World Demand Research Articles

Meeting market and student expectations: the synergy of sustainability and educational transformation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between digital transformation and sustainable development within the context of higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a systematic review methodology to analyze the intersection of digital transformation and sustainability in higher education institutions, drawing on academic sources and institutional reports. Findings Universities face a dual challenge of advancing digital transformation while integrating and enhancing sustainable development, necessitating a balance between inclusivity and innovation to meet the evolving demands of a digital-centric world and global sustainability goals. Digital transformation of higher education institutions is not only influenced by socioeconomic changes and market demands but also offers practical pathways to enhance sustainability efforts across campus operations and curriculum delivery. Originality/value This paper provides an overview of the concepts of digital transformation and sustainable development in the higher education environment.

Kafka’s Trial : A Psychological Journey Through ‘’Cognitive Dissonance”, A Clash Between Beliefs and Actions

This topic explores how Franz Kafka brilliantly shows the constant clash—between beliefs, expectations, and reality that leaves Joseph K .His character in the novel ‘’THE TRIAL’’ feeling lost and disconnected. Kafkas story is not just about one man’s trial; it’s about the universal human struggle to make sense of a world that doesn’t always fit together. By exploring Joseph K.’s dissonance, Kafka challenges us to think about the tensions in our own lives and how we handle the conflicts between who we are and what the world demands of us.

Desired Color Diversity of Carbon Fiber with Excellent Environmental Super-Durability and Remarkable Flame Retardancy.

Carbon fiber (CF) has been widely used in aerospace, military, infrastructure, sports, and leisure fields owing to its excellent mechanical properties, superior corrosion and friction resistances, excellent thermal stability, and lightweight. However, the ultrablack appearance derived from the extremely strong absorption of light throughout the entire visible region makes it difficult to satisfy the aesthetic and pleasurable demands of the colorful world and limits their applications in a broader field. Herein, inspired by the Japanese jewel beetle, a double-layer ultrathin Al2O3/TiO2 composite structure was fabricated on CFs by the atomic layer deposition method. CFs exhibited desired color diversity by controlling the thickness of Al2O3 and TiO2 films without changing the total thickness of the composite film's structure. Meanwhile, colored CFs have no color change/destruction after a series of environmental durability measurements and exhibited remarkable superdurability and excellent flame retardancy. Our work provides insights for innovative, high-performance, and multifunctional CF that can help achieve high quality and sustainable development of the CF industry.

The Dynamics of Arabic Curriculum Transformation In Indonesia (Historical Studies and The Role of Globalization)

This research examines the changes and development of the Arabic curriculum in Indonesia, especially in the context of historical influences and the impact of globalization. Historically, the Arabic curriculum in Indonesia has undergone various transformations influenced by political, social, and educational policy developments. The role of globalization further accelerates this dynamic by bringing new challenges, such as the need to master communication skills that are more contextual and relevant to the demands of the modern world. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method and historical analysis. The data used is obtained from previous literature sources related to the Arabic curriculum in Indonesia, as well as from current education policies. The purpose of this study is to understand the pattern of Arabic curriculum transformation, the factors that influence it, and how globalization shapes the development of the curriculum in the future. The results show that the transformation of the Arabic curriculum in Indonesia is not only determined by internal dynamics such as local needs, but also by external influences such as global changes in education and technology. This transformation reflects an attempt to answer the challenges of globalization while maintaining existing traditional values.

Eficiência do óleo de candeia para melhor a resistência da madeira a fungos apodrecedores

ABSTRACT World demand for wood products and the shortage of good quality lumber species are exerting pressure on native forests. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Eremanthus erythropappus crude oil in improving the resistance of Pinus taeda wood to Rhodonia (≈Postia) placenta, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Neolentinus lepideus (brown rot) and Pycnoporus sanguineus (white rot) in accelerated laboratory decay tests. Test samples measured 1.90 × 1.90 × 1.90 cm. Oil was applied to wood surfaces using a brush to obtain nominal retentions of 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg of oil per m3 of wood. After treatment, the samples reached average retentions of 16.25, 28.75, 41.50, and 53.75 kg m-3, respectively, and were submitted to a soil block decay test (accelerated decay test) for 12 weeks. Increased oil retention caused a decline in the mass loss of Pinus taeda wood exposed to the fungi tested. A retention of 16.25 kg m-3 inhibited Rhodonia placenta degradation and prevented other xylophagous fungi attacks. The most severe decay occurred with Rhodonia placenta and the least with Pycnoporus sanguineus. Oil improved Pinus taeda resistance to the decay fungi, indicating that it is useful for treating wood in contact with domestic animals and humans, since it is not toxic to them.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RESEARCH ON SOFT SKILLS FOR EMPLOYABILITY

