Publisher's Online Research Articles

Enhancing healthcare data security: a two-step authentication scheme with cloud technology and blockchain

In the modern world, medical data leakage has many external and internal threats. Information systems of medical organizations are constantly subject to various types of cyber-attacks and unauthorized penetration attempts, which leads to the publication of patient medical data online. Existing authentication schemes using blockchain technologies in medical organization systems ensure the integrity of medical data and secure access to patient data. However, one of the serious reasons for unauthorized access to the healthcare system is the human factor, which manifests itself in a negligent attitude towards account security, non-compliance with the rules and policies of information security, and transferring to third parties personal login details to the information system of a medical organization. This paper proposes a solution to this problem through an improved two-step authentication scheme using cloud technology and blockchain. The combined use of cloud technologies and blockchain is a distinctive feature of the proposed authentication scheme since it provides two levels of protection: 1) two-step authentication, the second stage of which includes biometrics through a mobile application. It prevents unauthorized access to the system by third parties; 2) cloud encryption keys for decrypting medical data, which are also accessed through the user's biometrics. The practical part of the paper includes the implementation of biometric login in Python using the OpenCV library. As a result of the practical part, unique fingerprint samples were obtained. The biometric user verification algorithm is designed for a mobile application, which we plan to implement in the future

Developing Functional Assessment Scale for Assistive Technology Skills of Blind Students in Yemen

The use of assistive technology (AT) reduces each of these limitations. Blind people no longer have to wait for someone else to translate braille from conventional printed language for them. Those who are blind can access the Internet, read online publications, check their emails, use their chosen tablet computer programs, etc. They can directly access material that is available to their sighted peers by downloading the papers. Blind students can utilize talking maps, screen-reading software, and specially designed GPS gadgets thanks to assistive technology (AT). This study presents research on how special educators of students with visual disabilities teach functional skills in the classroom through the construction of a stand-raised functional assessment scale for assistive technology skills for educational programming for blind students as part of the expanded core curriculum available to blind students in Yemen. Therefore, the results of the present research can assist the parents, educators, and special and inclusive school’s management by providing a guideline for improving their existing educational policies that functional skills for the students with visual disability and also by developing new ones which will result in enhancing the quality of their programs and skills of the students. On the other hand, this provides teachers with an understanding of the preferred methods of learning for a blind student. As a result, teachers’ investigations and identifying learning, training needs in this paper explores the need to incorporate and use assistive technology domain under the functional skill assessment scale in the educational programming of blind students. Keywords: assistive technology, functional skills, assessment, visual disabilities.

Today's Cultural Work

Today's cultural work is a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon that reflects the evolving nature of contemporary societies. This abstract explores the diverse aspects of cultural work in the present context, encompassing art, media, technology, and social dynamics. Cultural work in the 21st century is intricately tied to the intersections of technology and creativity. With the advent of digital platforms and the democratization of content creation, individuals have become active participants in shaping cultural narratives. From viral social media trends to independent digital art projects, the landscape of cultural work is characterized by unprecedented accessibility and inclusivity. Artistic expressions, a vital component of cultural work, have transcended traditional boundaries. Today's artists leverage a spectrum of mediums, including digital art, virtual reality, and interactive installations, challenging conventional artistic norms. The fusion of technology and art not only expands the creative toolkit but also invites audiences to engage with cultural works in immersive and innovative ways. The media landscape plays a pivotal role in shaping contemporary culture. The proliferation of streaming services, podcasts, and online publications has transformed how information and narratives are disseminated. Cultural work within media extends beyond traditional entertainment to include thought-provoking documentaries, investigative journalism, and online platforms fostering dialogue on critical social issues. Moreover, cultural work reflects the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity. Communities around the world engage in preserving and revitalizing cultural heritage while adapting to the rapid pace of global change. This negotiation between the old and the new is evident in diverse forms, from heritage conservation projects to the reinterpretation of traditional art forms in a contemporary context. Today's cultural work is a vibrant and dynamic tapestry woven from the threads of technology, art, media, and tradition. It mirrors the ever-changing landscape of society, offering a kaleidoscopic view of the diverse expressions and conversations that define our contemporary cultural experience. As technology continues to advance and societal values evolve, cultural work will likely remain a key driver in shaping the narratives and identity of our rapidly changing world.

