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Background: Fresh vegetables can play an important role in health and food security. This study aimed to assess the safety of the vegetable supply chain in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic by strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in two phases in 2021. First, in the cross-sectional study, 192 staff were randomly selected from five major centers of vegetable retail centers. Then, semi-structured interviews were done with ten stakeholders, and a SWOT analysis was completed. Results: Half of the participants had desirable hygienic practices, 39.6% had acceptable, and 8.9% had weak practice scores. The practice of participants whose educational level was BSc and above was better than that of illiterates (OR =15.38, 95% CI =1.61-14.57, P=0.01). SWOT analysis results identified a poor shelf-life of vegetables, weak technology in planting, harvesting, and distributing vegetables. Conclusion: Policymakers can utilize the practical solutions for taking action in the potential strengthening of vegetable safety in the supply chain to improve public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2023, Journal of Nutrition and Food Security. All Rights Reserved.
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BACKGROUND: Online education became the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of studies exploring the potential advantages/disadvantages of e-learning in pharmacy courses is limited. STUDY AIM: to propose a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of e-learning according to pharmacy students' perspectives. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted to examine student pharmacist perspectives on e-learning. RESULTS: Diverse strengths and weaknesses (internal environment) and opportunities and threats (external environment) were identified, which were grouped into categories, such as (1) students' well-being (e.g., access to classes anywhere vs. students' psychological or physical disorders); (2) teachers and materials (e.g., more diverse/interesting audiovisual materials vs. too challenging materials); (3) technologies (e.g., new education strategies, such as gamification vs. barriers in the access to the internet); (4) classes/training (e.g., more versatile/immediate classes vs. eventual presence of other persons during online classes); and (5) faculty/school of pharmacy (e.g., availability of technical support). CONCLUSION: Overall, online education seems to be suitable for pharmacy students, although diverse challenges should be addressed, such as the well-being of students or lack of standards. Pharmacy schools should regularly identify/define and implement measures to reinforce opportunities and strengths as well as to solve threats and weaknesses.
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The pandemic of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide has prompted the use One Health concept to solve health problems and improve the public health governance system. Using the Superiority Weakness Opportunity Threats (SWOT) analysis method to analyze the opportunities and challenges brought by the current development of One Health in China. The results show that the current advantage is that the Chinese government attaches great importance to One Health, and Chinese scholars are also actively involved in the development of One Health, but there are still disadvantages of weak foundation and low international influence. At the same time, with the opportunity for more recognition of the concept of One Health in the world, China is facing challenges such as insufficient talent competitiveness and unbalanced development in the development of One Health. In this regard, this paper puts forward the strategies and key research contents for developing One Health in China to provide ideas for promoting the development of One Health in China.Copyright © 2022, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases. All rights reserved.
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Chilika, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, is a habitat of the Irrawaddy Dolphin (IRD) and a popular tourist destination for dolphin watching. However, this dolphin-based tourism has turned unsustainable due to the adverse impacts of tourism on IRD. This study uses SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to analyze various internal and external factors that control IRD-based tourism in Chilika. Content analysis and sentiment analysis are also used to know the tourists' views regarding dolphin tourism in Chilika lagoon, and telephonic interviews with boat owners to determine the impact of tourism on local communities before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. SWOT analysis highlights existing opportunities and strengths of IRD tourism in Chilika, such as prevalent ‘positive' perception (48%) among the tourists and stable IRD population. 38% of tourists' perceptions were ‘negative,' corroborating inherent weaknesses and threats of IRD tourism, such as faulty marketing strategy, excessive tourist pressure, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews with boat operators reveal that the pandemic lockdown laid the financial situation of local tourist boat operators down. This study suggests multipronged solution approaches, for example ensuring the integrity of IRD habitat, optimal resource utilization, high service quality, and necessary infrastructure development to facilitate a sustainable ecotourism model in the lagoon. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed socioeconomic vulnerabilities around the world. After fighting the coronavirus for more than 1 and a half years now, the countries are recovering from the epidemic with the help of cutting-edge medical research. The policymakers are implementing stimulus packages for post-pandemic economic recovery. However, sustainable "green recovery" plans are yet to get adequate attention. Sustainable investment in green industries can create green jobs, promote a low-carbon economy, and foster long-lasting economic growth in the post-pandemic world. COVID-19 affected countries with emerging economies call for even more focus on such investments. In Bangladesh, the bicycle industry - a growing low-carbon industry - has been showing promising potential for growth since the beginning of the pandemic. Both the local and global markets of Bangladeshi bicycles have seen substantial growth during the epidemic. In this paper, we analyze the potential of the Bangladeshi bicycle industry as an effective green recovery driver. We conduct semi-structured interviews with relevant experts and professionals, analyze their opinions, and perform a "strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT)" analysis. The analysis reveals valuable insights regarding post-pandemic sustainable economic and environmental recovery which will be beneficial to the policymakers of Bangladesh and similar developing countries.