Science mapping was utilized in this systematic review of research to analyze the body of knowledge on soft skills for employability. ​​The research review selected high impact articles, charted the "intellectual structure", and recorded the volume, development rate, and geographical spread of this literature. Forty-five English-language, Scopus-indexed documents that were published between 2013 and 2023 made up the database of this review. The review revealed that the documents on soft skills for employability has slightly grown over the recent years with an average of 6 documents published in each year of 2017 to 2021. The field was mostly dominated by scholars from Europe and Asia. Four "schools of thought" were identified through author co-citation analysis as the "intellectual structures” of soft skills for employability. These are: Soft Skill Development of Students, Employers’ Expectations on Graduates, Key Soft Skills, and Measuring Employability. Analysis of the document content resulted in the conclusion that there is a clear agreement in the literature that employability and career preparedness are difficult notions that cannot be simply defined, quantified, or put into practice. A significant gap between the demands of the actual world and our educational system in terms of soft skills has been determined. The research recommends "skillfying the syllabus" or "skillification" in order to guarantee that soft skills are taught in the curriculum.

Novo Construto de Defesa:

This study refers to the controversy that began in 2000 the transfer of the Escola Superior de Guerra (ESG) from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia, precisely about what determines the National Defense Strategy: the transfer of the ESG to Brasilia. This essay, which was initially a result of bibliographical readings and documental research, as well as exploratory research, aimed at developing studies on whether the transfer of the ESG from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia was necessary. First, the study shows the foundation, the performance and the current direction of the ESG, as well as discusses the counterpoints of the change of location. Secondly, it addresses the creation of the National Defense Institute (INAD), based in Brasília, and reaffirms the necessity of the Escola Superior de Guerra, but with a new approach - focused on the interoperability, joint staff forces, and on an interinstitutional integration of a mandatory nature for the senior officers of the national Armed Forces. Lastly, final comments are made portraying that the feeling should be left behind and an action must be taken, because, in a changing world, excellent opportunities arise for creation, recreation, unity and innovation. This whole new world demands post-modern thoughts and actions. Thus, it directs the ESG to the continuing and integrated education for the Officers of the FFAA and INAD for the initial and ongoing training of the Defense Analysts, as well as to the creation of Course of Defense, Development and Diplomacy for the Officers already selected for the generalship

Diamondback moth Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and its natural enemies: Population fluctuations and influence of biotic and abiotic factors

The annual worldwide costs associated with the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), are estimated to be between four and five billion dollars in yield losses and management costs. Studies aimed at better understanding this pest and its natural enemies are essential for the development of new control strategies to increase production and meet world demand for healthy foods produced in ways that protect the environment for future generations. The present study was aimed at (i) describing population fluctuations of P. xylostella in collard greens, (ii) identifying its larval parasitoids, and (iii) evaluating biotic and abiotic factors that affect the population dynamics of this pest and its parasitoids in commercially grown collard greens in the municipality of Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Fluctuations in the population of P. xylostella were assessed from March 2016 to February 2017. During 12 months of sampling, 4,310 larvae and pupae were collected, of which 640 (15%) were parasitized by native natural enemies. Three species of larval parasitoids were observed: Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Apanteles piceotrichosus Blanchard and Cotesia sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Precipitation and release of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) were the factors that most influenced the population fluctuations of P. xylostella. Also, native parasitoids were affected by the use of non-selective insecticides. Our findings are a contribution to the understanding of interactions between this pest and its environment to improve control strategies and preserve biodiversity.

