Journal of Cultural Analysis and Social Change
Journal of Cultural Analysis and Social Change (E-ISSN:2589-1316) is an international, peer-reviewed platform dedicated to exploring the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between culture and processes of social transformation. The journal’s mission is to cultivate a deeper understanding of how cultural systems, values, identities, and practices both influence and respond to social, political, economic, environmental, and technological change. Recognizing that complex societal challenges rarely fit within the boundaries of a single discipline, the journal promotes an interdisciplinary ethos, encouraging collaboration among scholars from across the social sciences, humanities, and related applied fields. We aim to provide a space where theoretical innovation meets empirical rigor, where local experiences can illuminate global trends, and where scholarly work engages critically with pressing contemporary issues. The journal also seeks to challenge Eurocentric and dominant paradigms by including diverse cultural perspectives, voices from the Global South, and research that foregrounds marginalized communities. In doing so, we aspire to contribute to policy debates, cultural understanding, and transformative social change at both local and global levels. Scope The journal welcomes a wide range of scholarly contributions, including original research articles, theoretical essays, critical reviews, methodological papers, and in-depth case studies. Our interdisciplinary scope spans the breadth of the social sciences, often intersecting with the humanities, arts, and applied sciences. Core Areas of Inquiry Cultural Sociology and Anthropology Analysis of cultural production, consumption, and transmission. Exploration of identity, tradition, ritual, and symbolic systems. Comparative and cross-cultural studies of social change. Political Science and International Relations The cultural dimensions of governance, public policy, and political discourse. Social movements, activism, and resistance through cultural forms. Cultural diplomacy, nationalism, and transnational identity politics. Economics, Development, and Inequality Studies Cultural influences on economic behavior, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Social policy analysis incorporating cultural contexts. Cultural perspectives on poverty, inequality, and sustainable development. Media, Communication, and Digital Cultures The role of mass media, digital platforms, and algorithms in shaping culture. Online communities, digital activism, and information flows. Representations of identity, diversity, and social change in media. History and Historical Sociology Cultural interpretations of historical events and societal transformations. The politics of memory, heritage, and collective narratives. Historical trajectories of modernization, colonization, and decolonization. Education, Knowledge, and Pedagogy Intercultural education, multilingualism, and global citizenship. Pedagogical strategies for fostering cultural awareness and social responsibility. The role of education in transmitting and transforming cultural values. Gender, Sexuality, and Intersectionality Studies Cultural constructions of gender and sexuality in diverse societies. Intersectional analysis of discrimination, empowerment, and activism. Changing norms and their impact on identity and equality. Urban, Environmental, and Migration Studies Cultural dimensions of urban development, gentrification, and community life. Environmental justice, climate activism, and sustainability movements. Migration, diaspora identities, and cultural integration. Law, Human Rights, and Ethics Interaction between cultural norms and formal legal systems. Cultural relativism and universal human rights debates. Ethical frameworks for intercultural engagement and conflict resolution. Methodological and Theoretical Innovations Interdisciplinary and mixed-methods approaches to cultural analysis. Critical theory, postcolonial studies, and decolonial methodologies. Participatory and community-based research models.
Legal Pluralism and The Rights of Nature in The Fragile Island Ecosystem of The Galapagos Islands
This study analyzes legal pluralism and the rights of nature in fragile island ecosystems in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, considering both the national legal framework and customary practices present on the islands. Through a qualitative approach based on the review of normative documents and ethnographic fieldwork, the paper identifies the ways in which customary law interacts with formal governance structures in marine resource management. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with national and local authorities, non-governmental organizations and community actors, as well as focus groups on different islands. The results reveal tensions, synergies, and opportunities for articulation between legal systems, highlighting the need to incorporate intercultural and participatory approaches in the protection of nature in the Galapagos. This study concludes by proposing the strengthening of effective legal pluralism that contributes to the ecological and social sustainability of the region.
