Search Results (109)

Teacher mental health is a growing concern in educational and public health systems worldwide. This meta-analysis systematically examines the relationship between teacher self-efficacy—a core construct in social cognitive theory—and job satisfaction, both considered crucial indicators of occupational well-being. A total of 39 studies involving teachers across 18 countries were analyzed, yielding a significant positive correlation between self-efficacy and job satisfaction (r = 0.41, p < 0.001), with notable heterogeneity (I² = 97%). Subgroup analyses revealed that the relationship was significantly stronger among teachers in high school and post-secondary contexts, and in studies conducted in Southern Hemisphere countries, highlighting the role of contextual and systemic moderators such as educational level and geographic inequality. The findings underscore the need for school- and policy-level interventions that bolster teachers’ self-efficacy through professional development, emotional support, and improved working conditions. Such interventions are essential not only for enhancing job satisfaction and reducing attrition but also for promoting the psychological resilience and well-being of the global teaching workforce. The study provides evidence-based insights into education and health policymakers aiming to support teacher retention and mental health through scalable, targeted initiatives. Full article

This study explores a strategic framework for the sustainable development of Northern and Central Euboea (Evia), Greece, through the preservation and promotion of cultural and environmental assets. This research aims to redirect tourism flows from overdeveloped coastal zones to underutilized inland areas by leveraging local heritage and natural resources. The methodology was developed within the context of the AEI research project and combines bibliographic research, stakeholder consultation, GIS analysis, and socioeconomic assessment. Based on this framework, a series of thematic cultural routes and agritourism initiatives were designed to enhance regional attractiveness and resilience. The study proposes the utilization of ICT tools such as GIS-based mapping, a digital development platform, and an online tourism portal to document, manage, and promote key assets. The socioeconomic impact of the proposed interventions was evaluated using an input–output model, revealing that each EUR 1 million invested in the region is expected to generate EUR 650,000 in local GDP and create 14 new jobs. The results underscore the potential of alternative tourism to stimulate inclusive and sustainable growth, particularly in post-disaster rural regions. This integrated approach can serve as a model for other territories facing similar environmental, economic, and demographic challenges. Full article

The economic downturns in South Africa present a significant threat, with the potential to disrupt the nation’s notable advances in addressing the persistent challenges of high unemployment, widespread poverty and stark inequality. In the absence of substantial and extensive structural transformation, South Africa’s aspirations to achieve its ambitious development goals may remain unattainable. Building on the precedent of a blend of literature review, comprehensive ex post analysis, and applied general equilibrium modelling tailored for ex ante assessments, this paper assesses options and impacts of alternative ambitious developmental interventions. The results indicate that, despite implementing a variety of strategies, there remains a disheartening underperformance in economic indicators. However, ex ante evaluations indicate that with targeted interventions and supportive government policies, the country can achieve economic growth and job creation. Simulation results identify sectors of personal and social service activities, transport, finance, and insurance as having the most formidable potential to significantly reduce unemployment while simultaneously catalysing robust economic growth. These pivotal sectors, nestled within the broader services and industries, are uniquely poised to bolster overall productivity and diminish unemployment, while adeptly absorbing a considerable influx of highly educated and skilled labour. This suggests that South Africa can decisively accelerate its economic progress by embracing a dual-pronged approach: fostering structural shifts towards manufacturing and services, while steadfastly advancing the upskilling of its dynamic workforce. Full article

This study aims to analyze online job postings using machine learning-based, semantic approaches and to identify the expertise roles and competencies required for big data professions. The methodology of this study employs latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), a probabilistic topic modeling technique, to reveal hidden semantic structures within a corpus of big data job postings. As a result of our analysis, we have identified seven expertise roles, six proficiency areas, and 32 competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities) necessary for big data professions. These positions include “developer”, “engineer”, “architect”, “analyst”, “manager”, “administrator”, and “consultant”. The six essential proficiency areas for big data are “big data knowledge”, “developer skills”, “big data analytics”, “cloud services”, “soft skills”, and “technical background”. Furthermore, the top five skills emerged as “big data processing”, “big data tools”, “communication skills”, “remote development”, and “big data architecture”. The findings of our study indicated that the competencies required for big data careers cover a broad spectrum, including technical, analytical, developer, and soft skills. Our findings provide a competency map for big data professions, detailing the roles and skills required. It is anticipated that the findings will assist big data professionals in assessing and enhancing their competencies, businesses in meeting their big data labor force needs, and academies in customizing their big data training programs to meet industry requirements. Full article