Evaluación del impacto ambiental de los sistemas intensivos de producción animal según la literatura reciente

The intensification of animal production systems in recent decades has made it possible to satisfy the growing world demand for meat products, but has also generated significant environmental challenges. This study aims to review the environmental impacts of these systems, exploring areas such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil and water contamination, and high resource consumption. A literature review was conducted in academic databases, focusing on recent studies on these issues. The results show that intensive systems are responsible for high CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O emissions, contributing to climate change. There is also a high demand for water and land for growing fodder crops, which drives deforestation, in addition to inadequate waste management practices that affect air quality and public health. The discussion highlights the urgency of implementing more sustainable technologies in waste treatment and natural resource management to mitigate these impacts. In conclusion, the transition to more responsible and sustainable production practices is fundamental to reduce the environmental impact of intensive livestock production.

THE ROLE OF PROJECT-BASED LEARNING IN SHAPING THE PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS OF 5TH GRADE GYMNASIUM STUDENTS IN UKRAINIAN LANGUAGE LESSONS

The article delves into the pivotal role of project-based learning in shaping the professional interests of fifth-grade students in gymnasiums during Ukrainian language lessons. It underscores how project-based learning is a catalyst for the development of communication skills, critical thinking, and student responsibility, empowering students to take charge of their learning. The main stages of implementing project-based learning are detailed, from organization to presentation of projects. The influence of projects on students’ professional self-determination is scrutinized, underscoring the significance of applying knowledge in real-life contexts. The benefits of student collaboration in groups are also explored, as it fosters the development of social skills and an interest in various professions related to the Ukrainian language. The problem statement is based on the need to adapt the educational process to the demands of the modern world and the significance of career guidance activities for students during the active formation of their personalities. An analysis of traditional teaching methods demonstrates their inadequacy in providing practical knowledge application, leading to low student motivation. Project-based learning, which focuses on integrating knowledge and practical activities, can enhance students’ interest and engagement in learning while fostering essential competencies such as responsibility, critical thinking, and communication. This approach also highlights the crucial role of educators in guiding students through their learning journey, making them feel valued and integral to the process. The article also examines the historical aspects of project-based learning development, starting from the concepts of John Dewey and W. Kilpatrick, and discusses contemporary research that supports the effectiveness of this method. Implementing project-based learning in Ukrainian language instruction allows students to work on real projects, thereby promoting the development of their professional interests and skills needed for future professional activities. This not only prepares them for the challenges of the modern world but also instills a sense of optimism about their future prospects.

INNOVATIVE APPROACH IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT; IMPROVING EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS THROUGH MULTIDIMENSIONAL STRATEGIES

The rapid advancements in the digital era present educational institutions with increasingly complex challenges in maintaining curriculum relevance to the demands of the modern world. Traditional curricula, which predominantly focus on academic aspects, are increasingly viewed as insufficient in equipping graduates with the competencies required to navigate real-world challenges. Graduates are expected not only to excel academically but also to demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving capabilities, and interpersonal skills. This study investigates the potential of a multidimensional strategy to enhance curriculum design by integrating key elements, such as digital competencies, quality of learning materials, effective technology utilization, and active stakeholder involvement. Utilizing qualitative methods, the research collected data through interviews with students, educators, educational managers, and technology developers to gather insights on best practices and the inherent challenges in curriculum innovation. The research findings indicate that the implementation of multidimensional strategies in curriculum development includes the integration of social and emotional skills, enhancement of learning material quality, utilization of technology in learning, cross-sectoral collaboration, and the development of practical skills.

Career services at HEI’s: what are they offering?

Higher education career centers should tailor their services toward empowering students to make them employable after graduation to meet the demands of the 21st century world of work. This paper aims to reflect on career counseling services provided by Higher Education Institutions. We start by presenting a brief history of their development around the world, with particular emphasis on Portugal. Next, a study about the current situation of these services in the country is presented, starting with an analysis of their organization, the type of actions/activities/services provided, as well as their accessibility. Results indicate that the Career Services in some Portuguese Higher Education Institutions appear not to be fully developed, and where they exist, they often focus mostly (and sometimes solely) upon job placement or internship provision. More investment is needed to meet the new employability needs and demands of both students (and their families) and the labor market.

