International Experience Research Articles

EXPLORANDO O LETRAMENTO RACIAL CRÍTICO NO ENSINO DE LÍNGUA INGLESA: EXPERIÊNCIAS DE UM ESTÁGIO DOCENTE

ABSTRACT This article is about the teaching internship experience conducted during the master’s program in Languages, in which the course “English Language I” was taught to incoming students of the undergraduate course in Languages (Portuguese/ English), at the Federal University of Sergipe. Alongside covering topics outlined in the course syllabus, focusing on the teaching of English, discussions were held on critical race theory and its place in the educational context, through classroom activities based on critical racial literacy and intersectionality (LADSON BILLINGS, 1998; CRENSHAW, 2004; FERREIRA, 2023). So, we examined our practices as educators and the reflections arising from this experience, which broadened our understanding of ethnic-racial issues, their connections with English language education, and the impacts on contemporary social practices, including exchanges of experiences with the students. Thus, this article aims to share reflections arising from the aforementioned experience. It is a qualitative and interpretive study (MOITA LOPES, 1994; SALDAÑA, 2009), focused on the analysis and interpretation of the meanings constructed during the teaching internship, involving reflections from the researchers’ field diary and records of classroom activities (PARDO, 2019; PAIVA, 2019). The analysis follows the strand of Southern studies (SILVA JR; MATOS, 2019; PENNYCOOK; MAKONI, 2020), which advocate for the inclusion of voices from socially marginalized groups. The results of the experience indicate the relevance of building bridges between academic knowledge production and the social practices of marginalized groups in English language education.

РОЛЬ И ЗНАЧЕНИЕ РАЗВИТИЯ УСТОЙЧИВЫХ ИННОВАЦИЙ В ТРАНСФОРМАЦИОННЫХ ПРОЦЕССАХ СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ СИСТЕМЫ

The article examines the nature of the importance of developing and integrating sustainable innovation systems into the business processes of the economic sector, as a separate category in the innovation multidimensional. The features of traditional and innovative approaches to the development of new technological solutions are highlighted. The basic guidelines of the concepts of sustainable innovation development are formulated, the specifics of their classification features are studied. The elemental composition of the structure of sustainable innovation concepts is presented. The analysis of international experience in the practical application of the integration of sustainable innovations in the activities of enterprises is carried out. Reasonable conclusions are formulated.

School vaccination programmes to increase HPV vaccination coverage - Experiences from Bremen, Germany.

Germany primarily relies on a practice-based, opportunistic immunisation system. Despite the introduction of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the German vaccination schedule in 2007, coverage remains low. International experience suggests that school-based vaccination can increase HPV coverage. Therefore, in 2013/14 Bremen's public health department offered HPV vaccinations within a school programme, targeting all 8th-graders. We aimed to evaluate the programme, with a focus on vulnerable groups. In a retrospective cohort design, we analysed vaccination status and uptake among all 8th-graders from 2015/16 to 2018/19 (girls) and 2022/23 (girls and boys). Sub-analyses were based on the School Social Index (SSI), which ranges from 1 (higher socio-economic position, SEP) to 5 (lower SEP), considering factors like poverty, migration, and living environment. The study included 13,550 students from 1,440 classes in 56 schools. Among previously unvaccinated students, 26-35% of girls and 39% of boys annually accepted and received the school-based HPV vaccination. Uptake was higher among students from lower as compared to higher SEP schools (SSI 5: 37% vs. SSI 1: 30%, p=0.022). Vaccine uptake among unvaccinated students remained stable over time, with one-third receiving at least one HPV vaccination at school. The remaining two-thirds of unvaccinated did not make use of the vaccination offer at school. It needs to be investigated if this is possibly due to vaccine hesitancy or a preference for practice-based vaccinations. While school vaccination programmes can improve uptake, implementing a nationwide programme in Germany will be challenging and may not address all existing major uptake barriers.

Global practice of applying approaches to energy efficiency improvement in energy companies

The article presents an analysis of international experience in the implementation of methods aimed at improving the energy efficiency of energy industry enterprises. The importance of studying foreign practice for the development of strategies and tools that take into account the relevance of energy efficiency in the context of modern industrial development is emphasized. These tools fit seamlessly into the overall system of industrial policy strategies, complementing energy conservation initiatives to optimize the use of energy resources.

