National System Research Articles

Indigenous language and social justice as recognition: a participatory study with a Mapuce school

ABSTRACT The structure of the national educational system negatively affects the recognition of indigenous Mapuce people, who have been affected with regards to love, equal treatment and social esteem, as understood from the social justice approach of recognition described by Axel Honneth. This is evident in the indigenous knowledge and practices that have been removed from the Chilean school curriculum. This research was carried out through a participatory study using the dialogic-kishu kimkelay ta che methodology, forming a research community with professors, kimces and academics. The results relay, from the voices of the community, the work developed to reverse injustices such as disparagement toward the indigenous language at school, this was achieved through actions for reciprocal recognition based on the incorporation of educational practices associated with the language regarding sonority, nature and territory.

A systematic review of research into career guidance policy in the Nordic countries (2008-2022)

ABSTRACT This article sets out the findings of a systematic review on research into career guidance policy in the Nordic countries between 2008 and 2022. In total 60 papers were reviewed from across the Nordic region. They focused on national career guidance systems, career guidance systems for young people, the adult guidance system and career guidance for migrants. The corpus proved to be methodologically diverse with studies utilizing a wide range of different research strategies, although important differences were found between academic and grey literature. Most of the papers reviewed were atheoretical, with the remaining, mainly academic, literature drawing heavily on critical theory. The thematic analysis identified four major themes in the corpus: the context for career guidance policy; career guidance provision and practice; technologies of governance; and beneficiaries and outcomes of career guidance policies. The findings are discussed in relation to the strengths and weakness of the corpus and used to propose a research programme for the next 15 years.

Using machine learning to discover traumatic brain injury patient phenotypes: national concussion surveillance system Pilot

ABSTRACT Objective The objective is to determine whether unsupervised machine learning identifies traumatic brain injury (TBI) phenotypes with unique clinical profiles. Methods Pilot self-reported survey data of over 10,000 adults were collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s National Concussion Surveillance System (NCSS). Respondents who self-reported a head injury in the past 12 months (n = 1,364) were retained and queried for injury, outcome, and clinical characteristics. An unsupervised machine learning algorithm, partitioning around medoids (PAM), that employed Gower’s dissimilarity matrix, was used to conduct a cluster analysis. Results PAM grouped respondents into five TBI clusters (phenotypes A-E). Phenotype C represented more clinically severe TBIs with a higher prevalence of symptoms and association with worse outcomes. When compared to individuals in Phenotype A, a group with few TBI-related symptoms, individuals in Phenotype C were more likely to undergo medical evaluation (odds ratio [OR] = 9.8, 95% confidence interval[CI] = 5.8–16.6), have symptoms that were not currently resolved or resolved in 8+ days (OR = 10.6, 95%CI = 6.2–18.1), and more likely to report at least moderate impact on social (OR = 54.7, 95%CI = 22.4–133.4) and work (OR = 25.4, 95%CI = 11.2–57.2) functioning. Conclusion Machine learning can be used to classify patients into unique TBI phenotypes. Further research might examine the utility of such classifications in supporting clinical diagnosis and patient recovery for this complex health condition.

Electronic prescription systems in Greece: a large-scale survey of healthcare professionals’ perceptions

BackgroundThe national e-prescription system in Greece is one of the most important achievements in the e-health sector. Healthcare professionals’ feedback is essential to ensure the introduced system tends to their needs and reduces their everyday workload. The number of surveys collecting the users’ views is limited, while the existing studies include only a small number of participants.MethodsIn this study, healthcare professionals’ perceptions on e-prescription are explored. For this, a questionnaire was distributed online, containing closed- and open-ended questions aiming to address strengths and identify drawbacks in e-prescription. Answers were collected from primary health care physicians, specialized medical doctors and pharmacists.ResultsIn total, 430 answers were collected (129 from primary health care physicians, 164 responses from specialized medical doctors and 137 pharmacists). Analysis of the collected answers reveals that the views of the three groups of healthcare professionals mostly converge. The positive impact e-prescribing systems have on the overall prescribing procedure in preventing errors and providing automation is commented. Among gaps identified and proposed improvements, health care professionals note the need for access to information on adverse drug reactions, side effects, drug-to-drug interactions and allergies. Flexible interaction with Therapeutic Prescription Protocols is desired to ameliorate monitoring and decision-making, while drug dosing features, and simplified procedures for copying, repeating, canceling a prescription, are perceived as useful to incorporate.ConclusionsCollecting healthcare professionals’ feedback is important, as their views can be transcribed to system requirements, to further promote e-prescribing and improve the provided health care services by facilitating decision making through safer and more efficient e-prescription. Introduction of the identified improvements can simplify the everyday workflow of healthcare professionals. To the best of our knowledge, a survey with more than 400 answered questionnaires on the use of e-prescription systems by healthcare professionals has never been conducted in Greece before.

