Opportunities For Development Research Articles

The Performance of Staff at the Arusha Regional Immigration Office: An Investigation into the Influence of Job Enrichment Practices

The inefficiency and low morale of Immigration staff in Tanzania have led to significant concerns regarding their performance. Over 40% of Immigration Department staff report low job satisfaction, and employee productivity has declined by 25% over the past three years. The persistent issues of inefficiency and low morale threaten to undermine these functions, thereby justifying the need for this study. This study assesses the influence of job enrichment practices on the performance and job satisfaction of Immigration Department staff in Arusha. The study employed a descriptive research design guided by a pragmatism research philosophy, which balances both subjective and objective perspectives to address the complex issues related to job performance and satisfaction. The study also used Job Characteristics Theory (JCT), which posits that certain job characteristics such as skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback enhance employee motivation and performance. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with a sample size of 52 respondents whereby 47 staff completed questionnaires and 5 leaders were interviewed. A purposive sampling technique was used to ensure that participants with direct experience in job enrichment practices were included. The questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The qualitative data from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that job characteristics significantly impact job performance. This study highlights the significant role that job enrichment and job satisfaction play in enhancing the performance of Immigration Department staff in Arusha. The findings suggest that focusing on improving job characteristics that contribute to job satisfaction can lead to a more motivated and productive workforce. It is recommended that the Immigration Department adopt strategies that promote job enrichment, such as providing opportunities for skill development, increasing employee autonomy, and ensuring a supportive work environment.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Family Caregivers Who Provided End-of-Life Care to Hemodialysis Patients: A Phenomenological Study in Iran

Background: Providing end-of-life care involves offering care and support to patients with advanced incurable diseases who are in their final stages of life. Family caregivers of these patients often dedicate substantial time to their care, which can significantly impact their physical and psychological well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of family caregivers providing care for hemodialysis patients at the end of life. Methods: This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological design. To ensure information-rich samples, nine family caregivers of hemodialysis patients at the end of life were selected from two dialysis centers using a purposive sampling method. Data collection involved conducting in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, which were digitally recorded for accuracy. Analysis was conducted using van Kaam's seven-step method. Results: Nine family caregivers, including 3 men and 6 women, participated in this study. They had a mean age of 59.44 years, and on average, they had been caring for their patients for 6.33 years. Four main themes and twelve sub-themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews. These themes, as well as their sub-themes, were: (1) complex care (individual-social struggles and healthcare hurdles); (2) care as an opportunity for skill development (experience of spirituality and development of mental capacity); (3) care as a chain of caregivers (ignorance of the caregiver, lifestyle adjustments, persistent concerns, questioning circumstances, and mental strain due to prolonged care); and (4) moments of misfortune (emotional exhaustion from witnessing the patient's physical deterioration, a sense of helplessness regarding the patient's mental and cognitive state, and a sense of helplessness regarding the patient's mental and cognitive state). Conclusions: Caregivers expressed a spectrum of both positive and negative experiences. While some viewed their role as fostering intellectual growth and development, others described feelings of confinement, entrapment, and sacrifice. Further comprehensive research is required to determine the factors contributing to this diversity of perspectives.

Language Development Opportunities in Curricular and Trade Books: A Content Analysis

ABSTRACTThis content analysis explored children's fictional storybooks and informational science books to determine their differences in high‐quality text features that support oral language (OL) development. We also explored the opportunities for OL development in curricular books compared to trade books. Using systematic coding procedures, we evaluated the genre, vocabulary, syntactic variety, supportive visuals and cultural sensitivity in books from three kindergarten and Grade 1 reading curricula (n = 521) as well as a sample of commercially‐available trade books (n = 48). Descriptive information was averaged to determine the percentage of high‐quality text features included in each book type and genre. Results indicated that informational science trade books offered more opportunities for rich language experiences than their curricular counterparts or any of the fictional books. Thus, there is reason to believe that informational science trade books with high‐quality text features may promote OL development and enhance the learning of young students.

