Limited Opportunities Research Articles

Quantifying human thermal adaptation for indoor environments through field surveys and climate chamber experiments

ABSTRACT Thermal comfort boundaries established through climate chamber experiments are often found to significantly vary in real-world conditions based on the potential for thermal adaptation. In this context, this research aims to quantify the extent of thermal adaptation using a personalized ventilation system. We hypothesize that a personalized ventilation system can enhance thermal adaptation compared to real-world settings with limited opportunity for thermal adaptation. The study is based on thermal comfort surveys in mixed-mode open-plan office spaces of a humid subtropical region (Cwa), and a controlled climate chamber with a provision for personalized ventilation. We obtained 5629 subjective thermal responses through longitudinal field surveys accompanied by environmental measurements. In a climate chamber, 16 acclimatized volunteers were subjected to 140 different set-points with air temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), and air velocity (Va) variations yielding 19,200 subjective responses. A thermo-neutral temperature (Tn) of 26.5°C with an acceptability band of ±5.9°C was obtained through the field surveys. The Tn obtained from climate chamber surveys varied from 28.0°C to 29.3°C with an acceptability band of ±3.6°C depending on the ventilation rate. An empirical relationship between thermal sensation vote (TSV) and multiple environmental variables (Calidity) suggests 2°C higher Tn for Caliditychamber, Thermal adaptation correction factor of 2.1°C for warm-dry indoor environment and 1°C for warm-humid indoor environment were deduced through comparative analysis.

Fostering Faithful Praxis: Tracing Educators’ Affective Turning Points in an Australian Islamic Teacher Education Program

There has been a rise in Islamic schools in Australia, a trend similarly seen in other Western countries, and yet limited opportunities for teacher preparation on what it means to impart an Islamically grounded education. This study utilizes qualitative research methods, specifically portraiture to shed light on the experiences of in-service Islamic school educators, with varied backgrounds and religious affiliations in a cohort of the Graduate Certificate in Education (Islamic Education) program in Australia. This faith-based teacher education program aims to foster “faithful praxis”, and recenter the Divine in teaching and learning. The research focused on analysing transformative affective shifts as reflected in the program’s final portfolios. Portraits of four participants reflect a reconceptualization of education as a holistic process that aims to nurture the whole student: mind, body, and soul. The portraits also highlight awakening experiences that signify the role of reflexivity and self-reflection of the educator so that educational renewal is of the whole collective in the school community. Implications of this study signify the role of spirituality in teaching and learning and the importance of moving beyond conventional and secular models of teacher education programs.

Research on the Optimization of Practical Teaching System under the Mode of Integration of Production and Teaching in Institute of Navigation Technology and Industry

Under the background of global economic integration and the rapid development of shipping industry, navigation technology education is facing challenges such as the disconnection between theory and practice and limited practical opportunities. In order to meet these challenges, this paper deeply analyzes the implementation status of the integration mode of production and teaching in Maritime Technology Industry College, and discusses its advantages and disadvantages in personnel training, curriculum system construction, teacher team development, training base construction and teaching quality monitoring. Through the strategies of modular curriculum design, virtual simulation training, enterprise internship opportunities, double-qualified teachers training and diversified evaluation system, this paper puts forward a set of plans to comprehensively optimize the practice teaching system. The program aims to enhance students' practical ability, innovation ability and professional accomplishment, make them better adapt to the needs of the industry, and provide high-quality talent guarantee for the sustainable development of the navigation technology industry. At the same time, this paper also emphasizes the importance of school-enterprise cooperation, and realizes the deep integration and sharing of educational resources and industrial resources through co-construction of curriculum system, teaching staff and training base. Finally, this paper looks forward to the potential contribution of the optimized practical teaching system in improving teaching quality, promoting industrial upgrading and technological innovation.

