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Academic credentials play an immensely significant role in the career of a person and in the progress of society. The system in place currently used for the issuance, storage & sharing of academic credentials is quite inefficient in its operations, due to being paper based in large. There is also widespread fraud committed every year in terms of academic credentials, ranging from diploma mills to plain forgery. There presents a need for a total digital transformation in this field, which ensures complete independent authenticity of credentials that could be proven in a fool-proof manner. Blockchain technology promises to alleviate the above identified problems by ensuring complete transparency & verifiable proofs of ownership using decentralized storage of credentials & Public Key Cryptography (PKC) in the form of Digital Signatures. This project implements the proposed solution by using the ECDSA algorithm to (i) sign the accreditation of institute by governing body, such as The Ministry of Education (MOE) (ii) sign the academic credentials by the issuing party (iii) sign the issued credentials by the learner to claim iv) sign the credentials by some governing body like the MOE. The learner can share the signed credential with any third party, such as a potential employer. The ECDSA algorithm can then authenticate the credential by programmatically verifying the signature proof by any party using the corresponding Public Key without going through tedious channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how performance-based funding (PBF) for public four-year institutions in the U.S. is associated with the production of short-term certificates. Results indicate that high-dosage PBF is associated with increases in both the number of short-term certificate programs offered and the number of short-term certificates awarded, even though PBF's incentives for the four-year sector typically focus on bachelor's degree attainment. Given the challenges of improving performance on bachelor's degrees, particularly in the midst of insufficient resources and support, institutions may be turning to certificates as alternative sources of revenue to address the financial uncertainty induced by PBF. The findings shed light on the broader impact of PBF on institutional behavior, beyond those directly relating to formalized performance metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores valorisation of hotel service quality elements and puts them in the context of guests’ preferences related with luxury accommodation. The focus of the paper is perception of luxury hotel offer and influence of sustainability labels and excellence awards on tourists’ preferences. The purpose of the paper is a better understanding of consumers’ attitudes when choosing luxury hotel accommodation developed and awarded within the sustainability concept. The methodology includes qualitative and quantitative analysis of the defined quality elements, perception of luxury and impact of sustainable awards and certificates on consumers’ preferences. The research was conducted using an online questionnaire in the last quarter of 2021, and it was carried out on a sample of 102 respondents, guests of upscale and luxury hotels. The research results were processed using quantitative statistical methodology, including mean values, percentages, STDEV, VAR and the Chi-square test of probability, while the open-ended question was processed using qualitative methodology, and the results are presented through the new model. Interpersonal communication followed by physical facilities and characteristics of luxury hotels are highlighted as important parameters, as is the valorisation of sustainable labels and certificates. However, by testing of the research questions and expected values, the authors have learnt that guests, consumers of luxury hotel products, predominantly do not valorise sustainable awards and certificates as key factors of perception of luxury. The findings suggest that sustainable initiatives in modern hospitality are entailed; however, the perception of luxury is not conditioned by awards and certificates.The research results, as well as the acquired knowledge, could encourage hoteliers to a more meaningful and effective promotion of certificates and awards in order to present a series of investments, activities and sustainable initiatives that have resulted in a certificate of excellence. The research bridges a scientific and professional gap in understanding of advantages of labels and awards and presents a platform for future research.

Copyright of Journal of Language & Law / Revista de Llengua i Dret is the property of Revista de Llengua i Dret 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.)

The role of education in abolishing cultural practices that encourage gender inequality needs consistent evaluation for inclusive, responsive policy development and implementation in a dynamic society. Eliminating masculine gender hegemony may result in attainment of international commitments like gender equality and poverty eradication. Reexamining the role of education in reducing gender inequality in patriarchal societies can highlight critical issues needing policy actions for attainment of sustainable development goals. The objectives of the study were to examine effects of education on marital and family life, income and access to land resources by male and female, as well as the effects of education on girl child education. The hypotheses that guided the study were: parents' education attainment increases girl child education opportunity; education attainment reduces male-female income gap and education attainment increases women access to land. The study was conducted in Southwest Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to collect primary data from 720 households using a well-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Pearson Correlation tests. Results showed significant disparity among men, women, girls and boys education attainments. Significantly, male have more access to land and other resources than female. The work discussed implications of the existing gender disparity despite efforts to bridge the gap and noted effects of education in reducing the gaps and ensuring gender equality. The paper is optimistic that terminating gender inequality as education policy can significantly improve girl child education, reduce girls' marriages, improve marital life, increase females’ income and access to information as well as land resources.