Perceptions of Black millennials in public and private schools about the mix of rewards offered in the schools

This study explored the perceptions of the millennial teachers on how they can be motivated, attracted and retained in teaching in public and private schools. Adopting the quantitative research design and the stratified random sampling method, data were collected from 215 millennials drawn from public and private schools in Johannesburg North with a structured questionnaire. The studied found that extrinsic rewards remained the preferred rewards by the millennials. They were extremely dissatisfied with the basic remunerations, performance management rewards, career growth and advancement, opportunities for development in the schools. Although they were significantly motivated to take up teaching by basic pay and bonuses, to retain them in teaching required opportunities for development, career growth and advancement, and good relationships in the schools. The study recommended developing policies and best practices by Ministry of Education on mix of rewards to attract and retain qualified Millennials into teaching and enhance teacher commitment.

Research on Jelly Cat's Marketing Strategy Based on SWOT Analysis

Abstract: In recent years, against the backdrop of the rapid development of the times, people's lives and mental pressure have become increasingly high. People increasingly need items that can express emotions, so some plush toys with calming effects have emerged. Based on this background, the SWOT model will be used to analyze and study the marketing strategy of Jelly Cat, a plush toy. Based on this analysis, it can be understood that Jelly Cat's marketing advantage is its superior quality. Moreover, its strong innovation ability continues to attract customer groups. Its disadvantages are higher prices and fewer consumption channels. In the current environment where people urgently need emotional support, Bringing it development opportunities. It is also important to note that the emergence of highly imitated products may impact genuine products, which is also a threat that needs to be considered. People can not only comprehend and acquire knowledge of Jelly Cat's marketing approach, but also offer valuable insights for other comparable businesses, foster the advancement of plush toys.

Research on Teaching Reform of Finance and Accounting Major in Colleges and Universities under the Integrated Mode of “Post Course Competition Certificate”

In recent years, with the government’s strong emphasis on vocational education and the in-depth promotion of the “post course competition certificate” integration model, the teaching reform of finance and accounting programs in colleges and universities has gained new development opportunities. This integrated teaching model, which aligns courses with job roles, combines course content with certification requirements and enhances learning through competitions, plays a crucial role in improving the quality of education. It not only enhances teaching effectiveness but also strengthens students’ professional skills and overall competence, meeting the demands of modern vocational education. Furthermore, it positively contributes to students’ personal development and broader societal progress. In this context, this paper explores the teaching reform of finance and accounting programs in colleges and universities under the “post course competition certificate” integration model, intending to provide insights for improving the quality of finance and accounting talent development.

Educational management in personnel training of hydrometeorological services: world experience

Introduction. The relevance of the presented study is determined by the fact that the acceleration of climate change on the planet has a significant impact on almost all spheres of economic and social life of mankind, which imposes new requirements both on the information provided by hydrometeorological services and on the personnel of managers and specialists providing it.Purpose setting. The purpose of the presented studies is to summarize the world experience in the development of promising requirements for the skills and competence of managers and specialists of national meteorological services in the interests of forming a system of requirements for staffing and training of managers and specialists of hydrometeorological services of the Roshydromet system.Methodology and methods of the study. The methodological base of the research consists of well-known scientific works devoted to the promising requirements for the skills and competencies of managers and specialists of the hydrometeorological service. Results. The novelty of the obtained results lies in the fact that, based on the generalization of world experience in the development of promising requirements for the skills and competence of managers and specialists of national hydrometeorological services, it was found that when forming personnel management strategies, on the one hand, requirements are put forward for a wide range of competencies of personnel who own both traditional technologies and innovative technologies for processing and interpreting information based on IT. On the other hand, hydrometeorological services impose increased demands on themselves, which is manifested in strategic aspirations to form a holistic motivation system for their employees, covering all levels of human needs, according to substantive theories of motivation – from economic competitiveness to opportunities for training, development and self-expression.Conclusion. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of using world experience in developing promising requirements for the skills and competence of managers and specialists of national meteorological services when forming strategies for personnel management of hydrometeorological structures of the Roshydromet system.

