Professional Way Research Articles

Micro-credentials and soft skills in online education: the employers’ perspective

This paper explores the potential of online micro-credentials, a novel learning approach that awards credentials after short educational experiences, as a viable solution to bridging the soft skills gap in the workforce. Using a qualitative foresight research design, the study analyzes and synthesizes insights gathered from 85 in-depth interviews with key labor market stakeholders. The results emphasize how employers generally view online micro-credentials as a feasible and flexible way for professionals to engage in training, although employers underscore various challenges associated with online micro-credentials in soft skills that distance education must take into consideration. The article concludes with recommendations for strategic micro-credential course designs which should be developed with a practical orientation for real-world simulation and application using novel pedagogical approaches. Accordingly, micro-credentials tailored to soft skills development need to be designed and implemented in settings that closely resemble real-life scenarios.

An intermediate step in bridging the gap between evidence and practice: developing and applying a methodology for “general good practices”

The gap between evidence and clinical practice has been in the focus of researches for decades. Although successful implementation means the new knowledge must work in particular environments, it doesn’t mean that the entire process should exclusively be executed by the individual institutes. This is the point where we assumed that an intermediate step, the “general good practice”, could help to ensure that translation is done in a more professional way. The development of the general good practice methodology was based on our infinitE model, which organized the factors of successful translation into an evidence-editing-embedding-effect on practice framework, using tools from the disciplines of Evidence-Based Medicine, Quality Improvement and Change Management. The methodology organised the editing and embedding part of the development into a process involving three full-day sessions carried out with different health professionals, experts and moderators. After pilot testing, it was finalized and applied to other topics as well. The methodology presented in detail in this paper, centred on flow chart, process analysis, failure mode identification and Kotter’s 8-step model. Beside the pilot topic of the institutional process of resuscitation, the methodology has also proved applicable to more than ten other topics, meaning that at least all the core elements of the proposed bundle of general good practice have been produced in the development process. Compared to the guidelines, general good practices demonstrate the evidence in operation, helping to develop workflows, responsibilities, documentation, trainings, etc. and can also be a starting point for the digitalisation of care processes. The next step is to examine how healthcare institutions can build on these in their own editing and embedding activities, and what the results will be. Further studies could explore the applicability of the development methodology in different healthcare systems or at different levels of maturity in terms of quality.

Artificial daylight photodynamic therapy using methyl aminolevulinate in a real-world setting in Germany - Results from the non-interventional study ArtLight.

Artificial daylight photodynamic therapy (ADL-PDT) is an alternative, all-year applicable, nearly painless treatment approach for actinic keratoses (AK) with comparable effectiveness to daylight or conventional PDT. At the time this study was initiated, methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) was the only photosensitizer approved for ADL-PDT in Germany. To gain comprehensive insights into the practicability of MAL-ADL-PDT in patients with AK using different artificial daylight sources under real-world conditions. This prospective, non-interventional, multicenter study (ArtLight, NCT05725213) enrolled patients with Olsen grade 1 or 2 AK on the face and scalp in Germany. Patients were treated with MAL-ADL-PDT (160mg/g MAL cream). The primary outcome measure was the practicability of MAL-ADL-PDT assessed as rate of resolved AK lesions in the focus area (10x10 cm area within the treatment area). Secondary outcomes included treatment-associated pain (numeric rating scale, NRS-11), Actinic Keratosis Area and Severity Index (AKASI), total lesion count over time, skin preparation, safety, overall assessment of effectiveness, tolerability, adherence, and patient satisfaction. In total, 224 patients (median age: 75.0 years (range 50-91), 85.3% male, 62.5% AK Olsen grade 2, 55.4% treatment-naïve) were included and treated with MAL-ADL-PDT. Three months after treatment, lesion counts were reduced in the focus area by 71% (p<0.001) indicating practicability of the treatment. Nearly all patients (93.3%) experienced none or mild pain during PDT (NRS score 0-3). Median AKASI decreased from 6.2 at baseline to 3.4 at month 3 (95% CI 2.4-3.0; p<0.001). The majority of investigators (82.8%) and patients (80.0%) were satisfied with the treatment. No new safety signals were reported. The clinical practicability of MAL-ADL-PDT was demonstrated under real-world conditions by effective lesion reduction and predominantly none to mild procedural pain. Thus, MAL-ADL-PDT is a convenient way for healthcare professionals to deliver PDT treatment to patients with AK located on the face and scalp.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception/practice towards artificial intelligence among dental students and dental professionals - a systematic review

