Evaluating the Impact of Mini-Competition on Pharmaceutical Procurement: Challenges, Risks, and Regulatory Implications in Indonesia

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This study evaluates the impact of the mini-competition method in pharmaceutical procurement in Indonesia, focusing on its challenges, risks, and regulatory implications. Mini-competition, a procurement method designed to promote competitive pricing in e-purchasing, has been introduced to streamline the procurement process, especially for essential goods such as pharmaceuticals. However, this method faces legal and practical challenges, including risks of fraud, reduced competition, collusion, and issues concerning product quality and innovation. The legal framework governing mini competition, including Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2021, is analyzed to identify potential weaknesses in ensuring transparency and accountability.

The research also includes a case study of pharmaceutical product procurement, highlighting the significant price reductions resulting from mini competition but revealing adverse effects on industry sustainability. The analysis of the cost structure of pharmaceutical companies shows that continued price reductions may force companies to cease operations due to unprofitability. Drawing on international case studies, this study concludes that while mini competition can lower procurement costs, it also poses significant risks to product quality, innovation, and market competition. Traditional tender methods are proposed as a more balanced and sustainable approach for pharmaceutical procurement, emphasizing the need for transparent and comprehensive evaluation criteria.

The Effect of Extensive and Intensive Reading Strategies on EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Improvement

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This study investigated the impact of extensive and intensive reading strategies on vocabulary development on EFL learners. The study was conducted at English department, Education Faculty, Kandahar University. The design of the study was inferential experimental, where pre- and post-tests were used to measure improvement in vocabulary improvement.  The subjects of the study were first-year freshmen and night shift students. A total of 50 Afghan EFL students were selected based on their performance on placement test. The participants in the experimental group got extensive reading, and the control group got intensive reading, respectively. The experimental group and control group received 100-minutes per week. The collected data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software using descriptive and inferential statistics.  The results of the study revealed that the vocabulary was improved from 83 to 93 in extensive reading and from 81 to 92 in intensive reading, which shows that there is significance increase in scores for intensive and extensive reading respectively.

Kim Bok-jin – the founder of national sculpture in Korea during the Japanese colonial period

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This study analyzes the biography and work of Kim Bok-jin (pseudonym: Chongwan), the first Korean to graduate from the sculpture department of Tokyo University of the Arts in Japan during the Japanese colonial period (in 1925) and the first sculptor to introduce Western realist techniques to Korea. The study will also examine the national motifs in the works of Kim Bok-jin against the backdrop of a difficult historical period, and analyze a number of his little-known works through the prism of Korean studies. The main content of the study is the sculptures of Kim Bok-jin “standing woman”, “statue of Maitreya Buddha” “Baek Hwa”, “Youth (Boy)”, “Old man”. He is a significant figure in Korean sculpture: from 1925 until his death in 1940, Kim Bok-jin regularly exhibited his works at the Joseon Art Exhibition, and in addition to his artistic activities, he also ran the Art Research Institute, nurturing young artists. He also engaged in journalism, criticism, and political activity as a member of the Joseon Communist Party. The purpose of this study is to rethink the work of Kim Bok-jin, the founder of Korean sculpture, who was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit of the National Foundation in 1993.

Developing Models for Measuring and Evaluating Success in Vocational and Professional Education and Training. An Empirical Study

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This study aimed to evaluate the performance of vocational high schools by developing and applying a comprehensive assessment instrument. The focus was on the actual processes occurring within these institutions, rather than solely relying on document-based evaluations. By analyzing factors affecting school performance, constructing a valid instrument, and conducting a thorough evaluation, the study found that the investigated vocational high schools demonstrated satisfactory performance in general management and academic management. Most of the evaluations of education, training and performance carried out in vocational high schools focus on documents or passive data, rather than on the processes taking place in the secondary schools themselves. Recognizing the need to study precisely these processes, this study focuses on the performance evaluation of secondary schools. The study begins with the identification of constructs and the development of instruments to assess the performance of vocational high schools. Based on the problems found in the field, before conducting the evaluation, the researcher must first develop the evaluation tool through three stages of development. The first one is to analyze the concepts related to evaluation by examining the factors affecting the performance of vocational high schools. In the second, instrument development and instrument analysis (content validation of selected criteria) are conducted with the help of experts. The third one, entailed a rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of vocational secondary schools. Based on the evaluation findings, the investigated vocational high schools demonstrated commendable performance in both general management and academic management.

Vietnamese EFL Teacher Identity Reconstruction under the Pressure of Technological Integration

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Understanding teacher identity highlights a significance in language education since how teachers define who they are and their roles in a current context influence their pedagogical growth, teaching approaches, and interaction with students and colleagues [1], therefore, supporting effective teaching and learning outcomes [2]. Considering teacher identity as an unfixed quality that gradually changes depending on contextual shifts, it is crucial to investigate the reconstruction of teacher identity as a result of integrating technology into teaching. Despite the necessity, this area remains under-investigated in Vietnam, particularly among EFL language teachers. This qualitative research, therefore, aims to examine the reconstruction of Vietnamese ELF teacher identity as they adapted the requirement of technological application in their teaching practices. This research employs narrative inquiry and the hermeneutic circle to explore these experiences. The finding indicates that those teachers engaged with the complex interplay between their inside and the outside, resulting in distinct identities as two main groups: technological-learners who teach and technological-interested teachers. The study went deep into the influence of personal beliefs, institutional policies, and pressure from peers and students on these identities.

