Subject Areas Research Articles

Internet of Things security and privacy in Higher Education Institutions in Developing Countries

Technological breakthroughs like the Internet of Things (IoT) technology have tremendously impacted today's world and have led to changes in many spheres of life, including education. With the pervasiveness of IoT devices, learning and academic institutions are already integrating IoT into educational activities. Nonetheless, despite the numerous technological advancements and the demand for high-quality education for everyone, IoT's adoption and impact on education are still in their infancy. On the other hand, with the number of connected items having reached billions and still growing, there is cause for concern regarding the Internet of Things' potential for serious privacy violations, considering it is one of the most potent technologies for creating, modifying, and sharing data. Therefore, to emphasise the thematic areas and prospects for additional research related to the security and privacy of the Internet of Things (IoT) and within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), this study explores the security and privacy of IoT in the context of HEIs within developing countries.

Performance-enhancing substances in sport: A scientometric review of 75 years of research.

The use of performance-enhancing substances not only undermines the core values of sports but also poses significant health risks to athletes. In a fast-evolving doping environment, where sport professionals are constantly seeking novel and illegal means to bypass doping tests, and new substances are regularly detected on the drug market, it is crucial to inform authorities with updated evidence emerging from scientific research. The current study aims to (i) outline the structure of knowledge in the literature on performance enhancers in sports (i.e., most active countries, main sources, most productive authors, and most frequently used keywords); (ii) identify the most impactful documents in the field; and (iii) uncover the main domains of research in the literature. To do so, we conducted a comprehensive scientometric analysis of the literature on doping, sourcing our data from Scopus. Our research involved a document co-citation analysis of 193,076 references, leading to the identification of the 51 most influential documents and seven key thematic areas within the doping literature. Our results indicate that the scientific community has extensively studied the most prevalent doping classes, such as anabolic agents and peptide hormones, and little is still known about the use of contaminated supplements or other types of enhancers identified as emergent trends. Concurrently, technological advancements contributed to the development of more sophisticated doping detection techniques, using blood or urine samples. More recently, the focus has shifted towards the athlete biological passport, with research efforts aimed at identifying biomarkers indicative of doping. The dynamic nature of doping methods underlines the necessity for more robust educational campaigns, aiming at raising awareness among sports professionals and their entourage about the dangers of doping and the intricacies of its control mechanisms.

Methods for Thematic Analysis and Ranking in Information Analysis Systems Based on Relational DBMS

The paper presents the models and algorithms for searching, filtering and ranking data in an information analysis system, based on the ontological description of its structure. The rules for filtering and ranking objects based on their boolean, numeric or enumerable properties are specified by the users, and based on these rules SQL queries are evaluated. Another problem considered is taking subject area into account when searching for objects. Adding this allows one to solve many tasks that occur in current research information systems, such as searching for experts in given subject areas or generating reports. A search query can be specified in the form of a set of keywords, and a statistical approach is used for comparing keyword sets.

