Personal Perspective Research Articles

Competencias del profesorado de inglés: una mirada desde la Universidad Nacional,Costa Rica

Mastering English is an essential requirement for the professionals of the 21st century. Therefore, Costa Rican public universities, and specifically, Universidad Nacional (UNA) must ensure an adequate and efficient pedagogical praxis from the English as a Foreign Language professors in terms of a) academic competences, b) language competences, c) competences to address diversity and inclusion, d) pedagogical mediation, e) competences in evaluation, and f) technological competences. This article problematizes, from a personal perspective, the principles previously mentioned in relation to university teaching; thus, it discusses the identified possible pedagogical paths to face the challenges of these contemporary times.

THE CONDITIONS OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY OF THE LEGAL PERSON

In this article I tried to summarize essential aspects regarding the criminal liability of the legal person. People can be involved in criminal legal relations, both individually and organized according to the law in the form of legal entities. One of the subjects of criminal liability according to the Criminal Code in force is the legal person. Since it is an active subject of the crime different from the natural person, naturally the conditions for the existence of his criminal liability are also different. Also, the legal person attracts a distinct form of liability, with specific features, which is subject to its own rules, separate from those applicable to the natural person. However, like the natural person, the legal person is subject to compliance with the fundamental principles of criminal law. The legal person participates as a distinct legal subject in the most varied legal relationships: civil, commercial, financial, administrative, banking and criminal. The introduction into Romanian criminal law of the criminal liability of the legal person took place through Law no. 278/2006, amending the Criminal Code from 1968. Currently, the Criminal Code in force dedicates Title VI to this legal institution entitled "Criminal liability of the legal entity". I chose this theme considering the challenges it entails and the issues it raises. I tried to answer some of them, such as the premises of the criminal liability of the legal person, showing how the criminal sanction was reached from the historical perspective of the legal person, I then explained the necessity that determines the regulation of such liability in criminal law, I explained the notion of a legal person, I have shown the conditions under which the criminal liability of the legal person is engaged and the way in which legal persons are sanctioned from a criminal point of view. I also presented a case in which the criminal prosecution of this subject of criminal law is practically illustrated.

Religiosity Among ARMY Fans: Examining the Intersection of Islamic Values and K-Pop Fandom

This study examines the religiosity of ARMY community members in Tasikmalaya, focusing on how they navigate Islamic values within the cultural framework of K-Pop fandom. The purpose is to understand how fandom engagement influences their religious beliefs, practices, and identity. The study employs a qualitative descriptive method with a sociological approach. Data was gathered through interviews, observations, and document analysis, capturing personal experiences and perspectives on balancing religious identity and fandom. The findings reveal that ARMY members actively maintain their belief in God and participate in religious practices. However, their engagement with fandom presents both challenges and opportunities for expressing religiosity. The study identifies a blend of personal belief and social influences shaping members’ approach to faith, revealing a dynamic space where cultural and religious identities coexist. The results highlight the need for religious and community programs that integrate cultural interests, like fandom, with religious education, aiming to reinforce faith relevance among youth. This study contributes to understanding how youth integrate religious values into secular subcultures, providing a unique insight into the adaptability of Islamic identity within contemporary fandoms.

Surface plasmon resonance-mediated photocatalytic H2 generation.

The limited yield of H2 production has posed a significant challenge in contemporary research. To address this issue, researchers have turned to the application of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) materials in photocatalytic H2 generation SPR, arising from collective electron oscillations, enhances light absorption and facilitates efficient separation and transfer of electron-hole pairs in semiconductor systems, thereby boosting photocatalytic H2 production efficiency. However, existing reviews predominantly focus on SPR noble metals, neglecting non-noble metals and SPR semiconductors. In this review, we begin by elucidating five different SPR mechanisms, covering hot electron injection, electric field enhancement, light scattering, plasmon-induced resonant energy transfer, and photo-thermionic effect, by which SPR enhances photocatalytic activity. Subsequently, a comprehensive overview follows, detailing the application of SPR materials-metals, non-noble metals, and SPR semiconductors-in photocatalytic H2 production. Additionally, a personal perspective is offered on developing highly efficient SPR-based photocatalysis systems for solar-to-H2 conversion in the future. This review aims to guide the development of next-gen SPR-based materials for advancing solar-to-fuel conversion.

