Opportunities For Acquisition Research Articles (Page 1)

Fiscal decentralization and urban-rural inequality of income acquisition opportunities: Micro evidence from China

Background: The gig economy, known for its flexibility, autonomy, and digital opportunities, is reshaping the job market. These characteristics particularly appeal to Generation Z, who are highly digital and form the youngest segment of the workforce. However, differences between genders may exist regarding their intentions to pursue gig work, influenced by distinct motivations, perceived challenges, cultural expectations, and varying access to resources. Purpose: This research explores gender-based disparities in Gen Z’s intentions to participate in gig employment. It examines key motivators—including independence, financial adaptability, and opportunities for skill acquisition—as well as obstacles such as employment uncertainty, safety issues, and societal attitudes. Method: A quantitative survey gathered responses from 200 Gen Z individuals (both male and female, aged 18–26) studying or starting their careers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 areas across Telangana. Data analysis involved statistical tools to highlight gender differences driving gig work intentions. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that includes survey data, the study also employs the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as its central framework. Scale reliability and validity were confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Independent samples t-tests and multi-group analysis within the PLS-SEM framework further examined gender-based variations in relevant constructs and tested the study’s hypotheses. Conclusion: The analysis reveals a significant gender gap in gig work intention, with men demonstrating a markedly higher inclination to participate than women. This disparity is not superficial but is deeply rooted in divergent motivations and barriers. The Theory of Planned Behaviour is confirmed to be a valid framework for understanding these differences, as gender is shown to be a crucial moderating variable. Results point to notable gender distinctions: although both men and women value flexibility, men are more drawn by entrepreneurial ambitions, while women are more concerned about income insecurity, safety, and social acceptance. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers, digital platform developers, and educators seeking to promote gender equity in the gig workforce. It concludes with strategic suggestions to strengthen targeted support systems, build trust in gig platforms, and encourage sustained engagement in gig work. Implications: These findings highlight the importance for stakeholders—including policymakers, platform operators, and educators—to adopt gender-responsive approaches. Attention should be given to women’s needs for financial stability, personal safety, and societal validation, while also nurturing entrepreneurship and skill growth for all. Such initiatives can foster a more balanced and inclusive gig workforce, especially in emerging regions like Telangana. Novelty: What sets this research apart is its focus on Generation Z in non-metropolitan India and its use of gender-specific analysis to uncover intricate psychological and cultural drivers behind gig work participation. Utilizing rigorous methods and providing practical recommendations, this study bridges crucial knowledge gaps and offers a clear pathway for promoting equitable participation in the digital labour economy.

Abstract The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare is reshaping clinical practice, offering both opportunities for enhanced decision-making and risks of skill degradation among medical professionals. This growing impact calls for a comprehensive evaluation of its effects on medical expertise. This study presents a mixed-method literature review, combining systematic analysis with narrative synthesis to examine AI-induced deskilling and upskilling inhibition-the erosion of medical expertise and the reduction of opportunities for skill acquisition due to AI-driven decision support systems. Anchoring the discussion in the core medical competencies outlined by the Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK-Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES-MRCPUK), the systematic review identifies key vulnerabilities in physical examination, differential diagnosis, clinical judgment, and physician-patient communication. The narrative review explores broader themes related to Human–AI Interaction and the Impact of AI on Human Skills in Organizations. In response to concerns about the Second Singularity -a scenario in which decision-making autonomy is increasingly ceded to AI, weakening human oversight-this review advocates for a research agenda that prioritizes longitudinal studies, real-time monitoring of AI’s impact, and the development of frameworks to mitigate skill erosion, ensuring the preservation of professional autonomy and the safeguarding of the irreplaceable elements of human judgment in medicine and beyond.