Copyright of Journal of Laboratory Diagnostics / Diagnostyka Laboratoryjna is the property of Index Copernicus International 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.)

Until recently, the issue of securities in Austria required the issue of certificates in paper form. This historic principle has proven to be outdated in today 's times Of increasing digitalisation. To address this, Austria introduced the concept of a so-called "Digital Global Certificate". Thus, the Austrian Securities Deposit Act (SDA) was amended accordingly and now provides a legal basis for the fully digitised issue of debt securities and investment fund certificates. By allowing the issue of these securities on a completely digital basis, Austria managed to set lip a promising legal framework for national and international market participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the deployment and effectiveness of the novel Pre-Signature scheme, developed to allow for up-to-date reputation being available in Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communications in rural landscapes, where the communications infrastructure is limited. We discuss how existing standards and specifications can be adjusted to incorporate the Pre-Signature scheme to disseminate reputation. Addressing the unique challenges posed by sparse or irregular Roadside Units (RSUs) coverage in these areas, the study investigates the implications of such environmental factors on the integrity and reliability of V2V communication networks. Using the widely used SUMO traffic simulation tool, we create and simulate real-world rural scenarios. We have conducted an in-depth performance evaluation of the Pre-Signature scheme under the typical infrastructural limitations encountered in rural scenarios. Our findings demonstrate the scheme's usefulness in scenarios with variable or constrained RSUs access. Furthermore, the relationships between the three variables, communication range, amount of RSUs, and degree of home-to-vehicle connectivity overnight, are studied, offering an exhaustive analysis of the determinants influencing V2V communication efficiency in rural contexts. The important findings are (1) that access to accurate Reputation Values increases with all three variables and (2) the necessity of Pre-Signatures decreases if the amount and range of RSUs increase to high numbers. Together, these findings imply that areas with a low degree of adoption of RSUs (typically rural areas) benefit the most from our approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OpenID Connect (OIDC) is a widely used authentication standard for the Web. In this work, we define a new Identity Certification Token (ICT) to enable end-to-end user authentication by using and extending OIDC’s native mechanisms. An ICT can be thought of as a JSON-based, short-lived user certificate for end-to-end user authentication without the need for cumbersome key management. A user can request an ICT from his OpenID Provider (OP) and use it to prove his identity to other users that trust the OP. We call this approach Open Identity Certification with OpenID Connect (OIDC2) and compare it to other well-known end-to-end authentication methods. Unlike certificates, OIDC2 does not require installation and can be easily used on multiple devices, making it more user-friendly. We outline protocols for implementing OIDC2 based on existing standards. We discuss the trust relationship between entities involved in OIDC2, propose a classification of OPs’ trust level, and propose authentication with multiple ICTs from different OPs. We explain how different applications such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and email can benefit from ICTs for end-to-end authentication and recommend validity periods for ICTs. To test OIDC2, we provide a simple extension to existing OIDC server software and evaluate its performance.

The ellipsoid algorithm is a fundamental algorithm for computing a solution to the system of m linear inequalities in n variables (P):A⊤x≤u when its set of solutions has positive volume. However, when (P) is infeasible, the ellipsoid algorithm has no mechanism for proving that (P) is infeasible. This is in contrast to the other two fundamental algorithms for tackling (P) , namely, the simplex and interior-point methods, each of which can be easily implemented in a way that either produces a solution of (P) or proves that (P) is infeasible by producing a solution to the alternative system (Alt):Aλ=0, u⊤λ<0, λ≥0. This paper develops an oblivious ellipsoid algorithm (OEA) that either produces a solution of (P) or produces a solution of (Alt). Depending on the dimensions and other condition measures, the computational complexity of the basic OEA may be worse than, the same as, or better than that of the standard ellipsoid algorithm. We also present two modified versions of OEA, whose computational complexity is superior to that of OEA when n≪m. This is achieved in the first modified version by proving infeasibility without producing a solution of (Alt) , and in the second version by using more memory. Funding: J. Lamperski and R. M. Freund were supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research [Grant FA9550-19-1-0240]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Language & Law / Revista de Llengua i Dret is the property of Revista de Llengua i Dret 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.)