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly affected public health and socio-economic structures globally. This research conducted a post-COVID-19 analysis of the role of fiscal support interventions on COVID-19 health regulations such as mandatory non-pharmaceutical interventions like face masks, social distancing, periodic lockdowns which include restrictions on movement, and socio-economic dimensions. This quantitative research obtained 302 responses from different households in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and Limpopo Provinces in South Africa. The results reveal that the relief fund (R350 unemployment grant, unemployment insurance fund claim, and food parcel distribution, among others) mediated the relationship between COVID-19 health regulations and poverty levels and the relationship between COVID-19 health regulations and health and well-being. The relief fund also mediated the relationship between COVID-19 health regulations and employment levels. Support packages from the R500 billion government support, which included loan guarantees, job support, tax and payment deferrals and holidays, social grants, wage guarantees, health interventions, and municipalities support, moderate the relationship between COVID-19 health regulations and the family and social support. These results validate the impact of the fiscal support intervention by the government in mitigating its emergency intervention with COVID-19 health regulations. This strengthens the theory of intervention, highlighting that multiple dynamics make interventions complex as shown by mediation and moderation results. Furthermore, this study highlights intervention being central to the management of the crisis. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive intervention for future preparedness, thus advancing the crisis–intervention perspective. Advances in these areas are critical to mitigate the impact of the next pandemic or similar major events in society. This can be achieved through improved pandemic timely response with effective economic stimulus, social relief, strong legal framework, and anti-corruption policies. Full article

The implementation and practice of palliative medicine have numerous boundaries in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), stemming from various cultural, legal, and religious concerns. Additionally, professional education in palliative care medicine in these countries is severely lacking, especially when compared with developed countries. Background/Objectives: To enhance and demystify palliative medicine practice to health care providers in LMICs. Methods: We developed a novel and comprehensive course in palliative care medicine and end-of-life (EOL) care, specifically within the context of management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We performed both immediate pre-course and post-course analysis of course participant comprehension and feedback, as well as a one-year post-course analysis and small group discussion. Results: The comprehension of the course material was strong, as participants scored an average of 13.9 points better on the post-test compared to the pre-test (49.6% vs. 35.7%, p < 0.001). Participants in the one-year follow-up session reported long-term applicability of the course material in their respective practice settings, with all participants reporting that they utilize the course material often. Small group discussion responses indicated a strong level of comprehension of the course material. Conclusions: Providing education in palliative medicine to health care professionals in LMICs is feasible, and likely to be both well-received and strongly influential to local medical practice. Local cultural and religious practices may be less of a barrier to the provision of palliative medicine than previously considered. Practicing palliative medicine, particularly at EOL, may strengthen patient–provider relationships, improve job satisfaction among health care providers, and improve the perception of medical care provided in LMIC medical settings. Full article

