Sound Practices Research Articles

Results of the nationale survery on algerian beekeebing (breeding practices, health situation)

The honey bee plays a crucial role in maintaining plant biodiversity and environmental equilibrium, making beekeeping a vital activity in Algeria. However, the proliferation of Varroa ectoparasitic mites, causing varroasis, poses a significant threat to beekeeping in the region. This study, conducted between March and July 2022, aimed to comprehensively characterize the state of beekeeping in Algeria and identify its primary challenges. The survey was disseminated via email to beekeeping associations and individual beekeepers, with responses from 100 participants subjected to analysis, most of the respondents 97%, are men. 66% of the respondents practice sedentary and 34% transhumance. The findings shed light on the impediments to beekeeping development in recent years, including factors such as drought, elevated mortality rates, and the prevalence of bee pathologies. Notably, a significant portion of beekeepers refrains from conducting mortality analyses. The survey also revealed a substantial decline in honey production compared to previous years. However, positive aspects emerged, such as the presence of beekeepers employing sound beekeeping practices, including frame renewal, colony protection against adverse weather conditions, and the practice of transhumance. Furthermore, periodic varroasis screening in bee colonies was observed as a promising practice. Most beekeepers 98% use annual treatments for varroa mites in light of these findings, it is imperative for beekeeping associations to actively engage and take measures to organize and enhance the beekeeping sector, thereby addressing the current challenges.

AI and Ethics: Moral Considerations of Automated Rumor Detection Technology

Abstract: As digital society continues to develop, social media and information distribution have experienced significant changes, leading to challenges with accessing credible information and identifying misinformation. In response, the use of AI automation technology has been advocated as a solution to identifying fake news and improving information credibility. However, implementing this technology raises ethical concerns related to data privacy protection, transparency in information monitoring, and maintaining a balance between free speech and censorship. This paper examines ethics associated with using AI automation techniques for identifying misinformation, and proposing relevant laws and ethical guidelines to address these concerns. Through a literature review and case analysis, this study provides guidance for the ethical implementation of AI automation techniques for identifying misinformation. Our research aims to contribute to the development of sound ethical practices in the use of AI automation techniques in misinformation identification. Furthermore, this study highlights the need for an integrated approach in AI automation technology implementation and the significant role of transparency and accountability in mitigating ethical concerns. Additionally, this paper explores the potential benefits and pitfalls associated with using AI automation techniques to identify misinformation. While such technology can improve information credibility and protect the democratic process, it also poses risks to the quality of information and public trust in technology. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of ethical considerations in implementing AI automation techniques for identifying misinformation and provides guidance for policymakers and practitioners working in the field of AI and information governance.

The CFO financial performance and the financial market scenario: A Review

This article introduces a literature review on the CFO's financial performance in the ever-challenging Brazilian financial market scenario. Key findings pointed out that the CFO of unlisted companies shows a lower inclination to estimate the cost of equity. The study also highlighted the need for technical and organizational solutions to agency problems, such as sound corporate governance practices, computer-aided accounting systems, incentive-based compensation, clear performance goals, and delegation of operational decisions. The study also examined the CFO's perspective and the companies' strategic ecosystem, finding that duality in the roles can negatively impact financial reporting quality.

From Sustainable Agriculture to Sustainable Agrifood Systems: A Comparative Review of Alternative Models

This paper reviews, compares, and critically evaluates two broad groups of sustainable agriculture models: “sustainable agriculture” and “sustainable agrifood systems”. The “sustainable agriculture” models—comprising organic farming, regenerative agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, carbon-capture agriculture, and nature-based solutions—focus primarily on improving ecological sustainability through farm-level practices. These models emphasize reducing external, industrial inputs, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting climate resilience, relying on technological and market-based solutions to address environmental concerns. On the other hand, the “sustainable agrifood systems” models—agroecology, alternative food networks, and permaculture—offer more ambitious visions of systemic transformation. These approaches not only seek to implement environmentally sound practices but also aim to reconfigure the broader food system by challenging corporate power, promoting local governance, fostering food sovereignty, and prioritizing social justice. Grounded in grassroots movements, these models emphasize social justice and economic viability in addition to ecological sustainability. This paper’s contribution lies in its comparative analysis of the wide array of sustainable alternatives, highlighting both their strengths and limitations. Adopting an agrarian political economy perspective, it critiques the former camp for limited engagement with structural issues inherent in capitalist agriculture and the latter camp for underplaying the importance of industrial agriculture for national development in the Global South.