Living with My Autistic Sibling: A Phenomenology Study

This research aims to understand the experiences and meaning of individuals who have siblings with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were seven individuals aged 12 to 25 years who had siblings with ASD living in Indonesia. Data were collected through 60-90 minute semi-structured interviews discussing their personal experiences and perspectives on daily life with their autistic sibling. The interview results were analyzed using thematic analysis which found four main themes: early experiences post siblings' diagnosis, implication on siblings, siblings' relationships, and siblings' perspectives. Young adult participants shared the process of receiving siblings' diagnosis that were influenced by age, how it was communicated by parents, and their own viewpoint of the diagnosis, several adjustments they had to withstand up to their acceptance of the siblings' condition. They also described caregiving role and responsibility for their siblings' future, whereas adolescent participants expressed their own struggles, hope and needs for siblings' recovery.

Perspectives of Persons with Deafness about Deaf Culture with Special Reference to Socio-economic Challenges

"Persons with Deafness are belonging to minority. They have their own belief, history, language and have unique communication skill. The present research intended to explore the perspectives of persons with Deafness about Deaf culture regards sign language as a vital aspect of communication and their social and economic challenges facing in daily life. The sample of the study consisted of 90 persons with Deafness registered at the 5 Deaf associations/Organizations of Odisha. A self-developed scale on perspective of deafness on deaf culture was used to assess the perspectives of deaf people about sign language and both social and economic challenges faced by them. Social Challenges includes- fear to deal with others, involve in social activities, discrimination feelings etc. Economic challenges include- unemployment, poor income, inability to buy appliances and software, lack of financial capabilities etc. The study results indicated that the perspectives of persons with Deafness about the Deaf culture among persons with deafness of different age groups with regard to using sign language show minimal variations among different age groups. There exist no significant differences among person with deafness and deaf cultures in facing social and economic challenges with respect to gender and demographic division. On the basis of findings, the recommendations were also suggested."

50 Years of Queries

This paper discusses the evolution of the database industry over the last half century. It focuses on the relational database concepts introduced by E. F. Codd, and offers some explanations for why these concepts have proven to be so resilient over several decades. It describes some early relational systems and the context in which they were developed. It describes the origin of the SQL database language, how it became an international standard, and how it has evolved to meet new requirements. It also briefly describes some “post-relational” research directions inspired by the need for massively scalable web applications. Much of the paper is written from a personal perspective, based on the author’s own experiences.

Perceptions of female surgeons in the workplace; a cultural and social struggle

Women in surgery face distinctive challenges, barriers, and obstacles in the workplace. The objective of this work was to evaluate perceptions toward female surgeons from a personal, cultural, and professional perspective in a tertiary hospital in Cuenca (Ecuador). Qualitative ethnographic study based on the SRQR guidelines. Fourteen participants took part and were split into two groups: health personnel who work closely with surgeons and patients and family members. All underwent semi-structured interviews which explored themes of personal, cultural, and professional perceptions of female surgeons in their work environment. Additionally, ideas of gender biases were assessed. After transcribing the interviews, patterns, and trends in the data were encoded, followed by the categorization and identification of significant relationships. Data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti software version 23. Three main dimensions emerged and were identified: 'Barriers', 'Equity', and 'Recognition'. A high frequency of barriers (discrimination and stereotypes) has been identified, and the recognition of female surgeons as capable and competent remains insufficient. Gender biases that negatively impact female surgeons persist. In the fight against eradicating discrimination, we must promote equal opportunities and enhance recognition of women's surgical practice in Latin America and worldwide.

