribution to internationalization, achievement of self-management skill, not to being in the crowd. Highlights: In the literature, no study was found that addressing advantages of distance thesis for graduate programs. In line with the opinions of international learners, the advantages of distance thesis were determined in the research. It has been revealed that international learners have a positive attitude towards distance thesis and they want to apply for distance thesis in times of pandemic or similar necessary conditions. This article can inspire new researches, new projects on distance thesis and the determination of the distance thesis framework in our country.

The potential influence of Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 in the South African legislative context

Water is at the very core of sustainable development, as it is critical for a thriving people and planet. However, limited water access has for long plagued many parts of the world, South Africa included. In recent years, there have been increasingly urgent warnings of a global water crisis because humanity consistently uses more safe water than is sustainably available. From an international perspective, the most recent development dealing with water access, conservation and management is Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which forms part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SDG 6 covers the entire water cycle, including the management of water, wastewater and ecosystem resources, and places water at the centre of sustainable development. This critical goal can be achieved if it is properly pursued in national settings. Thus, this article focuses on the domestic implementation of SDG 6.1 against the backdrop of current South African legislation dealing with water access and management. The aim of the article is to analyse SDG 6.1 and determine if and how it can be incorporated into South African water legislation in order to give effect to it and grant it legal legitimacy in the domestic context.

Will Science Alone Save Your Fertility?

This paper highlights the pressing need for increased awareness and education regarding reproductive health and fertility issues in the Maltese Islands. Despite living in the age of information, misconceptions and misinformation persist, particularly surrounding basic reproductive health knowledge. To address this gap, two conferences on fertility awareness were organized in Malta and Gozo as part of ‘The 3 Missions’ Project, in collaboration with the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector and Dar Guzeppa Debono Association. The conferences brought together various stakeholders including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and educators to discuss topics such as normal reproductive cycles, infertility treatments, and the legal framework surrounding assisted reproductive technologies (ART). International perspectives were also provided, shedding light on perceptions and practices in other European countries. Key recommendations emerged from these discussions, emphasizing the importance of standardized terminology, user-friendly information dissemination, and the destigmatization of infertility. Furthermore, the paper underscores the need for preconception parenthood preparation and highlights the psychological and social implications of infertility and parenthood. Overall, the conferences served as a platform to raise awareness and initiate collaborative efforts to address fertility-related challenges in the Maltese community.

Understanding the factors that shape vaccination ecosystem resilience: a qualitative assessment of international expert experiences and perspectives

Introduction‘Shocks’ or external stressors to vaccination programmes can lead to decreased vaccination coverage rates. The capacity of vaccination ecosystems to effectively respond and adapt to shocks demonstrates programme resilience. This...