Recommendations for implementing digital alcohol interventions in primary care: lessons learned from a Norwegian feasibility study.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading global risk factor for ill-health and premature death. Digital alcohol interventions can be effective at reducing alcohol consumption, but their widespread adoption is lagging behind. This study aimed to identify factors promoting or inhibiting the implementation of a digital alcohol intervention in Norwegian primary care, by using Normalization Process Theory (NPT). A mixed methods feasibility study combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A digital alcohol intervention called "Endre" was implemented across four GP practices in Stavanger and Oslo. Usage of the intervention was logged on the digital platform. General practitioners (GPs) reported their perceived uptake of the intervention via a web-based survey. The Normalization MeAsure Development (NoMAD) survey was used to measure support staff's perceived normalization of the intervention. Qualitative data were analyzed using the NPT framework, with quantitative data analyzed descriptively and using χ 2 and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for differences in current and future normalization. Thirty-seven GPs worked in the clinics and could recruit patients for the digital intervention. Thirty-six patients registered for the intervention. Nine patients dropped out early and 25 completed the intervention as intended. Low normalization scores at follow-up (n = 27) indicated that Endre did not become fully embedded in and across practices. Nonetheless, staff felt somewhat confident about their use of Endre and thought it may become a more integral part of their work in the future. Findings from six semi-structured group interviews suggested that limited implementation success may have been due to a lack of tailored implementation support, staff's lack of involvement, their diminished trust in Endre, and a lack of feedback on intervention usage. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic further limited opportunities for GPs to use Endre. This study investigated the real-world challenges of implementing a digital alcohol intervention in routine clinical practice. Future research should involve support staff in both the development and implementation of digital solutions to maximize compatibility with professional workflows and needs. Integration of digital solutions may further be improved by including features such as dashboards that enable clinicians to access and monitor patient progress and self-reported outcomes.

The fallacy of uti possidetis juris: transboundary fishing in disputed maritime boundaries as a threat to Africa’s peace and security

ABSTRACT Africa’s oceans and seas and their resources are crucial for the economic and food security of Coastal States and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). However, sustaining these contributions is undermined by depleting resources and other security threats at sea. Given the transboundary nature of oceans resources and the threats that pervade them, maritime boundary disputes further complicate the situation, by making maritime security cooperation difficult for African countries, especially against illegal fishing. Our transdisciplinary paper draws evidence from legal, security, and development literature, policy documents, and expert insights to highlight the impact of maritime boundary disputes on maritime cooperation and security. Our argument is threefold: first, the principle of uti possidetis juris has resulted in artificial boundaries, propelling maritime boundary tensions and, arguably, in some cases, inflaming them. Second, delimitation exercises, often the outcome of applying the uti possidetis juris principle, limit opportunities for cooperation in managing shared resources and security. Third, irrespective of boundary disputes, the ambulatory nature of fish forces fishers to encroach into neighbouring waters. This paper concludes that addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach to oceans governance, acknowledging the transboundary nature of threats and promoting joint management arrangements as a mechanism for settling boundary disputes.

Collaborative Models for Community-Driven Industrial Education: Enhancing Workforce Development Through Partnership Programs in Malaysia

This study analyses the value of collaborative education strategies for improving workforce development in Malaysia, focusing on collaborations between educational institutions and industry. In recent years, the Malaysian job market has experienced major challenges, especially in terms of graduate preparation for employment. Many graduates struggle due to inadequate skills and limited employment opportunities, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive educational changes. These coordinated activities aim to bridge the education-industry divide by developing connections between academia and the business sector. Moreover, the study uses a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews with industry managers to understand better the impact of partnership programs, government support, and community participation on workforce readiness. Through these interviews, the study emphasizes the importance of collaborative education in providing graduates with the skills and competencies they need to succeed in a competitive work market. The findings show that, while these collaborations significantly boost graduates' employability and skill sets, issues such as unequal access to opportunities and an overreliance on government assistance remain. Furthermore, the analysis discovers gaps in the available literature, particularly in the context of Malaysia, emphasizing the need for further research targeted to this environment. Future research directions will include empirical investigations to quantify the impact of collaborative education initiatives, quantitative analyses to evaluate the efficacy of various programs, and policy recommendations to improve Malaysia's workforce development and foster long-term economic growth. By addressing these issues, the study hopes to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how collaborative education may effectively bridge Malaysia’s skills gap.