Social media has rapidly become an essential part of everyday life, reshaping how Indian youth interact, learn, and engage with society. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube offer valuable opportunities for personal development, professional networking, and knowledge acquisition, they also pose unique challenges to mental health, privacy, academic focus, and traditional cultural values. This paper explores the dual impact of social media on the social behaviors of Indian youth, highlighting its role in expanding educational access, skill development, and employment opportunities, as well as its influence on cultural adaptation and self-expression. However, the study also discusses the adverse effects associated with high social media usage, such as social isolation, cyberbullying, and diminished real-life social skills. Through a comprehensive review of recent literature, this paper emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to social media use, advocating for digital literacy, privacy awareness, and responsible online behavior. By encouraging supportive policies and educational initiatives, Indian society can help youth harness social media’s benefits while mitigating its risks, fostering a digital environment that supports personal growth, mental well-being, and cultural resilience. Keywords: Social Media, Indian Youth, Social Behaviour and Cultural Values

PurposeOffenders often select partners based on shared characteristics such as age, sex, or ethnicity, a phenomenon known as homophily. At the same time, co-offenders also face a challenge of choosing between trustworthy partners to maintain stable collaborations and useful partners who provide access to new skills and information. This study investigates how homophily shapes the structure of criminal networks and, consequently, the diffusion of information within these networks.MethodsUsing an Agent-Based Model, we simulate a population of offenders that select partners either randomly or based on high similarity preference. When two agents mutually select each other, they commit a co-offense, forming a social network and exchanging skills.ResultsCompared to the case of the random partner selection, the homophily-driven environment results in sparse networks with a higher number of repeated interactions between agents, but with a slower rate of skill exchange. Moreover, on the individual level, having many partners is more beneficial for diverse skill acquisition, but those partners should belong to different subgroups.ConclusionThe results provide insights into how offender preferences shape the structure and dynamics of criminal networks, particularly in relation to opportunities for collaboration and skill acquisition. The findings highlight a key trade-off introduced by homophily. Although it promotes stable partnerships, it restricts the exchange of information across the broader network.

This study aims to identify practical strategies for revitalizing the reading culture among senior readers through a literature review-based analysis. By examining the reading behaviors of older adults, the study seeks to derive responsive strategies within the publishing industry to better accommodate this demographic. The research findings are as follows: First, it is imperative to develop customized programs and services that position reading as a key component of leisure culture for senior readers, thereby contributing to the realization of reading’s social and cultural value. Second, tailored technical education programs—such as self-publishing and one-person publishing workshops—should be actively promoted to fulfill seniors’ desire for self-development and to foster a vibrant reading culture through personal expression. Third, in response to the ongoing digital transformation, efforts must be made to enhance digital accessibility by expanding online media literacy education and digital information acquisition opportunities for senior users. Fourth, to alleviate barriers to reading, it is necessary to diversify reader-friendly content such as large-print books and picture books, thereby reducing the cognitive and physical burdens of reading and enabling inclusive access to literary materials.

Most military nurses work day-to-day in Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs), caring for a low volume of non-trauma patients until tasked to deploy. Military-civilian partnerships (MCPs) were established to increase opportunities for trauma exposure and high acuity patient care that are often lacking at MTFs but are essential for deployment readiness. In a near-peer conflict, deployed medical teams can expect to hold patients for days before evacuation and must be proficient in prolonged casualty care. Current Air Force nurse readiness checklists do not quantify expeditionary skills performed in the MCP or elsewhere, thus failing to provide senior leaders with objective data on the clinical currency of deployable nurses. This study aims to compare clinical exposure and prolonged casualty care skills accomplished by Air Force nurses in their primary duties at the MTF and in the Las Vegas-MCP at a Level I trauma center utilizing the Quantitative -Expeditionary Skills Tracker (QuEST). Air Force nurses who participated in readiness programs at the Las Vegas-MCP utilized QuEST to record skills and assessments performed during their 2-week training. Participants completed an identical QuEST at their home station MTF over 2 weeks for comparison. The mean of total skills and high acuity skills accomplished at the MCP and the MTF were compared. Nurses assigned to an acute care setting in the MTF-emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU), medical-surgical inpatient unit (MSU)-were also analyzed separately. Additionally, the clinical units within the MCP were compared to identify which units offer the greatest opportunity for skill acquisition. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate statistical tests with a significance level set at 5%. A total of 107 Air Force nurses rotated through the Las Vegas-MCP and participated in this study. Nurse specialties included ICU (20.6%), ER (11.2%), MSU (15%), and others (53.2%). The mean total skills performed (251.88 ± 211.365 vs. 97.145 ± 154.342, P < .001) as well as high acuity skills performed (43.50 ± 41.577 vs. 11.64 ± 29.558, P < .001) were significantly greater in the MCP than the MTF. Among the nurses who work in a MTF ICU, ER, or MSU, the mean total skills in the MCP when compared to the MTF revealed differences with varying significance, but the mean of high acuity skills was significantly greater at the MCP (47.06 ± 27.078 vs. 24.34 ± 39.72, P < .001). The comparison of clinical units within the MCP revealed the Medical ICU had the greatest total skill density and greatest high acuity density. This study highlights the shortcomings of MTFs to provide a clinical environment that resembles prolonged casualty care for Air Force nurses and exposed the need for increased nurse participation in MCPs or more robust MTF experiences. This study also demonstrated the successful implementation of QuEST to provide objective readiness data to senior leaders and build a framework for other non-provider and enlisted data reporting procedures.