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China's energy structure is dominated by fossil fuels, especially coal consumption, which accounts for a relatively high share. In January 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak affected the global coal market, and many countries experienced negative economic growth. Economic development requires energy consumption. In 2021, China set a target of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 in order to phase out the dependence of carbon emissions on economic development. Therefore, the aim of this article is to develop directions for the sustainable development of China's coal industry. Based on the macroenvironment and situation analysis, the article concludes that, under the influence of geopolitics, China's shortage of imported coal resources and China's continuous rise in coal demand, the share of coal in China's energy structure will not decrease significantly in the long-term. The main directions for the sustainable development of China's coal industry are to ensure the safety of coal energy storage and improve the level of safety supervision;coordinate the development of regional energy;increase the clean, efficient, and low-carbon utilization of coal;and strengthen international coal strategic cooperation.
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This paper explored the temporary facilities created during the pandemic for use as COVID-19 test centers at Zaventem Airport, the main airport for the city of Brussels, Belgium. The possibilities of modular construction technology and the impact of the building envelope on users' perception of indoor space comfort and privacy were closely observed. The three main problem statements were as follows: (1) the COVID-19 crisis indirectly influenced the creation of temporary modular buildings with glass envelopes;(2) the modular envelope is adaptable to the existing context;and (3) the envelope meets the needs of the users. This study's objectives were to identify the critical factors for users' well-being in temporary modular buildings, and to conduct factor comparisons among different users and between different building-enclosure systems. The study data were collected through a subjective assessment using a SWOT analysis and a survey questionnaire. The glass facade affected the users' acceptance levels of comfort and privacy. The main results show that the users were satisfied with the level of comfort and dissatisfied with the level of privacy. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and provide useful feedback to designers and engineers about specific design features and operating strategies for temporary modular emergency healthcare buildings.
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According to the world wellness tourism trend, Thailand has promoted wellness tourism to boost its competitiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the potential of Betong district in Yala province to be a wellness destination in the deep south of Thailand serving both domestic and international tourists. This study applied qualitative analysis to primary and secondary data on tourists' demand for wellness tourism services and the standard of wellness tourism services supplied in Betong. The findings revealed that Betong's wellness tourism services, found to have high market potential, include gastronomy services, Betong hot springs, and historical and community-based tourism destinations. These indicated that Betong has the potential to become a wellness tourism destination. However, Betong has to develop new services like herbal tourism and halal tourism as well as creative tourism products and services to increase its competitiveness and achieve inclusive income distribution and sustainable growth.
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The ongoing digital transformation (DT) in our world has not only brought change to secular systems but also to how things are done in the mission and ministry of the Christian faith. Although before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some churches were interacting with DT, the post COVID-19 experience has shown that many more Christian organisations, especially, the African Neo-Pentecostal Churches (ANPC), have carved their niche in the digital space. With South Africa and Nigeria in view, this article investigated how the ANPC interacts with DT to improve missional work and the possible implications of doing so in the last 15 years. In the process, three strategies were applied. Firstly, a literature review and some online investigations were undertaken to articulate how the ANPC have engaged with DT in the past. Secondly, as a primary source, a quantitative empirical survey was conducted through data collection from 109 Neo-Pentecostal leaders to assess the current development in the use of digital technology (DTECH) by the ANPC. Thirdly, the article applied Albert Humphrey's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) framework to analyse the implications of the interaction. The outcome showed that the strengths and opportunities of digital interaction such as the wider and easier reach of audience, online training, online giving, improved sound and light technology and advertisements among others are helpful in missional assignments. Nevertheless, some observed Weaknesses and Threats need attention. Most importantly, the lesson from the findings is that ‘techno church' practices come with gains;however, interaction with DT is not sufficient for missional services. Contribution: Aligning with HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies's focus and scope, this article contributed to an interdisciplinary religious aspect of research as it brought forward the interactions of African Pentecostalism, Historical Theology and Information Technology.
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The relationship between employment and the sustainable development of cities in Oaxaca, Mexico, during the period 2000-2019 is analyzed to visualize employment opportunities in the cities that will make it possible to cope with the economic crisis derived from the Covid-19 pandemic. The methodology of the statistical analysis of correlation and network theory is used for data analysis. One can infer that there is a high correlation between employment levels and the sustainable development of Oaxacan cities. These results show that despite the economic vulnerability that still persists in them, the cities analyzed have strengths and opportunities in their activities and infrastructure, which is conducive to promoting employment linked to sustainable development. © 2022 Instituto de Investigaciones Dr. Jose Maria Luis Mora. All rights reserved.