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term encompassing advanced technologies that aim to mimic human intelligence in computer hardware and software, achieving human-level performance. By studying the attitudes and practices of dental professionals and students, we can better integrate AI into the dental field. Hence, the aim is to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions/practices towards AI among dental students and dental professionals. This study protocol was based on preferred reporting items for overviews of reviews (PRIOR) guidelines. A broad electronic search was carried out in the following databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, and Trip database to find related studies and a total of 28 articles were selected for the systematic review. In this review, the average knowledge percentage among dental students was around 56.9, while dental professionals demonstrated a higher average percentage of 66.42. 82% of postgraduate students showed greater openness to integrating AI at an advanced level of dental education. The review suggests a way for dental students and dental professionals to improve their artificial intelligence understanding and skills.

Politics in the journal “sotsiologicheskiye issledovaniya”: between ideology and episteme

Each historical era is characterized by its own “episteme” – a general system of thinking and scientific theorizing. The episteme of politics in Russian sociology was formed in conditions of confrontation between ideology and scientific analysis, state patronage and academic freedom. The main stages are highlighted: 1) the first decade 1974–1984; 2) Perestroika 1985–1990; 3) 1990s; 4) 2000s. The journal «Sotsiologicheskiye issledovanya» is considered as a specific form of representation of professional knowledge and ways of knowing, determined by the current level of development of the discipline and the concept of the journal itself. The increasing complexity of the thematic structure, transdisciplinary approach, and the project-based and discussion-based nature of publications help overcome the epistemological uncertainty of politics.

Wired for stereotyping and biases – Is there a professional way out of prejudicial behaviors and discrimination?

Wired for stereotyping and biases – Is there a professional way out of prejudicial behaviors and discrimination?

Explore Utilizing Network Traffic Distribution to Detect Stepping-Stone Intrusion

In the past three decades, stepping-stone intrusion has become a professional and primary way used by intruders to launch their attacks since they can be protected behind a long TCP connection chain. Many different algorithms have been proposed to detect stepping-stone intrusion since 1995. But most algorithms cannot resist intruders’ session manipulation. In this paper, we propose a novel approach using the distribution of round-trip time (RTT) of network traffic to detect stepping-stone intrusion. This approach can resist intruders’ chaff-perturbation since the round-trip time of network packets can fairly be affected by chaffed packets. The ratio between the standard deviation of the RTTs between Send and Echo packets and the standard deviation of the RTTs between Send and Ack packets can be used to predict if a stepping-stone intrusion exists. The closer to 0 the ratio, the more suspicious a stepping-stone intrusion.

The Impact of Code Switching and Code Mixing on Learning of English Language in Lower Secondary School level: A Case Study of Selected Schools in Rubavu District, Rwanda

English is the most widely spoken language in the world, making it essential for effective global communication. This is why individuals who aspire to thrive in today's global society must possess proficiency in English. This study focuses on how the use of code switching (CS) and code mixing (CM) affect the learning of the English language in G. S. Bisizi and G. S. Gikombe of Rubavu District in Rwanda. The study was conducted with the aim to: (1) identify reasons for code switching and code mixing in lower secondary schools; (2) assess the impact of CS and CM on students’ performance in learning English; and (3) establish strategies to adopt in order to avoid CS and CM in English language classrooms. It was conducted based on the matrix language frame and sequential theories. A descriptive research design was used. The researchers employed a mixed method for data collection, analysis, and presentation. Its total population is comprised of 726 individuals, including 716 students, 6 teachers, and 4 school leaders from both schools. The sample size is 85 respondents (75 students, 6 teachers, and 4 school leaders) got by use of simple random sampling (students) and purposive sampling techniques (teachers and school leaders). During the collection of primary data, questionnaires, interview guides, and observation checklists were used as convenient tools, while documentation was used in collecting secondary data. The findings indicated that the lack of vocabulary, emphasizing a particular topic while teaching and learning English, and the intention to clarify the speech content are the major reasons for using CS and CM. They also reveal that CS and CM contribute to students’ failure in learning English, as both create a lack of their confidence in speaking, limit students’ practice in speaking English, retard their ability to master English, and lead to a low understanding and mastery of English. In addition, the study revealed that teachers are the main source for CS and CM in their classes. Finally, this research recommends that school leaders and English language teachers should reinstate a policy of speaking English in the school premises and make an effective follow-up to ensure students do not violate it. Teachers should also act as role models in their language classes by avoiding CS and CM, whereas the decision makers in education should initiate a short-term professional program and special ways to avoid CS among teachers to help students effectively learn English language.