Purpose This study investigates the motivations and challenges influencing the career preferences of Indian students engaged in part-time digital gig work, examining how their experiences shape career decisions in an evolving labour market. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative, phenomenological approach was adopted, utilising semi-structured interviews with 30 students actively engaged in digital gig platforms. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling to ensure diverse perspectives. Findings The analysis identified seven key themes grouped into two categories. Motivations for pursuing gig work included opportunity for self-learning and skill acquisition, scope for large income generation and flexibility and work–life balance. Challenges constraining sustained gig engagement involve: limited university support, income instability, lack of regulatory protection and high competition. These themes reflect how students’ participation is shaped by both aspirational and structural factors. While many are drawn by autonomy, income and career experimentation, others express concerns about long-term sustainability and institutional neglect. Research limitations/implications The study offers theoretical contributions to career research by applying a hybrid framework while also recommending curricular, institutional and policy-level interventions to better support young gig workers navigating the evolving digital labour market. Originality/value By focusing on students in higher education, this study highlights an underexplored segment of the digital gig workforce. It provides nuanced insights into how young professionals navigate precarious yet flexible employment landscapes. The study is grounded in a hybrid career theory, showing how students blend traditional career concerns (e.g. stability) with protean orientations (e.g. adaptability and autonomy).

Travelers from all over the world are captivated by the vivid tapestry of cultural celebrations and activities that festivals embody. People who participate in the celebrations become entangled in a story that is interwoven with custom, creativity, and joyous celebration. Inspired by the genuineness of their interactions, participants enthusiastically tell others about their experiences, a.k.a. word of mouth; sparking interest and attracting additional tourists to the location, apart from revisit intention of themselves. Festival tourism offers a unique opportunity to create a strong bond between travellers and destinations, potentially leading to a desire to revisit. If a festival attendee leaves feeling happy, fulfilled, and wanting more, they're more likely to consider returning. Factors influencing satisfaction include festival organization, quality of performances and activities, cleanliness, safety, and friendliness of locals. Festivals can evoke powerful emotions – joy, excitement, awe, or a sense of belonging. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the factors influencing memorable festival tourism experiences and their subsequent outcomes. Creating authentic and engaging experiences that meet tourists' expectations, foster cultural immersion, and provide opportunities for knowledge acquisition is essential for enhancing overall satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits and positive recommendations. Understanding the nuanced relationships between different dimensions of the tourism experience can inform strategic decision-making and destination management efforts aimed at maximizing tourist satisfaction and fostering sustainable tourism development in festival contexts.