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The members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) engaged with each other and their five major neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, to develop the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a comprehensive free trade agreement streamlining all previous agreements among the participating countries. This article applied the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) method in assessing the RCEP and the key role played by the ASEAN in the negotiation process through middle-power diplomacy. The RCEP's strengths in economic integration and weaknesses in certain policy areas encapsulate ASEAN centrality and its strategy of hedging on China, the sole great power in the agreement. The opportunities and threats to the RCEP posed by the increasing geopolitical tensions between China and the US amid the COVID-19 pandemic, meanwhile, demonstrate the complex regional and global geopolitical situation that ASEAN should navigate to ensure the success of the RCEP and maintain centrality in the process. © 2023, Yijun Institute of International Law. All rights reserved.
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Several alarming health challenges are urging medical experts and practitioners to research and develop new approaches to diagnose, detect and control the early spread of deadly diseases. One of the most challenging is Coronavirus Infection (Covid-19). Models have been proposed to detect and diagnose early infection of the virus to attain proper precautions against the Covid-19 virus. However, some researchers adopt parameter optimization to attain better accuracy on the Chest X-ray images of covid-19 and other related diseases. Hence, this research work adopts a hybridized cascaded feature extraction technique (Local Binary Pattern LBP and Histogram of Oriented Gradients HOG) and Convolutional Neural Network CNN for the deep learning classification model. The merging of LBP and HOG feature extraction significantly improved the performance level of the deep-learning CNN classifier. As a result, 95% accuracy, 92% precision, and 93% recall are attained by the proposed model. © 2022 IEEE.
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The modern technologies development opens new perspectives for their integration into education. This trend became advantageous after the COVID-19 pandemic especially in terms of the possibilities of cloud services practice. The purpose of the article is to analyze the possibilities, results and prospects of using Google 's digital tools in the educational process. Theoretical pedagogical research methods are used in the work. The SWOT-analysis made possible to identify weaknesses and strengths. As a result, the peculiarities of using Google services, their use problems and advantages in the educational process were investigated. Modern military challenges in Ukraine have actualized the problem of distance learning. A model of classes in the student environment using the functionality of Google online services was also developed, its use demonstrated an improvement in the creativity level among students of higher education. To conclude, the use of GoogleMeet, Google Drive and other resources significantly diversify the possibilities of distance learning. The further online education practice only actualizes the necessity of digital elements and their opportunities for training use.
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The COVID-19 pandemic was a critical and sudden happening for higher education institutions to adapt fast to changes and switch to distance education (DE). In addition to presenting several challenges and threats such as insufficient internet infrastructure and limited technology tools in developing countries, this sudden transition brought about some opportunities as well. This research focuses on the DE experiences of instructors in tourism-related higher education programs (THEP) and aims to propose a strategic view and recommendations based on instructors' evaluations. Qualitative research methods are applied, and data is collected from 114 instructors via Google Forms. The originality of the research is based on the strategic view proposed by the application of SWOT and TOWS analyses. The proposed strategies are expected to help the preparation of effective educational, tactical, and operational plans by the regulatory authorities. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd
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Burger King India (BKI), a master franchisee of the leading global quick service restaurant (QSR) chain Burger King US, filed its red herring prospectus (RHP) on 5 November 2019, with the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) expressing its interest in going public. BKI was a major franchise of a multinational QSR, and its going public in India showed the confidence that large global QSRs had in the Indian markets. Despite the volatility caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, BKI launched its IPO on 2 December 2020. The case study captures the complexity and challenges faced by the growing Indian QSR market and its diverse players and provides information for industry analysis. The case also provides strategic and financial information along with initial public offer (IPO) information to assess BKI's performance and debate whether the price set is appropriate given that BKI was a loss-making firm and the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic continued. © 2023 Lahore University of Management Sciences.