STATE REGULATION OF THE EXTRACTION OF CRITICAL MINERALS AS A DOMINANT COMPONENT OF ACHIEVING THE GOALS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE STATE

The article states that the climate crisis and measures to mitigate it in recent years have significantly changed the energy landscape of the countries of the world and the configuration of the investment portfolio. Long-term investments in fossil fuels have been replaced by investments in environmentally friendly technologies, renewable sources of electricity, and smart systems for its distribution and storage. It is emphasized that even with full support of investments, plans for the decarburization of the electric power industry may remain unattainable, as the global reserves of «critical minerals», which are absolutely necessary for the transition to ecologically clean electric power, are noticeably decreasing and the demand continues to grow relentlessly. The scenarios developed by the International Energy Agency for the further transformation of the electric power sector to a low-carbon economy model were reviewed and briefly characterized: the scenario of declared policy (STEPS), the scenario of declared obligations (APS), and the scenario of net zero emissions by 2050 (NZE). The main aspects of each of the scenarios are outlined: the volume of demand for «critical minerals» their geographical concentration of extraction, and processing. It is emphasized that the world leader in the extraction and processing of «critical minerals» is the PRC, which dictates the «rules of the game» to the majority of the world's countries. Therefore, the issue of supplies of “critical minerals” is quite painful. It was emphasized that critical minerals market participants hope to reduce total dependence through new mining projects in different geographical regions, facilitating cross-investment opportunities between partner countries, and strengthening cooperation through initiatives such as the Mineral Security Partnership and the implementation of financial instruments. The potential of Ukraine's «critical minerals» and its ability to reduce the dependence of EU countries on the People's Republic of China are characterized. The main challenges of the development of the extractive industry in Ukraine are identified, and the main vectors of the Roadmap of the partnership between Ukraine and the EU regarding critical raw materials for 2023-2024 are outlined. It was emphasized that in order for Ukraine not to become only a supplier of raw materials, it is necessary to develop the processing of raw materials and the production of products with added value. It is emphasized that such localization requires much wider efforts of the government than the list of measures in the field of regulating the extraction of «critical minerals» defined by the latest legislative acts. The author emphasizes the need to develop a comprehensive system of incentives and introduce new opportunities for stabilization and sustainable development of Ukraine's economy in order to ensure sustainability and progress towards sustainable resource management and optimization of supply chains for critical raw materials. Proposals have been developed for climate-smart mining of «critical minerals» in Ukraine in the near future.

Recent Advances in Additive Friction Stir Deposition: A Critical Review

Additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) is a novel solid-state additive manufacturing method developed on the principle of stirring friction. Benefits from its solid-phase properties, compared with traditional additive manufacturing based on melting–solidification cycles, AFSD solves the problems of porosity, cracks, and residual stress caused by the melting–solidification process, and has a significant improvement in efficiency. In AFSD, the interaction between feedstocks and high-speed rotating print heads suffers severe plastic deformation at high temperatures below the melting point, ending up in fine, equiaxed recrystallized grains. The above characteristics make components by AFSD show similar mechanical behaviors to the forged ones. This article reviews the development of AFSD technology, elaborates on the basic principles, compares the macroscopic formability and material flow behavior of AFSD processes using different types of feedstocks, summarizes the microstructure and mechanical properties obtained from the AFSD of alloys with different compositions, and finally provides an outlook on the development trends, opportunities, and challenges to the researchers and industrial fields concerning AFSD.

Global Supply Chain Information Sharing Platforms: Challenges, Opportunities, and Trends

With the deepening process of globalization, the rapid development of information technology and the diversification of logistics methods, supply chain management faces increasingly complex challenges. This study explores the future development trends, challenges and opportunities of information sharing platforms in global supply chains. In global supply chains, information sharing platforms are of great significance. It facilitates real-time data exchange and collaboration among supply chain segments and help improve supply chain transparency, flexibility and efficiency. However, global supply chain information sharing faces many challenges, including problems in information security, technical standards, cultural differences, and laws and regulations. In response to these challenges, this paper proposes future directions for developing a global supply chain information sharing platform, including digitization, automation, cross-platform cross-border collaboration, data security and privacy protection, application of new technologies, and flexibility and adaptability. This study provides useful insights and guidance for future global supply chain management by exploring the global supply chain information sharing platform.

