Limited Funding Research Articles

The Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Digital Skills in the Population of the EU 27 Countries

This research investigates digital skills across the 27 EU countries, examining how incentive and disincentive factors shape these competencies, particularly under varying socio-economic conditions. Using a quantitative methodology, the study applies cluster analysis and linear ordering methods to classify countries by digital skills indicators, utilising data from the Eurostat Digital Economy and Society database. Key analytical methods—including Hellwig’s method, order counting, and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS)—are employed to pinpoint crucial factors that stimulate digital competencies, such as investment in research, training programmes, and innovation. Findings indicate that countries within clusters featuring higher values in these stimulative factors tend to adopt a proactive approach to digital development. These clusters frequently correlate with substantial investments in skills training and comprehensive educational policies. Conversely, clusters characterised by high disincentive variables, such as limited funding and socio-economic disparities, show slower progress in digital skills development, highlighting barriers in educational and social inclusion systems. The results reveal marked spatial disparities across the EU. Leading countries typically have robust education systems promoting lifelong learning and inclusivity, while lagging countries face structural challenges, including centralised education systems and urban-rural divides. This disparity underscores the need for sustained investment in education, training, and policy support to enhance workforce digital skills. The study highlights that digital competencies are closely intertwined with each country's educational and socio-economic frameworks, recommending targeted interventions to foster lifelong digital literacy and reduce skills gaps. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, interdisciplinary research is essential for addressing both quantitative and qualitative aspects of digital skill development. Future studies should aim to bridge the digital divide through comprehensive strategies for upskilling populations, ensuring inclusive digital integration across all EU countries.

Rethinking the Tactile Paving Installation System Based on the City Rhythm of Visually Impaired Pedestrians in Urban Networks

This study was conducted in Bandung, the provincial capital of West Java, to reevaluate the tactile paving installation system based on the movement patterns of visually impaired pedestrians in urban networks. Given the rising global prevalence of low vision and blindness, creating inclusive urban environments has become a critical health and social issue. The research aimed to address the gap in accessibility by focusing on how tactile paving can better align with the daily rhythms and needs of visually impaired individuals. Data collection involved interviews, and data analysis utilized a mixed-methods approach. Findings revealed that the movement patterns of visually impaired pedestrians are intricately connected to their essential activities. The study concludes that a hierarchical approach to tactile paving installation can improve efficiency, particularly in cities with limited funding, thus promoting broader and more effective development of inclusive urban networks. These insights are valuable for both immediate facility improvements and future transit-oriented development planning.

Development Strategy School Financial Resilience in Yogyakarta Private High School

The success of educational institutions in providing quality services is influenced by various factors, including planning, facilities, human resources, and financial support. This research focuses on school financial management, emphasizing the importance of financial resilience to support operational resilience and sustainability, especially in private schools with limited funds. Financial resilience is the capacity of an institution to survive and adapt to financial challenges, which includes effective and efficient management of income and expenditure. This research uses qualitative methods with a descriptive approach to explore strategies for developing financial resilience at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta. Data was collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and document study, and analyzed using triangulation techniques to ensure the validity of the information. The main focus of research is on absorptive, adaptive and transformative strategies in school financial management. Absorptive strategies emphasize the importance of effective budget planning and evaluation. Adaptive strategies include the use of financial information systems and the involvement of external parties. Transformative strategies involve student service innovation, awards, and seeking additional funding Research findings show that SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta has succeeded in overcoming financial challenges through good management and implementing innovative strategies. This research recommends regular evaluation of financial management systems, staff training, and collaboration with other educational institutions to improve financial management strategies. It is hoped that further research can contribute to the development of policies and best practices in educational financial management.

Accelerating a learning public health system: Opportunities, obstacles, and a call to action.