A Comparative Study on Social Policy Reforms for Facing the Ageing Population in Japan and Italy

This study is conducted to analyze the social policies taken from two different countries—Japan and Italy—on facing the issue of an ageing population. Japan and Italy are chosen as the subjects of this study because both countries have similar demography and socio-economic backgrounds. This study focused on analyzing the policy approach on tackling the ageing population issues, especially related to the birth rate, economy, and labour force. The purpose of this study is to identify and compare the effectiveness of these social policies taken in both countries. This study is based on desktop research, mostly uses a secondary data analysis approach through online publications, reports, and regulations from the government and related organizations. The result of this study implies that both Japan and Italy have been successful in reducing the impacts of an ageing population. Both countries have similar policies approach related to these issues, such as the economic support for a family with children, work-life balance policies for career parents, and retirement age adjustment. However, related to migration policy, Japan is more restricted than Italy. The Japanese government has a preference to expand its international investments, rather than increasing the migrant entrance. Based on the lessons learned from Japan and Italy, I propose several recommendations for Indonesia.

Брендинг Б армянских онлайн-СМИ / Branding of Armenian online media

The presented article deeply explores the topic of branding of Armenian online media in the context of the constant expansion of the media space. Emphasis is placed on viewing branding as a key marketing tool, the importance of branding to remain competitive among multiple media outlets and maintain audience loyalty. The object of the study is selected Armenian online publications, considered in the context of their brand strategy. The author analyzes the main criteria of branding, including theme, content, advertising, photo and video materials, focus, values and design. The article also discusses the role of publication employees in maintaining brand identity, from the lowest levels to senior management positions. The study's findings highlight the fundamental criteria for successful branding of online publications and provide insight into how various aspects, including advertising, customer service, and social responsibility, influence the creation of a unique and attractive brand. Using four Armenian media outlets as examples—Mediamax, PAN Armenia, Armenpress, and Hetq—the article provides clear examples of successful branding strategies in the online environment, making it a valuable contribution to understanding the dynamics of media brands.

Photojournalism and Violence in the Online Press of El Salvador

Introduction: At present, the significance and the impact that digital photography has in online press is due to its fast dissemination around the world and nationwide. In regards to violence, El Salvador has been considered as one of the countries with the highest homicide rate, mainly because of gangs; throughout the years, this has been reflected in mass media, particularly on the written press and online press.
 Methodology: Online press and photojournalism in El Salvador were analyzed via a cross-sectional study; with a random sampling of 384 university students.
 Results: In relation to the news published with a high content of violence, 75% of the sampled people said that they had seen them; a low percentage (18.2%) stated not seeing online publications with a high content of violence. More than 69% of participants affirm that all digital media should go through a filter prior to publishing their news articles and photographs. More than 93% stated that social media is the go-to source to be informed on events and facts taking place in El Salvador and the rest of the world.
 Conclusions: The dissemination of news with a high content of violence via digital media indicates that the scenes published by this media are too graphic and shocking in all its versions, and this could have a direct incidence in the circle of violence Salvadoreans live in. News articles, especially those with high violent content can exert great influence in the population in a persuasive manner and/or in the dissemination of violence.

COVERAGE OF CHILDREN'S ISSUES ON THE EXAMPLE OF GEORGIAN NEWS AGENCIES (INTERPRESSNEWS.GE AND PRIMETIME.GE)

Children are an important part of society. They have special rights, but they remain the most vulnerable members of society. Since it is easy to influence a child, the negative impulses received at this age can have a negative effect on his/her whole life. Violation of children's rights, along with many other factors, can lead to improper coverage of issues related to them by the media. Therefore, media materials prepared for children require significant editorial verification before publication. The role of the media in the issue of adolescent socialization is immeasurable. Therefore, it should make every effort to protect the rights and interests of the child, promote its development, and show the rest of society through constant exposure to discriminatory facts how important it is to mobilize and strengthen this link. In this paper, we have identified the significant trends in the coverage of children's issues in the examples of online publications. We identified the following news agencies as research objects: interpressnews.ge and primetime.ge. The aim of the work is: • Getting to know the specifics of the work of online publications on children's issues; • Determining trends in coverage of children's issues and identifying gaps; • Development of recommendations based on research results. The methodological bases of the research are qualitative and quantitative methods of content analysis and comparative analysis. As for the theoretical framework, it combines the following concepts: agenda, framing and priming theories. A detailed analysis of the empirical field revealed that coverage of issues related to children continues to face a number of challenges, which mostly include professional-ethical misconduct. In addition, the narrative is superficial, and the periodicity is less favorable. Proper coverage of children's issues is an important aspect of journalistic activity, therefore, we have chosen this topical issue as the research subject.

