Tropical peat swamp is an essential ecosystem experiencing increased degradation over the past few decades. Therefore, this study used the social-ecological system (SES) perspective to explain the complex relationship between humans and nature in the Sumatran Peatlands Biosphere Reserve. The peat swamp forest has experienced a significant decline, followed by a significant increase in oil palm and forest plantations in areas designated for peat protection. Human systems have evolved to become complex and hierarchical, constituting individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions. Studies on SES conducted in the tropical peatlands of Asia have yet to address the co-evolutionary processes occurring in this region, which could illustrate the dynamic relationship between humans and nature. This study highlights the co-evolutionary processes occurring in the tropical peatland biosphere reserve and provides insights into their sustainability trajectory. Moreover, the coevolution process shows that biosphere reserve is shifting toward an unsustainable path. This is indicated by ongoing degradation in three zones and a lack of a comprehensive framework for landscape-scale water management. Implementing landscape-scale water management is essential to sustain the capacity of peatlands social-ecological systems facing disturbances, and it is important to maintain biodiversity. In addition, exploring alternative development pathways can help alter these trajectories toward sustainability.
Primary reason for interpretation the paper was the creation of a starting position for setting up e-learning in the structures of the executive forces of the Slovak Republic, which absent in the current dynamic environment. Problems with education arose mainly in connection with the global problem of Europe, such as the influence of illegal migrants, and it was necessary to retrain a large number of police officers in a short time. We reflect on the combined model of LMS Moodle and proctored training through MS TEAMS and their active use in practice. We focused on the efficiency in the number of participants in individual trainings and costs per participant according to the field of training. We compared the processed data with the costs of the pilot introduction of analytical organizational unit providing e-learning and interpreted the positive results in the application of e-learning compared to conventional (face-to-face) educational activities. As a basic (reference) comparative indicator, the costs of educational activities of selected organizational unit of state institution represented by own educational organizations and the number of trained employees for the periods in question were chosen. To measure effectiveness, we set financial—cost KPIs. Our findings clearly demonstrated that it is possible to significantly optimize costs when changing the current form of ICT education to e-learning. The implementation of another educational activities form of education, e-learning, within public institutions, according to the results of the analysis, can simplify and at the same time make education processes more efficient in the context of individual subjects of the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic.
This study examines the comparative teaching effectiveness and student satisfaction between native Japanese language teachers (NJLTs) and non-native Japanese language teachers (NNJLTs). Utilizing a sample of 740 students from various educational institutions in Japan, the research employs a quantitative design, including structured questionnaires adapted from established scales. Advanced statistical methods, including factor analysis and multiple regression, were used to analyze the data. The findings reveal no significant differences in student satisfaction and language proficiency between students taught by NJLTs and NNJLTs. Additionally, regression analysis showed that cultural relatability and empathy were not significant predictors of teaching effectiveness, suggesting that factors beyond nativeness influence student outcomes. These results challenge the native-speakerism ideology, highlighting the importance of pedagogical skills, teacher-student rapport, and effective teaching strategies. The study underscores the need for inclusive hiring practices, comprehensive teacher training programs, and collaborative teaching models that leverage the strengths of both NJLTs and NNJLTs. Implications for educational policy, curriculum design, and teacher professional development are discussed, advocating for a balanced approach that values the contributions of both native and non-native teachers. Limitations include the reliance on self-reported data and the specific cultural context of Japan. Future research should explore additional variables, employ longitudinal designs, and utilize mixed-methods approaches to provide a more nuanced understanding of language teaching effectiveness.
In June 2023, the European Union (EU) enacted the Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), which requires agricultural products to enter and leave its territory free from deforestation. The regulations apply to seven commodities: cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, wood, and their derivate products grown or raised on land subject to deforestation or forest degradation will be banned from entering the EU market. EUDR will have a significant impact on Vietnam’s Exports of Agricultural Products. Coffee, rubber, wood, and wood products are the main industries in Vietnam affected by this regulation, as the country exports a substantial portion of these products to EU markets. This article examines the impacts of the European Union Deforestation Regulation on Vietnam’s coffee supply chains, discusses possible unintended effects on coffee farmers and farming households, and explores strategies to mitigate these negative impacts while highlighting specific challenges that may arise. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding and management of Vietnam’s agricultural exports, particularly in the coffee sector. Additionally, the article gives some recommendations for improving Vietnam’s laws and policies on deforestation-free products.
European commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, told Le Journal du Dimanche in January 2022, “Existing nuclear plants alone will need 50 billion euros of investment from now until 2030. And new generation ones will need 500 billion”. This paper considers whether these values are realistic. Further, it asks whether these investments would yield an internationally competitive European nuclear power infrastructure given that the nuclear power industries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development member countries have lost global nuclear market share to Russian and Chinese firms since 1995.The paper investigates whether the European nuclear industry even with massive investment can compete with the Chinese nuclear industries. It concludes that the European (in particular, the French) nuclear power industry will be unlikely to be cost competitive with the Chinese nuclear power industry unless financing and new plant orders are immediately forthcoming. To achieve carbon neutrality, the issue becomes whether European Union countries can afford indigenous nuclear technologies or will need to import nuclear power plants from Asia.
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