Finding Freire: When Educational Courses Get Personal

This paper explores Paulo Freire’s philosophy from the perspective of an adult education advocate and student. The author describes being introduced to Freire’s works and provides an analysis of the impact of Freire’s theories in both personal and academic realms. Themes explored include praxis, understanding the oppressor/oppressed dichotomy, and what Freire’s theories look like in use as an adult educator. This paper is a personal perspective of Paulo Freire’s work.

Obstacles to Marriage for Jordanian Persons with Visual or Hearing Disabilities from Their Perspectives

This study explores the obstacles to marriage for persons with physical disabilities (visual or hearing) from the perspective of persons with physical disabilities. To achieve the study's objectives, a questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of 544 people with physical disabilities (201 female and 343 male). The results indicated that the obstacles to marriage for persons with physical disabilities, according to the participants’ perspectives, were of a moderate degree. The most impactful impediments were found to be economic, followed by social and psychological ones, and challenges pertaining to the type of impairment had the least effect. When it came to the sample's responses to the scale's sections on gender, academic standing, marital status, and the existence of a handicap in the family, the results did not reveal any statistically significant differences. However, statistically significant differences were observed based on the specialization variable, in favour of scientific colleges.

Health Economic Evaluation of Lung Cancer Screening Using a Diagnostic Blood Test: The Early Detection of Cancer of the Lung Scotland (ECLS).

Diagnostic blood tests have the potential to identify lung cancer in people at high risk. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of a lung cancer screening intervention, using the EarlyCDT®-Lung Test (ECLS) with subsequent X-ray and low-dose chest CT scans (LDCT) for patients with a positive test result, compared to both usual care and LDCT screening for the target population. We conducted a model-based lifetime analysis from a UK NHS and personal social services perspective. We estimated incremental net monetary benefit (NMB) for the ECLS intervention compared to no screening and to LDCT screening. The incremental NMB of ECLS intervention compared to no screening was GBP 33,179 (95% CI: -GBP 81,396, GBP 147,180) and GBP 140,609 (95% CI: -GBP 36,255, GBP 316,612), respectively, for a cost-effectiveness threshold of GBP 20,000 and GBP 30,000 per quality-adjusted life year. The same figures compared with LDCT screening were GBP 162,095 (95% CI: GBP 52,698, GBP 271,735) and GBP 52,185 (95% CI: -GBP 115,152, GBP 219,711). The ECLS intervention is the most cost-effective screening alternative, with the highest probability of being cost-effective, when compared to no screening or LDCT screening. This result may change with modifications of the parameters, suggesting that the three alternatives considered in the main analysis are potentially cost-effective.

Teaching the Historical Jesus over Three Decades, from Waikato to London

Abstract Having taught the subject of the historical Jesus for more than thirty years, from New Zealand to London, I review from a personal perspective what has changed, and how I have taught the course over the decades. Overall, it seems harder to teach now than ever before, for reasons explored here.

Interaction and Navigation in Immersive Virtual Heritage Environments for the First and Third Person Perspective

Immersive capabilities in virtual applications have been attracting huge interest from researchers and developers. In this paper, we discuss interaction and navigation, which are the key elements creating a sense of immersion, for first and third-person perspectives in immersive virtual heritage applications. We design and develop an immersive virtual application for user experience from which we take and analyze user feedback on the mentioned interaction and navigation aspects. The results indicate that in some purposes and interactive applications, the first-person perspective is the appropriate choice and vice versa, with spatially wide applications, the third-person perspective is better.