Breastfeeding – a survey of fathers’ support needs and preferred sources of information

BackgroundFathers can be a critical source of breastfeeding support for their partner, but little is known about what fathers would like to learn about breastfeeding. Partner’s support and encouragement enhances mother’s breastfeeding confidence and boost the capacity to address breastfeeding difficulties effectively. The aims of this study were to explore what fathers regard as important to learn around breastfeeding, and their current and preferred sources of information.MethodsA structured online survey was conducted, between September 2022 and November 2022, with fathers containing three sections: (1) sociodemographic variables; (2) perceived importance of 26 breastfeeding topics; and (3) sources of breastfeeding information. A convenience sample of expectant and current fathers aged 18 years or older, who were expecting a baby or had a child aged one year or younger, living in Australia, and able to complete survey in English was recruited. Participants were recruited on Facebook advertisement.ResultsA total of 174 fathers participated in the study, majority (75%) were aged 30–39 years, current dads (74%), and university educated (69%). The breastfeeding topics that fathers perceived as the most important/ important to learn about were how to work with their partner to overcome breastfeeding challenges, how fathers can be involved with their breastfed baby, the types of support fathers can provide to breastfeeding mothers, what to expect in the first week and the benefits of breastfeeding. The most preferred health professional sources of breastfeeding information were midwives, child and family nurses and doctors. Among non-health professional sources of support, mobile app, friends and family were most popular.ConclusionBreastfeeding information to enhance fathers’ knowledge and awareness of common breastfeeding challenges, and fathers’ role in supporting their breastfeeding partner, appear to be (most) important for fathers. Mobile app appears to be among the most preferred non-health professional ways to provide breastfeeding information to fathers.

Pelatihan Canva untuk Siswa SMP sebagai Media Pembuatan Materi Presentasi

This training aims to improve Mardhiyah Middle School students' skills in using Canva as a tool to create interesting and informative presentation material. Canva was chosen because of its easy-to-use interface and various graphic design features that can be accessed online. The Service Team carries out training methods including an introduction to basic Canva features, such as using templates, manipulating text, setting layouts, and integrating graphic elements. In addition, this training will focus on developing students' creativity in designing presentations that are aesthetic and easy to understand, taking into account the principles of effective design. The training material also covers color management strategies, information hierarchy, and techniques for arranging content that suits the target audience. It is hoped that after attending this training, students will be more confident in creating quality presentations, using modern technology to express their ideas and information in a visual and professional way. It is hoped that this can also prepare them to face the demands of competence in the current digital era.

The Global Intellectual Disability Nursing Research Collaboratory: Forming an international transformational nursing network.

This paper explains how we created the Global Intellectual Disability Nurse Research Collaboratory (GIDNRC), a transformative network. The GIDNRC aims to make improvements in the understanding, research, policy, clinical care, and support provided to people with an intellectual disability. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) called upon healthcare leaders internationally to take actions to promote more equal healthcare for disabled persons. This paper promotes the GIDNRC as a way for professionals to work together to make more equal healthcare throughout the world for people with intellectual disabilities. We created this paper by reviewing peer-reviewed literature and research, international policies, and nursing networking initiatives. This paper explores current policy, research, and practice issues that formed the basis of beginning the GIDNRC, including how the COVID-19 pandemic changed care. Nurses are over 50% of the world's health workforce. Therefore, they have the potential to make a large impact in making care for people with intellectual disability much more equal than currently exists throughout the world. However, barriers exist. Forming the GIDNRC, as well as using the World Wide Web, offers an opportunity to address barriers to this goal. Nurses can address the needs of people with intellectual disability in their daily nursing practice. The GIDNRC aims to strengthen these clinical skills, understand how care may vary throughout the world, and share knowledge, good practices, and new ways to approach care for people with an intellectual disability worldwide. International nursing policy should actively focus on the needs of people with intellectual disabilities and the role nurses play in addressing these health needs. The GIDNRC may provide an important way to achieve developments in this policy.