Linking Expatriate Adjustment and Expatriate Performance: Do gender and earlier international experience matter

Linking Expatriate Adjustment and Expatriate Performance: Do gender and earlier international experience matter

Substantiation of directions for improving the management mechanism of the construction complex in the Donetsk People’s Republic

The relevance of the study of management mechanisms of the construction complex is due to its fundamental role in the economic development and structural transformations of the national economy. The construction complex acts not only as a producer of material goods, but also as a catalyst for economic growth, creating a multiplier effect in related industries and stimulating innovative activity. In a dynamically changing market environment characterised by high volatility of supply and demand as well as by an accelerated pace of technological innovation, improving management approaches in the construction industry becomes critically important. In addition, modern imperatives of sustainable development, including environmental, social and economic aspects, require a revision of traditional management models and introduction of innovative strategies. This article is aimed at a comprehensive analysis and scientific justification of the directions of optimisation of the management mechanism of the construction complex. The aim of the research is to develop an integrated management approach that will increase competitiveness of the industry at the national and international levels, ensure long-term economic efficiency and sustainability in the face of global challenges. Special attention is paid to the analysis of innovative management practices, digitalisation of management processes, and adaptation of international experience to the Russian realities.

'It was the most important and memorable part of my studies…': Greek graduate teachers evaluate their practicum

Teaching practicum is crucial in initial teacher education programs, determining their effectiveness and attracting researchers’ and practicing teachers’ attention. This study explores the experiences of ten graduate teachers (eight women and two men) from a university department in Greece regarding their internship during their undergraduate studies. Unlike similar studies, this study utilized the free text written by the participants as a research tool to highlight the topics that really interest the practicing teachers. The data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. From the analysis, eight main categories emerged describing trainees’ internship experiences: a) characterizations for the teaching practicum, b) emotions from the practicum, c) benefits and usefulness of the process, d) positive and e) negative aspects of the practicum, f) difficulties encountered, and g) recommendations for improving the practicum. These findings offer valuable feedback for enhancing the internship experience within the participants’ department and stress the need for further research on the multi-factorial process of teaching practicum.

Performance below social aspirations, CSR initiatives and CEO characteristics: a conceptual framework

PurposeThis conceptual paper aims to contribute to prior corporate social responsibility (CSR) studies by examining CSR issues through the lens of the behavioral theory of the firm, which emphasizes the bounded rationality and limited cognition of firms’ decision-makers. The authors suggest that social aspiration may be a more important benchmark since stakeholders tend to evaluate a firm’s corporate social performance (CSP) against other comparable firms.Design/methodology/approachAfter reviewing various theoretical perspectives that have been applied to CSR studies spanning from 1985 to 2023, the authors summarize their limitations on examining executives’ decisions toward CSR initiatives. By drawing on the behavioral theory of the firm, a conceptual model was developed to explain how firm executives increase subsequent CSR initiatives when their firms’ CSP is below social aspiration.FindingsThis study suggests that firms increase their subsequent CSR initiatives when their CSP is below the performance of their peers. Furthermore, the authors propose three important characteristics of chief executive officers, including tenure, hubris and international experience, as boundary conditions that can impact the extent of firms’ subsequent CSR initiatives when CSP is below social aspiration.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the CSR literature by emphasizing the influence of decision-makers’ bounded rationality on firms’ CSR initiatives.

Neurodivergence among healthcare professionals and implications for midwifery: A literature review

Background: Societal awareness of neurodivergence is increasing and diagnostic pathways are becoming more accurate; more people are therefore pursuing assessments, often later in life. Health professionals, including midwives, may also be traversing this journey of self-discovery. Overseas estimates suggest that neurominorities may account for as much as 20% of the general population; this is a significant minority group. The healthcare professions require empathy and social skills, and neurodivergent (ND) people may be seen as unsuitable due to deficits in diagnostic, cognitive and communication skills. Research bias in favour of white males, alongside pervasive stereotypes, has contributed to the underdiagnosis of ND women and gender-diverse people. As a predominately female workforce, including ND colleagues will inevitably become more relevant to the midwifery workforce in the future. Aim: This integrative literature review asks: what is known about the workplace experiences of ND healthcare professionals? The intention is to reflect on the possible ramifications for midwives in Aotearoa New Zealand, and to establish a rationale for future research. Method: Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL and ProQuest databases were searched using combinations of key terms. Following the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme (CASP) evaluation, only ethics-approved, peer-reviewed papers in English were included. Findings: Nine studies investigating the workplace experiences of ND healthcare professionals were evaluated. The findings coalesced around two main concepts: (1) The internal experience, with sub-topics Diagnosis and disclosure, Strengths associated with neurodivergence, Sensory processing and Executive functioning; and (2) Navigating a neurotypical world, with sub-topics Social dynamics, Self-management strategies and Workplace accommodations. Conclusion: Ableist barriers to equitable employment experiences were pervasive throughout healthcare workplace settings. All nine studies highlighted workplace challenges for ND healthcare professionals, relating to social, sensory and executive function differences. The absence of literature specific to the unique contextual experiences of ND midwives in Aotearoa New Zealand signifies the scope for future research.