Objectives: With the advancement of modern society, people in cognitively demanding jobs are increasingly exposed to occupational stress. Prolonged and high-intensity cognitive activities are prone to inducing mental fatigue (MF), which adversely affects both psychological and physiological well-being, as well as task performance. Existing methods for inducing MF often demonstrate limited effectiveness due to insufficient cognitive load from overly simplistic tasks and the potential emotional disturbance caused by prolonged task duration. This study aims to explore a comprehensive cognitive task paradigm that integrates task complexity and time pressure, thereby developing a novel and effective method for inducing MF based on high mental workload (HMW) and the effects of time on task (ToT). Methods: Using convenience sampling, university students from a medical college were recruited as participants. The study was conducted in three steps. In the first step, we constructed a 1-back Stroop (BS) task paradigm by designing tasks with varying levels of complexity and incorporating time pressure through experimental manipulation. In the second step, the efficacy of the BS task paradigm was validated by comparing it with the traditional 2-back cognitive task in inducing HMW. In the third step, an MF induction protocol was established by combining the BS task paradigm with the ToT effect (i.e., a continuous 30 min task). Effectiveness was assessed using validated subjective measures (NASA Task Load Index [NASA-TLX] and Visual Analog Scale [VAS]) and objective behavioral metrics (reaction time and accuracy). Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests. Results: The BS task paradigm, which integrates complex cognitive abilities such as attention, working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and time pressure, demonstrated significantly higher NASA-TLX total scores, as well as elevated scores in mental demand, temporal demand, performance, and frustration scales, compared to the 2-back task. Additionally, the BS task paradigm resulted in longer reaction times and lower accuracy. As the BS task progressed, participants exhibited significant increases in mental fatigue (MF), mental effort (ME), mental stress (MS), and subjective feelings of fatigue, while the overall number of correct trials and accuracy showed a significant decline. Furthermore, reaction times in the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) were significantly prolonged, and the number of lapses significantly increased between pre- and post-task assessments. Conclusions: The BS task paradigm based on complex cognitive abilities and time pressure could effectively induce an HMW state. Combined with the ToT effect, the BS paradigm demonstrated effective MF induction capabilities. This study provides a novel and reliable method for inducing HMW and MF, offering a valuable tool for future research in related fields. Full article

Globally, financial inclusion is regarded as being crucial for balancing an economy’s financial system. However, despite the significance of financial inclusion, it still needs to be clarified to identify what factors are responsible for the diverse trend of financial inclusion in the forty-five Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries from 1999 to 2024. The main rationale of the study empirically investigated these determinants of financial inclusion in forty-five Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries from 1999 to 2024, which covers three distinct periods: which is the pre-COVID, 2020–2022 is the COVID period, and the post-COVID period from 2023 onward, but examined as a whole from 1999 to 2024 for easy policy formulation for SSA countries. The study was anchored on two main research objectives: firstly, to examine the factors influencing financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in these three distinct periods, and lastly, to present the policy implications of the result of these factors in enhancing financial inclusion in the post-COVID era in SSA. The study used the Panel Least Squares (PLS) technique in the data analysis. The result revealed that economic growth (GRO), Islamic banking (ISMAIC), money supply (MSS), internet users (USERS), and credit availability (CREDIT) positively and significantly enhance financial inclusion with coefficients of 0.001298, 4.926809, 1.08 × 10⁻⁶, 0.459388, and 0.657431, respectively, with significant p-values of 0.0008, 0.0023, 0.0000, 0.0000, and 0.000, respectively. On the flip side, internet servers (SERVER) have a negative coefficient value of 4.63 × 10⁻⁶ with a p-value of 0.000. Though inflation (INFL) and interest rate (INT.) have negative coefficient values of −0.02853 and −0.08317, they have insignificant p-value impacts of 0.2841 and 0.2501, respectively. The result indicates that many of the variables have a significant impact on financial inclusion. This is shown from the probabilities of the t statistics of each of the independent variables in the estimated model, which are significant at the 5% level. The policy implications of these results include the following: firstly, SSA governments should promote economic growth through investment in productive sectors, infrastructure development, and job creation programs to indirectly improve financial inclusion. Secondly, SSA countries’ policymakers should maintain price stability through sound monetary and fiscal policies to ensure inflation does not hinder access to financial services. Thirdly, SSA countries’ governments and central banks should promote lower interest rates and enhance credit accessibility, especially for marginalized groups, through subsidized loans and targeted credit schemes. Fourthly, policymakers should support the expansion of Islamic finance by improving regulatory frameworks and increasing awareness about Sharia-compliant financial products. Full article