Construction 5.0 and Sustainable Neuro-Responsive Habitats: Integrating the Brain–Computer Interface and Building Information Modeling in Smart Residential Spaces

This study takes a unique approach by investigating the integration of Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) within residential architecture. It explores their combined potential to foster neuro-responsive, sustainable environments within the framework of Construction 5.0. The methodological approach involves real-time BCI data and subjective evaluations of occupants’ experiences to elucidate cognitive and emotional states. These data inform BIM-driven alterations that facilitate adaptable, customized, and sustainability-oriented architectural solutions. The results highlight the ability of BCI–BIM integration to create dynamic, occupant-responsive environments that enhance well-being, promote energy efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. The primary contribution of this work is the demonstration of the viability of neuro-responsive architecture, wherein cognitive input from Brain–Computer Interfaces enables real-time modifications to architectural designs. This technique enhances built environments’ flexibility and user-centered quality by integrating occupant preferences and mental states into the design process. Furthermore, integrating BCI and BIM technologies has significant implications for advancing sustainability and facilitating the design of energy-efficient and ecologically responsible residential areas. The study offers practical insights for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, providing a method for implementing BCI–BIM systems to enhance user experience and promote sustainable design practices. The research examines ethical issues concerning privacy, data security, and informed permission, ensuring these technologies adhere to moral and legal requirements. The study underscores the transformational potential of BCI–BIM integration while acknowledging challenges related to data interoperability, integrity, and scalability. As a result, ongoing innovation and rigorous ethical supervision are crucial for effectively implementing these technologies. The findings provide practical insights for architects, engineers, and industry professionals, offering a roadmap for developing intelligent and ethically sound design practices.

Public Sector Audit Reforms and Financial Management

Developing economies across the world face high public corruption and weak financial management, and the role of sound audit practices in shaping the narratives is still at the exploring stage in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This research explores the nexus between public audit reforms and public sector financial management using survey research design and Nigeria as a case study. Participants in the study were drawn from The Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF) Headquarter in Abuja. Agency theory anchored this study and simple descriptive analytics was used in testing the seven hypotheses. The research established that: the recent audit reforms carried out in Nigeria are considered necessary for better public sector financial management; Nigeria’s audit system has a strong connection with public sector financial management; there is a need for the establishment of Federal Audit Service Commission (FASC) in Nigeria; the recent audit reforms will block treasury loot and leakages in Nigerian public funds management; Nigeria needs effective audit laws to wholesomely fight corruption through recent audit reforms; and the recent Nigerian audit reforms embrace integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The study makes the following recommendations: there is a need for audit staff orientation and professional development in order to promote their overall productivity and efficiency; there is a need for the establishment of Federal Audit Service Commission (FASC) in order to promote the independence of Nigerian Audit system from executive interferences; Nigeria audit laws should be strengthened to curtail fund leakages, wastages of public property, and promotion of value-for-money expenditures; and the recent audit reforms carried out by the government of Nigeria should be sustained and given all necessary supports in order to achieve the desired results.