Copyright of Education Sciences: Education - Research - Innovation / Neveléstudomány: Oktatás - Kutatás - Innováció is the property of Education Sciences: Education - Research - Innovation 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.)

This research investigates the intricacies of X.509 certificates within a comprehensive corporate infrastructure. Spanning over two decades, the examined enterprise has heavily depended on its internal certificate authority and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to uphold its data and systems security. With the broad application of these certificates, from personal identification on smart cards to device and workstation authentication via Trusted Platform Modules (TPM), our study seeks to address a pertinent question on how prevalent are weak RSA keys within such a vast internal certificate repository. Previous research focused primarily on key sets publicly accessible from TLS and SSH servers or PGP key repositories. On the contrary, our investigation provides insights into the private domain of an enterprise, introducing new dimensions to this problem. Among our considerations are the trustworthiness of hardware and software solutions in generating keys and the consequential implications of identified vulnerabilities on organizational risk management. The obtained results can contribute to enhancing security strategies in enterprises.

This contribution evaluates and examines the scope of 26 global carbon farming projects with a view to analyzing existing concepts for developing a business model for promoting carbon farming in order to generate valid carbon removal. It thus addresses an important aspect of the objectives of the European Green Deal. This study is based on a literature search analyzing four certification standards, an expert-based online survey, and an expert-based online workshop to evaluate different practice approaches identified by previous studies and additional information sources. The results highlight the theoretical potential of a result-based business model using agroforestry to fulfil the essential requirements to promote carbon farming for generating carbon removal. Although the study has limitations regarding the number of projects examined and experts consulted, there is a high probability that the underlying requirements could not be sufficiently fulfilled when translating them into practice. The identified concepts failed as a consequence of inadequate permanence assurance mechanisms, impractical measurement accuracy, poor precision in baseline scenarios, and lack of additionality. To remedy this, we recommend a shift away from a pure focus on promoting carbon farming to achieve carbon removal towards promoting the co-benefits of carbon farming. Further research should evaluate the extent to which stakeholders are interested in giving their financial backing to these co-benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forgery of documents is a prevalent crime that significantly impacts society. This research focuses on a specific case of document forgery outlined in court decision No: 139/Pid.B/2022/PN. Tjk, examining the legal rationale behind the sentencing of a defendant accused of forging letters, and exploring the criminal liability of the perpetrators. This research investigates the extent and nature of penalties for forgery, including imprisonment and fines, under the doctrine of mens rea, and examines the circumstances that may justify or mitigate such crimes. Employing a normative legal approach complemented by empirical research, this research analyzes both primary and secondary data through library research and field studies. The findings reveal that the judicial considerations in convicting the defendant were based on the fulfillment of the elements outlined in the prosecutor's first alternative indictment, leading to the revocation of a land deed. The defendant was ultimately found guilty of letter forgery, highlighting the application of Article 263(2) of the Criminal Code, which addresses the responsibilities and liabilities in forgery cases. Recommendations for future legislative enhancements suggest the adoption of criminal laws that reflect the aspirations and values of the nation, prioritizing restorative justice to reconcile the interests of both victims and perpetrators, thus fostering a more peaceful resolution without relying solely on punitive measures.