The Implementation of the National Standards for Higher Education Policy as Quality Assurance

Nahdhatul Ulama (NU) College in Aceh differs from other private universities because it has a complex organizational structure compared to other private universities. Nahdhatul Ulama (NU) College in Aceh, apart from being a higher education foundation leader, must also synergize with the Nahdhatul Ulama (NU) organization. This is what drives the author’s interest in studying the implementation of the National Higher Education Standards in quality assurance improvement at Nahdhatul Ulama College in Aceh. In this study, researchers focused on the implementation of the National Standards for Higher Education Policy at Aceh’s Nahdhatul Ulama Sharia Science College. The method used in this research is descriptive-qualitative. Furthermore, the data source used is the results of interviews with informants, who serve as primary data, and other documents as secondary data. In determining the informants, the researcher used the Purposive Sampling Technique; the data were then obtained through interviews, and documentation was analyzed using the Interactive Model, which follows the flow from data collection, data display, data condensation, and conclusions. Based on the results of research and findings, there are leadership, information technology, infrastructure, finance, university values, and culture, which include attitudes, habits, organizational behavior, work ethics, creating, serving, and interacting with colleagues and the community with good results, all of which contribute to organizational capacity in implementing internal quality assurance at the college. On the other hand, the limited opportunities available to academic staff to enhance their national and international competencies in line with their positions and areas of expertise and the inconsistent application of the PPEPP model at Aceh’s Nahdhatul Ulama College are some of the weaknesses. The implementation of the internal quality assurance system at Aceh’s Nahdhatul Ulama College demonstrated a good strategy; however, there are still areas that require constant improvement in addition to upholding current standards. Keywords: policy, education policy, quality assurance, national standards for higher education

Inclusive Education and Social Inequality: An Anthropological Study of Social Mobility and Access to Education

This research investigates the multifaceted relationship between inclusive education and social inequality, focusing on the potential of inclusive educational practices in Europe, with a specific case study in Bulgaria, to promote social mobility for marginalized populations. Grounded in an anthropological framework, the study seeks to understand how structural and cultural barriers impede access to equitable education for marginalized groups, with particular attention to Roma students, one of the most disadvantaged communities in Europe. By examining the educational landscape in Bulgaria, this research delves into the lived experiences of educators, psychologists, and occupational therapists working to implement inclusive education within a system often fraught with discrimination, limited resources, and institutional challenges. The qualitative research, conducted in Sofia from February to April 2024, draws on interviews, participant observation, and focus groups to capture the nuanced challenges and successes of those involved in delivering inclusive education. Findings reveal that despite national policies aimed at promoting inclusion, significant barriers persist, particularly for Roma students, who continue to face segregation, prejudice, and limited educational opportunities. Educators frequently report difficulties in accommodating the diverse needs of students within under-resourced schools, while psychological and cultural biases further hinder effective inclusion. Moreover, the study identifies a critical gap between policy and practice, where inclusive education policies are often poorly implemented due to a lack of cultural competence and institutional support. This gap has direct implications for the social mobility of marginalized students, as education remains a key determinant of their future opportunities. The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally responsive teaching strategies and support systems that are tailored to the unique socio-economic and cultural contexts of marginalized communities. These strategies must go beyond superficial inclusion to actively dismantle the entrenched inequalities that exist within educational institutions. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of inclusive education in addressing social inequality and promoting social mobility. However, it also highlights the significant work that remains to be done to ensure that inclusive education is truly accessible and effective for all, particularly for marginalized groups like the Roma. By proposing a series of culturally sensitive and contextually informed recommendations, the research advocates for a more holistic approach to inclusive education that can better support the academic and social advancement of marginalized students, ultimately fostering greater equity in educational outcomes and social mobility.