Problems caused by microplastics in soil: Personal perspective

Problems caused by microplastics in soil: Personal perspective

Non-formal encounters between Israeli families and African immigrant families foster lifelong learning competence

Purpose This study aims to examine the contribution of informal encounters outside the school walls between local Israeli families from “Waldorf Education” and immigrant families from Africa from formal state education and explore the consequences of these encounters on the development of lifelong learning competences. Research questions are as follows: In what way do non-formal encounters lead to the development of lifelong learning ability? What are the challenges and consequences of non-formal activity for research participants, families and educators from the pedagogical, social and personal perspectives? Design/methodology/approach The research uses a qualitative-interpretive case study approach that allows for in-depth observation of the phenomenon within the context of reality to understand the case, a non-formal encounter between two groups of parents from different cultures, languages and educational attitudes. In this case study, it is possible to generalize from the local to the global and examine processes, actions and behaviors in the studied case (Creswell et al., 2018; Yin, 2009). This empirical study allows description, analysis, understanding and explanation of the challenges and actions in organizing and holding non-formal encounters from personal experiences as a first source. Findings The analysis of the data brought up two main categories that represent the actions and insights from the non-formal encounters for developing lifelong learning competences: create a personal dialogue to strengthen trust and confidence; foster parental involvement. Non-formal encounters between families from different cultural-social backgrounds may promote lifelong learning competences such as tolerance, inclusion and openness. However, external intervention by a social association is required to organize, support and operate them. Research limitations/implications The research’s limitation was that it was conducted in the country’s center. Therefore, the findings must be considered in the context in which they are presented and not generalized to other regions or communities from other cultures in Israel and the world. A few limited encounters may affect the author’s interpretation of the study data. In addition, expressions of “social desire” that may be expressed in interviews must be considered. Practical implications This study emphasizes social activism. Despite all the differences and tensions, creating an equal space in the families’ encounters is essential for lifelong learning. The immigrant parents participated in decision-making, the stages of organization and the activities themselves during the encounters. This partnership strengthened their commitment and responsibility. Because they are a powerless minority group, it should not be assumed that two encounters will improve their self-confidence. The proof is that fewer participants came to the last encounter. Education experts must maintain consistency and continuity in forming partnerships with immigrant families over time and as part of lifelong learning. Social implications The non-formal encounters between the two groups of families create an atmosphere of equality: all are parents of children seeking to inculcate humane and social values. The collaborative atmosphere contributed to the understanding that closeness overpowers distance. Everyone is troubled by similar issues of parenting, enjoyment of children, nutritious food and a shared desire to be good citizens while maintaining tolerance, reciprocity and respect. Originality/value Non-formal encounters are actively performed to create belonging when the “others and we” join together for the community and the children. This is an extensive, open and accessible platform for strengthening social consciousness and understanding the connection between teaching, culture and society to promote equality in education. This study will allow schools to expand the boundaries of communication with parents and initiate additional activities with other social groups to foster children’s integration. It will enrich the academic knowledge about connections and communication of educators, families from Israel and immigrant families in developing a partnership in the school to promote lifelong learning.

Five decades of natural killer cell discovery.

The first descriptions of "non-specific" killing of tumor cells by lymphocytes were reported in 1973, and subsequently, the mediators of the activity were named "natural killer" (NK) cells by Rolf Kiessling and colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in 1975. The activity was detected in mice, rats, and humans that had no prior exposure to the tumors, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen matching of the effectors and tumor cells was not required, and the cells responsible were distinct from MHC-restricted, antigen-specific T cells. In the ensuing five decades, research by many labs has extended knowledge of NK cells beyond an in vitro curiosity to demonstrate their in vivo relevance in host defense against tumors and microbial pathogens and their role in regulation of the immune system. This brief Perspective highlights a timeline of a few selected advancements in NK cell biology from a personal perspective of being involved in this quest.