Images: Cognitive Mechanism, Poetics, Semiosphere

The study is devoted to the phenomenon of the image as a concept of many humanities. The cognitive mechanism for creating a linguistic and textual image (apperception, application of frames with a matching slot, basic categorization of the world) is under consideration. A typology of linguistic images is given: an acoustic image as a second channel of meaning, along with a lexical-and-semantic one; the means of figurative derivation; a figurative internal form of a word of a secondary direct nomination ( осточертеть, накостылять ); lexical figurativeness and syntagmatics of direct and figurative meanings of a monocode (metaphors of one thematic zone) and polycode (metaphors of different thematic areas) kind. It is concluded that the semantic syntagmatics of figurative language means demonstrates the operation of the law of semantic agreement at the level of both explicit and implicit language means. The types of text figurativeness (figurative detail, image-character, correlation of the figurative structure of texts with the concepts of language and style) are considered. The cultural imagery of naming-characteristics of the cultural paradigms of Europe - Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Modern times; the evolution of civilizational meanings of previous epochs and their transformation into images of modern language ( египетский труд, высокие амфоры ног, площадная брань, макиавеллизм ) is under the studies. The conclusions are made about the function of an image as a systematizer, an ontology parameter. At the same time, metaphor is a magic crystal of focusing space, time and thought, a linguistic way of connecting simultaneity and continuity of the developmtnt of culture. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the identification of the mechanism of semantic syntagmatics of direct and figurative meanings of lexemes (iteration of denotative, connotative and potential semes; semantic consistency - compatibility of thematic zones “anthropomorphic metaphor - artifact metaphor, anthropomorphic metaphor - naturalmorphic metaphor, phytomorphic metaphor - zoomorphic metaphor”, etc.), as well as in establishing the semiotic evolution of the civilizational meanings of cultural paradigms - the historical transformation, due to the loss of denotations and referents, of the names of denotations into the characteristics of a wide range of objects: патрицианский профиль А.Ахматовой (M. Tsvetaeva) as ‘Roman’, ‘with a proud landing of the head’; марионетка ‘non-independent subject’, ‘state under external control’, барочный торт (L. Ulitskaya) ‘overly decorated’. The article proposes an algorithm for the analysis of a polymetaphorical poetic text.

Methodology for Evidence Evaluation and Reporting of the NAEMSP Trauma Compendium Position Statements

Background Position statements from national organizations commonly vary in methodology for the evaluation of existing literature and the development of recommendations. Recent national recommendations have highlighted important components for evidence-based guidelines that can be feasibly incorporated in the creation of position statements and their resource documents. We describe the methodology developed to guide the creation of a compendium of 16 trauma-related position statements led by NAEMSP and partner organizations. Methods Each position statement group developed trauma-related topic areas, primarily guided by the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) framework. A structured literature search comprised of search terms aimed to identify relevant EMS and trauma-related scientific publications was performed for each topic area. Resource documents for each position statement included a description of the literature considered in forming recommendations, reported through evidence tables and a narrative description of the available literature. Where evidence was limited, consensus-based recommendations were developed using content experts and reviewed by the NAEMSP Standards and Clinical Practice Committee. Conclusion We report a standardized methodology for literature review and development of recommendations as part of a compendium of trauma-related position statements from NAEMSP and partner organizations. This methodology can serve as a template for future position statements with ongoing refinement.

Emerging Trends in Sustainable Entrepreneurial Behavior: Bibliometric Data Insights

The present study explores the current trends in sustainable entrepreneurial behavior to contribute fundamental knowledge for future academic research in the dynamic field of sustainable entrepreneurship. This study employs a bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database to identify significant changes and emerging topics in academic discourse about the selected keywords. By employing a systematic approach, one can attain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and establish a solid foundation for subsequent research. The analysis comprises a total of 666 articles obtained from Scopus. This study utilizes methodological tools like Microsoft Excel, Harzing’s Publish or Perish program, and VOS viewer. These tools were used to quantify and evaluate citation frequencies. This method enables the assessment of the academic output and influence exerted by document type, evolution of published studies, subject area, and prominent keywords. Nevertheless, there are several constraints associated with this study, including the omission of articles published after 2022 and a specific emphasis on English-language publications from 1991 to 2022. Notwithstanding these limitations, there has been a substantial and continuous academic emphasis on the study of sustainable entrepreneurial behavior. Future research should investigate sustainable behavior within the context of social entrepreneurship. The government and policymakers have the ability to significantly contribute to the creation of an ecosystem that promotes sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

Individual variation in undergraduate student metacognitive monitoring and error detection during biology model evaluation

IntroductionModels are a primary mode of science communication and preparing university students to evaluate models will allow students to better construct models and predict phenomena. Model evaluation relies on students’ subject-specific knowledge, perception of model characteristics, and confidence in their knowledge structures.MethodsFifty first-year college biology students evaluated models of concepts from varying biology subject areas with and without intentionally introduced errors. Students responded with ‘error’ or ‘no error’ and ‘confident’ or ‘not confident’ in their response.ResultsOverall, students accurately evaluated 65% of models and were confident in 67% of their responses. Students were more likely to respond accurately when models were drawn or schematic (as opposed to a box-and-arrow format), when models had no intentional errors, and when they expressed confidence. Subject area did not affect the accuracy of responses.DiscussionVariation in response patterns to specific models reflects variation in model evaluation abilities and suggests ways that pedagogy can support student metacognitive monitoring during model-based reasoning. Error detection is a necessary step towards modeling competence that will facilitate student evaluation of scientific models and support their transition from novice to expert scientists.