Evaluation index system of science and technology innovation think tank talents based on competency model

As China’s economy progresses towards high-quality development, the construction of science and technology think tanks, with talent construction as the key, has become an important supporting force and occupies a unique position in the national innovation system. In recent years, with the rapid expansion of the number of think tank talents, how to evaluate and manage think tank talents has become a key factor in the development of think tank influence and competitiveness. Based on the experience of talent team construction at home and abroad, Taking the typical science and technology innovation think tanks of Henan Province as an example, this paper analyzes the current situation and status quo of science and technology innovation think tank talents, and finds problems in the talents, Summarize the factors that affect the talent construction and development of science and technology innovation think tanks, From the perspective of six dimensions of competency model, four first-level indicators of talent quantity, talent quality, talent ability and talent contribution of science and technology innovation think tank and 16 subordinate second-level indicators are constructed for talent evaluation of think tank. Ahp is adopted to set questionnaires and collect data with Likert5-level scale, and yaahp software is used to verify the weight verification evaluation effect. Invite experts in the field to score the evaluation indicators. The research results show that the talent evaluation index of science and technology innovation think tank based on competency model pays more attention to the standardization, integration and systematization of the talent evaluation of the think tank, and the system is scientific and reasonable. It can provide reference and reference for promoting the construction, evaluation and development management of scientific and technological innovation think tanks.

Wind energy resource assessment and wind turbine selection analysis for sustainable energy production

The objective of this study is to perform an analysis to determine the most suitable type of wind turbine that can be installed at a specific location for electricity generation, using annual measurements of wind characteristics and meteorological parameters. Wind potential analysis has shown that the analyzed location is suitable for the development of a wind farm. The analysis was carried out for six different types of wind turbines, with a power ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 MW and a hub height set at 80 m. Wind power potential was assessed using the Weibull analysis. The values of the scale coefficient c were determined, and a large monthly variation was observed, with values ranging from 1.92 to 8.36 m/s and an annual value of 4.95 m/s. Monthly values for the shape coefficient k varied between 0.86 and 1.53, with an annual value of 1.07. Additionally, the capacity factor of the turbines was determined, ranging from 17.75 to 22.22%. The Vestas turbine, with a nominal power of 2 MW and a capacity factor of 22.22%, proved to be the most efficient wind turbine for the specific conditions of the location. The quantity of greenhouse gas emissions that will be reduced if this type of turbine is implemented was also calculated, considering the average CO2 emission intensity factor (kg CO2/kWh) of the national electricity system.

Land management criteria for green building certification systems in Turkey.

The issue of energy holds significant implications for nations heavily reliant on it, such as Turkey. In recent times, legislative measures, including the Energy Efficiency Law and the Energy Performance Regulation of Buildings, have been enacted in Turkey. Despite the implementation of the Energy Performance Certificate for buildings, the absence of a national green building certification system remains conspicuous. To address this gap, an examination of globally recognized certification systems and relevant components concerning land management, pertinent to Turkey's context, was undertaken. This involved a comprehensive literature review to establish the foundation for survey inquiries. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with subject matter experts in Turkey to glean valuable insights and perspectives. Utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology, the responses from these experts were collated and analyzed to delineate the criteria and sub-criteria germane to land management. This study delves into the discourse surrounding the establishment of a green building certification system within Turkey, specifically within the domain of land management, a sector of paramount importance, particularly within the purview of survey engineering. Through a structured survey, the criteria pertinent to land management were identified and subjected to rigorous analysis. Furthermore, the sub-criteria within the land management category were delineated, and their respective weights were computed, thereby providing a comprehensive framework for the envisioned green building certification system in Turkey.