Two key pillars of human-centered AI (HCAI) approaches are “control” and “autonomy”. To date, little is known about professional translators’ attitudes towards these concepts in the AI era. This paper explores this issue through a survey study of US-based professional translators in mid-2024. Methodologically, this paper presents a qualitative analysis of open-ended questions through thematic coding to identify themes related to (1) present conceptualizations of control and autonomy over translation technologies, (2) future attitudes towards control and autonomy in the AI era, (3) main threats and challenges, and (4) recommendations to developers to enhance perceptions of control and autonomy. The results show that professionals perceive control and autonomy differently in both the present and the future. The main themes are usability, the ability to turn on and off technologies or reject jobs that require specific technologies, collaboration with developers, and differences in working with LSPs versus private clients. In terms of future attitudes, the most frequent ones are post-editing, quality, communicating or informing clients, LSPs or society at large, and creativity or rates. Overall, the study helps identify how professionals conceptualize control and autonomy and what specific issues could help foster the development of truly human-centered AI in the translation profession. Full article

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) in healthcare, particularly in emergency departments (EDs), is a growing and complex issue that significantly impacts healthcare providers (HCPs). Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of WPV have increased globally, contributing to increased burnout, reduced morale, and heightened challenges in staff retention within EDs. Objective: This study aimed to explore HCPs’ perspectives on WPV in EDs. The insights gathered were intended to inform targeted interventions in a quality improvement initiative focused on addressing WPV in our healthcare institutions. Methods: A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews was conducted with 52 HCPs across two urban EDs at a multi-site academic health center. Participants from various roles and shifts shared experiences related to safety, leadership, training, and security. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, anonymized, and thematically analyzed to identify key themes surrounding WPV in EDs. Results: The thematic analysis identified four main themes, including (1) Violence is Part of the Job, (2) Leadership Dynamics regarding WPV, (3) Disconnect Among ED Staff During WPV Response, and (4) Enhancing Systems and Culture for Effective WPV Management. These themes provide a comprehensive view of HCPs’ experiences and offer actionable recommendations for healthcare organizations seeking to address WPV. Conclusions: The study provides valuable qualitative insights into WPV in EDs, emphasizing the importance of addressing cultural, structural, and procedural gaps. These findings can guide the development of more supportive and effective strategies to create a safer environment for ED staff. Further rounds of interviews are planned post-intervention to assess changes in HCPs’ perceptions and experiences. Full article

The coordination between poverty alleviation and ecological protection is both a crucial requirement and a long-standing challenge for sustainable development. China’s implementation of a targeted poverty alleviation strategy has completed the task of eliminating extreme poverty. However, the evaluation of the corresponding ecosystem changes in the entire poverty-alleviated areas is still insufficient. This study investigated the spatiotemporal changes in ecosystem vulnerability across China’s 832 national poverty-stricken counties from 2005 to 2020. A habitat–structure–function framework was applied to develop an evaluation index, along with a factor analysis of environmental and socio-economic indicators conducted through the Geodetector model. Finally, the implications of China’s practices to balance poverty alleviation and ecological protection were explored. The results show that ecosystem vulnerability decreased from 2005 to 2020, with an even greater decrease observed after 2013, which was twice the amount of the decrease seen before 2013. The post-2013 changes were mainly brought about by the enhancement of the ecosystem function in critical zones such as the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Ecoregion, Yangtze River and Sichuan–Yunnan Key Ecoregion, and Yellow River Key Ecoregion. From 2013 to 2020, the influence of the gross domestic product (GDP) surpassed that of other factors, playing a significant positive role in diminishing ecosystem vulnerability in the three regions mentioned. The results suggest that China’s poverty-alleviated areas have found a “win–win” solution for poverty alleviation and ecological protection, that is, they have built a synergistic mechanism that combines government financial support with strict protection policies (e.g., more ecological compensation, eco-jobs, and ecological public welfare positions for poor areas or the poor). These findings elucidate the mechanisms behind China’s targeted poverty alleviation outcomes and their ecological implications, establishing a practical framework for coordinated development and environmental stewardship in comparable regions. Full article