Tangible Radio: Deaf studies and sound studies coalitions

As a medium for information, entertainment and communication, radio had taken precedence over television for decades, at least in terms of its accessibility in all households. Television and later the internet never completely annulled its aural condition, while its form altered to keep up with developments in terms of asynchrony or subject areas. Today it is considered the predominantly ‘cool medium’. Recent developments in television and the internet’s ways of operating render it a more detached medium than the alternative, given that a medium can change ‘temperature’ over time depending on the use (Levinson 2001: 108). But what about its accessibility to d/Deaf and Hard-of-hearing groups? Are these communities excluded by default from radio programmes and artistic creation through radiophonic media? In this article I analyse a case study, ‘Tangible Radio – Class on Air’ workshop, as part of B-AIR Creative Europe programme, as well as the convergences of sound art and the deaf experience in terms of co-creation, participation and educational processes. I will argue that radio as a medium can very successfully include the d/Deaf and Hard-of-hearing communities if relevant methodologies and technologies are encompassed to its processes.

Analysis of Library School Syllabi Reveals Poor Design and Limited Content about Disability and Accessibility

A Review of:Pionke, J. (2023). What are library graduate students learning about disability and accessibility? A syllabus analysis. Urban Library Journal, 29(1). https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj/vol29/iss1/2/ Objective – To analyze the disability and accessibility content of library sciences courses. As well as to determine the importance of teaching students about this topic throughout programs covered in the study. Design – Qualitative study involving the data analysis of syllabi. Setting – Selected library graduate school curriculum programs in the United States. Subjects – In total, 77 syllabi drawn from 49 institutions taken from the American Library Association listing of accredited library school graduate programs. Methods – The author used keyword searches to identify courses offered between 2017–2020 that contained content on disability and accessibility. Syllabi were available for 77 of the 145 identified courses. The author analyzed the sample set (n=77) for both content and structure. Main Results – Poor citation structure, disability accommodation statements, assessment, and a focus on digital accessibility were among the main findings highlighted. The author identified four major categories to explain and understand the content found on the syllabi; these descriptors were further broken down into sub-categories to explain the findings of each topic content area. Highlights of the results are: disability and accessibility topics and all related terms were ranked according to number of times they appeared, e.g. digital content, usability, web/internet, coding (22); instruction and information literacy (16); and specific demographics etc. (10); the organization and sequencing of when course content was presented - at the beginning, middle and end of the semester; citation currency– Two hundred syllabi were analyzed. One hundred and forty-one syllabi had fairly current citation dates falling between 2009-2018. Forty-eight had no dates and eleven had dates that were outdated (2008 or earlier); assignments – which measured the learning outcome of the said topic were reported in the following way: nothing assigned (67); 1 or more assignments (11); undetermined (3). Conclusion –The study underlies that a well-crafted syllabus effectively communicates the goals of the course – the importance of the topic structure about disability and accessibility in library schools’ curricula. The author identified numerous design flaws that impact how the content relays information about the course’s pedagogy. The data suggest the need for the following improvements on the syllabi: professional topic presentation, variety of formats in texts and materials and their access, citation currency and poor structure, assignments and organization sequencing of course content, a number of assessment focused observations on vague assignments or lack of examples provided, and the inclusion of disability statements. Some of the higher order concerns were: the ableist language contained, outdated language, and the lack of stated university-related disability resources for students. All of the aforementioned present an accessibility barrier for disabled students and may affect the general perception about the topic. The author recommends that stronger guidelines for LIS educators would be advantageous to students, encourage disability awareness and the best DEI practices. Further to this, libraries should implement and adapt a strategic plan that would help overcome accessibility barriers for patron delivery services. There must be an increased emphasis on teaching about accessibility that expands beyond forms of digital media. Providing equitable library services in all areas for the disabled populations in the physical library spaces is needed.