Resilience in the time of crisis: A review of the maternal, perinatal and reproductive health effects of COVID-19 in South Africa

Background. The COVID‐19 pandemic had a profound effect on the health sector globally and in South Africa (SA). Objective. To review the effects of COVID‐19 on maternal, perinatal and reproductive health outcomes and service utilisation in SA. Methods. Three routine national data collection systems were sourced: the District Health Information System, the Saving Mothers reports of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths and the Saving Babies reports from the National Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Committee using data from the Perinatal Problem Identification Program. Results. There were 35% and 8% increases in maternal and stillbirth mortality rates, respectively, in 2020 and 2021, which correlated with the COVID‐19 waves. However, in 2022, rates returned to pre‐COVID levels. Antenatal visits and facility births showed little change, but there was a shift to more rural provinces. The use of oral and injectable contraceptives and termination of pregnancy services decreased markedly in 2020 and 2021, with a sustained shift to long‐acting reversible contraceptives. The increase in maternal deaths was predominantly due to COVID‐19 respiratory complications, but also an increase in obstetric haemorrhage. Stillbirths increased significantly (10%) for birthweights between 2 000 g and 2 499 g, categorised mostly as unexplained stillbirths or preterm labour, but no increase in neonatal deaths was observed. Administrative avoidable factors increased by 24% in the 2020 ‐ 2022 triennium, but there was no increase in patient/community level or healthcare provider‐related avoidable factors during the pandemic years. Conclusion. COVID‐19 caused a marked increase in maternal death and stillbirth rates in 2020 and 2021 due to both direct effects of the virus and indirect effects on functioning of the health system. The continued, although modified, health‐seeking behaviour of women and the rapid return to pre‐COVID‐19 mortality rates demonstrates enormous resilience in women and the health system.

Subnational Environmental Policy: Trends and Issues

Policies relevant to many key sociological processes are often subnational, enacted at the regional, state/provincial, and/or local levels. This applies notably in the politics of the environmental state, where public and private subnational environmental policies (SNEPs) have major consequences for managing climate change, addressing environmental injustices, regulating land uses, greening energy markets, limiting pollution, and much more. While sociologists focus more on national policies, diverse sociological contributions emphasize the importance of SNEPs and their origins, diffusion, implementation, and sources of backlash. We begin by providing a typology of SNEPs. Next, we highlight not only environmental sociology (with its particular attention to climate change and energy) but also the sociologies of social movements, politics, the economy, science, risk, and organizations, which have each offered unique perspectives. Finally, we outline an agenda for how sociologists can further elaborate a distinctive perspective that highlights inequality, valuation, diffusion, scale shifts, and venue-shopping up to national and global policy systems.

On establishing a benchmark crude in the Russian Arctic

The article analyzes the prospects for establishing Russian benchmark crude based on the arctic blend “Vostok Oil” with a price basis in Murmansk. The relevance of the study is conditioned by the importance of the pricing system’s transparency for maintaining a stable macroeconomic situation in Russia, with a leading role of Artic oil and gas potential for Russian economic development. The authors highlight the main signs of the modern pricing system’s crisis and note that amid the imposed anti-Russian sanctions pricing at European spot hubs can no longer reflect the real situation in the Russian oil market. As a result, there is a need to create a national pricing system by developing the Russian benchmark based on the crude oil blend with the dominance of “black gold” from the Vostok Oil project, which has a high-expected liquidity. The port of Murmansk, being distinguished by unique technical characteristics and access to the logistics potential of the Northern Sea Route, is proposed as a price basis and a price hub. The article presents a four-stage model for launching a corresponding futures contract on SPIMEX, which will help improve the exchange trading system for energy resources in Russia and increase the popularity of the Russian Arctic benchmark crude in the global oil market. In conclusion, the authors underline that the creation of a new benchmark and the launch of futures will ensure stability, transparency and independence of Russian oil exports.

The Development of the Municipal Registry of People with Diabetes in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Background/Objective: Diabetes registries that enhance surveillance and improve medical care are uncommon in low- and middle-income countries, where most of the diabetes burden lies. We aimed to describe the methodological and technical aspects adopted in the development of a municipal registry of people with diabetes using local and national Brazilian National Health System databases. Methods: We obtained data between July 2018 and June 2021 based on eight databases covering primary care, specialty and emergency consultations, medication dispensing, outpatient exam management, hospitalizations, and deaths. We identified diabetes using the International Classification of Disease (ICD), International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC), medications for diabetes, hospital codes for the treatment of diabetes complications, and exams for diabetes management. Results: After data processing and database merging using deterministic and probabilistic linkage, we identified 73,185 people with diabetes. Considering that 1.33 million people live in Porto Alegre, the registry captured 5.5% of the population. Conclusions: With additional data processing, the registry can reveal information on the treatment and outcomes of people with diabetes who are receiving publicly financed care in Porto Alegre. It will provide metrics for epidemiologic surveillance, such as the incidence, prevalence, rates, and trends of complications and causes of mortality; identify inadequacies; and provide information. It will enable healthcare providers to monitor the quality of care, identify inadequacies, and provide feedback as needed.