Understanding the Roots: Psychological and Societal Factors Contributing to Violent Polarization in College Students
This study examines the effects of familiarity with polarization, religious effects, knowledge polarization, awareness of government efforts, Internet use, security, leadership style, media, education & ideology understanding, tolerance, digital respect, low self-control, and strain on violent polarization in college students. A convenient sample of college students (n=142) was used, of whom 61% were males, 43% were science college students, and 30% were military college students. The scales were highly reliable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81) and valid (construct validity: low self-control = 0.465 and strain = 0.351). The independent predictors explain approximately 33.5% of the variance in violent polarization (as indicated by adjusted R-squared scores) using the fitted regression model, and 26% were arts and social college students. A questionnaire was constructed as a research tool. ANOVA specified the above statistical significance of the regression model (F=4.867, p=0.000). They concluded that media exposure and a particular leadership style were key drivers of increasing polarization, whereas knowledge most certainly had little effect. These analyses psychoanalytically explain how violent polarization occurs in a democratic society and suggest ways that intervention may make a contribution to de-escalating polarization in societies. It really emphasizes the importance of being thoughtful about what we consume in the media and our leadership approaches to counter political violence among college students.”
Crew Availability Ratio in Indonesian-Flagged Vessels: A Discrete Model Analysis of Sign-On–Sign-Off Cycle Effects on Sustainable Ship Operations
This study analyzes the influence of the sign-on–sign-off (SoSo) cycle on sustainable operational continuity of Indonesian-flagged vessels using the Discrete Crew Availability Ratio Model. Grounded in IMO Resolution A.1047(27), SOLAS 1974, MLC 2006, and Indonesia's Ministerial Regulation PM No. 26 of 2022, the research applies a quantitative approach to 26,757 active Indonesian-flagged merchant vessels identified via Vessel Finder (AIS). Vessels are stratified into five gross tonnage (GT) categories—GT >10,000; GT 3,000–10,000; GT 1,500–3,000; GT 500–1,500; and GT <500—and classified as cargo or passenger ships. The discrete model computes crew group allocation using duty-cycle ratios and ceiling functions, incorporating attrition modeling through probabilistic outflow estimation. Under the baseline cycle of T=10 months on board and L=1 month leave, results indicate a total crew requirement of 327,120 seafarers, of whom 297,299 (90.9%) are on board and 29,821 (9.1%) are on leave. Attrition modeling at a rate of 0.30%/month yields an additional buffer demand of approximately 2,899 seafarers/year, increasing total requirements to 330,019 persons. Sensitivity analysis across 14 cycle scenarios (T=6 to T=12; L=1 to L=2) reveals the T10/L1 cycle as the optimal sustainable balance point across three Triple Bottom Line (TBL) dimensions: economic efficiency, seafarer social welfare, and environmental safety compliance. The study delivers evidence-based policy recommendations for regulators, shipping companies, and maritime education institutions aligned with SDGs 8, 9, and 14.
Inclusive Development after Reformasi: The Role of Chinese Indonesians in North Sumatra
This study explains how Chinese-Indonesian elites in North Sumatra convert long-run economic centrality into formal political incorporation, and under what electoral conditions these advantages yield vote gains. Using an explanatory-sequential mixed-methods design, we combine administrative and electoral records, association and business registries, media/archival sources, and 25–35 semi-structured interviews. Quantitatively, Model A (logit) estimates the probability of incorporation as a function of economic centrality and capital depth; Model B (OLS/fractional logit) evaluates the effect of recruitment signals on vote share and their interaction with cleavage softness; Model C tests whether associational density mediates the effect of economic centrality on incorporation. Results show that economic centrality significantly increases incorporation (β₁>0), that recruitment advantages translate more strongly into votes in mixed/urban areas (θ₃>0), and that associational density provides a small-to-moderate but significant mediating channel (indirect effect; complementary partial mediation). Findings are robust to alternative operationalizations, matching, and instrumental-variable strategies, and placebo tests suggest group-specific mechanisms rather than sectoral artifacts. Theoretically, the evidence integrates Push–Pull legacies (spatial–sectoral selection), Diaspora-based social capital (organizational density and bridging), and Middleman Minority incentives (resource-based institutional embedding). Practically, parties and local governments can enhance pluralistic representation by recruiting community-embedded candidates and investing in multiethnic civic programs that convert private resources into public goods. The framework is portable to other plural democracies featuring commercially central minorities.