Public health systems worldwide face increasing challenges in addressing complex health issues and improving population health outcomes. This experience report introduces the concept of a Learning Public Health System (LPHS) as a potential solution to transform public health practice. Building upon the framework of a Learning Health System (LHS) in healthcare, the LPHS aims to create a dynamic, data-driven ecosystem that continuously improves public health interventions and policies. This report explores the definition, benefits, challenges, and implementation strategies of an LPHS, highlighting its potential to revolutionize public health practice. This report employs a comparative analysis approach, examining the similarities and differences between an LPHS and an LHS. It also identifies and elaborates on the potential benefits, challenges, and barriers to implementing an LPHS. Additionally, the study investigates promising national initiatives that exemplify elements of an LPHS in action. An LPHS integrates data from diverse sources to inform knowledge generation, policy development, and operational improvements. Key benefits of implementing an LPHS include improved disease prevention, evidence-informed policy-making, and enhanced health outcomes. However, several challenges were identified, such as interoperability issues, governance concerns, funding limitations, and cultural factors that may impede the widespread adoption of an LPHS. Implementation of an LPHS has the potential to significantly transform public health practice. To realize this potential, a call to action is issued for stakeholders across the public health ecosystem. Recommendations include investing in informatics infrastructure, prioritizing workforce development, establishing robust data governance frameworks, and creating incentives to support the development and implementation of a LPHS. By addressing these key areas, public health systems can evolve to become more responsive, efficient, and effective in improving population health outcomes.

Are we measuring impact accurately? Identifying potential sources of bias in the evaluation of extension personnel and programs

AbstractAgricultural extension programs must demonstrate their value to compete for limited government funding. As extension professionals measure the value of their programs, the risk exists that the information they report will provide a biased or an inaccurate measure of value. We examine the evaluation process for extension programs and extension personnel to identify potential sources of bias or inaccuracies. We find that bias and inaccuracy in program evaluation often stems from a focus on short‐term outcomes, rather than long‐term impacts, while bias in personnel evaluation can result from information asymmetries that exist between extension personnel and their evaluators.

Development of the market of digital financial assets in the context of ensuring financial sovereignty of Russia

Currently, in the context of limited external funding, the issues of forming the financial sovereignty of the country are becoming the subject of scientific discourse among Russian economists. The introduction of digital financial assets (DFA) into business practice and their legislative recognition largely ensures the expansion of investment opportunities for economic entities, which will contribute to the end of the stagnant macroeconomic shock of the period of 2021–2024. The work covers solving such scientific problems as clarifying the essential nature of DFA and developing their classification; assessing the process of functioning of the investment market based on the use of digital financial instruments; identifying key limitations in the functioning of the basic institutions regulating the DFA circulation. The authors proposed a clarified formulation of the economic category of digital financial assets, taking into account the peculiarities of its essential nature. An analysis of the functioning of the domestic DFA market is carried out. Among the factors hindering the development of the DFA market, its fragmentation, low liquidity, and weak institutional regulation of the issue and circulation of DFA are highlighted. The authors emphasize the positive effect of the development of the digital infrastructure of the market, in particular, the increase in the number of investment platforms licensed by the Bank of Russia, the reduction of costs of access to them, the development of a market-making system in the secondary market of digital financial assets. The authors believe that the leveling of the contradictions of the investment market should occur due to the improvement of the institutional environment in the field of strengthening control over transactions with digital financial assets, as well as ensuring their mandatory registration, which is absent at the present stage. The development of the domestic market of digital financial assets has significant potential due to, firstly, the desire of economic entities to replace traditional financial instruments with digital ones, which allow reducing significantly transaction and transformation costs; secondly, the expansion of investment opportunities for economic actors through the use of digital platforms and other elements of the digital ecosystem for the purpose of business development; thirdly, the transformation of the traditional business model, which provides for the transition from vertical interaction of entities to a network form of coordination of economic agents using decentralized financial instruments in their activities.

The Effectiveness of National Innovation and Startup Policy (NISP) in Cultivating Entrepreneurial Ecosystems within Management Institutions in Pune

This study investigates the effectiveness of the National Innovation and Startup Policy (NISP) in cultivating entrepreneurial ecosystems within management institutions in Pune. A mixed-method approach involving surveys and interviews with students, faculty, and NISP coordinators across 15 HEIs was employed. The findings reveal that NISP has fostered a supportive environment by promoting awareness, offering mentorship, and establishing infrastructure. However, challenges remain, including limited funding, lack of industry partnerships, and insufficient resources for startups. Analysis of student responses indicates a positive influence on entrepreneurial interest and confidence. However, concerns exist around access to funding, infrastructure, and specialized equipment. Additionally, diversifying engagement activities is crucial to reach a wider student base. Based on these results, recommendations are provided to enhance NISP's effectiveness. These include increased funding, fostering industry collaborations, expanding awareness campaigns, and providing high-value resources like seed funding and investor networks. Additionally, dedicated faculty mentors and standardized resource allocation across institutions are recommended. Finally, establishing data-driven evaluation mechanisms with student feedback loops is crucial for continuous improvement. By implementing these recommendations, NISP can be strengthened to cultivate robust entrepreneurial ecosystems within management institutions, fostering innovation and contributing to India's emergence as a global hub for entrepreneurship.

