International Perspective Research Articles

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...

Reducing airline accident risk and saving lives: financial health, corporate governance, and aviation safety

Purpose This study investigates the impact of financial health and corporate governance on aviation safety, aiming to fill a critical gap in existing research. The purpose of this study is to identify how these factors influence the safety records of airlines and provide insights for regulators, airlines and stakeholders to enhance aviation safety. Design/methodology/approach Using a comprehensive international sample spanning 1950–2009 and later, this empirical analysis draws on diverse databases. The authors examine 372 airlines across 70 countries from 1990 to 2016. The research uses statistical models to analyze the relationship between financial indicators, corporate governance quality and aviation safety, addressing limitations of prior single-country studies. Findings The findings reveal a significant inverse relationship between financial health and accident propensity, with profitable airlines exhibiting lower accident rates. Additionally, airlines with higher corporate governance quality, characterized by qualified directors and stable leadership, experience fewer accidents. The study identifies key factors such as pilot errors, mechanical failures and adverse weather, contributing to approximately 75% of accidents, emphasizing the importance of organizational control. Practical implications This research has crucial implications for aviation safety policies and practices. Regulators and international organizations, such as International Civil Aviation Organization and International Air Transport Association, should allocate resources to supervise financially vulnerable airlines and those with lower governance quality. Governments might consider incentivizing safety practices through tax deductibility for relevant expenses. Shareholders are encouraged to prioritize qualified, younger and less busy directors, recognizing their impact on safety performance. Originality/value This study contributes to existing literature by addressing methodological biases and offering a comprehensive international perspective. The identification of a link between financial health, corporate governance and accident rates in the aviation industry provides valuable insights. The research informs policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders on effective strategies to improve safety by considering financial and governance factors under their control.

International perspectives on measuring national digital public health system maturity through a multidisciplinary Delphi study

Unlocking the full potential of digital public health (DiPH) systems requires a comprehensive tool to assess their maturity. While the World Health Organization and the International Telecommunication Union released a toolkit in 2012 covering various aspects of digitalizing national healthcare systems, a holistic maturity assessment tool has been lacking ever since. To bridge this gap, we conducted a pioneering Delphi study, to which 54 experts from diverse continents and academic fields actively contributed to at least one of three rounds. 54 experts participated in developing and rating multidisciplinary quality indicators to measure the maturity of national digital public health systems. Participants established consensus on these indicators with a threshold of 70% agreement on indicator importance. Eventually, 96 indicators were identified and agreed upon by experts. Notably, 48% of these indicators were found to align with existing validated tools, highlighting their relevance and reliability. However, further investigation is required to assess the suitability and applicability of all the suggestions put forward by our participants. Nevertheless, this Delphi study is an essential initial stride toward a comprehensive measurement tool for DiPH system maturity. By working towards a standardized assessment of DiPH system maturity, we aim to empower decision-makers to make informed choices, optimize resource allocation, and drive innovation in healthcare delivery. The results of this study mark a significant milestone in advancing DiPH on a global scale.

Social Work Journals and the Disciplinary Production of Alternative Knowledge(s)

ABSTRACT Disciplinary knowledge is reflected, legitimated, and replicated in academic journals, social work knowledge reproducing mainly Western knowledge(s). Hence, there has been an increase in the calls for a stronger articulation and inclusion of critical alternatives. Using a critical social work lens, we explored whether and how social work journals reproduce alternative knowledges. We developed a novel global list of all 272 social work journals and invited journal editors to respond to a virtual, exploratory qualitative survey. Through our reflexive thematic analysis, we identified two core themes in the 31 responses – the journal editors’ attachment to dominant, white, western social work knowledge and values, and their rhetorical inclusion of alternative knowledges. Alternative knowledges were seldom constructed as subjugated voices, but rather as innovation, gaps, or international perspectives. Despite agreeing that social work journals should include of a variety of knowledges, few journals created intentional space for subordinated knowledges. A disciplining mechanism that excludes/minimizes the alternative voices, and invalidates their experience was used to avoid attention to marginalized and silenced perspectives. Such processes impoverish social work knowledge. To enrich social work knowledge, journal editors should act intentionally, collectively, and critically to identify critical alternative knowledges and facilitate their inclusion in the social work canon.