Institutional Analysis of the University of Seville through Service-Learning
Introduction: Service-Learning (SL) has become established as an innovative pedagogical methodology that combines academic learning processes with community service and social engagement, thereby contributing to the holistic education of students. Despite its expansion within the Spanish university context, the degree of institutionalisation of SL varies considerably across institutions. At the University of Seville in particular, SL initiatives appear fragmented and poorly systematised, which hinders their visibility. This study aims to conduct an institutional diagnosis of SL at the University of Seville by identifying existing experiences, areas of development, gaps, sectors with low representation, and opportunities for improvement, and by proposing recommendations to enhance the visibility, coordination, and promotion of new SL initiatives. Method: The study adopts a qualitative and interpretative approach, combining documentary and institutional analysis. A systematic review of public sources from the University of Seville was conducted, including websites, annual reports, course syllabi, innovation funding calls, collaboration agreements, and documentation from vice-rectorates. Results: The findings reveal an uneven presence of SL, concentrated mainly in the fields of Social and Legal Sciences and Health Sciences, with limited formal curricular integration and a strong reliance on individual initiatives or specific funding calls. No explicit institutional policies or stable monitoring and evaluation systems were identified. Discussion: It is concluded that SL at the University of Seville is at an early stage of institutionalisation, characterised by substantial inequalities between faculties and the absence of shared mechanisms for dissemination. The need for institutional strategies to support recognition, curricular integration, staff training, and sustainability is emphasised. In this regard, the creation of an institutional system for the registration and visibility of SL experiences is proposed to enable systematic monitoring, evaluation, and dissemination, thereby strengthening their academic and social recognition.
An Investigation of Social Factors Influencing Mental Health of Part-Time University Students in Malaysia
The mental health of university students has become an increasing global concern, with growing cases of depression and anxiety among this population. In Malaysia, research attention has primarily focused on full-time students, leaving part-time learners relatively understudied despite their greater exposure to stress arising from the combined pressures of work, study, and family responsibilities. This study examines the influence of key social factors family support, peer relationships, workplace stress, social stigma, and virtual learning environments on the mental health of part-time university students in Malaysia. A quantitative approach was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to part-time students from several higher education institutions. Data were analysed through descriptive, correlational, and multiple regression analyses. The results showed that family support and positive peer relationships played a protective role against symptoms of depression and anxiety, whereas workplace stress and social stigma were significant contributors to poor mental health outcomes. The virtual learning environment demonstrated a moderate impact, reflecting its potential to both facilitate and hinder well-being. The study advances theoretical understanding by applying established social and occupational stress frameworks to a non-traditional student group in Malaysia. It also offers practical implications for universities, employers, policymakers, and mental health professionals to develop flexible support systems, reduce stigma, and implement workplace policies that acknowledge the dual commitments of part-time students.
Exploring The Role of AI News Anchors in Content Quality and Continued Audience Engagement in Oman
This paper discusses how artificial intelligence news reporters influence the level of perceived content and viewer interest in Omani media. With increasing adoption of AI anchors, it is now important to learn how audiences perceive and use these technologies. Drawing on expectation confirmation theory, the study suggests a conceptual framework examining perceived intelligence, novelty, information quality, and trust as predictors of continuance intention and consumer interest in AI-based news content. The research used a structured questionnaire to gather the data, which consisted of 465 valid answers, and was analyzed with the help of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that perceived intelligence, perceived novelty and trust are significantly used in the quality of information and continuance intention. The mediating role of continuance intention is also influenced by these factors albeit indirectly on consumer engagement. Information quality and continuance intention are serial mediators between perceived intelligence, perceived novelty and trust to continuance intention. The consumer engagement variance is explained in 70% by the proposed model. The research adds to the growing body of literature on AI-driven media by explaining the processes by which AI anchors impact long-term audience interest in underexplored areas.
Family Acceptance and Self-Esteem Moderate the Relationship between Sexual Minority Status and Psychological Distress among Men who have Sex with Men
Despite the stressful psychological conditions and social marginalization that men who have sex with men (MSM) experience, surprisingly, some men who identify as sexual minorities report little or no psychological distress. This study analysed the possible moderating effect of family acceptance and self-esteem in the relationship between sexual orientation and mental health. The study sample consisted of 287 MSM aged 18 to 40 years, recruited through online platforms, LGBTQ+ community organizations, and social networks. Indicators of emotional and behavioral difficulties, symptoms of depression, suicidal behavior, well-being, family acceptance, and self-esteem were assessed. Zero-order correlations of all study variables were tested with the study’s dependent variable. Mediating analysis revealed that internalized homonegativity and rejection sensitivity were positively associated with depressive symptoms for those reporting less family acceptance and low self-esteem, but they were not associated for those reporting more family acceptance. Findings further suggest that family acceptance and high self-esteem may be important resilience factors that can shield against psychosocial distress among sexual minorities. Findings of this study highlight the importance of expressing family acceptance and support, which may directly impact self-esteem and well-being and serve as a buffer against minority stress.