"I think my vagina is still there?": Women's perspectives on sexual function and dysfunction following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, a qualitative study.

Women's sexual health after radical cystectomy is an important but poorly understood aspect of bladder cancer survivorship. Dedicated investigation is needed to elucidate patient perceptions on sexual function and dysfunction in this setting. In this study we sought to qualitatively examine women's perceptions and experiences of sexual health following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. We conducted one-on-one qualitative telephone interviews with 40 women who underwent radical cystectomy in the past 6months to 5 years and signed a research consent form to be contacted for future studies. We examined women's experiences of engaging in sexual activity after surgery and their attitudes toward sex and body image. We audio recorded, transcribed, and coded the interviews using ATLAS.ti software and applied grounded theory methods for analysis. For data that emerged during the qualitative interviews that was related to lack of knowledge about how physical and psychological sexual health would be affected after surgery, we reviewed and discussed transcripts that enabled coding of the data into emerging topic areas. Our analysis yielded 4 main themes. (1) Women reported receiving little to no information from providers about female sexual dysfunction prior to or after radical cystectomy. Women wished they had been provided more information about female sexual dysfunction from their clinicians, including strategies for postoperative self-pleasure and nonintercourse methods of sexual pleasure with partners. (2) Women shared that they were not sexually active following surgery due to physical and mental barriers. (3) When women did try to engage in sex, they described feeling disappointed that it did not feel the same as prior to surgery. (4) Some women found that physical therapy helped them to physically and mentally recover their strength to engage in sexual activity again. Clinicians must directly address sexual health concerns with patients who undergo radical cystectomy. This study has several key strengths. Investigation into women's sexual function and dysfunction addresses a gap in understanding of this component of women's health-related quality of life after radical cystectomy, which represents an unmet need. The large number of interviews conducted as well as the in-depth information obtained through one-on-one interviews are additional strengths. This study also has limitations, including possible shortcomings of telephone interviews compared with in-person interviews. However, telephone interviews were beneficial because the interviews took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and spared patients from extra visits or from having to travel long distances to the respective medical centers. Other possible limitations were that patients may have been reluctant to share all of their experiences and that patients who underwent urostomies, also termed ileal conduits, were overrepresented in this study compared with women who underwent continent urine diversions, which allow greater control over urine output. Broadening the understanding of sexual health beyond sexual intercourse to encompass sexuality and self-pleasure can provide clinicians, patients, and their families with more effective preparation and strategies to care for an essential aspect of their wellbeing.

The relationship between the tourist attractiveness of the country and the sales of national brands: The example of BeerLao

The dynamic relationship between tourism and BeerLao export in Laos is investigated in this article. It provides an in-depth look into the studies that have been conducted showing the various correlations between inbound tourism and economic performance of various countries. Laos is a small landlocked Southeast Asian country with a rich cultural past, magnificent natural beauty and a rising economy despite its small size. Agriculture, particularly rice production, is the economy’s mainstay, although other industries including as manufacturing and services are slowly expanding. The most widely known Laos brand is BeerLao, a distinctive beer label occupying almost 100 % of the country’s market. The current paper explores BeerLao’s history, production, marketing strategies and export destinations, as well as the elements that contribute to its export success - specifically tourism. It seems that the pre-pandemic expansion of BeerLao’s success in the world and inbound tourism dynamics of the country are correlative and have mutually beneficial relationship. The research looks into how tourism might have affected BeerLao’s export volumes and vice versa in pre-pandemic era. The study underlines the importance of tourism and beer exports to the Laotian economy and recommends crucial areas for future investigation. The study intends to provide insights into the economic and cultural significance of tourism and beer exports in Laos, as well as provide meaningful insights to policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders about the potential benefits and problems of these businesses. The study also provides a foundation for further studies of the topical area for Laos products and their possible marketing strategies in regional and world markets.