Financial Literacy Practices of Teachers

Embracing sound financial literacy practices can empower teachers to build a financially literate community. In this context, this study aimed to determine the level of teachers’ financial literacy practices. Data for this descriptive study was collected from 56 teachers using a researcher-made instrument that has gone through rigorous tests of validity and reliability. The ensuing analysis showed a low level of financial literacy among teacher-respondents. Additionally, no significant difference was found in the teachers’ financial literacy practices based on age and civil status. In contrast, a significant difference was found in teachers’ financial literacy practices based on groupings by educational attainment and family income. Meanwhile, a significant difference was found when the same data was analyzed based on the length of service and grouping by needs and wants. The findings of this paper call for a salary increase for the teachers, loans on a legal basis, seminars, and training for teachers. Keywords: Financial literacy practices, teachers, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Corporate Social Responsibility: A Paradigm Shift towards Organizational Care for Employees’ Wellbeing

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained significant attention in recent years, with organizations increasingly focusing on their impact on society and the environment. However, while many organizations prioritize external stakeholders, the well-being of internal stakeholders, particularly employees, is often overlooked. This article contends that an authentic socially responsible organization should care for the well-being of both external and internal stakeholders equally. Through a literature review, this study examined the concept of CSR in the context of employees’ well-being. It developed a conceptual framework to theorize how deliberate organizational initiatives can improve employees' overall well-being, ultimately contributing to their quality of work life and life satisfaction. The study highlights the importance of responsible organizations demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility towards their employees through organizational care and implementing sound workplace practices and policies. This study emphasizes the need for increased attention to the internal dimensions of CSR and greater transparency in reporting structured practices that support employees’ well-being.

The Arduous and the Ordinary: Embodying the Conversational Voice in the Long Nineteenth Century

This article aims to chart out a cultural history of the voice in conversation in the nineteenth century. Often understood as a period of decline of the ‘art’ of conversation, as it was defined in the eighteenth century (and studied by historians of the period), the nineteenth century was witness to a shift away from conscious cultivation. Conversation, in the nineteenth century, became the counterpoint to more formalized modes of speech like oratory and debate, and was defined as ‘natural’. As such, it also became an object of study for experts specializing in vocal health, who saw this ‘natural’ form of vocal expression as a place to see the voice in action at its least artificial. Based on the work of these experts – scientific treatises, early forays in laryngoscopy, educational work and self-help manuals – I propose an analysis of their largely normative texts that focuses on sound and vocal practice, rather than the development of scientific discourse and its disciplinary character. I borrow central concepts from sound studies, like that of the audile technique and aurality in order to do so, and place the vocalizing body at the center of this analysis.

Intervención de la motivación docente en el logro de los objetivos de aprendizaje: Percepción de los docentes

Maintaining a conducive classroom environment and achieving the desired outcomes in students are among the many challenges inherent to teaching practice. This study sought to update the perspectives of a group of educators on the design of an engaging, modern, and innovative teaching framework, with a focus on effective strategies and techniques for fostering sound academic practices and motivation. The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods within a bibliographic, descriptive, and non-experimental framework. The study involved the participation of 25 teachers from an educational institution, who voluntarily completed a questionnaire via a Google Forms link. The questionnaire aimed to assess the degree of motivation, which was evaluated across the following dimensions: creativity, student-teacher relationships, resilience, and persistence. The results indicated that teachers perceive a positive correlation between knowledge, motivation, and effective teaching practices in achieving learning objectives. Additionally, the findings highlight the recognition of teachers' attitudes toward their teaching role and the ongoing improvement of their pedagogical approaches. Finally, a discussion is presented on the use of motivational strategies and the challenges present in the academic context that impede their implementation, emphasizing the importance of fostering greater student engagement.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON GROWTH OF BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN MBINGA DISTRICT, TANZANIA