Body-Territory, Masculinities and Rural Youth Vulnerability: Embodied Formative Experiences in a Community Organisation in Southern Córdoba, Argentina
This article analyses how embodied masculine practices are produced and reconfigured among socially vulnerable young men participating in a rural community-based pedagogical organisation in southern Córdoba, Argentina. Drawing on a qualitative ethnographic approach developed between 2021 and 2023, it examines how sport, cooperative labour, and playful practices both render visible and potentially transform the heteronormative norms embedded in dominant masculine models. The findings show that football reinforces hierarchies grounded in bodily endurance and performance, while other practices—such as yoga and cooperative agricultural work—enable relational repertoires linked to care, solidarity, and affective expression. Vulnerability emerges not only as a material condition but also as an embodied and territorially mediated experience. The article proposes understanding masculinities as situated processes configured at the intersection of body, territory, vulnerability, and institutional mediation.
Validation of a Scale for Measuring Christian Religiosity for Chinese Churches
Religiosity plays a pivotal role in the spiritual journey of Christians, influencing not only their faith but also the development of churches in difficult times. The recent substantial drop in worshippers may have detrimental effects on the religiosity of Christians in Hong Kong. Hence, this study proposes to find out the religiosity of Christians in Hong Kong after the impact of social events and COVID-19 through developing a validated instrument concerning the specific context of churches in Hong Kong. The questionnaire was distributed online to Christians at different time slots in September 2024. Respondents were asked to complete an online version of the questionnaire. A total of 400 completed responses were received and analysed from Christians coming from 150 churches in Hong Kong. There are around 1000 churches in Hong Kong; the sample covers Christians from around 15% of the churches in Hong Kong. The questionnaire was confirmed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis using AMOS version 29 to have validity and reliability. Serving in the Church and the years of service have positive effects on religiosity. There is no significant difference between male and female after controlling for other variables such as experience of serving in the church. Although churches in Hong Kong experienced a substantial drop in members after the social events and COVID-19, the Christians responding to this study show positive perceptions of their religiosity. The results of this study has cast light on what actions should be taken by churches in Hong Kong to fulfill the vision and mission of spreading the gospel and converting more people to Christianity. Importance should be attached to motivating more members to serve and pursue religiosity according to the Bible. The results of such action will have positive effects not only on the Church but also on the wellness of every Christian who follows the Church’s direction.
Creativity in Islamic Educational Thought and its Implementation among School Teachers in Al-Koura School District
This study aims to investigate the creativity in the Islamic educational thought and its implementation among school teachers in schools in Al-Koura district. The study uses a questionnaire as an instrument to collect data. The questionnaire has been tested and proven valid and reliable. A descriptive and analytical approach is employed to study a sample of (405) teachers and (97) school principals, both male and female. The results suggest a positive correlation in statistics between the creativity in the Islamic educational thought and its implementation among school teachers, Showing that the teachers had a moderate level of creativity in the education of Islamic thought, as they vary in their perspective regarding creative skills in Islamic educational thought.
The Alcohol–Jealousy–Anger Triad: Drivers of Intimate Partner Violence Against Men
This article advances understanding of the drivers of intimate partner violence (IPV) by centering African men’s qualitative experiences as victims within heterosexual unions. It develops the Alcohol–Jealousy–Anger Triad as an integrated conceptual framework to explain the mechanisms that precipitate IPV against men, extending beyond the predominantly female-focused literature. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 25 men in Johannesburg, the study illustrates how alcohol functions as a disinhibitor, reducing cognitive and emotional regulation; jealousy operates as a cognitive–emotional trigger, heightening relational insecurity and perceived threats to exclusivity; and explosive anger serves as the behavioral enactment through which violence is perpetrated. The triad conceptualizes these factors as a dynamic, mutually reinforcing escalation system, highlighting how situational disinhibition, perceived infidelity, and explosive anger converge to generate both physical and emotional abuse. The findings are discussed through the lens of disinhibition theory, alcohol myopia, and anger and I³ models, situating male victimization within broader theoretical frameworks. This article foregrounds men’s victimisation and the interrelated mechanisms driving abuse and offers a theoretically grounded platform for empirical inquiry, policy formulation, and the development of inclusive IPV interventions.
