The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the need to move educational processes to virtual environments and increase the use of digital tools for different teaching uses. This led to a change in the habits of using information and communication technologies (ICT), especially in higher education. This work analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frequency of use of different ICT tools in a sample of 950 Latin American university professors while focusing on the area of knowledge of the participating professors. To this end, a validated questionnaire has been used, the responses of which have been statistically analyzed. As a result, it has been proven that participants give high ratings to ICT but show insufficient digital competences for its use. The use of ICT tools has increased in all areas after the pandemic but in a diverse way. Differences have been identified in the areas of knowledge regarding the use of ICT for different uses before the pandemic. In this sense, the results suggest that Humanities professors are the ones who least use ICT for didactic purposes. On the other hand, after the pandemic, the use of ICT for communication purposes has been homogenized among the different knowledge areas.

This paper explores the interconnected dynamics between governance, public debt, and domestic investment (also known as gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) in South Africa). It also highlights domestic investment as a key driver of economic growth, noting a consistent decline in investment since the country’s democratic transition in 1994. Moreover, this downward trend is exacerbated by excessive public debt, poor governance, and increased economic risks, discouraging domestic and foreign investments. The analysis incorporates two theoretical perspectives: endogenous growth theory, which stresses the significance of local capital investment and innovation, and institutional governance theory, which focuses on the role of governance in promoting economic development. The study reveals that poor governance, rising debt, and high economic risks have impeded GFCF and economic stability. By utilizing quantitative data from 1995 to 2023, the research concludes that reducing public debt, improving governance, and minimizing economic risk are critical to revitalizing domestic investment in South Africa. These findings suggest that policy reforms centered on good governance, effective debt management, and economic stabilization can stimulate investment, promote growth, and address the country’s economic challenges. This study offers insights into how governance and fiscal policies shape investment and capital formation in a developing nation, providing valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders working towards sustainable economic growth in South Africa.

This article explores the transformative journey of universities in Kazakhstan, focusing on the results of recent research on the quality of higher education. The study delves into the significant reforms and innovations implemented in the Kazakhstani higher education system, assessing their impact on academic standards, student performance, and institutional efficiency. Through comprehensive data analysis and expert interviews, the research highlights the strides made in improving educational quality, fostering international collaborations, and integrating modern technologies in teaching and learning. The findings underscore the critical role of government policies, industry partnerships, and community participation in driving these transformations. This article provides valuable information on the challenges and successes experienced by Kazakhstani universities, providing a blueprint for further advances in the sector of higher education. The key factors contributing to the success of these reforms include strong government support, international collaboration, robust quality assurance mechanisms, a focus on research and innovation, and professional development for educators. While challenges remain, the future of higher education in Kazakhstan looks promising, provided that these efforts continue and are further refined to address existing gaps.

In this work, the structural transformations of a suboxide vacuum-deposited film of SiO_1.3 composition annealed in an inert atmosphere in a wide temperature range of 100 °C–1100 °C were characterized by the reflection-transmission spectroscopy technique. The experimental spectroscopic data were used to obtain the spectra of the absorption coefficient α(hν) in the absorption edge region of the film. Based on their processing, the dependences of Urbach energy EU and optical (Tauc) bandgap Eo on the annealing temperature were obtained. An assessment of the electronic band gap (mobility gap) Eg was also carried out. Analysis of these dependences allowed us to trace dynamics of thermally stimulated disproportionation of the suboxide film and the features of the formation of nanocomposites consisting of amorphous and/or crystalline silicon nanoparticles in an oxide matrix.

One of the core problems in soil erosion research is the estimation of soil erosion. It is a feasible method and technical approach to estimate soil erosion in Loess Plateau region by using USLE model, GIS and RS technology and using DEM data, meteorological data and land-use type data. With the support of GIS and RS technology, the USLE factors and soil erosion in Loess Plateau region were estimated, and the soil erosion intensity was classified according to the Chinese soil erosion intensity classification standard. The results can provide reference for the development of soil erosion control measures in the Loess Plateau.