Representation of the Samarkand text in the linguocognitive aspect

INTRODUCTION. The relevance of the study of the Samarkand text is due to the development of many issues related to the development of text theory and linguocognitive tradition in linguistics: the Samarkand text allows, on one toponym Samarkand, to identify a system of cognitive contexts, or conceptual thematic areas that underlie the formation of various meanings and senses that reflect information about certain facts and phenomena of reality associated with the toponym Samarkand. The purpose of the study is to establish the relationship of the toponym Samarkand with conceptual areas based on the identified characteristics and determine the status of the toponym as a special type of linguistic organization of knowledge.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The research material is poems in which the toponym Samarkand is presented. The collection of toponymic material is carried out using the continuous sampling method. The cognitive matrix method is used to describe the formats of toponymic knowledge.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Turning to the format of the cognitive matrix made it possible to show how universal human knowledge about the structure of the surrounding reality behind the toponymic unit Samarkand is formatted.CONCLUSION. The status of the toponym Samarkand as a special type of linguistic organization of knowledge is determined, the role of the prevailing conceptual and thematic areas that form the content of the Samarkand text is revealed.

Understanding the unique and common perspectives of partners engaged in knowledge mobilization activities within pediatric pain management: a mixed methods study

BackgroundKnowledge mobilization (KM) is essential to close the longstanding evidence to practice gap in pediatric pain management. Engaging various partners (i.e., those with expertise in a given topic area) in KM is best practice; however, little is known about how different partners engage and collaborate on KM activities. This mixed-methods study aimed to understand what different KM partner groups (i.e., health professionals, researchers, and patient/caregiver partners) perceive as supporting KM activities within pediatric pain management.MethodsThis study used a convergent mixed-methods design. Ten partners from each of the three groups participated in interviews informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, where they discussed what impacted KM activities within pediatric pain. Participants then rated and ranked select factors discussed in the interview. Transcripts were analyzed within each group using reflexive thematic analysis. Group-specific themes were then triangulated to identify convergence and divergence among groups. A matrix analysis was then conducted to generate meta-themes to describe overarching concepts. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsUnique themes were developed within each partner group and further analysis generated four meta-themes: (1) team dynamics; (2) role of leadership; (3) policy influence; (4) social influence. There was full agreement among groups on the meaning of team dynamics. While there was partial agreement on the role of leadership, groups differed on who they described as taking on leadership positions. There was also partial agreement on policy influence, where health professionals and researchers described different institutions as being responsible for providing funding support. Finally, there was partial agreement on social influence, where the role of networks was seen as serving distinct purposes to support KM. Quantitative analyses indicated that partner groups shared similar priorities (e.g., team relationships, communication quality) when it came to supporting KM in pediatric pain.ConclusionsWhile partners share many needs in common, there is also nuance in how they wish to be engaged in KM activities as well as the contexts in which they work. Strategies must be introduced to address these nuances to promote effective engagement in KM to increase the impact of evidence in pediatric pain.

Powder metallurgy processing of high entropy alloys: Bibliometric analysis and systematic review

Abstract Research attention in powder metallurgy (PM) processing of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is rising. Some reviews have been published but a detailed historical analysis to identify the thematic research areas and prospective future research areas is lacking. Therefore, this study presents a bibliometric literature analysis of PM-processed HEAs by mapping and clustering 700 articles published between 2007 and August 2022 in the Scopus database. The most prolific authors, their collaborators, institutions, and most preferred journals publishing PM-HEA works are identified and mapped. Publication trend shows that significant research attention in the PM processing of HEAs began to gain traction in 2016. The top three journals in this field are Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Materials Science and Engineering A, and Intermetallics. However, co-authorship network analysis does not reveal significant inter-institutional research collaboration indicating that strengthening this area could help to accelerate scientific discovery, enhance technology transfer, and commercialization of HEA products. Based on the co-occurrence frequencies of author keywords, popular research directions are identified, and a systematic review of emerging functional applications is undertaken. This work provides a comprehensive visual reference guide for researchers to deepen their knowledge of this field and delivers insight into prospective future research opportunities to stimulate further ground-breaking works.