Effect of Flipbooks on Science Learning among Secondary School Students in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India

A flipbook, traditionally a sequence of printed images generating a motion illusion when flipped, assumes a more interactive, digitally-simulated format in the contemporary context. This technology, frequently employed for educational purposes and online publishing, fosters engaging and interactive experiences. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of flipbooks in facilitating the learning of science among secondary school students. The research design chosen for this investigation was the single group pre-and-post-test experimental group design. A group of 30 students, selected through purposive sampling techniques, constituted the sample of the study. To assess the achievement, a multiple-choice question was employed. Statistical techniques such as the Shapiro Wilks Test, t-test, mean and standard deviation, were employed. The study revealed an enhanced student understanding of flipbooks following an intervention, compared to the pre-intervention stage. The conclusion drawn was that flipbook media could effectively enhance students’ science learning attainments.

БЛОГИ ПОЛІТИЧНОГО КОМЕНТАТОРА ТА ОГЛЯДАЧА ВІТАЛІЯ ПОРТНІКОВА: ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ

<p><strong><em>The purpose of the article </em></strong><em>is to identify the features of the blog as a means of professional activity of journalist, political commentator and columnist Vitaliy Portnikov.</em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology.</em></strong><em> The main methods used in the study are descriptive and comparative, the method of scientific observation, theoretical analysis and synthesis, the method of generalization (study of scientific literature on the issue of blogging), systematic (study of the object in connection with the identification of the features of blogging), a functional (disclosure of the essence of the blog as a means of professional activity of a journalist).</em></p><p><strong><em>Results.</em></strong><em> The blog is a powerful tool of communication in the professional activity of the famous Ukrainian journalist Vitaliy Portnikov. It is only important to use all the opportunities that the blogosphere offers to journalists. In fact, the analysis of Vitaliy Portnikov’s blog activity on social media has shown that the ability to work in this environment on different platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, YouTube, Instagram) requires a lot of effort and resources, but it allows him to make his journalistic work better known among readers and be recognized as an expert media personality. It is important that the journalist goes beyond the social media environment and has a successful blog in online publications. The analysis of these particular blog posts not only reveals certain features of the blogs and strategies of communication with the audience, but also allows us to identify their structure, topics and conceptual component.</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty.</em></strong><em> The scientific novelty of the study is an attempt to investigate the features of blogs (creation and distribution of content, communication with the audience, structural, thematic and conceptual components) as a form of professional communication of political commentator and columnist Vitaliy Portnikov.</em></p><p><strong><em>Practical significance.</em></strong><em> The practical significance of the results is due to the growing role of Internet media and social networks in society as a means of communication, and in the journalistic environment as a tool for professional skills and image growth, which makes it possible to use the research materials in the process of analyzing specific aspects of journalistic skills in order to identify new aspects of the creative personality of a political commentator and columnist.</em></p><p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> blog, commentator, columnist, online media, social networks, audience, content.</em></p>

РОЛЬ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ МЕРЕЖ І МЕСЕНДЖЕРІВ У ПОШИРЕННІ КОНТЕНТУ ЗАПОРІЗЬКИМИ ОНЛАЙН-МЕДІА

<p><strong><em>The purpose of the study</em></strong><em> is to analyze the activity of using social networks and messengers by Zaporizhia internet mass media and to find out the peculiarities of the interaction of online media and additional digital platforms.</em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology.</em></strong><em> In order to investigate the theoretical achievements of scientists concerning the use of social networks and messengers in modern journalism, an analysis of scientific and methodological literature was carried out. Monitoring and comparison methods were used to study the content of Zaporizhia online media, which is distributing on various digital platforms, and induction and generalization methods were used to summarize the obtained results.</em></p><p><strong><em>The results.</em></strong><em> The research revealed that the role of social networks and messengers in the work of regional online media is growing and taking on new forms. Journalists of Zaporizhzhia internet media take care to maintain activity on different channels and pages at the same time, taking into account their own capabilities and audience priorities. In their work, there is a tendency to move from the replication of the same content on several digital platforms to the special adaptation of media messages, based on the properties of each of them, and to work on separate audience segments, in particular foreign ones. The pace of mastering the toolkit of social networks and messengers by regional internet mass media in this area is currently not too fast, especially for the production of high-quality video content, however, journalists are becoming more and more aware of the potential of cross-media and the importance of developing cross-media techniques.</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty.</em></strong><em> The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in the expansion of scientific knowledge about the specifics of the social networks and messengers use in the activity of regional online media on the example of the work of Zaporizhzhia online publications.</em></p><p><strong><em>Practical meaning.</em></strong><em> The results of the research will be useful in the practical activities of journalists in order to determine and improve the main ways of using various cross-media platforms for professional purposes.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> online media, content, digital platforms, social networks, messengers.</em></p>