Strategic threat health response in Australia capital cities: Predicting the optimum locations for field hospitals through geospatial analysis

AbstractObjectiveThe advent of the COVID‐19 pandemic has accentuated the critical importance of epidemic preparedness within national healthcare systems. This study presents a geospatial analysis aimed at optimising the placement of field hospitals in Australia to ensure adequate healthcare access during pandemics.MethodsThe latest census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics were integrated with the spatial locations of current emergency departments within Australian capitals. Buffer zones with a 7.5 km radius were created around the public emergency departments (EDs). Buffer zones outside the 7.5 km radius that exhibited high population densities were categorised into high‐density (red), moderate‐density (yellow) and low‐density (green) zones to prioritise and tailor healthcare responses during a pandemic. The identification of high‐density population areas outside the ED radius enabled the stratification of potential sites for ED facilities.ResultsNinety‐one potential field hospital sites were identified across Australia's capital cities. The findings indicate that the addition of these sites would place over 95% of the population within a 7.5 km radius of an ED facility. This network of proposed sites is designed to serve a spectrum of population densities, ensuring equitable healthcare access for both densely populated urban centres and less populated areas.ConclusionsThis study underscores the potential of field hospitals to strengthen Australia's public health system against emergencies. By advocating for the creation of 91 field hospitals within a 7.5 km reach for over 95% of urban dwellers across major cities, it demonstrates a strategic approach to ensure comprehensive ED coverage. Drawing on international examples, including China's Fangcang hospitals, the USA's post‐acute care (PAC) facilities and the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) Nightingale Hospitals, it highlights the need for healthcare agility and scalability, especially during pandemic outbreaks. The research presents a blueprint for field hospital deployment, marking a significant advancement in public health logistics and protection across Australia's varied demographic and geographical landscapes.

Trends in incidence and survival of childhood cancers in Khon Kaen, Thailand (2000–2019): a population-based Khon Kaen Cancer Registry study

BackgroundIn Thailand, the national health care system and nationwide standard treatment protocols have evolved over time, potentially influencing the trends in the incidence and survival rates of childhood cancers. However, further investigations are required to comprehensively study these trends in Khon Kaen, Thailand.MethodsChildhood cancer patients aged 0–14 years (n = 541) who were diagnosed with one of the five most common cancers between 2000 and 2019 from the population-based Khon Kaen Cancer Registry were enrolled. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the demographic data, which are presented as numbers, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The trends in incidence between 2000 and 2019, including age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and annual percent changes (APCs), were analysed using the Joinpoint regression model. Survival analysis was performed for 5-year relative survival rates (RSRs) according to the Pohar Perme estimator and Kaplan–Meier survival curves.ResultsThe ASRs of the overall top 5 childhood cancer groups were 67.96 and 106.12 per million person-years in 2000 and 2019, respectively. Overall, the APC significantly increased by 2.37% each year for both sexes. The overall 5-year RSRs were 60.5% for both sexes, 58.2% for males, and 63.9% for females. The highest 5-year RSR was for germ cell tumours (84.3%), whereas the lowest 5-year RSR was for neuroblastoma (29.1%).ConclusionsThe incidence and survival rates of childhood cancers in Khon Kaen, Thailand, varied according to sex. The incidence trends increased over time, meanwhile, the relative survival rates rose to satisfactory levels and were comparable to those of other nations with similar financial status. The implementation of national health policies and adherence to national treatment guidelines have improved cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

SOCIAL POLICY REGARDING VETERANS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND OTHER VULNERABLE POPULATION GROUPS