Unraveling the self: How postmodern philosophy reshaped the narrative of personal identity

This paper examines the philosophies of Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Gilles Deleuze, and Judith Butler, focusing on their insights into identity and individualism. While self-help literature often advocates fixed identities, this study argues for an alternative: existence as constant transformation, challenging stagnation in personal growth. Using a materialist lens, it explores identity through interactions of internal and external experiences with power dynamics. Postmodernists collectively highlight the self’s fluidity and its perpetual evolution. The goal is to assess their influence on understanding the self and explore implications for future narratives on identity.

Does the Mentorship of Cooperating Teachers Meet the Needs of Their Student Teachers?: A Mixed-Methods Exploration

The student teaching internship experience is one of the most fundamental experiential learning opportunities for pre-service teachers during their traditional university certification process. During the internship, cooperating teachers play a pivotal role in creating an impactful experience for their student teachers. Cooperating teachers are being asked to take on the role of mentor when leading their student teachers to develop stronger teaching skills and the ability to manage a school-based agricultural education program. However, cooperating teachers are not always clear about their exact roles as a mentor and are in need of additional preparation and support. This study compares the perceived demonstration of mentorship by cooperating teachers and the observation of this mentorship by the student teacher after the implementation of a cooperating teacher support program at [university department]. The results suggest cooperating teachers are utilizing best practices for mentoring within all three areas of social support, professional support, and role modeling. The need for cooperating teachers to explain to student teachers why they do what they do was revealed. Further research in the preparation and support of cooperating teachers is necessary to continue to paint a picture of how these mentor behaviors are being implemented across the profession.

GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISES AND THEIR MACROECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES FOR NATIONAL ECONOMIES: THE CASE OF UKRAINE

The article provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the nature, types and causes of financial crises, which can threaten both individual national economies and global economic stability. The study analyses the origin and development of financial crises, which, in turn, are given special attention as they are becoming increasingly common amid deepening globalization and the growing integration of world markets. Particular emphasis is placed on theoretical aspects, in particular, on different approaches to the classification of financial crises, as well as on their key characteristics and determining factors that contribute to their emergence and development. The author examines the impact of global financial crises on macroeconomic indicators, including recession, instability of national currencies, rising unemployment and a general decline in economic activity, which have long-term consequences for the global economy. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the impact of the financial crisis on the Ukrainian economy, taking into account its specific socio-economic conditions and structural problems that impede the overcoming of the crisis. The main challenges facing Ukraine in the context of the financial crisis are identified, including low productivity, instability of the banking system and weak competitiveness in global markets. The study also examines strategies for preventing and overcoming financial crises, including improving the regulatory framework, developing effective macroeconomic policies and strengthening the role of the state in managing economic processes. In addition, the international experience of overcoming financial crises and the possibility of adapting it to Ukrainian realities to ensure sustainable economic growth and financial stability were considered. The final part contains recommendations aimed at restoring Ukraine's economic sectors in order to reduce their vulnerability to future financial crises and increase their overall economic potential.

Key Aspects of Implementation of Participatory Budgeting Model in Georgian Municipalities

The article, based on the latest literary sources and factual materials, consistently studies such an important issue of financial theory and economic practice as the key aspects of implementing participatory budgeting in Georgian municipalities. The factors affecting the effectiveness of the implementation of the participatory budgeting model are discussed: the urban structure of the municipality, the size of the budget of the municipality, and the development of civil society. It is determined that any model of participatory budgeting should adhere to the following principles: model design and implementation procedures should be based on good management principles; The selected procedures should take into account the specific context of a particular municipality, including urban structure, budget size, and population participation; At the planning stage, active actors of the model, interested parties should be identified and their rights and duties defined; The model should fully comply with the legislation of Georgia and the established forms of citizen participation. Based on the international experience and the reality of Georgia, the factors affecting the effectiveness of the implementation of the participatory budgeting model are discussed: the urban structure of the municipality, the size of the municipality’s budget, and the development of civil society. It stands to reason that any participatory budgeting model should have, as a minimum, the following working procedures: population group meetings, information campaigns, development and submission of project proposals, voting, and final decision, and Evaluation of participatory budgeting process and work procedures.