ПІДХОДИ ОНЛАЙНОВИХ МЕДІА ДО ВИСВІТЛЕННЯ РОМСЬКОЇ ТЕМАТИКИ В ПЕРІОД ПОВНОМАСШТАБНОЇ ВІЙНИ

<p><strong><em>The purpose of the study</em></strong><em> is to outline the approaches used by Ukrainian online publications to cover</em> <em>Roma issues in their materials during a full-scale war. The tasks of the research are to identify trends in the use of language and content elements in media texts, their observance of professional ethics and journalistic standards.</em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology.</em></strong><em> A combination of methods is used in scientific exploration. In order to identify the language of hostility and Romaphobia in the coverage of Roma topics, a textological analysis of linguistic means in the media was applied. Qualitative content analysis was applied to identify trends in compliance or violation of ethical and professional norms in top online media indexed in the Google search engine. The methods of generalization and induction were applied during the systematization of the analyzed publications and the formulation of research conclusions.</em></p><p><strong><em>Results.</em></strong><em> The full-scale war further exacerbated the already difficult situation with Roma rights in Ukraine. This also applies to the media, which, instead of uniting the Roma national community and promoting its integration, began to separate it from Ukrainians in general. Some local and national media continue to «play» on clickbait headlines, violation of ethical norms through the use of hate speech and Romaphobia, thereby devaluing and humiliating Ukrainian citizens of Roma origin. At the same time, the analysis of media content – the language of publications, their form, content – showed that Ukrainian journalists, in comparison with previous years, began to use correct vocabulary and write balanced materials more often, observing the rules of journalistic ethics and standards of balance and credibility.</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty.</em></strong><em> This study specifies the approaches of online media in working with Roma topics, allows to follow the latest situation with coverage of the life of the Roma national community during the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war.</em></p><p><strong><em>Practical meaning.</em></strong><em> The results of the work can contribute to the establishment of interaction between journalists and the Roma community in times of full-scale war. In addition, this research can be used directly by Roma activists and community organizations to raise public awareness of Roma culture and identity.</em></p><p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> Roma, online media, Roma issues, Romaphobia, hate speech, journalistic standards.</em></p>

Programmatic Advertising and Online Publishers: The Case of Libertatea.Ro

Abstract Programmatic advertising rose in the early 2000s, aiming at streamlining the online media buying process. It offered marketers the means to buy millions of advertising impressions instantly and helped publishers increase their revenues. The deployment of automated algorithms for media trading led to a significant decrease in campaign setup and management costs and created a new revenue stream for online publishers. However, by the late 2010s, the emergence of ever more complex algorithms and the opaque practices of the Advertising Technology (AdTech) companies in charge of them have led to complaints that programmatic advertising functions largely as a “black box”. This article inquires into the programmatic media trading process, with a focus on the impact of the algorithms’ increased sophistication on the monetization strategies of online publishers. We analyze the case of Libertatea.ro, a leading Romanian newspaper, in its attempt to offset the decrease of revenue from printed circulation by increasing revenues generated through its online website. The findings show that publishers are forced to apply increasingly complex website monetization strategies. This can, in turn, lead to a loss of control over their advertising inventory and decreased bargaining power when facing AdTech companies, thus threatening the economic models of online publishing.

Features of Monetization of Internet Media: on the Example of Internet Periodicals of the Belgorod Region

This article is devoted to the study of methods of monetization of online periodicals, the study of its features, as well as the analysis of online periodicals of the Belgorod region for the use of various approaches to the issue of monetization. The subject of the research in the article are the Internet periodicals of the Belgorod region, leading the rating of the Information and analytical online service "Medialogia" for 2020, as the most cited periodicals of the Belgorod region for the specified year. The research method includes content analysis and comparative analysis of the techniques and methods used to monetize online media. The main objective of the study was to identify current ways of monetization of online periodicals and to detect trends in their further development. Such a study of online periodicals of the Belgorod region was carried out for the first time, which explains its significance and novelty. During the analysis, the following conclusions were made: currently there is no single business model for monetization of online media. However, further expansion of the range of advertising services offered is inevitable: almost any media outlet has an electronic analogue on the Internet, which means it is becoming increasingly difficult to compete. In order to attract advertisers and audiences, online publications need to take a comprehensive approach to monetization issues and regularly analyze feedback. Online publications of the Belgorod region mostly offer advertisers exactly this approach, but banner advertising is predominant. The least used way of monetization is a paid subscription to content.