A robust financial management system forms the foundation for business growth and long-term survival. However, there is limited information on the financial management practices that contribute to business growth in the Mbinga district. This study examined financial management and working capital management practices. A semi quasi-experimental research design was employed, utilizing questionnaires distributed to a sample of 62 business owners. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using the SPSS package. The results indicated that 41.9% of business enterprises employed working capital management practices, while 24% used capital structure management practices. Financial management practices were found to enhance management efficiency with a mean score of 3.74, increase the availability of capital with a mean score of 3.61, and improve operational margins with a mean score of 3.56. The study concluded that financial management practices are crucial for business growth and recommended their implementation. The study also found that capital structure management practices were applied to a lesser extent, although businesses showed an understanding of balancing debt and equity for financial sustainability. These findings suggest that the effective implementation of financial management practices is crucial for the growth and performance of businesses in the district. The study concludes that the integration of sound financial management practices contributes to better financial decision-making, risk mitigation, and resource optimization, leading to business expansion and sustainability. From a policy perspective, the study recommends that regulators and stakeholders encourage firms to leverage debt financing due to its associated tax benefits and advantages for financial sustainability. Theoretically, the findings underscore the relevance of agency theory in understanding the dynamics between managers and shareholders, and the principle of optimal capital structure in maximizing firm value. These insights provide a foundation for future research and practical interventions aimed at improving financial management practices in similar contexts.

Automated Provenance-Based Screening of ML Data Preparation Pipelines

SummarySoftware systems that learn from data via machine learning (ML) are being deployed in increasing numbers in real world application scenarios. These ML applications contain complex data preparation pipelines, which take several raw inputs, integrate, filter and encode them to produce the input data for model training. This is in stark contrast to academic studies and benchmarks, which typically work with static, already prepared datasets. It is a difficult and tedious task to ensure at development time that the data preparation pipelines for such ML applications adhere to sound experimentation practices and compliance requirements. Identifying potential correctness issues currently requires a high degree of discipline, knowledge, and time from data scientists, and they often only implement one-off solutions, based on specialised frameworks that are incompatible with the rest of the data science ecosystem.We discuss how to model data preparation pipelines as dataflow computations from relational inputs to matrix outputs, and propose techniques that use record-level provenance to automatically screen these pipelines for many common correctness issues (e.g., data leakage between train and test data). We design a prototypical system to screen such data preparation pipelines and furthermore enable the automatic computation of important metadata such as group fairness metrics. We discuss how to extract the semantics and the data provenance of common artifacts in supervised learning tasks and evaluate our system on several example pipelines with real-world data.

Improving contraceptive care for minors in Israel: practice, policy, and training gaps among OBGYNs

BackgroundSexually active adolescents sometimes seek contraceptives without parental consent, posing challenges due to minors' confidentiality and consent regulations. This is especially the case under the un-nuanced Israeli legal scheme regarding adolescents' care.MethodsIsraeli OBGYNs were contacted through mailing lists and social media groups and asked to fill an online questionnaire regarding their experience and protocols concerning prescription of contraceptives to minors. They were also asked about their comprehension of the relevant legal obligations, the importance they ascribe to different ethical interests and considerations, as well as their training.ResultsOf the 177 responding gynecologists, 132 (74.58%) consulted minors about contraceptives during the past year, regardless of a vast lack of training on providing care to minors. More than a third of respondents believed that there is no legal requirement to involve parents in the process, and only 8% assumed a legal obligation for parental involvement in all minors under the age of 18. Three quarters would "almost always" prescribe contraceptives without parental knowledge, if requested, while 20% never would. No correlation was found between respondents' practices and their perception of the relevant legal obligations. Participants agreed that the risk to the health of the minor as a result of having sex without contraceptives is of utmost importance. Yet, those willing to prescribe gave greater weight to this consideration, while those who do not prescribe were more concerned with the legal ramifications of such an act. The majority identified the age of 15 as the threshold for consistently prescribing contraceptives to minors without parental involvement.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant gaps in both the legal framework and the training of Israeli OBGYNs, and further supports confidential prescription of contraceptives to minors 15 years and older, via Article 6 of the Israeli Legal Competence and Guardianship Law. Legislative reform, professional guidelines and education and training programs are all needed to ensure consistent and legally sound practices, that safeguard the health and rights of minors. It is imperative to guide healthcare providers, including OBGYNs prescribing contraceptives to minors, on managing the care of minors refusing parental involvement, clarifying the legal framework and ethical considerations involved.