Pengaruh Motivasi Kerja Terhadap Pengembangan Karir Dosen di Lingkungan Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat Universitas Nusa Cendana Kupang

Career Development is a career planning process provided by a company to individuals as an effort or opportunity to enhance and develop their careers to a higher level according to their abilities and responsibilities. This study aims to determine the effect of work motivation on the career development of lecturers in the Faculty of Public Health at Nusa Cendana University, Kupang. The research is quantitative in nature. The population consists of 71 lecturers, with a sample of 41 respondents selected using purposive sampling technique. Data collection was conducted using a work motivation scale and a career development scale with a Likert scale model. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 for Windows program. Data analysis was carried out using a simple linear regression test. The results showed that the calculated F-value was 54.237 with a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05, which indicates that work motivation has an effect on career development. It is recommended to take advantage of the career development opportunities that have been organized and facilitated to achieve the desired career level. Based on the quantitative research conducted on the lecturers of the Faculty of Public Health at Nusa Cendana University, Kupang, it was found that work motivation influences career development

Research on High-quality Development of Premade Food Industry from the Perspective of Supply Chain Management -- Take Freshippo as an Example

In recent years, with the acceleration of people's pace of life, the concept of premade food continues to be hot, the premade food industry has developed rapidly as well as the market scale has expanded. Supply chain is a crucial link in premade food industry chain. The proper supply chain management is of great significance to the high-quality development of the precooked dish industry. At present, there are still a series of challenges and deficiencies in the supply chain management of the prepared dish industry. Perfect food safety supervision system, sinking cold chain logistics network and intelligent supply chain management have become the focus of sustainable development of this field. This paper selects Freshippo as the research object, studying the challenges and development opportunities faced by the current premade food industry in the supply chain management through the case analysis method, and then proposes corresponding supply chain management optimization countermeasures to solve these problems, aiming to help the healthy and vigorous development of the premade food industry.

The Future of Food Health-Focused Brands in the Fast-Food Industry Based on the Analysis of Chipotle

Abstract: Healthy and sustainable food eating has become one of the significant trends in customer behavior. Academics and media research have found the significance of embracing new consumption habits, food choices on nutritionally adjusted meals, and increasing consumer health awareness. However, more research is still needed on the development opportunities of the fast-food industry in response to this new consumer behavior. Therefore, this article will use Chipotle as an example to demonstrate the financial opportunities of the fast-food industry's change toward healthy eating. This article uses research on healthy eating development, trends in the fast-food industry, balance sheets, and financial ratios. We have employed the analysis of Chipotle's financial statement and forecast the development of the fast-food restaurant from 2024 to 2028 after it accepts healthy eating. Research has found that customers' attitudes are changing. Consumers now prefer natural, high-quality fast food; introducing healthy products is financially rewarded with higher sales growth. This kind of brand will gain traction and boost profit. Various brands should also launch new products that focus on healthier alternatives.

Organizational Commitment Strategies to Improve Employees

Abstract: In the current competitive economic market and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term stable development of enterprises is facing a major test. And organisational commitment affects the aspects of employee retention, employee efficiency as well as enterprise cost, which has a significant impact on the development of enterprises. Therefore, this paper focuses on the importance of organisational commitment to employees and organisations, and then analyses various factors affecting employees' organisational commitment, including career development opportunities, job satisfaction and organisational culture. Finally, it proposes some effective measures that companies can take to enhance employees' organisational commitment, such as companies providing employees with good career development opportunities and personal enhancement opportunities, promoting employees' life-work balance, implementing flexible working arrangements, and fostering a positive organisational culture. By taking these measures, companies can enhance employees' organisational commitment and strengthen the emotional link between employees and the organisation, which will in turn improve employee efficiency, customer satisfaction and organisational profitability.