Mechanistic Understanding of Oxygen Activation on Bulk Au(111) Surface Using Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

AbstractGaining mechanistic understanding of oxygen activation on metal surfaces is a topical area of research in surface science. However, direct investigation of on‐surface oxidation processes at the nanoscale and the empirical validation of oxygen activation pathways remain challenging for the conventional analytical tools. In this study, we applied tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) to gain mechanistic insights into oxygen activation on bulk Au(111) surface. Specifically, oxidation of 4‐aminothiophenol (4‐ATP) to 4‐nitrothiophenol (4‐NTP) on Au(111) surface was investigated using hyperspectral TERS imaging. Nanoscale TERS images revealed a markedly higher oxidation efficiency in disordered 4‐ATP adlayers compared to the ordered adlayers signifying that the oxidation of 4‐ATP molecules proceeds via interaction with the on‐surface oxidative species. These results were further validated via direct oxidation of the 4‐ATP adlayers with H2O2 solution. Finally, TERS measurements of oxidized 4‐ATP adlayers in the presence of H2O18 provided the first empirical evidence for the generation of oxidative species on bulk Au(111) surface via water‐mediated activation of molecular oxygen. This study expands our mechanistic understanding of oxidation chemistry on bulk Au surface by elucidating the oxygen activation pathway.

Gamification and Computational Thinking in Education: A systematic literature review

The rapid development of gamification and computational thinking seems to open up new educational horizons by providing new opportunities for students to acquire the basic digital skills needed for their cognitive development. Gamification, on the side, flourishes because it brings about high degree of participants’ engagement in an activity. Accordingly, on the other side, the growing scientific interest in computational thinking centers on the fact that it provides a fruitful field of dialogue in the research community for the development of critical and analytical thinking of students. Hence, this paper aims to synthesize knowledge about gamification and computational thinking for improving education for the benefit of students. Specifically, this paper describes: (a) the theoretical background of gamification in learning and education, (b) relevant studies in literature and their findings, and (c) specific gamified applications of STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics] which have been developed to this subject area. Four databases were searched, and 37 papers were finally selected for this review. The findings from the presented learning theories set the foundation on how students obtain knowledge, and the relevant studies in the field of gamification and computational thinking showed some first positive outcomes stemming some first research attempts which need further examination. Furthermore, it seems that with the right use of game mechanics and elements, well-designed applications of STEM gain students’ interest to learn through gameplay and motivate them to cultivate computational thinking and problem-solving skills.

THE INTERSECTION OF TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION: DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL GAMING FOR ENHANCED ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS

In recent years, Education 4.0 has brought about a revolution in the field of education. By innovative teaching methods, such as gamification and game-based learning, the learning experience has been taken to a whole new level. Among these methods, gamification has emerged as an up-and-coming technique for enhancing students' engagement and motivation in various subject areas. Gamification involves incorporating game-like elements, such as point systems, rewards, and challenges, into the learning process. By leveraging the principles of game design, educators can create engaging and immersive learning experiences that help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and ultimately succeed in their studies. However, implementing the gamification method effectively and efficiently for specific subjects requires careful consideration and exploration, especially in the subject of Additional Mathematics. This subject has long been acknowledged as one of the most challenging subjects in Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Menengah (KSSM). Students must devote significant time and effort to mastering the subject matter. Therefore, this research focuses on developing an educational game that leverages the Scratch platform to enhance students' learning experience. Specifically, the game will focus on Functions, a crucial topic in Additional Mathematics. The research design involves two main stages. The first stage involves creating comprehensive notes and designing multilevel questions based on credible sources. In the second stage, an immersive learning game will be developed using the Scratch platform using the features in Scratch. The findings of this research indicate that the combination of gamification, detailed note-taking, and a variety of games is an effective tool in connecting the gap between conventional teaching methods and contemporary learning preferences. This innovative approach can transform the traditional education system by making learning more engaging and effective for students of all ages.