The article analyzes the issue of migration as a complex social phenomenon. International population migration in the conditions of growing globalization occupies an important place in the development of modern society and, accordingly, affects young people who, for various reasons, decided to study abroad (in Slovakia). The article reflects knowledge at the theoretical and empirical levels. One of the main tasks of modern higher education is the modernization and efficiency of the professional mobility of future specialists. Student migration is considered as educational migration. We point out that the Slovak Republic is one of the most economically successful countries in Central-Eastern Europe. Economic reforms and accession to the EU, combined with significant inflows of foreign direct investment, have led to sustained economic growth and job creation. Economic development and demographic changes have also created an additional need for skilled labor. At the same time, greater integration into the EU, open borders and a common educational space led to the migration of Slovak students to the neighboring Czech Republic and other EU countries. As a result, Slovakia gradually began to ease migration restrictions and allowed an increasing number of third-country nationals to enter the territory of the Slovak Republic. The integration policy of Slovakia is consistent with the migration policy, and among its priorities is the effective integration of foreigners in the labor market. The purpose of the article is to analyze Ukrainian student migration in Slovakia, focusing on the analysis of personal and social benefits. We analyze the issue of academic mobility as an integral component of the European educational space, which also undoubtedly has a positive effect on the national education system and the national economy. We highlight the issue of effective ethnic-national policy formation, development of theory and practice of social work with ethnic groups, find out directions and forms of social service work with migrants. In the empirical part, we present a quantitative study at all stages of the research process. The content of the study is to find out the reasons that motivate future Ukrainian students to migrate to Slovakia, as well as to find out how the initial decision about migration and arrival to Slovakia takes place. Part of the quantitative research is the analysis of the personal and social benefits of the migration of Ukrainian students to Slovakia.

A didactic sequence to help legal translation trainees develop strategic and intercultural competence: macro-level textual consequences of micro-level decisions when dealing with legal culture-bound terms

ABSTRACT Translating legal culture-bound terms is one of the difficulties facing any legal translator due to asymmetries between national legal systems. To train trainees to deal with these terms, strategic and intercultural competences must be developed. This article focuses on how to pedagogically address the varying degrees of incongruity that may arise when translating legal culture-bound terms. The learning objectives set are for trainees to be able to apply the most appropriate translation technique to use in each instance, selecting it at a micro-unit level that is coherent with the macro-level approach determined by the communicative situation and target text purpose. A theoretical and pedagogical framework is presented, followed by the description of a didactic sequence that was created as action research to develop trainees’ strategic and intercultural competences. The didactic sequence includes 4 units with task-based learning activities and formative and summative assessment. The activities were piloted in a postgraduate specialisation course in legal translation at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Trainee responses to a follow-up survey and focus group show that the activities were perceived to be useful and helpful when dealing with the difficulty of translating legal culture-bound terms.

The Impact of the Stimulus Packages on the Economy during COVID-19 in Bangladesh: A Mixed-Method Approach

With the unexpected onset of COVID-19, governments across the world responded with a range of preventive measures, including the imposition of lockdowns. To mitigate the adverse effects of lockdowns arising from supply chain shocks and employment loss, governments worldwide chose to implement policies to stimulate their economies and keep them working. This study assesses the impact and effectiveness of four of these packages in Bangladesh, employing a mixed-method approach. These packages include “salary support for workers in export-oriented RMG industries”, “working capital loans for affected industries and service sectors”, “working capital loans for cottage, micro, small, and medium enterprises”, and initiatives for “revitalizing the rural economy and job creation”. Each package was examined individually because of their differences in beneficiary groups, implementation methods, and individual objectives. Quantitative analysis involved propensity score matching (PSM), the difference in difference model (DID), and structural equation modelling (SEM). Stakeholders, including policy implementers, Bangladesh Bank officials, policy analysts, academics, workers, and beneficiaries, contributed to the qualitative analysis through extensive key-informant interviews, providing a comprehensive assessment of intervention outcomes. Ultimately, the results show that the packages achieved their socio-economic relief objectives for beneficiaries. The research examined both positive impacts and challenges in their implementation. It suggests that all four packages successfully achieved their goals, such as providing social and economic support, sustaining livelihoods, addressing marginalized groups’ needs, ensuring survival for large industries and small businesses, and promoting employment. In order to better address future shocks, establishing a beneficiary database integrated with the national system is recommended for smoother policy rollout. Despite acknowledged limitations, including challenges in beneficiary identification, data availability, and time constraints, the study’s unbiased estimations provide valuable insights to guide future policy directions in similar situations.

Risk of gastrointestinal perforation in patients with rheumatic diseases exposed to janus kinase inhibitors versus adalimumab: nationwide cohort study.

