Overview of the problems of VET education: an Attempt for Classification and Cross-Mapping the Problems from 2024: A Case study

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This study systematically examines the multifaceted challenges facing vocational education and training (VET) in Bulgaria, highlighting the persistent issues that undermine the effectiveness of the system. Through a comprehensive classification of these challenges, the research identifies key areas such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, insufficient industry linkages, and a lack of qualified teaching personnel. The analysis reveals that long-term neglect, frequent political shifts, and ineffective policy measures have contributed to a significant skills gap among graduates compared to their predecessors. It summons cores of the multi-layered long-standing problems in Vocational education in Bulgaria. Long-term neglect, frequent changes in the views of various political entities with a strong influence on vocational education, inadequate malapropos and untimely fragmented half-measures, as well as the lack of the participation of serious business and expertise in vocational education are among the many reasons for the low level of technical and professional skills of the modern graduate of a vocational high school compared to his predecessor from the time of Polytechnicism. The absence of a cohesive framework for cooperation between educational institutions and industry stakeholders exacerbates the disconnect between VET programs and labor market needs. The paper also aims to provide a structured overview of the current state of VET in Bulgaria, offering insights that can inform future policy development and strategic interventions.

Barriers and Facilitators to Cervical Cancer vaccination Among Young Females in Chennai: A Cross-Sectional KAP Study

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Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papilloma virus (HPV). It is one of the most common cancers in women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. While most HPV infections resolve naturally, some persist and can lead to cervical cancer over time.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of young women in Chennai regarding cervical cancer, screening, and prevention, and to identify barriers and facilitators influencing participation in screening programs.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2024 among 222 young females, aged 13 and above.. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed their KAP towards cervical cancer. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Bloom’s taxonomy was applied to categorize knowledge and attitude. Chi-square tests were used to determine statistical significance, with a p-value < 0.05.

Results: Although 78.2% of participants were aware of cervical cancer, knowledge of preventive measures was low—only 25.2% knew about the HPV vaccine, and 44% understood the correct Pap test frequency. Attitudes toward screening were mostly positive, with 73.2% agreeing that free screening reduces cervical cancer risk. However, actual preventive practices were limited—only 9% had undergone a Pap smear, and 10% had received the HPV vaccine. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in KAP between groups (p > 0.05), except for medical students, who demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels.

Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes toward cervical cancer screening, there were notable gaps in knowledge and preventive practices among young women in Chennai. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions, particularly on HPV vaccination and routine screening, to bridge these gaps.

The Analysis of Knowledge to the Skill of Health Cadres in Carrying Out the Early Detection of Pneumonia in Sick Children in the Working Area of Public Health Centre, Belimbing Padang City

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Under-five year children  death  in Indonesia due to pneumonia are 32 per 1000 live birth.  Data in 2018  in West Sumatra, the prevalence of ISPA was 5%, pneumonia rose to 2.5%, in the city of Padang in 2018, the number of pneumonia sufferers were 3,196 under-five year children (3.91 %). In public  Health Center, Belimbing the cases of respiratory tract infection is ranked first among the ten most common diseases (53%). The aim of the research is to analyze the knowledge to the  skill of cadres regarding the early detection of pneumonia in under five year children. This research design is a cross-sectional study. The population in this research were  55 respondents. Data collection used questionnaires and observation sheets. Data processing was used by editing, coding, entrying and cleaning. Univariate analysis was made in frequency distribution in percentages, and bivariate analysis used the Chi square test (CI 95%). The research results showed that there is a relationship between knowledge to health cadres’s skill, with  p-value (0.004). It is hoped that cooperation will continue the program for sustainability and conduct continuous evaluation to reduce pneumonia.

The Integration of Listening Skills into Curriculum

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This study explores the incorporation of listening skills into language courses, reflecting the increasing demand for effective listening approaches that aid in language understanding in real-world situations. The study questions primarily focus on evolution, effective integration methods, assessment approaches, and the role of technology in incorporating listening into curriculum across varied educational contexts. This current study conducted a rigorous literature analysis and aggregated data from 100 empirical research on L2 listening, using stringent standards to identify recent achievements and gaps in the field. Data analysis used deductive text analysis to categorize methods based on efficacy, technology integration, and active learning. Key studies show that task-based learning and the incorporation of multimodal technology, such as podcasts and mobile apps, substantially enhance listening comprehension by providing immersive and interactive learning environments. These methods directly address the research questions, demonstrating that active, contextual listening activities promote profound engagement and retention. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of multimedia and task-based methods, with implications for more inclusive, accessible curriculum design. Future research should focus on low-tech strategies to provide fair access to listening resources worldwide.

Use of Sustainable Energy Sources and Technologies in Primary and Secondary School Buildings in Greece. Can They Eliminate their Carbon Footprint?

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School buildings consume energy covering their energy demand. The most of them utilize fossil fuels and grid electricity while the use of renewable energies is rather limited. School buildings should eliminate their carbon emissions in order to achieve the global target for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The energy consumption and the carbon emissions in schools have been evaluated. School buildings in Greece consume less than 100 kWh/m2 year. Solar thermal energy, solar photovoltaic energy and high efficiency heat pumps can cover all the energy demand in school buildings in Greece replacing the use of conventional energy sources. These energy technologies are reliable, mature and cost-effective. There are 7,756 primary and secondary school buildings in Greece consuming 1.67 TWh/year. The total cost of energy renovation eliminating their carbon emissions is estimated at 1,156,000 €/school or 8.96 billion € for the 7,756 schools in the country. For achieving the target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, 310 Greek schools should be energy refurbished every year eliminating their carbon footprint in the next 25 years. Taking into account the availability of benign energy sources and technologies the main barrier for eliminating the carbon emissions in school buildings in Greece by 2050 is the high investment cost. Our results could be useful for the development of the required policies for decarbonization in school buildings.