Building Loyalty Through Destination Branding: Understanding Tourist Behavior at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
This study investigates the key factors that influence destination branding, focusing on Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, known as the world’s longest sandy beach. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), it examines how factors like attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and destination trust affect tourists’ satisfaction and loyalty. The research involved 20 semi-structured interviews with visitors, analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed 58 variables influencing tourist behavior, with major factors including the beach’s natural beauty, trust in safety and reliability, and perceived risks like high costs, traffic, and poor cleanliness. While most visitors were satisfied and likely to revisit or recommend the destination, these challenges need addressing to improve the experience. A loyalty framework is proposed, showing how satisfaction and trust lead to positive tourist behavior. This study contributes to better understanding and improving destination branding in Bangladesh.
Revisiting the Determinants of Subjective Well-Being in a Developing Context: Longitudinal Evidence from South Africa
Maximizing citizens’ happiness and life satisfaction—commonly referred to as subjective well-being (SWB) is a key objective of policy frameworks developed by international organizations. To design effective interventions that enhance SWB, it is essential to identify its main determinants. However, much of the existing empirical evidence is based on non-representative samples and is largely drawn from developed countries, limiting their applicability to developing contexts. Using data from all five waves of the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) panel, this study investigates the determinants of subjective well-being among urban and rural populations in South Africa. The analysis employs a random effect ordered probit (REOP) model to control for unobserved individual heterogeneity, while robustness is assessed using a pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) approach. The results show that income, marital status, religious participation, gender, access to electricity and clean water, and age (squared) are significant determinants of SWB in the full sample. Employment is positive but insignificant overall, though it is positive and significant in rural areas and negative and insignificant in urban areas. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of income and basic services in enhancing well-being, as well as important urban–rural differences in the determinants of happiness.
The Effect of Green FinTech Platform Transparency on Sustainable Investment Intention: The Mediating Role of Perceived Credibility
This study examines the effect of Green FinTech platform transparency on sustainable investment intention, with a focus on the mediating role of perceived credibility. Based on signaling theory, the research proposes that transparent disclosure practices enhance investors’ perceptions of platform credibility, which in turn fosters stronger intentions to engage in sustainable investments. Data were collected from 255 respondents using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that green fintech platform transparency has a significant positive impact on both perceived credibility and sustainable investment intention. Additionally, perceived credibility partially mediates the relationship between transparency and investment intention. These findings offer important theoretical contributions by demonstrating the dual pathways through which transparency influences sustainable investment behavior. Practically, the study underscores the necessity for Green FinTech platforms to prioritize transparent communication and credibility-building strategies to effectively mobilize capital toward environmentally responsible investments.
Eating to Belong: Food Practices, Identity, and Social Structure among Contemporary University Youth. An Approach from the Anthropology and Sociology of Food
This article studies the eating styles and practices of young university students from two interrelated fields: anthropology and sociology. The eating practices and habits acquired during such a crucial stage of life as youth are determinants of health in adulthood. Beyond its biological function, food serves as an instrument of socialization and identity construction among young people. The methodology chosen for this research was a literature review from the perspective of the anthropology and sociology of food, and an in-depth, semi-structured questionnaire administered to 40 young university students between the ages of 18 and 25. The questionnaire was structured around three dimensions: (1) food, identity, and personal trajectory; (2) social, cultural, and media influences on eating choices; and (3) the values and meanings attributed to the act of eating, including health, ethics, and sustainability. The results indicate that young people's dietary choices and eating habits are influenced, among other factors, by their socioeconomic context and the influence of social media, which exerts substantial pressure on their image and eating habits. Furthermore, the results also reflect the coexistence of traditional diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, with newer eating patterns. Finally, it was found that students with knowledge of nutrition or food science are less susceptible to media pressure regarding eating practices.