The article highlights modern information technology (IT) tools that contribute to the intensification of professional training of future specialists in the context of modern education. It is shown that the actual task of today is to ensure quality professional training of future specialists in higher education institutions. To solve this problem various approaches, methods and tools are proposed, including intensification of the educational process is one of them. The need to intensify the professional training of future specialists in higher education institutions is due to the growth of educational information, updating the content content while maintaining the importance of the fundamental of computer science and increasing requirements for the level of professional training of graduates of relevant educational programmes by society and employers. Information technologies play a special role in intensifying the modern pedagogical process of a higher education institution, as they provide an opportunity to obtain information from various sources in a convenient way. Modern information technologies provide higher education students with access to non-traditional sources of information, increase the effectiveness of independent work, and provide completely new opportunities for creativity, acquisition and consolidation of professional skills. The important role of IT tools in intensifying the modern pedagogical process of a higher education institution is substantiated. The intensification of learning is one of the conditions of modern innovative pedagogy, which aims to create the best conditions for the professional training of future specialists in higher education institutions. The features of some IT tools used as means of intensifying the professional training of future specialists in higher education institutions are considered: e-mail, social services, World Wide Web technology, electronic libraries, educational portals.

Clinical exposure is fundamental to nursing education, offering student nurses critical opportunities for skill acquisition, professional socialization, and practical application of theoretical knowledge. This study examines the attitudes of registered nurses toward nursing students during clinical placements at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Adopting a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected from 240 registered nurses across eight clinical wards using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate attitude patterns and associated influencing factors. The results indicate that a majority of registered nurses exhibited positive attitudes, characterized by a willingness to mentor, supervise, and collaborate with nursing students. However, certain challenges were identified, including perceived increases in workload, student absenteeism, and concerns about student adherence to professional and ethical standards. Key determinants of nurse attitudes included the perceived clinical competence, communication ability, and adherence to professional dress codes among students. The study underscores the need for structured mentorship programs, regular workshops on ethical conduct, and more clearly defined internship frameworks to strengthen the clinical learning environment. Enhancing nurse-student interactions in clinical settings is essential for improving the quality of nursing education and ensuring the readiness of future nursing professionals for practice.

Students and young adults with complex support needs often lack opportunities to engage in work experiences during the transition process. Historically, available experiences are offered in a narrow range of occupational sectors. Inclusive postsecondary education programs not only provide real work experiences in community settings but can also provide pathways to meaningful career development and competitive integrated employment in non-traditional occupational sectors. In this article, we will (a) summarize the research literature supporting meaningful career development and work experiences for students with complex support needs, (b) present a first-person account of a student’s experience in an inclusive postsecondary education program, and (c) provide readers with research-informed practices and steps to promote high-quality career development. Research-informed practices reviewed will include engaging with community partners, collaborative career planning, creating opportunities for skill acquisition, building student workplace independence, and evaluating workplace performance.

This article discusses the topic of the use of application maps in precision agriculture (PA), particularly in the context of grassland management, which accounts for over 21% of utilised agricultural area (UAA) in Poland. New technological developments in the area of smart agriculture (Precision Agriculture, Agriculture 4.0), in terms of sensor technology and information processing, are creating a wide range of data acquisition opportunities to document biological production processes with both high temporal and spatial resolution. That information can be used to rationalise production processes and reduce trade-offs between different environmental services. The technologies that support this kind of research are analyses using satellite imagery, and map-based applications like the system developed in the GRASSAT project are discussed in detail in this article. The developed application provides farmers with information on events using free data from the Copernicus Programme (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, ERA5-Land reanalyses). Remote sensing indices, such as the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Leaf Area Index (LAI), and fresh biomass production volumes, are calculated to show the condition of the green vegetation in the grassland plots. Meteorological risks, such as field freezing, are also presented. The GRASSAT application is available in both desktop and mobile versions.