Factors Influencing the Work Motivation of Enterprise Employees

Abstract: With the passage of time, the work pressure in modern society is increasing, and the enthusiasm of enterprise employees has become one of the main factors affecting work performance. Therefore, how to improve the enthusiasm of employees has become the focus of many enterprises. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of job satisfaction and loyalty on work motivation. Through the review and analysis of relevant literature, this study finds that there is a significant positive correlation between employees' job satisfaction and loyalty and their work motivation. This relationship involves many aspects, including a good working atmosphere and fair and reasonable compensation. Work benefits, positive corporate culture, employee loyalty and incentive policies also make a difference. At the same time, this study also puts forward a series of feasible strategic suggestions, aimed at helping enterprises to improve the job satisfaction and loyalty of employees, and then stimulate the enthusiasm of employees. The suggestions of this study include the measures that companies should improve the working environment, formulate a fair incentive mechanism to provide employees with career development opportunities, etc., which provides strong support and guidance for enterprises to improve employee performance and competitiveness.

RCAN1.4 regulates tumor cell engraftment and invasion in a thyroid cancer to lung metastasis-on-a-chip microphysiological system

Progressive metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. It has been recognized that many cancers are characterized by long periods of stability followed by subsequent progression. Genes termed metastasis progression suppressors (MPS) are functional gatekeepers of this process, and their loss leads to late-stage progression. Previously, we identified regulator of calcineurin 1, isoform 4 (RCAN1.4) as a functional MPS for several cancers, including thyroid cancer, a tumor type prone to metastatic dormancy. RCAN1.4 knockdown increases expression of the cancer-promoting transcription factor NFE2-like bZIP transcription factor (NFE2L3), and through this mechanism increases cancer cell proliferation and invasion inin vitroandin vivoand promotes metastatic potential to lungs in tail vein models. However, the mechanisms by which RCAN 1.4 regulates specific metastatic steps is incompletely characterized. Studies of the metastatic cascade are limited in mouse systems due to high cost and long duration. Here, we have shown the creation of a thyroid-to-lung metastasis-on-a-chip (MOC) model to address these limitations, allowing invasion analysis and quantification on a single cell level. We then deployed the platform to investigate RCAN1.4 knockdown in fluorescently tagged hTh74 and FTC236 thyroid cancer cell lines. Cells were circulated through microfluidic channels, running parallel to lung hydrogel constructs allowing tumor cell-lung tissue interactions. Similar to studies in mouse models, RCAN1.4 knockdown increased NFE2L3 expression, globally increased invasion distance into lung constructs and had cell line and clonally dependent variations on bulk metastatic burden. In line with previousin vivoobservations, RCAN1.4 knockdown had a greater impact on hTh74 metastatic propensity than FTC236. In summary, we have developed and validated a novel MOC system evaluate and quantify RCAN1.4-regulated thyroid cancer cell lung adherence and invasion. This system creates opportunities for more detailed and rapid mechanistic studies the metastatic cascade and creates opportunities for translational assay development.

Sexual violence affecting female sex workers in Côte d’Ivoire: prevalence, context, and associated mental health and substance use outcomes

BackgroundFemale sex workers are disproportionately affected by sexual violence, which is associated with an increased risk of poor mental health outcomes, substance use, and decreased access to health resources. Understanding the pathways through which sexual violence impacts these outcomes can inform strategies that appropriately and effectively meet the health needs of sex workers.MethodsThis study investigated the prevalence of sexual violence among female sex workers in Côte d’Ivoire, and the relationship between sexual violence and adverse mental health and substance use outcomes. We examined survey data from female sex workers recruited between November 2019 and May 2020 across five regions of Côte d’Ivoire using respondent driven sampling (RDS), as part of an integrated bio-behavioral survey. The primary exposure of interest was self-reported lifetime experience of sexual violence, and the main outcomes of interest included depression, suicidal ideation, counselling seeking, alcohol consumption, and substance use. Multivariable logistic regression models investigated associations between exposure to sexual violence and the key mental health and substance use outcomes of interest. For each outcome, a directed acyclic graph was developed to identify a minimally sufficient set of covariates for adjustment. Additional sociodemographic characteristics, experiences, and sex work-related behaviors were explored in descriptive analyses using crude and RDS adjusted estimates.ResultsOut of 1,177 participants, 376 (31.9%; RDS weighted: 30.5%; 95% CI: 24.7, 36.3) reported having experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, and of those 31.9% (RDS weighted: 31.2%; 95% CI: 21.3, 41.1) had experienced sexual violence within the previous 12 months. Experience of sexual violence was associated with an increased odds of suicidal ideation (aOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.48, 2.55), illicit drug use in the last 12 months (aOR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.50, 3.86), daily alcohol use (aOR: 1.63; 95% CI: 0.99, 2.67), and having spoken to a counselor or confidant (aOR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.68).ConclusionFindings confirm a high burden of sexual violence among female sex workers in Côte d’Ivoire, and a need to implement large structural changes that enable female sex workers to seek protection as well as health resources after experiencing sexual violence. This may include reform in the form of targeted social, clinical and mental health resources, along with community development opportunities.