Embrace, Don’t Avoid: Reimagining Higher Education with Generative Artificial Intelligence

This paper explores the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to transform higher education. Generative AI is a technology that can create new content, like text, images, and code, by learning patterns from existing data. As generative AI tools become more popular, there is growing interest in how AI can improve teaching, learning, and research. Higher education faces many challenges, such as meeting diverse learning needs and preparing students for fast-changing careers. Generative AI offers solutions by personalizing learning experiences, making education more engaging, and supporting skill development through adaptive content. It can also help researchers by automating tasks like data analysis and hypothesis generation, making research faster and more efficient. Moreover, generative AI can streamline administrative tasks, improving efficiency across institutions. However, using AI also raises concerns about privacy, bias, academic integrity, and equal access. To address these issues, institutions must establish clear ethical guidelines, ensure data security, and promote fairness in AI use. Training for faculty and AI literacy for students are essential to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. The paper suggests a strategic framework for integrating AI in higher education, focusing on infrastructure, ethical practices, and continuous learning. By adopting AI responsibly, higher education can become more inclusive, engaging, and practical, preparing students for the demands of a technology-driven world.

Papain expression in the Escherichia coli cytoplasm by T7-promoter engineering and co-expression with human protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and thiol peroxidase (GPx7) genes.

Papain, a cysteine-like protease, has extensive applications across various industries including food, chemical, pharmaceutical, drug, and polymer. However, the traditional isolation of papain from Carica papaya plants results in a complex mixture of proteases. Such protease mixtures result in an inability to understand which component enzyme contributed to substrate conversions. Concentrations of constituent enzymes likely differ based on the ripeness of the papaya fruit. Also, constituent enzymes from papaya differ in optimal activity as a function of temperature and pH. Thus, by using papain-like enzymes from papaya fruit, valuable information on component enzyme activity and specificity is lost. Numerous methods have been reported to purify papain and papain-like enzymes from the crude mixture. Often, methods involve at least three steps including column chromatography to separate five cysteine proteases. Such procedures represent tedious processes to manufacture the pure enzymes in Carica papaya extracts. The numerous uses of papain for industrial processes, as well as the probability that certain components of papain crude mixtures will be preferred for specific applications, necessitate alternative methods such as recombinant expression from microbial production systems to meet the high world demand for papain.

Examining the relationship between entrepreneurial education activity and entrepreneurship intention among Saudi university students: Academic performance as a mediator

This paper aims at investigating the direct impact of entrepreneurial educational activities on entrepreneurship intention, and academic performance among university students in Saudi Arabia, and the indirect impact between EEA and EI through AC. Data were collected from 488 university students representing 5 public Saudi universities. The structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM V.4) was used to examine the interrelationships between variables and to examine the research hypotheses. The SEM results showed that EEA have a positive direct impact on EI and AC, and proved a full mediating influence of AC on the relationship between EEA and EI among university students. These results may help decision-makers in higher education, in assisting in the formulation and planning of entrepreneurial educational activities, which help to create a flexible and adaptable society capable of meeting the demands of the modern world.

Persepsi Pihak Industri Terhadap Kompetensi Mahasiswa PTM pada Program Magang Industri

<p><em>The purpose of this study was to determine the assessment of the industry, especially field supervisors regarding the competence of students who participated in the industrial internship program majoring in Mechanical Engineering Education FKIP UNS with a concentration in Production for the 2022 period. This study uses a descriptive method, which aims to collect, analyze, and present data that has a relationship with the problem under study. Data collection techniques using questionnaires and interviews. The results showed that the industry's perception of the competence of PTM students was in the very good category and was considered quite in accordance with industry needs, with work attitude as the most prominent aspect (82.5%). However, there is still room for improvement, especially in the aspects of practical skills (74.2%) and knowledge application (76.5%) in order to produce graduates who are better prepared to face the demands of the dynamic world of work. With good assessments, especially in the work attitude aspect, PTM graduates have good competitiveness potential in the job market, but need to continue to improve their practical skills and knowledge application abilities to maximize employment opportunities. Conducting Conduct an in-depth analysis of the gap between the competencies expected by industry and those possessed by students so that it can be the basis for recommendations for curriculum improvements that are more specific to the demands of the labor market and improve the work readiness of PTM graduates.</em></p>

Measurement of sulfur content in coal mining areas by using field-remote sensing data and an integrated deep learning model.