This study aims to assess the mechanical tensile properties of Polyamide produced via selective laser sintering (SLS). The research focuses on the effects of post-processing, positional dependency, anisotropy, and the repeatability of SLS print jobs on material properties. Understanding this anisotropy is crucial for reliable component simulation. A design-appropriate simulation method is developed. A total of 27 identical specimens were fabricated in various orientations and positions within the build chamber, repeated across three print jobs, alongside standard specimens for different post-processing treatments and tempering durations. The mechanical tensile properties were evaluated through tensile tests and compared with simulation outcomes. A new material modeling concept was formulated in the finite element (FE) program ANSYS, employing an orthotropic approach based on linear elastic initial deformation. The Hill Yield Criterion was utilized to model the transition to the plastic region, characterized by a nonlinear strain hardening curve. The print direction was integrated into the FE simulation mesh via a local material coordinate system. Surface treatment via glass bead blasting resulted in slight increases in mechanical response, while tempering had a minor influence. Significant anisotropy was observed, with only the z-position in the build chamber affecting mechanical properties. Successful mapping of anisotropy in structural simulations was achieved. This research did not address optimization of the printing process, recyclate effects, powder aging, or fatigue. The findings provide a comprehensive analysis of the mechanical behavior of SLS-printed specimens, serving as a foundation for treatment methodologies and simulation strategy development. Full article

Recruitment and retention of students in STEM fields continues to be a challenge. Existing models of recruitment and retention emphasize the role of domain interest and identity. In the current research, we investigated the role of transformative experience combined with domain interest/identity in predicting academic and career choice. Transformative experiences represent a form of deep engagement in which students actively apply school learning in their everyday lives and find value in doing so. We looked specifically at academic and career choice, i.e., available educational paths and various career options, in the field of geoscience, as the geosciences currently struggle to attract and retain majors, resulting in a lack of professionals to fill these jobs. We collected survey data from students (n = 60) at three U.S. universities, and used hierarchical multiple regression to investigate self-efficacy, pre-geoscience interest/identity, transformative experience, and post-geoscience interest/identity as predictors of geoscience academic and career choice. The full regression model explained 69% of the variance in geoscience academic/career choice. Further, stepwise regression analysis revealed that post-geoscience interest/identity fully mediated the relations between the other significant predictors (pre-geoscience interest/identity and transformative experience) and geoscience academic/career choice. Full article

This study examines the effectiveness of digital recruitment platforms in addressing labor shortages within Norway’s shipbuilding and ship-repair industry. Through a data analysis of 446 job applications over a 12-month period, this study evaluates key recruitment metrics, including application response times (ARTs), candidate acceptance rates (CARs), and the impact of machine learning on hiring outcomes. The findings reveal that specialized digital platforms can significantly improve recruitment efficiency, with 70% of applications being received within 24 h, highlighting the platforms’s great potential for time-sensitive sectors. Additionally, pre-vetting candidates enhances hiring precision, achieving a CAR of 90% and reducing mismatches. The application of machine learning algorithms provides predictive insights that support real-time adjustments to job postings, optimizing recruitment strategies. This study contributes uniquely to the literature on cross-border digital recruitment, aligning with the European Union goals of sustainable labor mobility and economic resilience. Full article

Drawing on 65 in-depth interviews with young Romanians between 22 and 33 years old, the contribution of this article is to offer an innovative analysis of the work experiences of second-generation young people who, having studied and completed their degrees in Spain during the pandemic, are developing their skills and creativity in a difficult labour market. I argue that unlike their parents’ generation, who in many cases have returned home or practice mobility, this generation wishes to remain in Spain. Consequently, the (im)mobility experienced by second-generation young people has become a fundamental post-pandemic trend. Three interlinked profiles were identified: (1) young graduates doing work for which they are overqualified, who want to find better jobs; (2) young people who have completed master’s or doctoral degrees and now have their own business, are applying for research funding or are unemployed; and (3) unemployed graduates who are making a living from self-employment or aspire to have their own business. The conclusions highlight new trends of thought among young Romanians educated and trained during the pandemic in terms of how to overcome work precariousness and live in Spain. Full article