Resisting epistemic racism in UK academia? Challenges and risks in the age of Islamophobia: the voices of Muslim academics

ABSTRACT The Western seizure of ‘legitimate’ knowledge has been widely criticised and seen the growth of initiatives such as Decolonising the Curriculum Movement. Challenging Eurocentric knowledge has always been onerous, given its entanglement with power structures. Using semi-structured interviews with nine Muslim academics working in British academia within Social Science disciplines on issues related to Islam and Muslims, this article discusses their experiences in attempting to challenge Eurocentrism that ‘other’ Muslim worldviews. ‘Epistemic racism’ is used to unravel the entanglement between Islamophobia and knowledge creation. The findings underscore the risks and limited opportunities particpants face in addressing debates on Muslims and Islam amidst ongoing cultural and systemic Islamophobia. By discussing their experiences referencing encounters with other Muslim and minority academics in Western universities, the article concludes that the globalised Islamophobia, fuelled by epistemic racism, is successfully thwarting attempts to effectively deconstruct Eurocentrism that has fostered the alterity of Muslim worldviews.

Obstacles Encountered by Saudi Cadets in English Speaking Skill Competence

This study aimed to investigate the obstacles faced by Saudi cadets in developing their speaking skills and to identify the difficulties that may hinder their ability to speak fluently. Data for this study were collected through field observations of students' classes and semi-structured survey interviews with English instructors. The participants in this study were Saudi cadets enrolled at King Abdulaziz Military Academy during the academic year (2023-2024). The results of the study revealed several challenges faced by cadets, including limited opportunities to practice speaking, a lack of motivation, insufficient self-confidence, and a fear of criticism. Furthermore, some cadets exhibited weaknesses in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Additionally, the teaching of speaking skills was predominantly instructor-centered, the allocated time for practicing speaking skills was inadequate, and the assessment of speaking skills in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course was not tested.

Implementing a Global Mentoring Program: A Call to Action for Mentorship in Surgery

BackgroundThe Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery organization launched a mentorship program to address the limited opportunities available in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to evaluate the utility of the virtual program in bridging this critical gap. MethodsA retrospective review of program surveys containing quantitative and qualitative questions from 2022-2023 was performed. ResultsOf n=193 applicants, 81.3% (157/193) identified as women, and 69.4% (134/193) reported no prior mentorship. Applicants were from 41 countries (35 LMICs). The most requested specialties were general surgery (27.9%, 54/193), neurosurgery (18.1%, 35/193), and cardiothoracic surgery (11.4%, 22/193). 55.9% (108/193) preferred mentors from other countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada), while 13.9% (27/193) preferred mentors from their country. Ultimately, 48 applicants were matched with 13 mentors. ConclusionsDemand for the program surpassed capacity, highlighting a need for mentorship opportunities for women overall, particularly in LMICs.

Brazilian Women in Paralympic Sports: Uncovering Historical Milestones in the Summer Paralympic Games.

The journey of Brazilian female Paralympians transcends mere statistical increases in women's participation. Behind the modest athlete growth lies the reality of women who are doubly marginalized by the intersection of gender and disability in an arena tailored for able-bodied men. Our study aimed to catalyze critical discourses surrounding the historical trajectory of Paralympic women's sports. Through a comprehensive documentary analysis based on the Brazilian Paralympic Committee's official documents from 1976 to 2021, we sought to shed light on this complex scenario. Numerically, Brazil's representation comprised 229 women who, predominantly, had physical impairments and engaged in individual sports. In addition to a sporting legacy deeply entrenched in physical rehabilitation with limited opportunities for team-based sports, we observed negative influences stemming from ableist and sexist narratives. A thorough investigation into Paralympic milestones revealed a multitude of social barriers and highlighted the significant impact of societal changes in reshaping athletic opportunities and challenging traditional stereotypes.