About ten years ago, an innovative instrument was developed to promote internationalization in European higher education institutions— a Certificate for Quality in Internationalization (Cequint). The initiative fits well the contemporary governance philosophy that promotes voluntary instruments, an individualized approach, and an orientation towards transparency instead of control. While labels and certificates are becoming popular, their effectiveness is often questioned. In this paper we examine critically the value of Cequint and its potential for enhancing internationalization. The empirical results confirm that certified study programs outperform their uncertified peers. Partly the effect is explained by self-selection as internationally inclined programs are more likely to apply for the certificate, but there seems to be also a significant independent effect of the certification process. The paper suggests that a voluntary certification scheme can support organizational improvement by three mechanisms: by enhancing motivation, self-awareness, and expertize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks at the projections on the current state of the world's post-secondary education and a prediction of what will need to be addressed and in place by 2030, in order to prepare for a significant rise in student enrollment. UNESCO presented governments and higher education institutions with a call to action to implement policies and procedures to provide accessible, equitable, and quality education via digital technology. This paper discusses the various actions the University of Miami put in place as a global provider of education and training to all learners including transitioning to micro-credentials, cultural understanding workshops, course design for academic disciplines, and engaging adult online learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability certificates are increasingly used as tools for shaping bioeconomic production processes and trade. However, their specific effects are subjected to debate. A multitude of certificate schemes and standards are currently in use, defining and measuring sustainability in the bioeconomy in highly varying ways. Different representations of environmental effects, resulting from the use of different standards or scientific methods in certification, can have very real implications for how, where and to which degree bioeconomic production can be conducted and the environment will be conserved. Further, the implications for bioeconomic production practices and management embedded in the environmental knowledge employed in bioeconomic sustainability certificates will produce different winners and losers, and privilege some societal or individual concerns at the expense of others. In this way, sustainability certificates share some characteristics with other standards and policy tools that embody political contingencies, but are presented and often understood as objective and neutral. The paper argues that the politics of environmental knowledge involved in these processes warrant more awareness, scrutiny and explicit consideration from decision makers, policy developers and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Language & Law / Revista de Llengua i Dret is the property of Revista de Llengua i Dret 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.)

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability for which family physicians are often required to complete sickness certificates. Yet, little is known about family physicians' sick-listing practices in Quebec. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe their practices, difficulties and needs. METHODS: Twenty-three family physicians completed a comprehensive questionnaire on sickness certification practices. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Despite being completed on a weekly basis, sickness certifications were deemed problematic by all participants. While they rarely refused to sick-list a patient, 43.5% reported suggesting accommodations as an alternative to sick leave. Waiting-time to access psychotherapy and delays to set-up workplace accommodations are responsible for many unnecessary sick-leave prolongations. Lack of time, long duration absences, situations where the physician held a different opinion than the patient/healthcare provider and assessing an individual's capacity to work are the most common reported problems. More than half of participants indicated medical schools do not greatly prepare them to carry out these tasks. CONCLUSION: Sickness certifications are deemed problematic, and more training might be key. Our results can be used by medical schools or bodies responsible for continuous education to improve training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Latin American & Latinx Visual Culture is the property of University of California Press 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.)

Copyright of Bylye Gody is the property of Cherkas Global University Press 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.)

Copyright of Journal of Language & Law / Revista de Llengua i Dret is the property of Revista de Llengua i Dret 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.)

This study aims to find out what factors cause the large number of Girik lands to be abandoned by their owners and can be certified by other parties, to find out the legal status of abandoned Girik lands when they have been certified by other parties, and to find out the efforts to resolve disputes over Girik lands which have been certified by other parties. other. For this reason, the research method used is a type of qualitative research using a descriptive analysis method which applies a literature study approach accompanied by observations of something that happens in society. There are many factors that have caused this neglected land to be certified by other parties, because it has been neglected, because land administration has been less orderly, because of legal uncertainty. Awareness for landowners to cultivate their land and legal certainty in matters of land is urgently needed.