Bolstering Access to HIV-Related Health care in Zimbabwe Among Young Mothers Living With HIV: Lessons Learned on HIV Health Promotion From Zvandiri's Young Mentor Mother Program.

HIV disproportionately affects adolescent girls and young women living in Southern Africa. Rates of perinatal HIV transmission are high in this population, emphasizing the need for targeted health promotion and public health programming to improve the health of young mothers living with HIV. Zvandiri, a non-profit organization in Zimbabwe, created the Young Mentor Mother (YMM) program in response to this issue. This health promotion program uses peer-led service delivery conducted by trained young mothers living with HIV, called YMMs. We conducted semi-structured virtual interviews (N = 29) among Zvandiri staff and YMMs to identify benefits and challenges, and to inform future program scaling. We applied thematic analyses to the transcriptions. Participant narratives revealed several themes, including three key benefits from the YMM program: (1) peer support, (2) holistic care, and (3) women's empowerment. Participants also shared barriers to the success of the program, reflecting two overarching dimensions: (1) barriers related to scaling up the YMM program and (2) challenges related to addressing socio-structural factors. Barriers to scale-up included limited funds and resources, and food insecurity. Socio-structural challenges included HIV-related stigma, cultural and geographic differences, and intimate partner violence (IPV). These challenges align with the social-ecological model, whereby structural factors (lack of funding, food insecurity), community factors (HIV-related stigma, socio-cultural differences in accepting HIV care), and interpersonal factors (IPV) affect the implementation and scale-up of the program. We recommend future adopters of the YMM program to tailor the model for their community, prioritize peer supporter's well-being, foster women's empowerment, and adopt a holistic care approach.

Conceptualising Intercultural Literacy: Narratives from English Language Teachers

This current study investigates how English language teachers in Indonesian higher educational institutions define and conceptualize intercultural literacy and practice it in their classrooms. Eight ELT practitioners were interviewed through narrative inquiry, and the data was analyzed using thematic analysis to explore their lived conceptualizations. The findings suggest three major themes on intercultural literacy, including conceptualization of intercultural literacy, implementation in professional practice, challenges in fostering intercultural understanding, and strategies to overcome these challenges. Teachers defined intercultural literacy as encompassing cultural understanding, adaptability, comparative analysis, and professional knowledge. They integrated it into their teaching through curriculum design, student-centered methods, and digital tools. This was done by weaving these into the curriculum design and retraining pedagogy with student-centric methods and other digital tools. However, the participants mentioned that they faced some obstacles, including institutional barriers, limited funding, and the difficulties of switching from the traditional to the newest teaching method. These issues were mitigated by professional development, collaboration, and inclusive instructional materials. The current research finding indicates the importance of comprehensive professional development and institutional support for teachers in developing intercultural competence in their students. These findings contribute to intercultural literacy in Indonesia and practical recommendations for improving it within Indonesian higher education. The finding highlights the how to prepare students for a globalized world through intercultural literacy and educator support.

Systematic Literature Review of Disseminating Health Information to BIPOC Communities

Purpose This study aims to systematically review the literature to examine best practices for disseminating health information and strategies useful for advancing equitable health outcomes in communities of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Methods Databases such as Science.gov, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Social Science Research Network, and CHAT AI were searched using terms like “health promotion,” “information dissemination/methods,” “minority communities,” “urban health,” “health education/methods,” and “health promotion/methods.” The search focused on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies conducted between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2023. An academic expert evaluated the manuscripts for quality. Dissemination methods were categorized based on cultural, linguistic, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results/Expected results Out of 4,726 articles identified, 23 were included in the full review. The study found that the most effective methods for disseminating health information involved direct community interaction using versatile communication strategies. Real-time engagement and accessibility to public health experts increased community trust and participation. Narrative storytelling, focus groups, workshops, and the use of technology for visual representation were particularly effective. Major obstacles included the lack of stakeholder interaction, language barriers, cultural, educational, and generational differences, and limited funding for human resources. The unavailability of information from previous research also caused frustration among decision-makers. Conclusion Effective engagement with BIPOC communities requires diverse communication methods. Involving community members in selecting settings, language, cultural activities, and other specific aspects helps non-community stakeholders understand evidence-based best practices for health information dissemination, thereby improving healthcare outcomes. Implications This comprehensive literature review enhances understanding of evidence-based best practices for disseminating health information to BIPOC communities. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and researchers to develop targeted and effective health communication strategies.