Obstacles to Using Practical Applications Facing Home Economics Teachers
Vocational education programs and especially home economics education are important because they enable the practical use of the education received for daily living and future practical jobs. However, home economics teachers indeed need practical applications to be implemented in their curriculum frequently. These problems may include a lack of resources, poor training, and his or her own weak supervision in educational institutions. Ramping up efforts to overcome these barriers is important to ensuring the adequate provision of vocational education and the development of well-rounded individuals who would be able to contribute to society. Aim. This study aimed to investigate the obstacles to practical applications in education facing home economics teachers in the secondary stage in Jordan. Method. A questionnaire including (33) items was used to collect data. A descriptive-analytical method was used to analyze the data. The study sample consisted of (25) secondary school home economics teachers who teach in the Amman Education Directorate (2022/2023). Results. The study results indicated barriers to the utilization of practical applications for vocational sciences educators, with a range of (2.84-3.42). They also demonstrated no statistically significant differences (α = 0.05) in the participants' judgements on impediments to adopting practical applications related to the "home economics branch" category. Statistically significant variations (α = 0.05) were observed in participants' ratings of difficulties based on the "years of experience" variable, favoring teachers with less than five years of experience. In response to these findings, the study advised the Jordanian Ministry of Education to conduct training courses for home economics educators, as well as workshops and instructional sessions on workshop management. Scientific Novelty. The scientific originality of this study is the fact that the scientific research emphasizes the specific context of Jordanian home economics teachers and the specific contradictions of them in implementing practical applications in their curriculum. By focusing on the challenges these teachers encounter in the secondary phase in Jordan, the paper identifies the opportunities to foster the vocational education quality improvement in the region. In addition, the results of the survey on the effects of the number of years the teacher has spent in jobs concerning teaching, and of the effects of the study branch on ware, suggest that there are crossroads in drawing educational policies and projects of professional development that fit the Jordan educators' requirements. Practical Significance. The relevance of the study is a contribution to permissible educational policies and practices in Jordan, where they could understand the barriers to teaching home economics. These findings can be used to guide specific intervention strategies, such as allocating resources, providing specific training, and increasing institutional support. Moreover, the findings of the study can help a professional development program, which can be designed as per the requirements of teachers, to enhance the quality of vocational education and effective human resource development in the nation for better social and economic development of the country.
Interdisciplinary Synergy Between Radiologist and ML Engineer for augmented Whole‑Body MRI Interpretation in the AI Era: From Pixels to Decisions
The concept of an AI-assisted comprehensive, accessible, and safe diagnostic modality has gained significant attention in recent years, reflecting the evolving needs and expectations of contemporary society. Current advancements in medical imaging have enabled high-resolution, detailed, non-invasive whole body image reconstruction, allowing for more accurate lesion detection and characterization and, therefore, facilitating more effective, targeted treatment. Practical employment of such solutions can become feasible and clinically useful through several key technologies that leverage state of the art adaptive algorithms. From this perspective, we describe the theoretical principles of a conceptual diagnostic network for ΑΙ-supported whole-body (WB) MRI analysis. We propose a framework that integrates well-established and widely studied AI tools, including Convolutional Neural Networks for image analysis, Natural Language Generation for structured reporting and Federated Learning for decentralized model training, into a multimodal diagnostic tool. These elements are selected for their strong academic maturity, broad validation across medical imaging studies, and proven compatibility with modern WB-MRI scanners. The expert-in-the-loop precept places the radiologist at the helm of this system, where they maintain clinical oversight and accountability for all decision-making, while also contributing to the ongoing readjustment of the functional algorithm. Inherently dependent on actual data availability, the complexity of the process raises issues related to patient psychological burden, as well as legality, fairness, and ethical governance.