To compare the risk of gastrointestinal perforation (GIP), a rare but serious adverse event, in patients initiating a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi; tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib or filgotinib) versus adalimumab (tumor necrosis factor inhibitor) among a comprehensive real-world population of patients with rheumatic diseases. We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study of the French national health data system, the exposed group initiating a JAKi and the comparison group adalimumab. We included all individuals with a rheumatic disease who had their first dispensation of these treatments from July 2017 to December 2021. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of GIP (end of follow-up May 2022). Weighted hazard ratios (wHRs) were estimated with the inverse probability of treatment weighting method to account for confounding factors. Concomitant administration of systemic corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and proton pump inhibitors were time-varying variables. The cohort included 39,758 patients: 12,335 and 27,423 in the JAKi and adalimumab groups (mean age 58.2 and 47.3 years; female 76% and 58%; rheumatoid arthritis 85.3% and 27.3%, and psoriatic arthritis/axial spondyloarthritis 14.7% and 72.7%). During follow-up, 38 and 42 GIPs occurred in the JAKi and adalimumab groups, incidence rates were 2.1 (95% CI 1.5-2.8) and 1.1 (0.8-1.5) per 1000 person-years respectively. Rates of GIP did not differ between JAKi and adalimumab groups : wHR 1.1 (95% CI 0.7-1.9) (p=0.65). Despite lack of power in some subgroup analyses, results were consistent whatever the JAKi or rheumatic disease subgroup. In this nationwide cohort study, the rates of GIP did not differ between groups of patients initiating JAKi and adalimumab treatment. These results need to be confirmed in other observational studies.

INOVACIONI MAKROMENADŽMENT U EKONOMIJI ZNANJA

After explaining the key postulates of the knowledge economy paradigm, the paper looks at the importance of unifying national policies of scientific, technological and industrial development in the form of innovative macro-management. A review has been made on the instruments offers demands and protection using which the entrepreneurial state works on the promotion national innovation Authors represent the opinion that the main building block of innovation macro-management is the concept of the national innovation system (NIS), whereby the unification platform activities academic community economy state and society represent so called spiral models innovation Base these model makes learning communicating and cooperation as a fundamental social process, on the one hand, and the growing network of activities of all participants in the creation of new knowledge and especially in the commercial valorization of knowledge into innovations, on the other hand.

Appraisal of groundwater quality and hydrochemistry in three regions of Ghana: Implications for drinking purposes

Groundwater is the most relied upon source of water for rural areas and small communities with no access to national water systems. The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) in Ghana is an institution that facilitates the provision of water and sanitation services to small towns and communities, hence it has engineered several boreholes all over the country. However, some of these boreholes have quality challenges. Hence this study was carried out to assess the quality and hydrochemical controls of such boreholes in the Ashanti, Upper East and Central Regions of Ghana. A total of 45 boreholes were sampled across these areas and subjected to physicochemical, microbial, and heavy metal analysis. Analysis of the groundwater in the Ashanti Region indicates that its quality is negatively impacted by its iron, manganese, and arsenic content. Same was observed for the Central Region. While in the Upper East Region, total hardness, fluoride, nitrate, and arsenic are the parameters that impact the groundwater quality greatly. Water quality index was used to assess the suitability of the groundwater for domestic purposes and based on this index, 80 % of the water samples were classified as either having an excellent or good quality, while about 7 % were classified as unsuitable for domestic purposes, across all regions. The suitability of the groundwater for irrigational purposes was assessed using sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percentage sodium (% Na), and Kelly's index (KI). Based on SAR and % Na, all the water samples were suitable for irrigation, while 9 % were unsuitable based on KI. This study provides a comprehensive information on some of the CWSA boreholes with quality challenges. This kind of information is critical and useful when considering what options and treatment technologies would be suitable to address the challenges that these boreholes have.

Convergence or fragmentation? Recent developments in recognition of microcredentials and their impact on higher education in Asia and the Pacific

PurposeThis paper explores the development of microcredentials (MCs) through a regional lens, considering their implications for lifelong learning and skilled labour mobility in Asia and the Pacific. It also examines recent global initiatives led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).Design/methodology/approachThe study reviews recent global initiatives aimed at developing shared definitions and principles for MCs, as led by UNESCO, taking into account the importance of existing initiatives such as the pilot project launched by the Australian government in 2022. The formalization of MCs within national education systems is also examined, with reference to frameworks developed by organizations like the European Union (EU), Australia and the Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA, 2020).FindingsThe paper underscores the increasing attention from international organizations and governments to the development and recognition of MCs, with significant efforts in countries like Australia and pilot initiatives in New Zealand and Malaysia. However, it also highlights that many MC projects in Asia are still in their early developmental stages, emphasizing the need for further progress and formalization.Originality/valueThis paper offers a unique perspective on the development of MCs in the Asia–Pacific region and their potential role in international education. It explores the prospects for MCs in international education, including student mobility and cross-border online courses. The challenge of integrating MCs into existing systems for recognizing international qualifications is discussed. Overall, the paper contributes to the understanding of MC frameworks as essential tools in the formalization of lifelong learning in the region, supported by the provided citations (OECD, 2021).