EXPLORING THE ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF BIOMETRICS IN CYBERSECURITY

Abstract—This article offers a thorough investigation of the ethical concerns related to employing biometrics in cybersecurity. It investigates the importance of biometric technology, its effects on privacy and security, and the moral challenges it raises. By extensively examining literature, case studies, and ethical principles, this paper seeks to offer perspectives on how people, institutions, and policymakers can address the ethical complexities associated with using biometrics in cybersecurity while guaranteeing responsible and ethically sound practices. Keywords—Biometrics, Cybersecurity, Privacy, Ethics, Security, Spoofing, Vulnerability, Surveillance

Financial literacy and small and medium enterprises performance: the moderating role of financial access

Purpose The current study examines the relationship between financial literacy and small and the performance of medium enterprises (SMEs), focusing on the moderating role of financial access. Design/methodology/approach The population of this study consists of present SMEs in Kuwait, from whom a sample of 155 businesses was chosen. This study adopted a cross-sectional time frame and analyzed the collected data using partial least square structural equation modeling, and Smart-pls 4 software was applied for calculation. Findings This research reveals that financial literacy significantly influences SME performance, consistent with previous studies, showing that higher financial literacy promotes entrepreneurs' financial management capabilities and enhances business outcomes. Also, the study supports that financial access significantly moderates this relationship, pointing out that adequate access to financial services boosts the benefits of financial literacy. Research limitations/implications Major implications of this study compromise the urgent need for customized financial literacy programs and policies promoting financial thoroughness, particularly in enhancing economies. The study recognizes limitations such as its cross-sectional design, small sample size and reliance on self-reported measures, suggesting further research use longitudinal approaches, a larger sample and objective measures. Practical implications The authors’ recommendations contain comprehensive financial literacy training, development of targeted financial education initiatives, promotion of sound financial management practices and policies to enhance financial access and inclusion, all aimed at boosting SME performance and contributing to economic growth. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is Kuwait’s first of its sort. Thus, the research is even more critical in Kuwait, where social and corporate values differ significantly. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between financial literacy and the performance of Kuwait’s SMEs moderated by financial access.

Intercept evidence from foreign language communications: Reliability and minimum standards in the interests of justice.

This paper explores the role of Intercept Interpreters/Translators (IITs) in law enforcement communication surveillance efforts. It focuses on the production and reliability of Translated Intercept Records (TIR), which are comprehensive written records in the target language that may be produced for intelligence purposes or for use in court as Translated Intercept Evidence (TIE). The paper underscores the critical importance of reliable TIR for both evidentiary use and operational decision-making. The authors emphasise the need to establish minimal standards in the quest for reliability and dispel the misconception that literal translations fulfil evidentiary requirements. The standards proposed in this paper aim to minimise interpretation errors to enhance the overall effectiveness of investigations and safeguard the interests of justice. The paper concludes by highlighting the need to align judicial expectations with sound translation practices.

Using waste to treat waste: Utilizing pickling liquor for detoxification and extraction of valuable elements from electroplating sludge

Addressing the urgent need for sustainable solutions in waste management, this study focuses on the pivotal task of recycling heavy metals from electroplating sludge (ES), a critical issue both environmentally and economically. The research introduces a novel leaching process utilizing pickling liquor as a reagent to extract valuable metals from the sludge. Key parameters such as agitation speed, solid to liquid ratio (S/L), temperature, and duration were examined to optimize the leaching rate. Results revealed impressive extraction rates, with 92.33 % Cr, 89.49 % Cu, and 89.59 % Ni extracted within 120 min from S/L 10 g/L, at 300 rpm, and 25 °C. However, it was noted that increasing temperature negatively impacted the leaching rate and led to the formation of undesirable compounds. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identified gypsum and potassium jarosite as predominant compounds formed on the leaching residues at different temperatures of 25 °C and 45 °C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) illustrated significant morphological changes in the residues, indicating the influence of temperature on compound formation. Additionally, environmental risk assessment of the residues was conducted using synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) and toxicology characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) methods. In conclusion, this research underscores the promising potential of the developed leaching process using pickling liquor to reclaim valuable metals from ES. By optimizing parameters and assessing environmental risks, this study contributes to advancing environmentally sound practices in industrial waste management.