SME collaboration models for accelerating clean energy innovations: Insights from emerging market economies

This paper explores the critical role of collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in accelerating clean energy innovation in emerging markets. It reviews various collaboration models, including strategic partnerships, incubation and acceleration programs, supply chain integration, and joint research and development (R&D), highlighting their impact on technology development and commercialization. The paper also examines the specific challenges SMEs and startups face, such as funding limitations, intellectual property (IP) concerns, and market access barriers, and analyzes the opportunities presented by new trends like digital platforms, impact investment, and public-private partnerships. The findings emphasize that collaborative efforts are essential for fostering sustainable growth and enabling the successful deployment of clean energy technologies in emerging markets. The paper concludes by discussing future directions and the importance of continued cooperation, supported by favorable policies and regulatory frameworks, in driving the clean energy transition. Keywords: Clean Energy Innovation, SME-Startup Collaboration, Emerging Markets, Sustainable Growth, Commercialization.

Abstract C033: Mapping behavioral research in post-treatment cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Abstract Introduction: In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), high cancer incidence is compounded by limited healthcare access and out-of-pocket costs. Additional factors like limited research funding, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural influences further affect cancer survivors' well-being. While some studies identify factors improving psychosocial well-being, there is a gap in understanding SSA-specific contextual and behavioral influences. This study addresses this gap through a scoping review of post-treatment cancer behavioral research, synthesizing current knowledge to inform interventions aimed at enhancing psychosocial support and improving health outcomes for survivors in the region. Methods: Guided by Arksey and O'Malley's 5-step framework, we conducted a scoping review to map cancer-focused behavioral research in Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to inform policy and identify research gaps. Through comprehensive literature searches and eligibility criteria based on the PICOS framework, we identified relevant studies. Searches were executed from September-October 2023. Our search strategy encompassed multiple databases and supplementary methods to ensure thorough coverage. Screening, extraction, and analysis of the selected articles were conducted independently by at least two reviewers, using Microsoft Excel and Covidence and resolving discrepancies through discussion. Ultimately, seven articles met our inclusion criteria. Data were charted and summarized, covering demographics, study design, barriers, facilitators, cultural factors, support mechanisms, and recommendations. Results: Seven articles from four SSA countries were reviewed, with Nigeria contributing the most studies. The study articles, spanning from 1998 to 2023, used diverse methodologies and theoretical frameworks. The studies covered various cancer types and stages, highlighting significant psychological distress, financial toxicity, and post-traumatic growth among survivors. Cultural influences, including stigma and spiritual beliefs, were prominent. Barriers to care included financial constraints and limited access, while facilitators were social support and positive healthcare relationships. Effective support mechanisms like social and psychological interventions were crucial for enhancing survivors' well-being and promoting long-term follow-up care. Conclusion: This scoping review highlights the significant psychological, financial, and cultural challenges faced by cancer survivors in SSA. Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions and policies that consider the unique contextual factors of SSA, aiming to enhance psychosocial support and improve overall health outcomes for cancer survivors. Future research should focus on comprehensive and culturally competent approaches to mitigate barriers and leverage facilitators, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment for cancer survivorship in the region. Citation Format: Motolani Ogunsanya, Opeyemi Bolajoko, Jessica Saintibert, Danetta Hooks, Oluwaseyi Toye, Shari Clifton, Folakemi Odedina. Mapping behavioral research in post-treatment cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C033.

Abstract C007: Building capacity in health clinics and community organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities on tobacco prevention