High-quality coal emits a smaller amount of harmful substances during the combustion process, which greatly reduces the environmental hazard. The sulfur content of coal is one of the important indicators that determine coal quality. The world's demand for high-quality coal is increasing. This is challenging for the coal mining industry. Therefore, how to quickly determine the sulfur content of coal in coal mining areas has always been a research difficulty. This study is the first to map the distribution of sulfur content in opencast coal mines using field-remote sensing data, and propose a novel method for evaluating coal mine composition. We collected remote sensing, field visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy data and built analytical models based on a tiny neural network based on the convolutional neural network. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively analyze the coal sulfur content. The coal recognition accuracy is 99.65%, the root-mean-square error is 0.073 and the R is 0.87, and is better than support vector machines and partial least squares methods. Compared with traditional methods, the proposed method shows many advantages and superior performance.

Nuclear Energy's Role in Sustainability and Environmental Protection in India

The world today stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the profound and far-reaching impacts of climate change. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and deteriorating ecosystems only serve to underscore the urgency of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Governments across the globe are intensifying their climate policies, striving to meet the ambitious goals set forth in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. Central to these efforts is the systematic decarbonization of national energy mixes [1], where nations are increasingly turning to green and clean technologies to power their economies and ensure sustainable electrification. In this global race to mitigate climate change, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower are often highlighted as the vanguards of a sustainable future [2]. However, the challenge lies not only in generating sufficient clean energy but also in ensuring a reliable and continuous supply that can meet the growing demands of an energy-hungry world.

Nuclear Energy's Role in Sustainability and Environmental Protection in India

The world today stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the profound and far-reaching impacts of climate change. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and deteriorating ecosystems only serve to underscore the urgency of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Governments across the globe are intensifying their climate policies, striving to meet the ambitious goals set forth in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. Central to these efforts is the systematic decarbonization of national energy mixes [1], where nations are increasingly turning to green and clean technologies to power their economies and ensure sustainable electrification. In this global race to mitigate climate change, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower are often highlighted as the vanguards of a sustainable future [2]. However, the challenge lies not only in generating sufficient clean energy but also in ensuring a reliable and continuous supply that can meet the growing demands of an energy-hungry world.

Industry Mentoring Program: Empowering External Degree Students for Career Success – Case Study from University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

In today's interconnected world, open distance education has become widespread, granting students the flexibility and accessibility to pursue higher education through external degree programmes. Despite the increasing feasibility of delivering knowledge and skills online, a significant hurdle remains in ensuring that participants are adequately equipped for the demands of the professional world of work. Traditionally, exposure to industry standards and practical experiences is gained through activities like industry visits, guest talks, meetups, and workshops, which are often absent in online distance education programs due to their remote nature. This dearth of industry-preparedness and practical skills presents a formidable obstacle for graduates as they transition into the workforce. Thus, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations becomes imperative to enhance students' employability and career readiness, ultimately fostering their success in the workforce. This case study delves into the solution to this challenge through a meticulously crafted programme aimed at cultivating industry-ready graduates. Leveraging available technology, the program provides immersive experiences within the online learning environment. The paper details the Industry Mentoring Program (IMP), which employs technology to simulate real-world experiences, assesses stakeholder perceptions of the programme's value, and offers insights for future enhancements. This programme was conducted targeting the final year students of the Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) External Degree programme of the University of Moratuwa. This study investigates the experiences and viewpoints of students taking part in the IMP using surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. Four student cohorts who have undergone the programme have provided their feedback both quantitatively and qualitatively. Across all groups the student satisfaction was totally positive with over 80% of the participants indicating their satisfaction at 4 or 5 on a Lickert Scale of 5 indicating very satisfied. Students’ perception of their preparedness for the workforce after participating in the IMP also is extremely positive. The findings indicates that the IMP significantly improves the career opportunities of BIT students. Feedback obtained from other stakeholders such as potential employers, resource persons and administrators also validate the effectiveness of the programme. The feedback and suggestions are incorporated to enhance the programme. University has decided to incorporate this programme into the curriculum with the 2024 curriculum revision of this open distance degree programme of BIT.