Transforming health science libraries around the globe: The impact of technology.

This article presents an analysis of seven articles published within the International Perspectives and Initiatives regular feature series on the impact of technology on the provision of health information. The articles provide a road map of how technology is facilitating new and enhanced services for library users in seven countries: Australia, Bangladesh, China, England, Germany, Sweden and the United States. Although there are differences in how countries are implementing technological solutions, only one describes problems in leveraging technology to improve library services. Authors from the remaining six countries describe how they ensure that the 21st century library consults with its user groups and find way of using the latest applications.

Systematic literature review using PRISMA: exploring the influence of service quality and perceived value on satisfaction and intention to continue relationship

AbstractThis study aims to develop a systematic review of the influence of Service Quality and Perceived Value on Satisfaction and Intention to Continue the Relationship from an international and empirical perspective. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyzes (PRISMA) is used as a guideline for systematic literature review to collect data. The selected journal timeframe is from 2008 to 2024, with 22 chosen articles meeting the criteria. Analysis of the selected primary studies reveals that the concepts of Service Quality and Perceived Value can be associated with Satisfaction and Intention to Continue the Relationship. However, an inconsistency was found that there was a significant and insignificant relationship between Perceived Value and Intention to Continue the Relationship, indicating the need for further development to be scientifically verified and to serve as a gap and reference for future researchers to investigate in different research settings. Novelty: Studies related to Intention to Continue the Relationship measured based on Service Quality, Perceived Value, and Satisfaction have been limited. Additionally, this study attempts to develop a more comprehensive concept or model of Intention to Continue the Relationship involving Service Quality, Perceived Value, and Satisfaction.

International Perspectives of Extended Genetic Sequencing When Used as Part of Newborn Screening to Identify Cystic Fibrosis

There is increasing interest in using extended genetic sequencing (EGS) in newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF). How this is implemented will change the number of children being given an uncertain outcome of CRMS/CFSPID (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-related metabolic syndrome/CF Screen Positive Inconclusive Diagnosis), probable carrier results, and the number of missed CF diagnoses. An international survey of CF health professionals was used to gather views on two approaches to EGS—specific (may reduce detection of CRMS/CFSID but miss some CF cases) versus sensitive (may increase detection of CRMS/CFSPID but avoid missing more CF cases). Health professionals acknowledged the anxiety caused to parents (and health professionals) from the uncertainty surrounding the prognosis and management of CRMS/CFSPID. However, most preferred the sensitive approach, as overall, identifying more cases of CRMS/CFSPID was viewed as less physically and psychologically damaging than a missed case of CF. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment for CF to ensure better health outcomes and reducing diagnostic odysseys for parents were highlighted. A potential benefit to identifying more children with CRMS/CFSPID included increasing knowledge to obtain a better understanding of how these children should best be managed in the future.

A börtönlelkészi szolgálat alapjogi vetülete – a jogdogmatikán innen és túl

Aim: This study aims to examine the ministry of prison chaplains in the context of fundamental rights, in particular freedom of thought, conscience and religion.Methodology: The analysis uses the legal doctrinal approach of fundamental rights as its primary method of research. This is complemented by a public law context going back to the regime change and an international perspective, which are common tools of comparative method of legal scholarship and provide reference points in the analysis.Findings: Prison chaplaincy is linked to both the individual and collective aspects of religious freedom, and there is both a rights and obligations side to this fundamental rights relationship. The paper will discuss the fundamental rights of prison chaplaincy, including the right of prisoners to individual and collective religious practice, as a subset of freedom of conscience and religion in the period since the change of regime. Finally, the paper briefly reflects on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights on the exercise of religion by prisoners.Value: The study contributes to the complex issue of religion and reintegration through an analysis of constitutional law.