Teaching Strategies in Business English Translation Based on Ecological Translation

This paper addresses the singularity of the teaching evaluation system and the limited practical teaching resources in business English translation. It proposes a diversified teaching evaluation system based on ecological translation, expands practical teaching resources, and emphasizes the importance of teaching cultural differences and strengthening ecological translation theory. This approach aims to innovate and optimize the teaching mode of business English translation, thereby improving the quality of teaching and promoting students’ deep understanding and application skills of business English. Consequently, this strategy brings new opportunities for development in the field of business English education.

Perceived challenges and opportunities for basic scientists transitioning to basic science educators in medical and health professions education

Basic science educators play a significant role in medical and health professions curricula, particularly in the biomedical science components. Although the shift from basic scientists to educators seems promising, no study has yet explored the transition process from the perspective of basic scientists themselves, especially in the early stages of their transition. An anonymous survey with voluntary participation was administered to all basic scientists in National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The survey aimed to identify the perceived challenges faced by basic scientists transitioning to basic science educators in medical and health professions education. This study consisted of Likert scale questions, followed by one multiple-choice question and two open-ended questions. Twenty-one basic scientists either postdoctoral fellows or instructors, completed the study. The study found that gaps in clinical content and experience, along with teaching pedagogy and training were among the major concerns for basic scientists aspiring to be basic science educators. These challenges and shortcomings could potentially be addressed by providing them with clinical shadowing opportunities, education mentorship and teaching training. Since most respondents lacked teaching experience, the results might differ if the majority had been involved in teaching within medical and health professions education. Nonetheless, it is important to understand and acknowledge the challenges and concerns experienced by basic scientists and examine how they can navigate them in the process of their transition to teaching medical and health professions. This also provides opportunities for personal reflection and development so that basic science educators will be more prepared for greater challenges and the ever-changing demands of contemporary medical and health professions education.

Infrastructure development, inequality, and employment in Sub-Saharan Africa from the professional perspectives of Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania

This study investigates the challenges and opportunities in infrastructure development, inequality, and employment in Sub-Saharan Africa. There is a critical gap between infrastructure planning and execution, exacerbated by inadequate funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of technical expertise, leading to profound inequality in infrastructure and employment opportunities, particularly affecting rural and marginalized communities. The study aims to identify the mismatch between current job market needs and the workforce's skills, analyse the impact of rapid population growth and insufficient educational initiatives, and propose solutions for integrated infrastructure planning and equitable policy development. This research employs qualitative semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis using NVivo to gain in-depth insights into the institutional characteristics influencing infrastructure development, inequality, and employment. Findings reveal significant disparities in infrastructure and employment opportunities, with rural and marginalized communities being disproportionately affected. There is a notable mismatch between job market needs and the available workforce skills, further complicated by rapid population growth and inadequate educational initiatives. The study recommends an integrated approach to infrastructure planning that encompasses sustainability, accessibility, and equitable distribution. Policies should address inequality, ensure equitable access to infrastructure benefits, and align education and skill development with the evolving job market. Leveraging public–private partnerships is also suggested to accelerate infrastructure development efficiently. This paper contributes to the discourse on infrastructure, inequality, and employment in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing a roadmap for addressing these intertwined challenges through integrated policy initiatives.