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This study aims to measure the significance of non-technical skills for integrating into metalwork technology curriculum of technical colleges in Nigeria. The data collected through questionnaire survey consisted of 283 responses. The findings revealed that the mean values for all identified components of non-technical skills indicated their importance and suitability for integration into the curriculum. The study developed models using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique. The results from SEM indicated that the correlation matrix, factor loadings, composite reliability, and average variance extracted for the measurement and structural models were all confirmed fit and suitable. The study also revealed that the relationship among the components that made up of the structural model were statistically significant. Communication skills was ranked the highest among the eight components that were considered important while problem-solving skills were ranked the lowest. In order to achieve the integration, suggestions are made relating to policy structure for the development of non-technical skills in Nigeria technical colleges.

A collaborative relationship between vocational colleges and the industry sector is essential to provide highly skilled graduates that align with the industry's current demands. The critical need for the implementation of industrial collaboration in vocational colleges has given rise to polemics about the ability and expertise of industrial relations and training officers (KUPLI) in managing the implementation of effective industrial collaborative relations. This study was conducted to explore issues in the implementation of industrial collaborative relationships as well as to explore the need for the implementation of effective industrial collaborative relationships based on KUPLI's perspective. This study is conducted using a qualitative approach, while the design of this study is in the form of a multiple-embedded case study. The implementation of this study is essential in helping every party interested in implementing industrial collaborative relations in improving the role of KUPLI to succeed in effective industrial collaborative relations. The findings of the study found that there are six critical issues and requirements for the implementation of effective industrial collaborative relations in Malaysian vocational colleges, among which are the issue of unclear collaborative direction, training management issues, the need for effective interaction and the need for a comprehensive support system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, was a significant focus at the COP26 summit. Rampant production practices and changing lifestyles contribute to the issue globally. China's rapid urbanization and reliance on fossil fuels significantly threaten global health sustainability. This study aims to evaluate China's environmental agenda and offer policy recommendations for achieving a green and clean environment. To accomplish this, the study assesses the crucial factors contributing to China's air pollution levels, focusing specifically on fine PM2.5 from 1975 to 2020. By implementing the ARDL bounds testing approach, the study confirmed a non‐linear relationship between per capita income and PM2.5, demonstrating an inverted U‐shaped curve with a turning point observed at a per capita income level of US$3030 in the short run. Furthermore, a positive correlation between these variables was detected in the long run. The study also revealed that rapid urbanization initially leads to increased PM2.5 concentrations, whereas it has a decreasing effect in the long term. To progress towards sustainable production and consumption, China has embraced efficient environmental technologies and increasing clean energy sources in its production mix. Leveraging these strategies, the country strives to achieve its decarbonization agenda and ensure a cleaner future. By conducting an ex ante analysis, this study identified ecological technologies, renewable energy demand and oil resource rents as critical influencers on China's air pollution levels over the next decade. The findings underscore the pressing need to embrace alternative energy sources, eco‐friendly technologies and resource conservation to tackle air pollution effectively and accomplish China's decarbonization objectives. It is imperative to prioritize adopting sustainable practices, ensuring a cleaner environment for current and future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Problems of Sustainable Development / Problemy Ekorozwoju is the property of Faculty of Environmental Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One of the challenges of technical education in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, is the lack of an appropriate entrepreneurial framework for the content of the technical college curriculum. The purpose of this study was to explore the managerial entrepreneurial competencies for technical college programs in Nigeria. This study was guided by a qualitative approach through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with 15 participants selected purposively and 11 Journal Articles were analysed. The empirical findings from semistructured interviews confirm the theoretical findings in document analysis. This study found several managerial entrepreneurial competencies in document analysis and interviews, eventually analysed thematically. Themes include Business planning, Decision-making, Technical know-how, Interpersonal relationships and Communication. The study analysed only 11 documents and conducted 15 interviews, so the conclusions drawn from these sources depend on the authenticity of the information provided by the participants. The findings of the study indicate that managerial entrepreneurial competencies are worthy of inclusion in the technical college curriculum in Nigeria. Therefore, it is recommended that the curriculum needs to be reviewed to ensure that it meets the educational changes such as global trends and 21st-century education policies which now become a worldwide phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Logistics operations are considered essential for transporting commodities from one location to another, helping to promote global economic activity. On the other hand, its negative impact eclipses its positive impact, namely the rise in healthcare expenditures due to its ecological footprint. Globally, rising out-of-pocket health expenses result from logistic-induced carbon emissions, posing a danger to the long-term viability of healthcare. Methods: Based on this critical fact, this study examined the impact of logistics operations on healthcare costs by controlling for carbon emissions, fuel imports, and economic development across a large cross-section of 131 nations by using the Robust Least Squares Regression. Results: The findings demonstrate a U-shaped association between logistical operations and healthcare expenditures, i.e., if there is a 1% increase in logistics operations, healthcare expenditures decrease by 2.421% initially, while at later stages, healthcare costs would increase by 0.139%. On the other hand, increased fuel imports and economic growth due to logistics activities are increasing healthcare expenditures with an elasticity estimate of 0.087% and 0.147%, respectively. According to the forecasting predictions, logistics-induced carbon emissions, fuel imports, and economic expansion will increase healthcare expenses. Conclusions: A sustainable logistics operation is critical for strengthening healthcare infrastructure and meeting the global carbon neutrality goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of electronics has attained a level where humanity cannot do without electronics however, the study of electronics is not without challenges considering the complex and abstract nature of the course. The obsolete teaching/learning facilities and methods in Nigerian universities has been a major challenge for the past four decades, thus resulting to high level of unemployment and lack of industrial and economic development. Various instructional innovations have been introduced in the teaching and learning processes to cushion the complexity and abstractness of electronics engineering programmes with each of the methods having its limitations. This study seeks to explore how a blend of problem and project-based learning could lead to the acquisition of the desired competencies of electronics engineering based on the needs of the 21st century industry and the emerging fourth industrial revolution (4IR). To this effect, various problem and project-based learning features like: problem identification and analysis, information gathering, critical thinking, teamwork, effective communication, leadership and continues learning were visited based on the previous research findings. It was concluded that, the features can produce the desired electronics engineering skills that could meet the needs of the 21st century Industry and the 4IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]