The State of Supplier Diversity Initiatives by Large Corporations: The New Sustainable Supply Chain?

We describe the state of supplier diversity efforts by large corporations from an international perspective. We examine data for the companies in the 2020 and 2022 Fortune Global 500 and find that corporate definitions of diversity are dynamic and vary across regions. Furthermore, while supplier diversity efforts are not yet widespread, these initiatives are increasingly common, especially in the form of references to diversity in companies’ supplier codes of conduct. Companies in North America and in certain economic sectors, such as the financial and healthcare sectors, are more likely to have such efforts in place. Based on our data, companies that report on their internal diversity and companies that have other forms of supplier sustainability initiatives are also more likely to have supplier diversity initiatives. We argue further that supplier diversity efforts will follow a trajectory similar to other supplier sustainability efforts. Finally, we suggest possible avenues for future research on supplier diversity.

Cost-effective Cloud Architectures for Large-scale Machine Learning Workloads

The optimization of cloud infrastructure for real-time AI processing presents a critical challenge and opportunity for organizations seeking to leverage machine learning (ML) at scale. This paper explores the strategies, case studies, and ethical considerations associated with achieving cost-effective cloud architectures for large-scale ML workloads. By examining real-world examples from leading cloud providers and international perspectives, we identify best practices and future directions for organizations navigating the complexities of cloud-based ML deployments.

Exploration and Practice of Value Cultivation for Students in Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Programs

The management cooperative education program refers to collaborative educational projects in the field of management between domestic and foreign universities. This collaboration model helps integrate high-quality education resources from both domestic and international sources, enhancing the quality of teaching and providing students with a broader international perspective and opportunities for career development. This article focuses on the exploration and practice of fostering values for students in management cooperative education. By systematically reviewing key areas such as management ideologies both domestically and internationally, corporate culture and values, and the history of world economic development, this article delves into how to effectively guide students in embracing values of openness, inclusiveness, innovation, and collaboration. On the practical level, the article combines case studies of transnational corporate management practices with the growth and contributions of entrepreneurs in China and abroad, proposing a series of specific cultivation strategies and methods. By integrating case analysis with practical teaching, the aim of this article is to help students translate their learned values into tangible actions, laying a solid foundation for future career development and social responsibility. The research findings of this article have important guiding significance for promoting the cultivation of values for students in management cooperative education.

Academics' Beliefs Regarding the Importance of Curriculum Internationalization in the Ethiopian Research Universities

This study set out to investigate the beliefs of academics regarding the importance of curriculum internationalization in Ethiopian research universities. A convergent-parallel mixed-method design was used to achieve this purpose. Quantitative data was gathered from 415 randomly chosen academics taken from a sample frame of 6808 through a questionnaire. Using a semi-structured interview, 16 purposefully chosen individuals provided qualitative data. The questionnaire’s construct, face, content, and pilot test validity were examined. Moreover, triangulation, use of multiple methods, external audits, and low inference descriptors were employed for the qualitative instrument. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percent, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statics (Chi-square, Cramer’s-V test, and one-way ANOVA) were used to examine the quantitative data. Bell’s "Spectrum of Acceptance of Internationalizing Curriculum," integrated with Ellingboe’s "Great Divide," was used to identify the positions of the academics in their beliefs. The qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive statements and presented thematically based on research questions. Hence, major findings revealed that academics' representations based on their demographic variables were not as expected; their variation was practically not significant among universities; the majority of academics had crossed Ellingboe’s "Great Divide"; significant differences among disciplines and/or universities were not observed in this study. Finally, urging academics to actively integrate international perspectives into their curricula, elevating curriculum internationalization of higher education to a national priority, and undertaking extensive national research emerged as key recommendations for the Ethiopian Research Universities, Ethiopian Ministry of Education, and future research endeavors, respectively.