Abstract Background. Tobacco use remains a significant public health issue, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community. Los Angeles County, which is home to the second-largest LGBTQ+ population in the US, has notably higher prevalence of tobacco use compared to the general population, partly due to targeted marketing by the tobacco industry, social stressors, and discrimination. These factors contribute to higher rates of smoking and tobacco-related health disparities; however, little is known about the capacity of community-based organizations, clinical providers, support staff, and other personnel that work closely with the LGBTQ+ community to provide smoking cessation services. Methods. Cedars Sinai Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) assisted in the facilitation of conducting a needs assessment, Clinical Provider and Staff Survey, to assess the opinions of clinical providers and community leaders about tobacco cessation-related topics related to 1) Building culturally competent tobacco cessation services; 2) Reducing health disparities in tobacco cessation services; 3) Improving access to care (Medicaid/Medi-Cal access and uptake) for diverse populations that are affected by tobacco-related disparities; 4) Improving the utilization of tobacco cessation services. The survey was administered online from December 2022 to April 2023 with providers throughout Los Angeles County. Results. A total of 261 surveys were collected which revealed several key issues at the organization level: they do not prioritize tobacco screening, treatment, or referrals; there is no standardized process for client management; staff have limited knowledge on tobacco prevention and patient navigation; and there is limited staff capacity and funding. To address organizational-focused barriers, COE trained 147 clinical providers and staff from 4 local health clinics and organizations and on capacity building, including the basics of tobacco, evidence-based interventions like "Ask, Advice, Refer," and lung cancer screening. Additionally, to address Client/Patient-Focused Barriers for Organizations, such as: lack of motivation to quit, low perception of the severity of smoking, and a lack of culturally competent or targeted cessation resources, COE staff assisted in navigating resources, ensuring both providers and clients were aware of and could access relevant support services. This involved sharing LGBTQ+ affirming resources, including medical care, behavioral health, and housing, and referred smokers to gender-affirming cessation support groups. Conclusion. The survey highlighted the need to enhance service delivery and support for the LGBTQ+ community. With these findings, our COE staff were able to increase organizational capacity through training and education for clinical providers and staff to enhance their knowledge and skills in tobacco cessation and share gender-affirming resources and navigation, which are crucial towards improving the overall effectiveness of tobacco cessation services for LGBTQ+ populations. Citation Format: Victor Cristanto, Alexandra Caro, Reener Balingit, Zul Surani. Building capacity in health clinics and community organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities on tobacco prevention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C007.

Key Factors for Student Startup Success: Insights from Higher Education Professors

The study aims to identify and analyse the key factors of student start-ups from the perspective of higher academic institution professors. Entrepreneurial students in higher education face challenges such as limited funding, scarce resources, lack of business experience and struggling to balance academic commitments with their start-up ventures. Additionally, they struggle with navigating complex business regulations and often lack access to proper networks or mentorship. This research contributes to a better understanding of how the entrepreneurial ecosystem in higher education institutions can support student start-up initiatives to succeed. For the research, a survey was conducted targeting ten experts from higher education institutions engaged with business or entrepreneurial study programmes. The research used the content validation method and descriptive statistical analysis to evaluate the responses, focusing on measures of central tendency and variability to determine the degree of consensus among respondents regarding the 36 statements provided. The study results revealed that while respondents agreed on the importance of student attitudes towards failure and self-confidence, there was strong disagreement among them regarding the belief that non-business students have a lesser chance of creating a successful startup. Also, experts suggested that entrepreneurship education should place more emphasis on the development of students' entrepreneurial mindset, which is considered to be an essential quality for the uncertain journey of entrepreneurship. Finally, the survey results indicated that networking and experiential learning are crucial for startup development. This underscores the importance of scientific debate not only on innovative funding models but also on non-financial support systems that surpass traditional educational methods in higher education environments.

Evaluating local climate policy: Municipal action plans through the lens of resilience and environmental justice

In the US, local governments are increasingly crucial in driving climate action. Drawing upon previous scholarly work, this study assesses nine local climate action plans in the state of Michigan. It introduces a comprehensive framework integrating climate resilience and environmental justice (EJ) indicators to evaluate plan content. Despite recognizing global climate concerns, qualitative content analysis shows that plans lack localized analyses and actions, hampering planning efforts as a result of insufficient data, minimal coordination, limited funds, and finite policy options. Key aspects like equitable resource distribution, environmental burdens, and community engagement are often overlooked. Without addressing these limitations, local governments lack the tools to effectively implement justice-oriented climate policies.

Assessment of the causes of educational decline in the Maghreb countries

The education systems in Maghreb countries, including Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, are experiencing significant deterioration due to a mix of internal and external factors. Internally, challenges such as outdated curricula, poor teacher training, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate infrastructure undermine the quality of education. These issues are worsened by administrative inefficiencies and insufficient investment. Externally, socio-economic problems like high unemployment, political instability, and limited funding further strain the education sector. Additionally, the rapid pace of globalization and technological advancements outstrip the capabilities of these education systems to adapt. Cultural factors, including societal attitudes toward education, also contribute to the decline. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive reforms, such as updating curricula, investing in infrastructure and teacher training, and shifting cultural perceptions to prioritize education as a cornerstone for national development.