Strategi Komunikasi Digital Pada Komunitas Nabung Jalanan Ngawi dan Implikasinya Dalam Program Filantropi Sosial

Digitalization is the key to the growth of a civilization that cannot be ignored. This is because the demands for mastery and use of technology for individuals and organizations are becoming increasingly real due to digital-based market changes. The emergence of digital communication media which is closely related to the internet, has become an active space for people to convey information, receive aspirations and ideas, and be able to offer new, more professional ways. One form of activity that utilizes digital communication media as the main media is social philanthropy activities initiated by the Ngawi Street Savings community. Since 2020, Nabung Jalanan Ngawi has been in existence carrying out social philanthropy actions for street people in the Ngawi Regency area. The aim of this research is to find out what digital communication strategies are carried out by Nabung Jalanan Ngawi and what the implementation process is in social philanthropy programs. This research also uses qualitative methods with a case study approach. The research results show that the key to the success of the digital communication strategy carried out by Nabung Jalanan Ngawi is consistency in posting every donation and activity pamphlet as well as strength in maximizing content management. The use of digital media can make branding Nabung Jalanan Ngawi easier for the wider community. This can support the process of implementing social philanthropy activities to be more systematically planned. The social philanthropy activities that have been carried out by the Nabung Jalanan Ngawi community include sharing free food, distributing suitable clothing to orphanages, distributing free takjil in the month of Ramadhan, and raising funds when a disaster occurs in an area. Nabung Jalanan Ngawi Community utilizes digital media to support the goals of social philanthropy programs to run optimally and evenly.

Predictors of Speech-in-Noise Understanding in a Population of Occupationally Noise-Exposed Individuals.

Understanding speech in noise is particularly difficult for individuals occupationally exposed to noise due to a mix of noise-induced auditory lesions and the energetic masking of speech signals. For years, the monitoring of conventional audiometric thresholds has been the usual method to check and preserve auditory function. Recently, suprathreshold deficits, notably, difficulties in understanding speech in noise, has pointed out the need for new monitoring tools. The present study aims to identify the most important variables that predict speech in noise understanding in order to suggest a new method of hearing status monitoring. Physiological (distortion products of otoacoustic emissions, electrocochleography) and behavioral (amplitude and frequency modulation detection thresholds, conventional and extended high-frequency audiometric thresholds) variables were collected in a population of individuals presenting a relatively homogeneous occupational noise exposure. Those variables were used as predictors in a statistical model (random forest) to predict the scores of three different speech-in-noise tests and a self-report of speech-in-noise ability. The extended high-frequency threshold appears to be the best predictor and therefore an interesting candidate for a new way of monitoring noise-exposed professionals.

"A part of my life". A qualitative study about perceptions of female genital mutilation and experiences of healthcare among affected women residing in Sweden.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injuries to them for non-medical reasons. Due to migration, healthcare providers in high-income countries need to better understand the consequences of FGM. The aim of this study was to elucidate women's experiences of FGM, with particular focus on perceived health consequences and experiences of healthcare received in Sweden. A qualitative study was performed through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with eight women who had experienced FGM in childhood, prior to immigration to Sweden. The transcribed narratives were analyzed using content analysis. Three main categories were identified : "Living with FGM", "Living with lifelong health consequences" and "Encounters with healthcare providers". The participants highlighted the motives behind FGM and their mothers' ambivalence in the decision process. Although the majority of participants had undergone FGM type 3, the most severe type of FGM, the lifelong health consequences were diverse. Poor knowledge about FGM, insulting attitude, and lack of sensitive care were experienced when seeking healthcare in Sweden. Our findings indicate that FGM is a complex matter causing a diversity in perceived health consequences in women affected. Increased knowledge and awareness about FGM among healthcare providers in Sweden is of utmost importance. Further, this subject needs to be addressed in the healthcare encounter in a professional way.

DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE OF ECONOMICS STUDENTS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

This article discusses the development of the professional competence of future economists in the teaching of English in the higher education system with the help of modern methods and technologies. Also, the essence of the concept of professional competence and ways of its development, the importance and role of educational technologies, the role of a foreign language in preparing for professional activity and its role in the formation of sectoral communicative competence are highlighted.