Entrepreneurial Intention Among Management Students of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the factors influencing entrepreneurial intention among management students in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City, and explore key determinants such as personal attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and leadership capacity. Methods: Data were collected through surveys from 388 respondents out of 13093 management students analyzing their perceptions and intentions toward entrepreneurship through questionnaire methods using a five-point Likert scale method. The study used the Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical framework. Results: The study reveals that positive personal attitudes and strong perceived behavioral control significantly enhance entrepreneurial intention while subjective norms and leadership capacity also play crucial roles. The study explores the importance of entrepreneurial education in shaping future entrepreneurs despite numerous challenges, including high interest rates and limited market opportunities. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for understanding how management students in a Nepalese context perceive and intend to engage in entrepreneurial activities to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets in emerging economies. The study highlights the need for the implementation of targeted policies and educational programs effectively to pave the way for creating conducive environment for entrepreneurship among students.

Modernization of the Motivation Systems in Higher Education: Challenges and Digital Solutions

The motivation of academic staff in higher education institutions has become a critical issue, particularly in the context of rapid digital transformation. Faculty motivation is a crucial factor influencing the quality of education, research productivity, and the performance of universities. This study aimed to identify the main factors influencing motivation and to develop recommendations for educational institutions to enhance staff motivation. The research utilized bibliometric analysis through the VOSviewer program to explore relationships between core motivational factors. Initial data were collected via the ePORTAL system, which aggregates comprehensive information about faculty activities, including publications, participation in scientific projects, and teaching performance. The findings suggest that the current motivational systems in Kazakhstan's higher education institutions require significant modernization. Key challenges include insufficient financial support, excessive bureaucratic procedures, and limited career development opportunities. Moreover, adopting digital tools like ePORTAL can enhance the transparency and objectivity of assessing teaching staff performance, providing more substantial incentives for professional growth. The study offers recommendations for university management of educational institutions to increase academic staff motivation that can be adapted to each educational institution's unique profile and priorities. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of digitalization on teaching quality and explore how motivation strategies can be fine-tuned to address regional and institutional disparities. Such efforts will ensure faculty development aligns with national and international educational standards, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness and effectiveness of universities in a global context.

LGBTQIA+ individuals face significant employment disparities due to discrimination, limited job opportunities, and lack of inclusive policies. To address this, we must create innovative solutions for equal access to employment, supportive workplaces, and career success

This paper explores the challenges faced by LGBT individuals in the workplace, including discrimination from colleagues, superiors, and company policies. Surveys reveal high rates of harassment and mistreatment, despite legal protections. Prestigious companies like Apple and Burger King are leading efforts in promoting LGBT inclusion. The paper advocates for open-minded leadership in creating inclusive, discrimination-free environments, crucial for fostering healthier work cultures. It also proposes innovative solutions for improving equal access to employment, supportive workplaces, and career success for the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on India.

Kazakhstani village: the need for radical transformation

Purpose - the tendencies of development of rural areas of Kazakhstan are shown. Methods - economic analysis, statistical methods were used in analyzing the data on the number of rural population in dynamics, graphical - for structuring the information and its visual presentation. Results - the article outlines the current trends and prospects of rural settlements (RS) of the republic, considers demographic processes, economic factors, migration flows. Special attention is paid to the state support initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of rural residents. The authors highlight the stages of building up the resources of rural areas of the country in the context of the implementation of state programs, each of which has specific goals and objectives aimed at improving the lives of rural residents, reducing their outflow from rural to urban areas caused by limited employment opportunities, low standard of living, insufficient access to quality services: education, health care. It is noted that in 20 regions of Kazakhstan adapted and implemented the program "One Village - One Product" (OVOP), focused on the production of the most promising products with high market potential, the creation of sustainable value chains of agricultural products for agricultural enterprises and farmers, promoting saturation of the domestic market with high-quality competitive food products. Conclusions - solving the problems of strengthening rural areas is in direct dependence on the effective policy of the state in the sphere of agro-industrial complex. Currently, emphasis is placed on the future of the Kazakhstani village, its modern infrastructure. Organizational, managerial and economic approaches, digitalization in agriculture allows to accelerate the pace of integrated socio-economic development of RS, increase the income of the rural population, stabilize the demographic situation and increase the investment attractiveness of territories.