Trends and insights in animal and biomedical research: A 5-year scientometric analysis of orthodontic peer-reviewed journals

Biomedical research plays a critical role in advancing orthodontic innovations by identifying new targets for therapeutic interventions and developing more effective, personalized orthodontic treatment. This study evaluates the major contributors and trends in animal-related orthodontic research over the past 5 years (2017-2023). All animal-related studies published in the eight orthodontic journals listed in the 2022 Journal Citation Reports between January 2017 and June 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. After examination, the following bibliometric data were extracted from each article: title, authors, affiliations, geographic origin, year of publication, journal name, and keywords. Multiple bibliometric software packages including Biblioshiny R-package software, Datawrapper, and Datasmith were used to analyze different bibliometric outcomes. A total of 3669 articles were screened from which 266 were selected and included in the analysis. The annual growth rate of production exhibited a decline of 11.18%. Most of the included studies focused on orthodontic tooth movement (32.3%), mainly utilizing rat models (50%). Although the United States accounted for the highest number of publications (n = 236), the trend in funded research showed a decreasing trajectory over time, with notably limited funding from the National Institutes of Health. This study reveals a declining trend in overall animal-related orthodontic research, highlighted by a significant decrease in National Institutes of Health funding over time. To address this gap, academic institutions and professional organizations should support initiatives fostering biomedical orthodontic research.

Independent Curriculum Policy in Early Childhood Education Units in Indonesia

The Independent Curriculum is an innovative advancement in the Indonesian education system, namely in Early Childhood Education (PAUD). This study aims to discover the Independent Curriculum policy in PAUD (Early Childhood Education) through a literature review approach. In particular, the researcher will analyze and evaluate policies, regulations, and theories related to the definition of the Independent Curriculum in Early Childhood Education. Information is gathered from reliable sources, including scientific publications, books, and official government papers. The study's findings show that the Independent Curriculum offers PAUD the ability to tailor the curriculum to the specific needs and attributes of students, thus providing flexibility. PAUD is encouraged to develop the Pancasila Student Profile through child-centered learning, play, and exploration. This research also found several challenges in implementing the Independent Curriculum in PAUD, such as limited human resources, infrastructure, and funding. Ultimately, the Independent Curriculum has great potential to improve the quality of early childhood education in Indonesia. Nevertheless, it is crucial for some stakeholders to consistently exert their efforts to ensure the smooth and smooth implementation of the implementation process.

The use of mobile technology in higher education: implications for students and instructors

Mobile learning has become a prominent topic in educational settings today due to its significant developments in information and communication technology (ICT). This flexibility not only benefits student-teachers who can learn at their own pace and convenience but also empowers instructors to engage with their student-teachers more dynamically. Literature indicates that mobile learning encourages collaboration and active participation, fostering critical thinking skills and creating a more engaging learning experience. Despite the many advantages of integrating technology into the classroom, research indicates that most faculties higher education are resistant to incorporating technology into their activities since there are no institutional norms. The study aims at evaluating the use of mobile learning in higher education in Lesotho and the implications it has on both instructors and student-teachers when using mobile learning. The study adopted a systematic literature review to review the available research using an integrative method of studies conducted on mobile learning in higher education between 2013 and 2023. The study found that some instructors ban the use of mobile devices because they distract from teaching and learning. In addition, not all devices can handle the demands of remote learning. Student-teachers believe that mobile technology enhances communication with peers and instructors. Among other factors, limited Internet connectivity and funding are the most common inhibiting factors for instructors to adopt technology into the teaching and learning process. Other inhibiting factors are the high costs of mobile data access and smart mobile devices. The study recommends that ICT policy must be in place to manage and control mobile learning for effective adoption.

Advancing green education in MENA region: Challenges, opportunities and best practices

AbstractThis paper explores Green Education in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), addressing shared environmental challenges across its 21 diverse countries. Despite differing economic structures, economies and politics, the need for green education, also known as environmental education (EE) or education for sustainable development (ESD), is evident. MENA encounters obstacles like centralised education structures, governance issues, curriculum gaps, limited funding, environmental awareness and gender disparities. Overcoming these challenges necessitates a comprehensive strategy involving curriculum integration, policy support, collaboration with non‐governmental organisations and international organisations, sufficient funding and effective monitoring. Engaging in global initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the Middle East Green Initiative provides opportunities to enhance EE. Adopting a holistic approach empowers the MENA region to address environmental concerns, promote sustainable development and align with global conservation efforts.