Abstract This paper considers the interrelationship between share performance metrics of listed companies with mineral assets and the financial models of the underlying mining operations or projects in undertaking a valuation. The SAMVAL Code also refers to the Intrinsic Value based on the unique technical characteristics of the asset being considered. This is probably a useful basis for determining the value of a project given that the actual value of a mineral deposit is only revealed after a commercially viable mining operation has been established. The most objective basis for undertaking a valuation of a mineral project is to have a Net Present Value (NPV) derived from a discounted cash flow (DCF) model. This requires a deposit with an indicated resource as defined by the reporting codes. Valuations of public companies are derived from a range of share performance metrics which includes Enterprise Value (EV) = Market Capitalisation + Debt – Cash &amp; Cash Equivalents – Investments. An EV/NPV ratio integrates share performance indicators with a DCF model that provides a benchmark for a valuation of the company. Share performance metrics which include share price, earnings per share and price earnings ratios providing the basis for applying the Capital Asset pricing Model (CAPM) to determine the cost of equity used in the selection of a discount rate. These in turn would be linked to cash on the balance sheet and a dividend stream which plays an important role in providing credibility when raising fresh investment through a rights issue when seeking fresh investment. While the intrinsic value of a mineral project is still a key consideration, understanding the interrelationship between technical and financial risk is needed to truly understand the long-term value of an asset. This helps companies make better investment (or divestment) decisions. The paper covers the treatment of stock markets and their role in equity fund raising and share performance metrics. The link between the valuation of a project based on a DCF model and the link to pricing rights issue to ensure they are accretive and not dilutive to existing shareholders is considered - a key driver in the markets. Case studies based on a single operation copper mining company that is listed on a stock exchange allowing integration of share performance metrics with a DCF model, a construction stage nickel laterite project accretive equity raising and a rescue fund raising for a PGE mining company are considered. The biggest risk in a mining project at the construction stage is that the expected capital cost of the project becomes higher than originally determined and that the start of initial production is also delayed. The project would not then achieve the performance indicators on which the original decision to develop it was made. While a fresh injection of equity capital into a going concern may fail to secure the viability of the business, this does offer an acquisition opportunity for a mining company with relevant capability where technical synergies are present. Deterministic estimates of technical assumptions will be associated with an uncertainty which is amenable to stochastic valuation methodology, such as Monte Carlo simulation that will assist in quantifying uncertainty.

With vocabulary playing an essential role in the learning of English for Specific Purposes, teachers face the challenge of organising and teaching lexis in a way that maximises opportunities for acquisition. Specialised word lists offer a solution, but a major obstacle is how to integrate these lists into learning materials containing items used in actual discourse. In this paper, we report on research involving the creation of a medical English word list (MEWL), integrated into a set of specially designed materials for students at a national university in Japan. These materials, developed through needs analysis at the university’s medical school, are primarily organised around body systems, with an additional focus on doctor–patient communication. The MEWL is complemented by a list of word parts, aiming to sensitise students to complex medical terms. We describe the delivery of the list, first through the courses and materials, and then via the development of a vocabulary learning tool, Hi-Lex, which analyses texts against any word lists it contains. Hi-Lex allows learners to create personalised word lists and understand word usage in context. The findings of a small trial study of Hi-Lex (N = 31) illustrate how the software provides insight into students’ selections of words in specialised texts.

Digital technology has influenced the development of Arabic language learning resources through the design of digital learning frameworks. In other words, it has developed rapidly, changing the traditional system in terms of learning materials. On that basis, this research aims to investigate the transition of Arabic learning resources through four dimensions of language skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing. The research used a qualitative research design with a case study design method based on data collection techniques including interviews, observation and documentation with data triangulation techniques for analysis. The research results show that the change from traditional learning sources to online-based learning sources is in several categories; reading online texts, learning resources through online video media, sources for acquiring loan language with native speakers and using various written media on social media. The findings show that online learning resource interventions can provide opportunities for gradual languaage acquisition and language productivity.