Accuracy of Speech Sound Analysis: Comparison of an Automatic Artificial Intelligence Algorithm With Clinician Assessment.

Automatic speech analysis (ASA) and automatic speech recognition systems are increasingly being used in the treatment of speech sound disorders (SSDs). When utilized as a home practice tool or in the absence of the clinician, the ASA system has the potential to facilitate treatment gains. However, the feedback accuracy of such systems varies, a factor that may impact these gains. The current research analyzes the feedback accuracy of a novel ASA algorithm (Amplio Learning Technologies), in comparison to clinician judgments. A total of 3,584 consonant stimuli, produced by 395 American English-speaking children and adolescents with SSDs (age range: 4-18 years), were analyzed with respect to automatic classification of the ASA algorithm, clinician-ASA agreement, and interclinician agreement. Further analysis of results as related to phoneme acquisition categories (early-, middle-, and late-acquired phonemes) was conducted. Agreement between clinicians and ASA classification for sounds produced accurately was above 80% for all phonemes, with some variation based on phoneme acquisition category (early, middle, late). This variation was also noted for ASA classification into "acceptable," "unacceptable," and "unknown" (which means no determination of phoneme accuracy) categories, as well as interclinician agreement. Clinician-ASA agreement was reduced for misarticulated sounds. The initial findings of Amplio's novel algorithm are promising for its potential use within the context of home practice, as it demonstrates high feedback accuracy for correctly produced sounds. Furthermore, complexity of sound influences consistency of perception, both by clinicians and by automated platforms, indicating variable performance of the ASA algorithm across phonemes. Taken together, the ASA algorithm may be effective in facilitating speech sound practice for children with SSDs, even in the absence of the clinician.

Effects of ease of doing business and components of good corporate governance on foreign direct investment: Evidence from the Western Balkans

The research aims to quantify the effect of easy doing business (EDB) on foreign direct investments, especially their resulting consequences. Meanwhile, the research combines supplementary components that are associated with sound corporate governance practices, consisting of control of corruption (CC), lending interest rate (LIR), regulatory quality (RQ), and governance effectiveness (GE). To achieve the stated aim, the research employs secondary data from 2015-2022 and employs regression analysis as the analytical approach. Following examining outcomes, it is observed that EDB and GE have a statistically significant positive effect, while the variables resulting in a significantly negative effect on FDI were LIR and RQ. Concerning CC, there have been surprising results since it has harmful effects that are nevertheless statistically insignificant. Research from the perspective of science's contribution and creative thought relies on the application of a quantitative approach with a mixture of variables that directly affect FDI. The discoveries of the research definitely will challenge numerous stakeholders who operate within this field, such as scholars, and researchers, while nonetheless not omitting the implication of members who are additionally competent in the legislative part. The conclusions of this research will encourage an in-depth review of the implications for policymaking. Specifically, it requires upgrading certain regulations to make them more attractive for FDI.

Ethical Practices and Efficiency in the Internal Control of Peruvian Public Transport

The study aims to assess the impact of ethical practices on the effectiveness of internal control in public transport companies in Peru, to understand how these aspects influence corporate integrity, customer trust and corporate reputation; a quantitative, descriptive and explanatory methodology was used; data were collected through structured surveys applied to 50 employees of a transport company, covering various areas such as sales, administration and internal control; it is concluded that ethical practices significantly influence the effectiveness of internal control. Deficiencies in these areas lead to loss of customer confidence and financial and legal risks. The integration of sound ethical practices into business culture and processes improves management, customer confidence and business sustainability; highlights the need to improve integrity and operational efficiency in transport companies. It recommends implementing ethics training programmers and strengthening internal control systems adapted to the local context, as well as integrating advanced technologies for risk management and visualization.Corporate Governance