This review comprehensively summarizes various preparatory methods of polymeric bone scaffolds using conventional and modern advanced methods. Compilations of the various fabrication techniques, specific composition, and the corresponding properties obtained under clearly identified conditions are presented in the commercial formulations of bone scaffolds in current orthopedic use. The gaps and unresolved questions in the existing database, efforts that should be made to address these issues, and research directions are also covered. Polymers are unique synthetic materials primarily used for bone and scaffold applications. Bone scaffolds based on acrylic polymers have been widely used in orthopedic surgery for years. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is especially known for its widespread applications in bone repair and dental fields. In addition, the PMMA polymers are suitable for carrying antibiotics and for their sustainable release at the site of infection.
The aim of this paper is to introduce a research project dedicated to identifying gaps in green skills by using the labor market intelligence. Labor Market Intelligence (LMI). The method is primarily descriptive and conceptual, as the authors of this paper intend to develop a theoretical background and justify the planned research using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. This research highlights the role of LMI as a tool for analysis of the green skills gaps and related imbalances. Due to the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions, there arises a need for the identification of green skills. As societies shift towards eco-friendly economic models, changes lead to emerging skill gaps. This study provides an alternative approach for identification of these gaps based on analysis of online job vacancies and online profiles of job seekers. These gaps are contextualized within roles that businesses find difficult to fill due to a lack of requisite green skills. The idea of skill intelligence is to blend various sources of information in order to overcome the information gap related to the identification of supply side factors, demand side factors and their interactions. The outcomes emphasize the urgency of policy interventions, especially in anticipating roles emerging from the green transition, necessitating educational reforms. As the green movement redefines the economy, proactive strategies to bridge green skill gaps are essential. This research offers a blueprint for policymakers and educators to bolster the workforce in readiness for a sustainable future. This article proposes a solution to the quantitative and qualitative mismatches in the green labor market.
E-commerce plays an important role in many organizations and businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Although the body of scientific knowledge carries significant research in addressing the main drivers and challenges of e-commerce among SMEs, the Saudi market was untouched, especially after the official Saudi government classification of SMEs back in December of 2016. Therefore, this study aims to explore the most common factors and challenges of SMEs when utilizing e-commerce in Saudi Arabia. It focused on Jeddah City as the second-largest city and the main seaport of the country. This research is based on a quantitative survey carried out among 63 firms, due to the difficulty in reaching a larger number of participants who had dedicated time and budget. The examined factors were collected from the literature and classified using the Technology, Organization, and Environment Model (TOE). Out of 63 firms, only six were adopting e-commerce. This led us to focus more on the challenges that hindered the remaining 57 from utilizing e-commerce. The analysis results uncovered the status of e-commerce among a sample of Saudi SMEs and showed that the knowledge and awareness level of e-commerce potential for businesses play a significant factor in reaching this incredibly low number.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought life changing conditions to families that require coping strategies in order to survive and achieve family well-being. This study aims to analyze differences between single earner and dual earner families during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze the factors that influence subjective family well-being. The research design used was a cross sectional study with sample collection through non-probability sampling. Data collection was carried out by filling out questionnaires online. The number of respondents involved in the study was 2084 intact families with children residing in DKI Jakarta, West Java, and Banten Provinces. Reliability and validity tests were conducted. The results of the independent t-test showed that dual-earner families experienced better life changes and a higher level of subjective family well-being than single-earner families and had lower economic pressure and lower economic coping than single earner families. The SEM analysis found that life changes affected economic coping negatively and subjective family well-being positively. Family income influenced economic coping negatively and subjective family well-being positively. Finally, it was found that economic coping had no effect on subjective family well-being.
The urgency of ecological problems has become increasingly complex, so responses from diverse parties are needed, including in the context of ecological citizenship. The general hypothesis proposed in this research is that the problem of climate change has an influence on the high level of attention of the global community, including academics, to environmental issues related to the active role of citizens demanding environmental justice and sustainable development. This study aims to explore globally published documents to provide an in-depth discussion concerning ecological citizenship. Bibliometric analysis was employed from the Scopus database. The main findings confirm the significant contribution of ecological citizenship in shaping global understanding of the role of individuals in maintaining environmental sustainability. The research theme mapping shows the diversity of issues that have been explored, with particular emphasis on environmental education and social justice, providing a basis for recommendations for future research. In particular, environmental education has been recognized as a critical element in shaping society’s understanding of environmental issues, while social justice underscores the importance of fair distribution and critical analysis of inequality in social and ecological contexts. Future research recommendations include the exploration of effective strategies in promoting the concept of ecological citizenship, developing a holistic environmental education curriculum, and more active research in the context of social justice in various regions, including Asia. This bibliometric analysis is expected to contribute substantially to formulating policies and practical actions that support the vision of inclusive ecological citizenship, which positively impacts overcoming global environmental challenges.
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