Adapting the Future VET Curriculum in Response to Emerging Challenges: A Model for Evaluating the Impact of AI Integration in VET for Armed Conflicts and Warfare

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This article examines the profound implications and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on vocational education and training (VET) within military contexts, underscoring the imperative for curriculum reform to address the evolving demands of contemporary warfare. As AI technologies progress, they present both significant opportunities and challenges, reshaping defense strategies and operational frameworks, fundamentally altering defense strategies and operational paradigms. The integration of AI into military applications necessitates a workforce proficient in specialized competencies, including technical expertise in AI ethics, system design, and human-centered methodologies. This paper delineates the essential competencies required for future VET professionals, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing upskilling and reskilling to effectively navigate the ethical and legal complexities associated with AI in military operations. By incorporating and embedding AI education into VET curricula, stakeholders can cultivate a new generation of defense professionals equipped to utilize AI technologies in a responsible and effective manner, ensuring adherence to and compliance with international humanitarian standards while enhancing operational efficacy. The findings highlight the critical role of VET in developing a skilled workforce prepared to confront the dynamic landscape of military technologies driven by AI.

The T-Shaped Model: A Modern Paradigm for TVET Curriculum Design. Conceptual Framework, Theoretical Foundations and Practical Examples

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The T-shaped curriculum in secondary technical VET represents a progressive educational framework designed to equip students with both specialized technical skills and a broad range of transferable competencies. This curriculum model emphasizes the development of deep expertise in specific technical fields, such as engineering or computer science, while simultaneously fostering essential skills in communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. By integrating real-world applications, experiential learning opportunities, and interdisciplinary projects, the T-shaped curriculum prepares students for immediate employment and long-term adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market. This approach not only enhances students’ technical proficiency but also cultivates their ability to navigate complex professional environments, thereby addressing the growing demand for versatile and resourceful graduates. The implementation of the T-shaped curriculum in secondary technical VET programs is shown to align educational outcomes with industry needs, decisively producing well-rounded professionals capable of contributing productively to diverse roles and industries. This article explores the significance of the T-shaped curriculum in shaping future-ready individuals and highlights its potential to transform TVET in response to the challenges of the modern workforce.

A Case Study of Air Quality in Kabul, Afghanistan

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The air quality in Afghanistan is severely affected by various pollutant sources, the impacts of which often cause acute health problems, particularly among the old, young and those suffering from poor health. The impacts of chronic exposure to air pollutants are also likely to become apparent over time. The purpose of this air quality dissertation is to assist policy makers in the design and implementation of policies, and in the development of monitoring and management tools to restore air quality in Afghanistan. Since 2001, Kabul city’s population has grown from four hundred thousand to six million people. Estimates of various pollutant emissions indicate that vehicular traffic, windblown dust, brick kilns, residential heating during winter season, and domestic and commercial generators are the major sources of air pollution in Kabul. The estimated total annual emissions in Kabul are 17,363 tons of PM10, 16,183 tons of NOx, 2,484 tons of SO2, 97,068 tons of CO2, and 650,846 tons of CO2 .In the article “In Kabul, air pollution a bigger killer than war” that every year around 3,000 people die in Kabul city due to air pollution whereas the total mortality rate due to war across the country is 2,777 cases.

Evaluating Software-Based Methods for Replacing Manual Collection of Midnight Totals: A Study from Sri Lanka

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The manual collection of midnight totals in hospitals has long been used to calculate key performance indicators such as bed occupancy rates. Despite technological advancements, many hospitals still rely on labour-intensive manual methods prone to inaccuracies at multiple stages. This study introduces and evaluates the Smart Hospital Metrics Calculator, a tool developed to automate the calculation of midnight totals and same-day discharges using patient admission and discharge dates from the electronic Indoor Morbidity and Mortality Return (eIMMR). Both manual and software-based methods exhibited inaccuracies, but errors in software-based calculations were primarily due to issues with entering dates, which can be mitigated by improving workflows and refining the eIMMR system. In contrast, improving manual methods requires addressing challenges across multiple levels. Data from three hospitals were analysed, and while the results do not yet demonstrate these outcomes, it is postulated that with enhanced date entry processes, software-based methods, such as the Smart Hospital Metrics Calculator, could achieve near-zero inaccuracies. These findings suggest that transitioning to this automated approach has the potential to streamline data collection, enable real-time monitoring, and improve hospital data management—without requiring additional workload or significant investment. If successfully implemented, this change could represent a seamless transformation, realizing benefits without disrupting current operations.

Hazardous Effects of Battery Waste and Role of the Battery Waste Management Rule 2022 in Enhancing Energy Efficiency

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Replacing batteries in present world is challenging because they are extensively utilised in every facet of human existence. These batteries contain a variety of toxic heavy metals, including as cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc, all of which pose risks to human health and the environment. Improperly disposing of used batteries in landfills leads to the infiltration of toxic heavy metals and other dangerous compounds into the soil and water over time. India’s long-term development has significant challenges in both reducing CO2 emissions and meeting the energy demands of its large population. This has significantly bolstered the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy industries. Battery-based energy storage systems can enhance the management of operational and energy evacuation challenges associated with renewable energy. Consequently, the effective disposal of battery waste is more crucial than battery production. However, it is neglected often, specially in developing and impoverished nations. Three established methods exist for preventing and managing the issues arising from the inappropriate disposal of used batteries. The three R’s are: decrease, replenish, and reuse. This article initially analyses the health and environmental consequences of battery waste, and subsequently highlights the potential of new regulations on battery waste management to effectively handle huge amounts of battery waste and encourage energy conservation.