Effectiveness and Feasibility of virtual international exchange program for occupational therapy students to develop the international perspective and professional skills -Mix-method study

Background: Virtual international exchange programs have been promoted; however, the effectiveness of the programs has not yet been examined well in the field of occupational therapy (OT) field. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness and feasibility of a virtual international exchange program for OT students.Methods: Mix-method was applied in this study.Two universities from Japan and Indonesia created an exchange program to cultivate international perspectives and facilitate gaining OT professional knowledge and skills, as well as learning basic scientific study skills. Questionnaires on international minded and program evaluations, which were analyzed by descriptive analysis, were given to the participants before and after the program. Focus group interviews, which were analyzed with reflective thematic analysis, were conducted after the program.Results: Ten students joined the program, six students answered the questionnaires, and eight students participated in the focus group interviews. Students were satisfied with the program overall, even though there were no significant changes in the total scores of the international minded between before and after the program. In the focus group interviews, the participants mentioned their motivations for participating in the program, program evaluation, international minded, and self-growing awareness. The participants expressed that they gained OT professional knowledge and academic skills from the program.Conclusion: As a feasible virtual program, well-organized programs considering the students’ academic learning skills and interests could provide opportunities for individual development, acquiring professional knowledge, and incite self-growing. In addition, the result might show the effectiveness of virtual programs to cultivate international perspective and professional knowledge. 

Review of “Family Life in the Time of COVID: International Perspectives”

Review of “Family Life in the Time of COVID: International Perspectives”

世界历史理论视域下《马克思恩格斯论中国》对新时代建设“人类命运共同体”的启示

Abstract: Makesi Engesi Lun Zhongguo explains the formation of modern world history and explores the development path of modern China from an international perspective. The world historical theory reflected in its discussion provides us with Basically theoretical perspective under historical materialism to elaborate on the construction of the “community with a shared future for mankind” in the new era. This article first analyzes the academic logic of the formation of Marx and Engels’ world history theory, and then elaborates on the theoretical basis and practical exploration of building the “community with a shared future for mankind” under the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It believes that the “community with a shared future for mankind” is the application of world history theory. The theory’s serious criticism of the capitalist logic in the past international political and economic order and the sublimation of the goal of “common values for all mankind” are the inheritance and innovative development of Marxist historical materialism and the concept of “community”. Makesi Engesi Lun Zhongguo has important enlightenment and reference significance for building the contemporary “community with a shared future for mankind”.

Emergence of the Universal Wellbeing Model - A journey from indigenous cultural responsiveness to international relevance and applicability

A search began in 2008 to identify a theoretical wellbeing model with the capacity to underpin holistic student supports for a cohort of Indigenous and Pacific Island students in order to support their achievement, and equity aspirations. An initial literature review found evidence-based wellbeingdefinitions, and models related to higher education students to be highly variable. A long term programme of research was implemented to build a robust philosophical, theoretical, research, and use inspired practice base to measurably enhance the inclusion and holistic wellbeing of all students in higher education settings. Post a nationally funded investigation into the effectiveness of an indigenous model in praxis, a more robust model was sought and investigated with more ethnically and culturally diverseinternational students, staff, and holistic wellbeing-pastoral care practitioners. The methods selected to comprehensively answer the questions posed included a programme of themed literature review,theoretical model analysis and evaluation, plus use inspired theoretical and practice research. Findings from the second funded investigation led to the emergence, and creation of new, indigenously based but internationally responsive Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM), and new ‘researchable’ definition of wellbeing. The emerging UWM, and a new definition of wellbeing, were strongly contributed to by international participants perspectives. The implications for the practice of higher education sector leaders, staff, professional wellbeing and pastoral care practitioners, and policy makers are far reaching. The UWM is capable of underpinning policy, planning, wellbeing and pastoral care practice, and supportive cross organisational systems in institutions seeking to measurably enhance wellbeing outcomes.