Unravelling Factors Shaping International Students' Learning and Mental Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review.

The international tertiary education sector was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the risk of negative learning and psychosocial experiences. Most international students who remained in the host countries demonstrated admirable resilience and adaptability during those challenging times. An integrative review of factors shaping international students' learning and mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Five electronic databases-CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, and Web of Science-were searched from 2020 to 2023 using the key search terms 'international students', 'tertiary education', 'mental health and wellbeing', and 'COVID'. A total of 38 studies were included in this review. They revealed six factors across learning and psychosocial experiences. Predisposing factors for maladjustments included the students being younger and possessing poor English proficiency. Precipitating factors were related to online teaching/learning, and lack of accessibility and or insufficient learning and living resources. Perpetuating factors pertained to living arrangements. The protective factor identified was institutional support. This review highlighted that multifaceted factors were associated with international students' experiences and mental health and wellbeing. In-depth understanding of risk and protective factors can help policymakers to prepare for unprecedented challenges and reduce disruptions to international students' education and mental health when studying abroad.

FEATURES OF TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION OF FORENSIC NURSES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SPECIALTY IN THE WORK OF THE FORENSIC SERVICE OF UKRAINE

Currently, the system of responding to cases of violence in Ukraine is not perfect, but international experience has practices that can significantly facilitate the process of working with victims of sexual or gender-based violence, in particular in wartime. One of these areas is forensic nursing. Purpose of the study: to consider the possibilities and features of the conditions for certification of forensic nurses in Ukraine based on literary sources and the existing training program for this specialty in the United States of America. Materials and methods: a selection of literary sources and the “Final Report on the Assessment of Needs in Forensic Nursing in Ukraine” of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) were used as materials. Research methods: analytical, descriptive, bibliographic. Research results and their discussion. Forensic nurses-experts in sexual violence are the main providers of assistance to victims who have suffered from violence and harassment in the United States. They typically work closely with physicians, law enforcement, lawyers, and other providers of best practices to ensure that standards of medical and legal care are met. Training is multidisciplinary, involving forensic specialists, human rights organizations, a police service involved in providing forensic care to victims, and includes the study of many disciplines. Nurses trained in forensic medicine are able to provide a wider range of services to victims of violence: from the use of nursing skills such as: communication, questioning, empathy - to conducting biomedical investigations, coordinating an interdisciplinary team, examining and interpreting trauma, examining for sexual violence, assessing complex circumstances, and more. Conclusions: Educational training for forensic nurses involves a multidisciplinary approach. It can be carried out in the form of undergraduate and graduate programs, advanced training courses and doctoral degrees in this field. According to the experience of the United States of America in this area, the most acceptable model for obtaining the profession of forensic nurse is postgraduate education after obtaining a certificate in the specialty "Nursing".

The research of the world experience in the use of blockchain technologies

Object: To explore experience of using blockchain and identification of problems those hinder its development in Kazakhstan. Methods: General scientific methods employed in this study included descriptive, retrospective, system analysis, synthesis of the subject, as well as system-structural and system-functional analyses. In addition, specific methodologies such as modeling, formal logic, comparative analysis, comparative legal analysis, SWOT, and PEST analyses were utilized. Processing of the data was carried out through the EXCEL. Findings: Digital technologies are becoming the main trends. Their promotion changes life and stimulates to work on development of social, economic spheres. It is accepted that they increase the efficiency of not only personal life, but also the economy. Conclusions: The solution to the problems is possible through the harmonization of legislative standards, investments in educational programs and the involvement of international experience. The example of the eGov 3.0 initiative has shown the importance of algorithmic approaches and predictive management for optimizing the interaction between the state and society. Based on the above, blockchain acts as a strategic tool for modernizing the economy and increasing its sustain ability. The introduction of distributed ledger technologies, taking into account global experience, will allow Kazakhstan to effectively adapt to global challenges, strengthening the institutional environment and stimulating innovative development.