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This study aims to examine the reality of virtual communities and institutional excellence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using the University of Hail as a case study. It aims also to investigate the extent to which mechanisms for virtual communities and institutional excellence are available at Hail University. the achievement of the goals of electronic institutional excellence, and the major obstacles that stand in the way of achieving the goals and electronic institutional excellence. This study employs a random sample and a descriptive analysis. Social survey method is descriptive and analytical studies. 245 students who got help were studied. To gain data, a sample was given a questionnaire. The study's spatial and human limitations were Hail University teachers and students. Finalizing the research will take 12 months. After analyzing the study's underlying assumptions, the first and third hypotheses were approved as the college's electronic information networks, academic communication, and information sources. Due to limited electronic collaboration, the second theory was partially accepted. Due to lack of experience, the report proposed building rehabilitation and training programs for "virtual communities." One researcher' biggest issues was not knowing how to use virtual communities to attain greatness. Main results The most important results were a high institutional level under the coronavirus pandemic (3.82), followed by an average of 3.81 for academic processes. The results highlight the prospects for effective application of the COVID-19 crisis responses by offering a secure electronic educational environment with expanded virtual capabilities. This highlights the University's role in handling the crisis, establishing institutional excellence, and addressing education.
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Knitwear producers in New Zealand are looking for ways to deal with the uncertainties that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research considers the impact of the pandemic and its effects on the development and long-term survival of the knitwear sector. An anonymous online survey was undertaken among New Zealand's established knitwear manufacturers, with seven taking up the survey. The respondent companies accounted for around half of the total workforce employed in the country's knitwear sector. The data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. A SWOT analysis was conducted to place the sector in a global context, identifying necessary measures for future strategic planning. The findings revealed that the supply chain has been disrupted, some businesses have stalled, and the cost of obtaining raw materials has skyrocketed. Due to the impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry, revenues have fallen. As COVID-19 is an ongoing challenge, knitwear manufacturers need to rearrange their supply chains to increase local suppliers and explore new and innovative ways to engage with domestic customers.
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The following article explains the current condition of the photovoltaics sector both in Poland and worldwide. Recently, a rapid development of solar energy has been observed in Poland and is estimated that the country now has about 700,000 photovoltaics prosumers. In October 2021, the total photovoltaics power in Poland amounted to nearly 5.7 GW. The calculated technical potential of photovoltaics in Poland is 153.484 PJ (42.634 TWh). This would cover 26.04% of Poland's electricity needs. The main aim of the article is to assess the level of development of the photovoltaic market in Poland, the genesis of its creation, description of the current situation and determination of the development opportunities. As part of the aim, programs supporting the development of solar energy in Poland have been described and the SWOT analysis has also been performed. The strengths of photovoltaics include high social acceptance and low costs of photovoltaics system operation, while opportunities include rapidly increasing technological efficiency and decreasing cost of solar systems. On the other hand, weaknesses include the high costs of photovoltaics systems and the disparities in the amount of solar energy reaching the market during the year, whereas climate change and the coronavirus pandemic are threats. In 2020, PV became an investment hit in the energy sector and an economic driver in Poland. In the difficult time of two lockdowns caused by the global pandemic, domestic PV made a significant contribution to the maintenance of investment processes in the amount of PLN 9.5 billion and provided Poland with 35 thousand jobs. In 2020, 1.5% of the country's electricity came from PV sources. In 2021, it will be 3.5%, and by 2025, solar energy will provide approx. 10% of Poland's electricity. It is worth examining the development of photovoltaics from a broad and long-term perspective. The spectacular development of photovoltaics in Poland is due to hitting the right time window and reducing technology costs, but most of all, it is based on the cooperation of stakeholders and trust in the regulatory environment.
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Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) intertwined with a food security resilience framework was used to understand Ghana's agricultural food system resilience to COVID-19 from a production perspective using a qualitative approach. Agricultural production remained fairly resilient but plagued with labor mobility challenges that delayed production. Specific results showed self-sufficiency in the production of roots and tubers, deficiency in the production of cereals and poultry. Opportunities do exist in rice production. Fall Army Worm invasion threatened cereal production. The government is encouraged to increase funding investment through public-private partnerships to build warehouses and increase production in meeting domestic supply needs. [ FROM AUTHOR]
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The study summarizes the specific characteristics of preschool education during the pandemic. This is based on our empirical study, which outlined the phenomena associated with the online development and the digital diet of preschoolers, based on the indicators of the SWOT analysis. In the study, we present the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and challenges of this educational period along four focuses: online preschool education practice and elements of the digital diet, the chances of the curriculum prevailing, the quality of the educational partnership and the professional development of kindergarten teachers. In every researched area, all elements of the SWOT analysis could be identified. The positives, such as platforms and applications used in kindergarten development, as well as interesting development content elements, the implementation ideas of the curriculum demanded integrated development, the awareness of the role of the educational partnership, the strong development of professional knowledge (especially the digital pedagogical knowledge) are proof that this period cannot be framed only negatively in kindergarten education. At the same time, of course, we have to see the threats and challenges alongside the opportunities. In our study, we outline all these aspects because, since formulating the instructive experiences and making use of them wisely might serve as aids in outlining the educational practices and principles of the upcoming period.