NETWORK JOURNALISM: PRACTICAL ASPECT

The transformation of media and journalism in the digital world needs to be understood not only scientifi cally, but also in practical terms. What roles are there for young journalists in new media? Will there be a place there for all representatives of traditional journalism? These questions from journalism students and current professionals served as the impetus for considering the practice of one of the leading regional media - the Internet portal 74.ru. His publications over the past ten years were studied, in the preparation of which the tools of online journalism identifi ed by media researchers were used. The author believes that the experience of the Internet portal 74.ru, which serves as a kind of reference point for colleagues, can eventually be used by other regional media.An analysis of his publications showed the real involvement of regional journalists in the processes of digital transformation of the media. They successfully master many tools of online journalism, which allows them to achieve impressive creative results. Materials that have the characteristics of online journalism are the most informative and attractive among other portal publications. Involving user content to prepare problematic materials, the visual language of online publications, extracting relevant meanings from an endless variety of disparate information on the Internet helps them solve serious problems of Russian society: establish modern journalism as a public good, connect the public to the discussion of important public issues, and formulate a consistent picture of the world. All this allows the author of the article to express confi dence in the demand for the eff ective practice of the 74.ru Internet portal, and to give a positive answer to questions about the prospects of the new generation of journalists.

What Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Are Available under the Plant Treaty and Where Is This Information?

Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) are the building blocks upon which global food and nutrition security depend and are key to plant breeding for more resistant crops, but how available are they? To understand what PGRFA are available under the mechanisms created by the International Plant Treaty’s access and benefit-sharing, we conducted a comparative analysis of the five largest sources of pooled global data concerning PGRFA, including data conserved by and available to users under the Plant Treaty’s access and benefit-sharing (ABS) mechanism. These data sources were the registry of notification letters maintained by the Plant Treaty Secretariat and four international PGRFA databases: Genesys, European Search Catalogue for Plant Genetic Resources (EURISCO), World Information and Early Warning System on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (WIEWS) and Global Information System on PGRFA (GLIS). Our analysis revealed that a comprehensive and consistent overview of the PGRFA available under the Plant Treaty’s ABS conditions is not available. The GLIS is the most logical longer-term candidate to promote the provision of up-to-date and comprehensive snapshots of what PGRFA the Plant Treaty framework make available, primarily because it provides a mechanism (digital objective identifiers) to link together information from a range of information sources, including Genesys, WIEWS and EUEISCO and other online publications, and data sets concerning PGRFA in the multilateral system. Successful adoption of the GLIS could be promoted by creating novel incentives endorsed by the Governing Body to encourage Contracting Parties, Article 15 organizations, and individuals to share information about the materials they are making available under the Plant Treaty, in addition to the capacity-building for some GLIS users that is also necessary. These incentives could be included among the package of measures currently being considered by the Plant Treaty’s Working Group to Enhance the Functioning of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing.

Трансформация социально-властных отношений в мире «постправды»: деконструкция подлинности

The article analyzes the trends in the development of social and power relations in the modern world. This topic is currently of concern to many thinkers: both within the framework of philosophical discourse, and within the framework of socio-political analysis, which has applied significance for public relations in the political sphere of society. Studying modern social and power relations, the authors use mainly theoretical methods, such as analysis, generalization, modeling, systematization and typologization. The sources for the analysis are texts of politicians’ speeches, online publications, political programs of parties, and videos in various media. Character-izing the world of “post-truth”, the authors come to discouraging forecasts: such changes are anti-humanistic and can lead to a new totalitarianism, the contours of which can already be traced in the activities of the media, which can create any world, any kind of reality. However, a person is either detached from reality, immersing himself in the virtual world, or is preoccupied with consumer culture, positioning himself as a fashionable and advanced user. In fact, he may not realize that he is already living in a totalitarian society.