Women as decision‐makers in the Australian wine industry, 1960s–1990s

AbstractIn the early 2000s international business scholar Ann Matasar declared of the rapidly globalising grape wine sector that no other industry had ‘so resolutely excluded women from positions of influence for so long.’ Following Florine Livat and Clara Jaffré that women on the supply side of wine remain understudied, this article draws upon a large‐scale oral history project (Treading Out the Vintage 2000–2003) to make visible women as industry decision‐makers between the 1960s and 1990s. This qualitative data set nuances Matasar's findings about the relatively limited opportunities for women to exert industry influence in a historically male domain. With family farming as the main entry point to the Australian industry, few women became decision‐makers in this era, compared with women in urban sectors of the economy that benefited from gains in gender equality. Women who attained industry influence demonstrated enthusiasm and resilience while experiencing sexism and, often, balancing reproductive and domestic labour with agricultural business.

The Influencing Factors of High School English Teachers Choosing Different Teaching Media

The issue of high school English teachers' selection of teaching media has garnered widespread attention. However, there remain significant gaps in understanding the influencing factors. This paper analyzes the determinants behind teachers' choices using grounded theory and three-level coding, incorporating interviews with educators from both first-tier cities and county towns in China. The findings reveal substantial disparities in resource availability, technological proficiency, and institutional support between urban and rural schools. Urban teachers benefit from abundant resources and robust technical support, which facilitate higher technological proficiency and more effective media integration with curriculum goals. Conversely, rural teachers face challenges with basic access to technology and limited professional development opportunities. Based on these findings, this paper proposes several recommendations to optimize the use of teaching media: enhancing resource availability through increased funding and community support, improving technological proficiency via targeted professional development, strengthening school support with dedicated IT staff and flexible funding policies, and aligning media with curriculum needs to enhance student engagement.

Literature Review: Faktor Pengaruh Wirausaha dalam Perspektif Psikologi

ASEAN Economic Community or ussualy called AEC are economic integration agenda by country in the ASEAN. AEC contribute huge impact on economic sector in Indonesia, but also gave both hope and challenge to people in Indonesia. AEC cause Indonesian workers need to compete harder with foreign workers, because that make the jobs offer more and more limited than before. Entrepreneurship is an activity that can create new jobs so that entrepreneurship is one answer to the problem of increasingly limited job opportunities. This article reviews previous research and articles with similar themes with the aim of providing an overview of the influencing factors of entrepreneurship from a psychological perspective. Based on several literature studies, it is concluded that there are various internal and external factors that influence entrepreneurship. Further research and studies are needed in the fields of psychology and entrepreneurship.

The Importance of Graduates' Perceived Network Quality in Their Transition to Work: A Longitudinal Approach

ABSTRACTTo navigate the labour market graduates turn to their social network for valuable resources. However, existing disparities in accessing and exerting network resources may result in more precarious transition outcomes for first‐generation graduates. To gain deeper insight into how social networks facilitate the transition process, this study focuses on the network actors and resources that are perceived as valuable by graduates. Over a 4‐month period commencing at graduation, 22 graduates, encompassing both first‐generation and continuing‐generation students, were bi‐weekly tasked with mapping their social networks. Results show that graduates rely strongly on close contacts, making graduates dependent on the experience of their parents with a certain field of work, which often results in an implicit advantage for continuing‐generation graduates. Moreover, higher education institutions fail to use their power to embed valuable institutional resources or network actors into graduates' networks after graduation, which creates limited opportunity structures, in particular, for first‐generation graduates.