The subject of the research is theoretical, methodological and practical aspects of supporting projects and strategies for the development of rural green tourism enterprises at the local and state levels. The aim of the article is to identify new directions and forms of local and state support for rural green tourism development strategies in the context of pandemic restrictions, as well as to clarify existing ones. The methodological basis of the article is the theoretical and methodological provisions of business economics and tourism economics, management and marketing, public administration; regulations of Ukraine and the European Union; historical, monographic, system-structural analysis and synthesis, statistical-economic, problem-target research methods. The results of the article. Forms and directions of state and local support of strategies for development of rural green tourism enterprises as small business entities are substantiated; sources of tourist services, development of the middle class in rural areas and the reproduction of rural areas. This takes into account the tools and methods of direct and indirect support, material and moral incentives and incentives. It is stated that in modern conditions, strategic plans should take into account tactical steps: pandemic restrictions; certificates and other factors of conformity; budget payments to entrepreneurs and consumer incentives on terms determined by the state. Field of application of results. In higher education institutions; in the management and personnel management of agricultural enterprises and corporations; in public administration and local self-government bodies; at rural green tourism enterprises and public organizations. Conclusions. It is determined that the national concept of supporting the development of rural green tourism enterprises should be based on common theoretical and methodological principles and cover the state, regional and local and business level of organization, management and administration. Strategies and projects for their development should be based on mostly indirect methods, material and moral incentives and incentives. However, in the current COVID-19 pandemic, they must take into account new requirements, compliance and restrictions; use direct state financial support for small businesses and consumers; follow the rules of sanitary safety and develop new products and services in accordance with the adjustments made by the pandemic in tourism.

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) will be necessary to fulfil the hundreds of pledges to reach net-zero by 2050. As with any industry, standard methodologies and certification are crucial to guarantee successful and reliable activities. However, buyers and policymakers currently face challenges in evaluating the ecosystem of CDR certification. The issue is not with CDR, nor with individual certifications – some of which may be very robust – but with the lack of transparency in the overall ecosystem. To bring some clarity, we present a snapshot of the CDR certification and standards ecosystem for the year 2021–2022. We find a complex ecosystem with at least 30 standard developing organizations proposing at least 125 standard methodologies for carbon removal from 23 different CDR activities and selling 27 different versions of certification instruments in voluntary and compliance markets. This exercise reveals many more existing standards for nature-based than for engineering-based activities and more diversity from standards serving the voluntary rather than the compliance market. It also highlights a proliferation of standards for the same activity, and a plethora of activities without standards. The process revealed ambiguity on what constitutes carbon removal, with many standards certifying activities that remove CO2 already in the environment as well as activities that avoid or reduce new emissions by sequestering the carbon into reservoirs. This mapping highlights key gaps and potential starting points for reforms to strengthen the CDR certification industry; it also underscores the need for independent oversight. The CDR certification ecosystem is complex and evolving rapidly, raising questions about oversight and quality. Targeted support would be necessary for the timely development of standards for nascent but promising CDR activities, and oversight would be required to ensure the quality of certification. Ensuring a minimum quality would require clarifying the treatment of emission reduction, removal, and avoidance, amongst other concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of education in abolishing cultural practices that encourage gender inequality needs consistent evaluation for inclusive, responsive policy development and implementation in a dynamic society. Eliminating masculine gender hegemony may result in attainment of international commitments like gender equality and poverty eradication. Reexamining the role of education in reducing gender inequality in patriarchal societies can highlight critical issues needing policy actions for attainment of sustainable development goals. The objectives of the study were to examine effects of education on marital and family life, income and access to land resources by male and female, as well as the effects of education on girl child education. The hypotheses that guided the study were: parents' education attainment increases girl child education opportunity; education attainment reduces male-female income gap and education attainment increases women access to land. The study was conducted in Southwest Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to collect primary data from 720 households using a well-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Pearson Correlation tests. Results showed significant disparity among men, women, girls and boys education attainments. Significantly, male have more access to land and other resources than female. The work discussed implications of the existing gender disparity despite efforts to bridge the gap and noted effects of education in reducing the gaps and ensuring gender equality. The paper is optimistic that terminating gender inequality as education policy can significantly improve girl child education, reduce girls' marriages, improve marital life, increase females' income and access to information as well as land resources., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Copyright of Journal of Laboratory Diagnostics / Diagnostyka Laboratoryjna is the property of Index Copernicus International 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.)

Copyright of Journal of Language & Law / Revista de Llengua i Dret is the property of Revista de Llengua i Dret 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.)