Towards the Study of Professional Corporate Education in Terms of Its Thematic Focus and Outcomes

Aim: The aim of the paper is to characterize how the time for training employees in individual thematic areas is related to the outcomes and changes, facilitated by individual educational activities. Methods: The questionnaire method and interviewing methods were applied for obtaining data from respondents. The starting-point of empirical research was the knowledge and needs of the company, which perceives education as an investment. The respondent sample included 370 lectors/instructors and managers from three countries. The research was conducted in selected companies of section C − Manufacturing, Statistical Classification of Economic Activities. Basic variables include the number of training hours and results of the changes after training activities. Three groups of employee education are analysed: general training, performance-oriented training and digital training. Findings: Our division of educational activities into three groups enables the fulfilment of the basic European Commission targets for the 2021−2027 programme. Recommendations: Invest in developing new skills through future corporate training in the context of innovative transformation of the economy for a smarter Europe. Create conditions for better utilisation of human potential by eliminating the discrepancy between offered and required skills. Novelty of the paper:international comparison of educational activities, focus on the smart Europe and transformation to Industry 4.0. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-04 Full Text: PDF

Emerging Market of Nepalese Mutual Fund in Nepal: A Systematic Review

The aim of this research was to determine the current state of the Nepalese mutual fund developing market. Studies carried out between 2010 and 2023 show that the specific topic area has been investigated. The research's dataset comprised 21 articles published in Nepal during a 14-year span. In the review of Researchers found that time restrictions and insufficient information provide obstacles for investors. Risk division is provided by mutual funds, along with other advantages including cash flow, accessibility, efficiency, creativity, and prevention. The safety and liquidity of funds impact investors' opinions of mutual fund investments. Advantages of mutual funds include cost-effectiveness, accessibility, personalization, innovation, transparency, and prevention when it comes to risk segmentation.

Equity in family planning policies and programs in Uganda: conceptualization, dimensions and implementation constraints

BackgroundEquity is at the core and a fundamental principle of achieving the family planning (FP) 2030 Agenda. However, the conceptualization, definition, and measurement of equity remain inconsistent and unclear in many FP programs and policies. This paper aims to document the conceptualization, dimensions and implementation constraints of equity in FP policies and programs in Uganda.MethodsA review of Ugandan literature and key informant interviews with 25 key stakeholders on equity in FP was undertaken between April and July 2020. We searched Google, Google Scholar and PubMed for published and grey literature from Uganda on equity in FP. A total of 112 documents were identified, 25 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Data from the selected documents were extracted into a Google master matrix in MS Excel. Data analysis was done across the thematic areas by collating similar information. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis approach.ResultsA limited number of documents had an explicit definition of equity, which varied across documents and stakeholders. The definitions revolved around universal access to FP information and services. There was a limited focus on equity in FP programs in Uganda. The dimensions most commonly used to assess equity were either geographical location, or socio-demographics, or wealth quintile. Almost all the key informants noted that equity is a very important element, which needs to be part of FP programming. However, implementation constraints (e.g. lack of quality comprehensive FP services, duplicated FP programs and a generic design of FP programs with limited targeting of the underserved populations) continue to hinder effective implementation of equitable FP programs in Uganda. Clients’ constraints (e.g. limited contraceptive information) and policy constraints (inadequate focus on equity in policy documents) also remain key challenges.ConclusionsThere is lack of a common understanding and definition of equity in FP programs in Uganda. There is need to build consensus on the definitions and measurements of equity with a multidimensional lens to inform clear policy and programming focus on equity in FP programs and outcomes. To improve equitable access to and use of FP services, attention must be paid to addressing implementation, client and policy constraints.