The effect of subjective well-being on the management of successful organizations

Purpose: The objective of this research was to analyze the effect of subjective well-being on successful organizational management through the study and measurement of the variables: quality of work life, job satisfaction and happiness at work.Design/methodology/approach: This research has a positivist or quantitative approach of a correlational type at a descriptive level and corresponds to a population sample of 302 workers randomly selected from a total of nine hundred collaborators hired by the Universities of Barranquilla, Colombia.Findings: In order to predict the behavior of a dependent variable based on other independent variables, the multiple regression model was used, so the statistical data indicate that subjective well‑being index can increase or decrease in organizations and derives from the perception of quality of work life of employees. In this research, job satisfaction was the factor with the highest score, followed by the quality of work life variable, then happiness at work, and due to these factors, subjective Well-being at work is generated. The conclusions of the research denote the importance for organizational management to know the perception of workers. The data generated through this measurement will allow companies to personalize their work well-being programs, and to invest better in their logistical and human economic resources, as well as how to create business strategies that promote higher levels of commitment and work productivity, this diagnostic measurement model helps human talent areas to be more aligned with the real needs and expectations of employees. The analysis of the study concludes that the development of strategies to improve the subjective well-being of employees promotes successful organizational management.Originality/value: This research analyzes subjective well-being at work, because most of the studies carried out on this topic focus on subjective well-being from a personal perspective, emphasizing how citizens evaluate their lives in general terms. This article is focused on aspects related to the perception of workers in the work context based on the measurement of three variables in an integrated manner; In general, other research has analyzed the variables individually and related them to other aspects such as the work environment or productivity. The originality of this study lies in the integrated analysis of the three variables quality of work life, satisfaction and happiness at work as predictors of SWB at work. The data from this measurement model provides relevant information so that organizations can make better decisions regarding their policies for attraction, loyalty and retention of human capital, in this way they can design strategies, create incentive and benefit plans, according to the employee’s expectations and needs.

Doing reflexivity in educational research: identifying perspectives to inform positionality

ABSTRACT This paper presents an innovative approach to examine reflexivity in educational research. Adapting Brookfield’s autobiographical lenses to identify the four perspectives from a personal life history (as the mother of a child with multiple chronic illnesses who died aged 18) and professional perspectives (as a paediatric nurse, a teacher, and a researcher) provided a clear structure to identify and articulate reflexivity. The paper draws on my doctoral thesis, a case history which explored how practitioners in early childhood education and care settings created inclusive environments for young children with chronic health conditions. The participants included parents of children with chronic health conditions, thus presenting ethical dilemmas regarding reflexivity. The paper includes vignettes from my thesis which include deeply personal accounts to illustrate how the four perspectives influenced my research. This scholarly engagement set the foundations for my subsequent academic career and for my personal development. The paper concludes with the assertion that engaging with reflexivity is not only a vital ingredient of educational research but also has implications for improving practice, as well as being a tool for personal development.

For a bright future. Cuban nuclear engineers studying in late socialist Hungary

PurposeThis research aims to contribute to History of Education Studies as well as to New Cold War Studies, by examining a Reactor Technology Specialist Engineer program, launched in Hungary three times in the 1980s for Cuban nuclear engineers, graduates of the University of Havana.Design/methodology/approachThe institutional setting, the content of the program, the teaching staff, the students, and the outcomes are studied. The factors that motivated the birth of this special program are examined, including the following areas; in what ways it was different from the courses in which foreign students participated in Hungary; what its strengths and weaknesses were; how we can learn from this past experience and what relevance it has for the present.FindingsThe analysis – carried out within the context of Cuban–Hungarian relations in the Cold War – demonstrates that these two satellite countries used the fields of science and education to widen their international possibilities and at the same time to reinforce their national interests by cooperating with each other.Originality/valueThe investigation is based on archival sources, university yearbooks and journals as well as contemporary Hungarian press. Written sources were complemented by interviews with Cuban students and Hungarian teaching staff, thus providing a personal perspective, balancing official views.

Enduring relevance of the Jaynes–Cummings model: a personal perspective [Invited

In this short perspective paper we present our personal highlights on how the Jaynes–Cummings model has become a central model to describe spin-boson couplings underpinning much of modern quantum optics. To the current authors, the key contribution is a demonstration of a measurable effect that showed the discreteness of the quantized radiation field.