The purposes of historical canons in multicultural history education

ABSTRACT National canons of history sparked intense debate among historians over the last years, history educators have regularly shown concerns regarding these canons. The main arguments are that history is instrumentalized for political purposes, and that canons are incompatible with multiculturality. In this study, the cases of the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders) are used to discuss these concerns. The aim of this article is to gain a more complex understanding of the use of canonical discourse in the setting of history education. The current study actualizes and reconsiders Banks’ typologies of knowledge, and applies them to multicultural history education. Hence, the canon debates in the low countries are contextualized from an international perspective of debates on canon and history teaching. It is argued that both national canons specifically intend to confront popular knowledges and historical myths with academic historiographic discourses. More particularly both canons seek to include discourses on minority groups and multiculturality, which may benefit the use of transformative knowledge in history education. The use of canonical discourses however must not be reduced to transmission. Beside qualification history education also strives towards socialization and subjectivation. It is discussed how a thoughtful use of canonical discourse may add to realizing these purposes of education.

Evolution of the revenue/ expenditure structure and passenger cost coverage ratio of regular passenger transport between 2007 and 2022

This article presents a general methodology for aggregating the actual costs and revenues of public transport in Hungary, which allows to calculate a realistic passenger (user) cost coverage ratio for the main players in the domestic market (MÁV-Volán Group, GYSEV, BKK). After an international perspective and a presentation of the specificities of the domestic market, it is concluded that the cost coverage ratio for fixed rail transport is significantly lower than for public transport services on road. The main reason for this is that fixed rail infrastructure is expensive to develop and operate and is mainly used by public passenger transport. The ridership ratio is significantly reduced by significant investments, and this has been analysed both on a time series and average basis. We present the timetable, tariff changes and major investments that have had an impact on ridership rates, typically only to a small extent. Our analysis is financially oriented and only touches on positive externalities, social benefits and the general government balance

Exploration of Legal Professional Education and the Cultivation Model of Legal Talents

The importance of legal professional education and the cultivation of legal talents, as well as the practical models in different countries, are analyzed in this paper. The unique aspects of legal education in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, such as case-based teaching in the United States, legal ethics cultivation in the United Kingdom, and the integration of theory and practice in Germany, provide insights for the international perspective of legal education. Meanwhile, the future trends of legal professional education and the cultivation model of legal talents are discussed, emphasizing the criticality of practical teaching, interdisciplinary integration, international development, and the cultivation of the spirit of the rule of law. These aspects are considered important factors in shaping the future of legal education. In addition, a thorough analysis of the current problems in legal professional education is conducted, and countermeasures to strengthen legal professional education and the cultivation of legal talents are proposed, aiming to optimize curriculum design, enhance the construction of teaching staff, and improve the practical teaching system, thereby enhancing the level of legal professional education and the quality of legal talent cultivation. Future research directions for legal professional education and the cultivation model of legal talents are also explored, indicating the need for further research into the underlying reasons and mechanisms, as well as active exploration of cooperation models with other countries and regions, to adapt to the needs of social development and the construction of the rule of law.

A School Is Born: Correlates of Recent Births of Independent Schools in Ontario

ABSTRACT Ontario’s population of independent schools does not receive any public subsidies while having to compete with a public system that is well-funded, offers a relative abundance of choice, and performs well from an international perspective. Yet that population has grown steadily despite encountering those unfavorable conditions. To understand this growth, this paper examines correlates of independent school openings between 2011–12 and 2020–21. It draws on organizational ecology frameworks that are typically used to study for-profit businesses but are rarely used to examine schools. Data come from official school registries, coding school websites, and merging census information, and are used to operationalize 3 key concepts: carrying capacity, resource partitioning, and density dependence. Descriptive analyses, logistic regression models, and sensitivity checks suggest the following: new independent schools tend to emerge in International and “Third” sectors, at the secondary level, near other independent schools, and offer additional educational services. We interpret these findings as illustrating that internationalization is extending capacities for independent schools and is helping to enhance their organizational legitimacy, and that school characteristics are likely products of both period effects and organizational changes. Policy implications are discussed.