Although sexual health literacy is recognised as critical to sexual health and well-being, little is known about how people with intellectual disabilities acquire or use sexual health literacy skills. This scoping review examined research to explore what is known about sexual health literacy among adults with intellectual disability. We used Arksey and O'Malley's scoping framework to guide our review. We searched five electronic databases and reference lists of full-text articles. Inclusion criteria included (i) original research in peer reviewed journals; (ii) published in English; (iii) addressed perspectives or experiences of people with intellectual disabilities regarding sexual health literacy or related topics. Findings were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-Scr). All text labelled 'results', 'findings' or 'discussion' was subjected to interpretive content analysis. The search strategy identified 5447 records, 102 met all eligibility criteria and were included for review. A conceptual framework to understand factors shaping sexual health literacy was developed. In this framework, sexual health literacy is underpinned by two fundamental pillars: sexual knowledge and sexual autonomy. The availability of sexual knowledge and sexual autonomy is threatened by several factors in the social environment: presumed sexual vulnerability and sexual incompetence, and expectations of heteronormativity and asexuality. Combined these factors reduce opportunities for acquisition of sexual knowledge and enactment of sexual autonomy and ultimately appear to limit sexual literacy among people with intellectual disabilities. Sexual health literacy is critical for people with intellectual disabilities to enjoy full sexual citizenship. Despite this limited attention has been paid to supporting people with intellectual disabilities to acquire and use sexual health literacy skills. Comprehensive education programs are needed to address this gap and ensure the rights of people with intellectual disabilities to engage in safe, pleasurable sexual experiences and enjoy good sexual health are upheld.

Abstract This article explores two pedagogical virtues (intellectual virtues of a teacher) that arise from the insight that non-epistemic situational factors can affect students’ epistemic judgements and behaviour. First, a virtuous teacher must be sensitive enough to these factors in order to take advantage of how they boost student learning. However, while cultivating a situationally and epistemically favourable environment for learning sounds sensible, teachers should not spoil their students by making them too dependent on these beneficial external factors. The virtuous teacher must also realize that these are only scaffolds; they do help students initially, but must eventually be removed to promote the students’ intellectual autonomy. This characterizes a second pedagogical virtue: the competence to facilitate students’ growth so that they become more capable in future opportunities for knowledge acquisition.

PurposeDue to the need for high-quality teaching, we present a new blended learning concept combining digital modules, interactive seminars, and clinical experience. Furthermore, we evaluated its acceptance among students.MethodsA new concept for teaching was applied to the radiotherapy module and made available via the Hannover Medical School (MHH) learning management system as part of a blended learning concept with educational films, multimedia learning modules, online seminars, and onsite practical training. The evaluation recorded assessments of the requirement profile, design, and opportunities for skills acquisition; evaluation of the seminar and internship; and questions on the overall assessment.ResultsThe new concept was applied to four passes in the fourth academic year. A total of 152 students completed the radio-oncology learning module, which was evaluated by 46 students. Forty students considered the course duration to be appropriate for the material covered, and most students stated that their prior knowledge had been sufficient. The level of difficulty of the content was rated by the students as somewhat too high. The design of the digital course, the opportunity to acquire skills, the seminar course, and the practical course were mostly rated positively.ConclusionThrough digital redesign, a teaching concept can be implemented that combines self-determined learning, professional exchange with doctors, and clinical practice experience. The concept can be transferred to other areas because it combines theoretical knowledge transfer with synchronous teaching and clinical experience. The results of the evaluation show that the students rated the new concept well.

Introduction. With the rapid advancement of urban digital transformation in China, the significance of innovation in urban digital technology has become increasingly pronounced in the lives of elderly individuals. However, existing research on its impact remains limited. This study investigates the profound influence of urban digital technology innovation on the well-being of elderly people in Chinese cities, elucidating key mechanisms and moderating factors. Method. This study collected data on 1,317,694 digital technology innovation patents in urban areas, the level of urban digital transformation, and factors such as social support and well-being among elderly residents in Chinese cities. Empirical analysis was conducted using an OLS mixed-effects model, yielding compelling and convincing results. Results. Urban digital technology innovation significantly and positively affects the well-being of elderly individuals. The widespread adoption of digital technology broadens the horizons of the elderly, providing increased opportunities for social interaction, knowledge acquisition and health management. Furthermore, we identify urban digital transformation as a mediating factor between urban digital technology innovation and the well-being of elderly individuals. Crucial elements in this mediation encompass the establishment of a digital society, efficient digital governance, and robust digital infrastructure. Intriguingly, social support, serving as a moderating variable, influences the extent to which urban digital technology innovation affects the well-being of elderly individuals. Conclusion. Our study highlights the crucial role of urban digital innovation in enhancing elderly well-being. It offers valuable insights for policymakers to promote digital inclusion, social support, and sustainable urban development strategies that benefit older adults.