Environmental Education and Rural Curriculum: Guidelines from the Caguán Watershed
This study aims to establish curriculum guidelines for environmental education (EE) in the context of the Caguán River watershed, focused on the perspectives of educators at the Santo Domingo Savio Rural Educational Institution, their teaching practices, and institutional references. A qualitative approach is adopted, based on the administration of questionnaires to teachers at different grade levels and the review of documents such as the PRAE (School Environmental Project), the environmental studies course, and lesson plans. The results revealed a fragmented curriculum that is still in its early stages of methodological development and shows limited integration with other disciplines. Convergences and gaps were identified between what the teachers stated and the reality of their pedagogical practices as reflected in the lesson plans. Nevertheless, a limited approach to problem-based learning was observed, stemming from questions related to territorial dynamics associated with the subject matter, which failed to transcend to a reflective level. Based on these elements, guidelines are proposed from a situated approach, aimed at strengthening the relationship between curriculum, context, and teaching practice, with the goal of fostering a coherent integration of environmental education (EE) into educational processes. These guidelines contribute to the curricular organization of environmental education from a contextualized perspective applicable to other educational settings. This study concludes by affirming that EE is present in schools but requires decisive actions that lead to interdisciplinarity and the mainstreaming of the environmental dimension, guided by the proposed curricular guidelines.
Dynamics of Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in SADC Countries: A Panel Data Analysis
This study investigates the long run and short run dynamic impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth in SADC region. Using the Chudik and Pesaran (2013) Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (P-ARDL) model and an annual data spanning 1970-2023 across SADC countries, the study finds an evidence of a long term impact of FDI on economic growth. It is further observed that despite various short-term impacts, GDP per capita and human capital have a significant long-term effects on economic growth in the region. While both FDI and GDP per capital have a strong positive impact, human capital has a negative impact on economic growth in the region. These results contribute to understanding the roles and relationships of human capital, GDP per capita and FDI in addressing SADC's development challenges. As a policy recommendation, SADC’s policymakers should prioritize FDI attraction, human capital reform, job creation, infrastructure development, and institutional strengthening in order to achieve a sustainable economic growth.
Distributed Leadership and Teacher Performance in Under-Resourced Elementary Schools: Evidence from Eastern Indonesia
Distributed leadership is widely recognized for enhancing instructional quality; however, most studies focus on urban and well-resourced schools, leaving limited understanding of how it functions in resource-constrained environments. This study examines the influence of distributed leadership on teacher performance and explores how leadership distribution emerges in an under-resourced public elementary school in Eastern Indonesia. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 19 teachers using a Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed through simple linear regression. Results show that distributed leadership has a significant positive effect on teacher performance (β = 0.65, p < 0.001), accounting for 52% of the variance. The qualitative phase involved interviews, observations, and document analysis with the principal and five purposively selected teachers. Thematic analysis identified three mechanisms enabling leadership distribution: collaborative decision-making, delegated authority, and collective responsibility for instructional outcomes. The findings reveal that distributed leadership operates as a capacity-building mechanism, allowing schools with limited resources to strengthen teacher professionalism and shared accountability. This study extends distributed leadership theory to developing-country contexts and offers implications for leadership development and the implementation of Indonesia’s Merdeka Belajar reform.
AI Learning Attitudes and AI Literacy Among Community Adult Learners: Social Implications in the Context of Digital Transformation
In the context of rapid population aging and digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping social development, individual learning, and patterns of social participation. The trajectory of social progress and transformation is closely associated with the development of AI applications and related competencies among the general public. However, uneven development of AI capabilities may further exacerbate digital inequalities among adult learners. This study aims to provide a preliminary exploration of AI learning attitudes and AI literacy among community adult learners in Taiwan, and to examine their implications for digital inclusion and future development in an aging society. The study recruited 170 adults from northern Taiwan who participated in community-based AI learning programs. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation analysis. The results indicate that participants generally demonstrated highly positive AI learning attitudes, while their levels of AI literacy were comparatively lower, revealing a gap characterized by “high motivation but low competence.” In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between AI learning attitudes and AI literacy, suggesting that learning attitudes serve as an important motivational foundation for AI literacy. However, attitudes alone are insufficient to facilitate substantial improvement in competencies. The findings suggest that enhancing AI literacy requires the integration of systematic instructional design and practice-oriented training in order to support the transformation of learning motivation into actual competencies. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of promoting digital inclusion and social participation in aging societies, offering important implications for future community education and social development.