The 2000–2008 Economic Crisis in Zimbabwe

Between 2000 and 2008, Zimbabwe was hit by one of the devastating economic situations which threatened the lives of businesses and also led to the closure of several businesses. The main purpose of this paper was to trace the survivors of Zimbabwe’s 2000-2008 economic distress and establish the strategies they employ to avert future economic pandemics in the country. A mixed research approach was utilised to carry out the study, with data being collected from a sample of 105 business people and their employees in rural Zimbabwe. A self-designed questionnaire and interview guide were used to solicit data from participants with descriptive and thematic analysis data analysis methods being utilised as data analysis tools. The study revealed that while a significant number of businesses closed their businesses due to the economic downturn some survived and self-rejuvenated and moved on in 2009 when the economy stabilised. The strategies most businesses in rural areas employ to avert effects of future economic distress include among others; 1) diversification, 2) trading in foreign currency, 3) avoiding selling goods on credit, and 4) keeping savings in USD and traditional banks. It was recommended that businesses in rural areas need to manage their businesses in a more professional way so that they do not easily get affected by socio-economic shocks and political upheavals.

Professional Ways to Promote Your Scientific Work

Professional Ways to Promote Your Scientific Work

A Study of the Heterogeneous Application of China-Based Teaching Methods in International Trade and Business Law Courses

For China's teaching methods in international trade and business law courses, the audience's professional knowledge system framework, China's teaching methods in international trade and business law courses in the heterogeneity of the application of the basis lies in the professional way of thinking differences. Since the reform and opening up, the domestic trade has been closely integrated with the development of China's economy and the need for foreign trade activities, China wants to develop trade and strengthen economic exchanges with countries around the world, should understand and comply with the international commercial law and international trade practices, prior to the negotiation of the contract should strive to be detailed and clear, specific and complete, and should be strictly abide by the terms and conditions of the process, and should not be all to our own, since a set of, and thus causing many problems and losses and affecting the credibility of the country. Many problems and losses and affect the credibility of the country. This is particularly important for students of international trade and business law, the importance of international trade and business law programme. As for the teaching methods in China, there are two kinds of teaching methods in international trade and business law: the heterogeneous application of direct teaching method is reflected in the differentiated explanation of the basic concepts and principles of international trade and business law, while the heterogeneous application of case teaching method is shown in the differentiation of the case selection and implementation process. For the above two methods, the author proposes other teaching methods for reference.

Tales of Two Malaysian Chinese Women – Becoming Outdoor Professionals and Paving New Ways in Australia

Summary Two Malaysian women had a dialogue about their respective experiences pursuing a career in the outdoors. Pei Ting Tham is entering her second decade as an outdoor educator, with nine of those years in Australia working with school groups, whereas Joanne Lee is primarily a rock climbing guide and instructor. Both women, with Chinese heritage, grew up in Malaysia but went through very different pathways to end up working and settling in Melbourne. Both women are now engaged in social justice and advocacy work in the outdoors in their respective ways. The conversation centres on their initial beginnings of engaging in the outdoors as women-of-colour, the trials and tribulations of their outdoor career and their work in advocating for diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. Information © CAB International 2024

Innovative approach towards early prediction of ovarian cancer: Machine learning- enabled XAI techniques

Globally, ovarian cancer affects women disproportionately, causing significant morbidity and mortality rates. The early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is necessary for enhancing patient health and survival rates. This research article explores the utilization of Machine Learning (ML) techniques alongside eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) methodologies to aid in the early detection of ovarian cancer. ML techniques have recently gained popularity in developing predictive models to detect early-stage ovarian cancer. These predictions are made using XAI in a transparent and understandable way for healthcare professionals and patients. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of various ovarian cancer prediction methodologies. This includes assessing K Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machines, Decision trees, and ensemble learning techniques such as Max Voting, Boosting, Bagging, and Stacking. A dataset of 349 patients with known ovarian cancer status was collected from Kaggle. The dataset included a comprehensive range of clinical features such as age, family history, tumor markers, and imaging characteristics. Preprocessing techniques were applied to enhance input data, including feature scaling and dimensionality reduction. A Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (MRMR) algorithm was used to select the features in the model. Our experimental results demonstrate that in Support Vector Machines, we found 85 % base model accuracy and 89 % accuracy after stacking several ensemble learning techniques. With the help of XAI, complex ML algorithms can be given more profound insights into their decision-making, improving their applicability. This paper aims to introduce the best practices for integrating ML and artificial intelligence in biomarker evaluation. Building and evaluating Shapley values-based classifiers and visualizing results were the focus of our investigation. The study contributes to the field of oncology and women's health by offering a promising approach to the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.