Categories of “space” and “time” in the historical-heroic epic of the Adyghe

The article examines artistic forms and ways of reflecting spatio-temporal landmarks in the context of the historical-heroic epic of the Adyghe. The sacred foundations of ancient views are revealed, which are transformed into epic narratives, acquiring features different from mythological ones. In the late epic, they are filled with the semantic specificity of the genre, the task of which is to idealize the hero, to allegorically convey internal experiences and emotional attitudes to current events, as well as to objectify military confrontations and their consequences. An attempt was made to determine the uniqueness in the use of these categories in the artistic text of historical-heroic songs. Identification of figurative forms of manifestation of these symbols is the goal of our work. To achieve it, the following tasks were solved: study of the category of space and time in aesthetic terms; study of the specifics of refraction of spatio-temporal categories in the texts of historical-heroic songs; definition of their sacred features. The initial principles of the study are based on the provisions of foreign, domestic and Adyghe researchers who have considered this problem. The relevance of the chosen topic is an attempt to identify the distinctive features of the manifestation of spatio-temporal ideas in the ideological system of the Adyghe historical-heroic epic. The analysis is carried out using the structural-comparative and structural-semiotic methods. The practical significance of the work is that this article can become an addition to the presentation of a holistic picture of spatio-temporal categories in folklore. The result of the work done is the understanding that spatio-temporal ideas determine the features of the ethnic tradition; they were formed in ancient times; in the historical-heroic epic they are realized as means of artistic expression.

Improving the Inclusive Information Space: Introducing Chatbots into the Work of Academic Libraries

Objective. The purpose of the publication is to study the possibilities of using chatbots as one of the tools for developing an inclusive environment in an academic library. Methods. The study analyzed international experience and software for creating AI-based chatbots. Results. An academic library can use open-source software to create chatbots, but this method will require significant resources. An alternative is commercial services, which are quite easy to use but require monthly funding. Conclusions. Chatbot is a very promising direction for building an inclusive direction, and each library can choose how to create and use it according to its needs.

Artificial Intelligence Technologies and Their Significance in Enhancing the Quality of Adaptive E-Learning

The continuous advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is driving a profound transformation in educational systems, which are crucial in shaping societal development and future trends. AI plays a pivotal role in advancing social progress by developing programs and devices that replicate human behaviors and cognitive functions, leading to a revolutionary change in learning methodologies and an enhancement in the interaction between learners and educational content. This research paper explores the role of AI in improving the quality of adaptive e-learning. It begins by defining fundamental concepts of AI and its educational technologies, then clarifies the concept of adaptive e-learning, and reviews the latest AI applications in this field. Additionally, the paper demonstrates how AI can be utilized to enhance the educational environment and improve educational quality, while also assessing notable international experiences in this context. The study’s key findings indicate that AI enhances educational quality by providing personalized learning experiences, effectively analyzing learner data, and offering flexible virtual learning environments and advanced digital tools to enhance interaction

MODERNIZATION OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN: DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS AND IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS

In the context of global changes and challenges of the 21st century, the state structures of the Republic of Kazakhstan face the task not only to improve the existing mechanisms of local government, but also to comprehensively modernize them in accordance with the best international practices. The modernization of the local government system of the Republic of Kazakhstan provides for proactive updating of the institutional framework, increasing the efficiency and accountability of local authorities, as well as the introduction of innovative technologies for management and interaction with the population. The basis of such a process is a comprehensive reform aimed at decentralization and strengthening local self-government. The research is aimed at analyzing the current state of the local government system in the Republic of Kazakhstan and developing proposals for its modernization. The main objective is to identify the key problems and constraints that hinder the effectiveness of local authorities, and to propose specific mechanisms and tools to address them. The article uses methods of comparative analysis, including the study of international experience of successful models of local government in countries with a similar level of socio-economic development. This allowed us to identify the best practices for their adaptation in Kazakhstan. A legal analysis of the current legislative framework was also conducted to identify gaps and proposals to address them, in order to create a more effective legal environment for local government, with special attention to laws and their impact on regional governance. The study identified the main problems hindering the development of local government, such as insufficient financial independence of the regions, inefficiency of administrative procedures and lack of qualified personnel. The article also pays attention to the importance of decentralization of power as one of the main factors in improving the effectiveness of management at the local level. Successful modernization of the local government system requires an integrated approach, including legislative changes, strengthening of civil society and development of public institutions.