Речевой жанр отзыва потребителя и его трансформация в цифровую эпоху (на материале отзывов о докторах)

We analyze the influence of new technologies of communicative interaction on the transformation of the speech genre of consumer reviews on the Internet. The research is based on reviews of doctors and medical services taken from the websites of specialized online publications and forums. The author compares modern Internet-reviews of the consumer with the genre-prototype – reviews in the Book of Complaints and Suggestions. The research determines the main direction of the genre transformation, connected with the communication channel and the change in the position of the addressee: the Internet review acquires all the properties of a public media genre, since its addressee becomes a mass one. The changes also affect the image of the author: access to an unlimited audience determines the transformation of the text towards the mass media and advertising discourses with their basic functions of influencing and regulating the behavior and way of thinking of the mass addressee. The communicative-pragmatic study of the review is based on one of the essential genre-forming features – the intention of the addressee, which is expressed, first of all, in a positive or negative assessment of the medical service. The study reveals structural-semantic models of two types of reviews and analyses evaluation tactics in the texts of reviews. It is indicated that there exist communicative and legal risks due to the public nature of the negative feedback distributed on the network. The author notes pragmatic characteristics of a positive consumer feedback, which bring it closer to the advertising text.

Extinderea scopului platformei informatice SOLIROM

The article presents the SOLIROM (https://solirom.ro) software platform, which was developed for the integration of research efforts in the philological and linguistical fields in Romania. The platform contains guidelines and various digital instruments, and is meant for provide a standadised manner of elaborating, either in digital form or by digitisation, and publishing online philological resources.

PSX-5 Evaluating the Impact of an Online Newsletter on Virtual Stakeholder Engagement with Extension Educational Materials

Abstract University Extension programs traditionally disseminate agricultural information via in-person meetings and hardcopy publications even though universities have progressively transitioned towards delivering educational materials online over the past few decades. Given the demographic characteristics of beef cattle producers, who are predominantly older and tend to adhere to traditional practices, it is crucial to understand how the implementation of different content delivery strategies impact their engagement with online educational material. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing an electronic newsletter on stakeholder engagement with beef educational online publications. Engagement with online material provided on the University of Georgia (UGA) beef extension website (ugabeef.com) was evaluated 12 months before and 12 months after the UGA Beef Tips n’ Advice newsletter was launched using Siteimprove monthly reports. The newsletter was delivered monthly to an email list of beef cattle producers and industry professionals that previously attended in-person Extension programs provided by the UGA. Content of the newsletter included articles written by beef Extension Specialists, resources on current market updates and industry performance trends, and resources for upcoming Extension programs. Response variables included overall number of website visits, number of unique visitors, and overall number of pages within the website that were visualized. Each month was considered an experimental unit (n = 24) and data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the fixed effect of the email newsletter status (before versus after newsletter launch). The overall number of monthly visits to the website increased by 259% after the newsletter was launched (before: 99.17 ± 13.39 and after: 307.69 ± 12.87; P < 0.01). Moreover, the monthly number of unique visitors increased by 210% (before: 99.17 ± 13.39 and after: 307.69 ± 12.87; P < 0.01). Similar results were observed for the overall number of pages visualized, where the 12 months before launching the website had fewer page visits in the 12 months before the newsletter was launched compared with the 12 months after launching the newsletter (before: 170.92 ± 36.86 and after: 613.62 ± 35.42; P < 0.01). In conclusion, the use of an online newsletter increased stakeholder engagement and resulted in greater producer outreach through the UGA beef extension website.

Vice Chancellors and University Education Sustainability in Nigeria: Challenges and Way Forward

The study examined Vice Chancellors and University Education Sustainability in Nigeria: Challenges and Way Forward. Vice Chancellors are major players and chief executive officers in the universities' administrations; hence their roles cannot be underestimated. The social and economic development of the universities depends on the job performance of the Vice-Chancellors. This paper critically looked at the concept of Vice-chancellors and the roles and functions of Vice-chancellors in the university system. The paper also examined factors that enhance the job performance of Vice-chancellors in the university system in Nigeria. This study attempts to provide an answer to the research question that says; how has the Vice Chancellors impacted University Education for Sustainability in Nigeria? The study employed an ex-post facto research method, using secondary data that were collected from print and online publications. Content analysis was the method of analysis. The paper established that the independence of Vice Chancellors, training and retraining, adequate funding, effective supervision and provisions of adequate working resources are the factors that will enhance Vice Chancellors' job performance and enable university education to be able to perform their roles in Nigerian society. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made: The Federal Government of Nigeria and the state governments should provide adequate funds for university administrators, infrastructure facilities, adequate working resources, grant autonomy to universities and ensure effective training and retraining programmes and supervision. The suggested solution will enable the university administrators (Vice Chancellors among others) to be effective in the discharge of their roles in the universities and make university education perform its role of social and economic development.