Strategic plan for OmniScripts Deployments and Activation in Vlocity Packages

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Vlocity Package deployment involves careful consideration of core concepts, OmniScripts, Vlocity architecture and a clear plan to the CICD pipelines and workflows. Vlocity packages have many essential tools to offer for business processes and one critically acclaimed concept is the OmniScripts and OmniStudio. DataRaptors within the OmniStudio let companies handle the data in an unique way. The deployment and activation of the OmniScripts would require a curated pipeline as there are various factors to consider. CICD pipelines for OmniScripts throws many challenges due to its complex architecture. This paper highlights the challenges and also a strategic plan to efficiently manage the OmniScript deployments.

Product of Categories and Product of Two Objects in a Category

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Let  and  be categories. The product of two categories  and , is represented by  and referred to as the product category. Product category is an extension of the concept of the product of two sets of cartesian and is used to define the bifungtors. In the theory of categories there are also product of two objects in a category where the objects of the product itself is part of the category. The objects  in  is said to be a product of  and  in  if to each object  and to each pair  of morphisms with  and , there is an exactly morphism , such that  and . This article discusses the product categories and the product of two objects in a category, including concepts and properties related to the product of categories and the product of two objects in a category.

The Impacts of Computer-Assisted Translation Tools on Learning Autonomy of Students in English Translation Courses

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Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools have played an important role in professional translation work. Nevertheless, integrating CAT tools in translation training effectively has remained a conundrum in educational institutions. This research investigates the impact of CAT tools on the learning autonomy of English-majored students in translation courses. Several CAT tools were employed in the training process of 64 students majoring in English translation for 10 weeks. The Learner Autonomy Perception Questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data for pre-test and post-test. Qualitative data was also collected from 15 individual interviews. Findings reveal that the integration of CAT tools has positive impacts on components of learner autonomy, including belief about teachers’ role, metacognitive knowledge, metacognitive skills, and freedom, but it has no significant influence on motivation. Furthermore, although CAT tools facilitate opportunities to foster self-confidence, independence of learning and critical thinking skills, they may cause an over-reliance on technology and a lack of creativity and sense of ownership. Accordingly, several teaching implications are drawn in this study.

Benefits and Objectives of ECVET Implementation in Bulgaria: an Empirical Study

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The comprehensive analysis presented in this article examines the potential positive effects of complete ECVET implementation in Bulgaria, aligning with the European guidelines established by CEDEFOP. By focusing on a diverse range of topics, the report offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance the quality and relevance of VET in Bulgaria. Despite the potential benefits of ECVET, its implementation in Bulgarian vocational education has not yet been realized and lacks a comprehensive credit system for credit exchange within both secondary and higher vocational education. Consequently, the development of an effective ECVET implementation system, including a robust assessment framework, remains an ongoing challenge. ECVET is poised to support learners in Bulgaria across several key dimensions. Its ability to foster adaptability, practical skill acquisition, and alternative learning strategies equip learners with the competencies necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic job market. Moreover, ECVET promotes the development of organizational skills, facilitates informed career choices, and accelerates professional implementation. The successful implementation of ECVET necessitates a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including VET institutions, employers, and learners. By embracing ECVET, Bulgaria can significantly improve the quality and relevance of its VET systems, better prepare learners for the workforce, and stimulate economic growth. Ultimately, ECVET contributes to learners’ personal satisfaction, self-esteem, and shorter paths to the labor market. These benefits underscore the transformative potential of ECVET in enhancing the educational experience and career prospects of learners in Bulgaria.

Quality Service of The Online Integrated Referral Information System in The Emergency Department of RSUD Bahteramas Southeast Sulawesi Province

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The Integrated Referral System (Sisrute) is important in the referral system for patients who need emergency services. This study aims to determine the quality of the Sisrute IGD service at Bahteramas Hospital through qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The primary informants were 12, and the supporting informants were 6—determination of informants using non-probability and purposive sampling techniques. The results showed that the effectiveness of the Sisrute program has not been maximized because there are obstacles such as internet network problems, slow referral response time, and a lack of resources to manage the program. The security aspect of the Sisrute application is considered quite good because it is supervised by the State Cyber Agency (BSSN), which uses one password for one user. For Sisrute’s user admin personnel, there may still be insecurity flaws, such as accounts needing to be signed out after use or users giving their access accounts to other unauthorized parties. Regarding focusing on patients, Sisrute services are considered to have been implemented based on the conditions and needs of patients. The timeliness of Sisrute services is considered a waste of time when answering Sisrute.