Developing an Ai News Anchors Engagement Framework: Assessing Content Quality and Continuance Behavior among News Consumers in Oman
The purpose of this research is the consumers' understanding, dealing, and recognition of the AI-generated news in Oman. The impact of the perception of AI-centric qualities, including intelligence, innovation, trust, and information value in the utilization and engagement of the AI news services in developing the AI Anchor Engagement Framework was also analyzed. For gaining an in-depth insight from the purposively sampled 10 media as well as AI experts, the researcher utilised a qualitative research design. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data underwent thematic analysis where dominant patterns and associations were established to aid in the structuring of the framework. The outcome of the research indicates that the critical elements of consumer engagement and continuance intentions are triggered by trust, intelligence perceptions, and information quality. The respondents indicated that audience trust can be strengthened by credibility, transparency, and connection once the audience witnesses the credentials of knowledge of the AI anchors in terms of novelty and timely response. As expected, the evidence proves that the critical factor leading to the successful implementation of AI newsreaders is their unique capability of meshing technology intelligence and human authenticity and trustworthiness. The successful consumer adaptation is greatly contingent on the trust and engagement rhetoric. In this regard, with qualitative research quality, this paper has emerged as an inspiration for innumerable novel insightful ideas concerning Omani media organizations to develop trust-worthy and user-friendly AI news platforms with the concept of the AI Anchor Engagement Framework.
A Semiotic Approach to the Design Strategy of Stationery Items in Gansu bamboo slips Culture
This study examines the cultural and design techniques of Han Dynasty bamboo slips from Gansu from a semiotic standpoint, viewing the slips as both administrative tools and cultural emblems. Using Saussure's signifier and signified framework, Barthes' myth theory, and Eco's sign classification, the study deconstructs bamboo slips across visual, material, and semantic dimensions to reveal their layered meanings in clerical calligraphy, binding formats, and narrative inscriptions. Building on this theoretical foundation, the study presents the SFS model, which includes symbol translation, functional adaptation, and scenario integration, as a systematic design approach for translating bamboo slip culture into modern stationery goods. Case studies of a modular pen holder, a calligraphy brush stand, and an ink stone show how symbolic narratives, material metaphors, and technological advancements like CNC carving and AR/NFC interaction can bring historical authenticity to modern user experiences. Mixed-method evaluations integrating eye-tracking research, usability testing, and user interviews reveal that symbolic recognition and narrative intensity greatly improve cultural identity, while digital interaction is more engaging for younger audiences. The findings add to design history, semiotics, and cultural heritage by providing a reusable technique for incorporating traditional symbolism into creative enterprises, supporting sustainable practices, and furthering the living transmission of regional culture in contemporary situations.
The Political Struggle Over Historical Memory: State Hegemony versus the Territorialization of Archives
This article examines places of memory as mechanisms of political contestation in transitional justice contexts, with focus on Colombia. Memory operates not as preservation of the past but as a site of struggle over interpretive authority and political legitimacy. Historical acceleration does not produce uniform temporal experience; in contexts of state violence, the past remains directly constitutive of present conditions. Historical memory operates across three analytical dimensions—material, functional, and symbolic—yet institutional frameworks that reduce memory to territorial fixity exclude ephemeral practices that generate political efficacy through ritual repetition. The central argument is that memory constitutes a mechanism through which marginalized groups exercise political agency by producing alternative historical intelligibility that contest state monopolies on narrative interpretation. This contestation reshapes victims' status: from those to whom violence occurred toward those whose interpretations shape collective understanding. Recognition of contested territorial memories operates as a necessary condition for democratic stability and guarantees of non-repetition, contingent upon whether institutions incorporate victim narratives as valid historical claims and whether victims exercise interpretive authority. Memory proliferation in public discourse expresses emergent subaltern political subjectivities rather than institutional instability.
CRRU “FANG KRU” Model to Promote Thai Language Listening Skills of Ethnic Student Teachers
The purposes of this study were to (1) develop the CRRU “FANG KRU” Model to enhance Thai listening skills among ethnic student teachers, (2) examine the effectiveness of the CRRU “FANG KRU” Model, and (3) evaluate the development process of the model. The participants were 20 ethnic student teachers from the Faculty of Education, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, who were first- to fourth-year students in the 2025 academic year. The participants were selected through volunteer sampling and consisted of students who experienced difficulties in Thai listening skills: five Lahu, five Akha, five Karen, and five Hmong students. The research instruments included (a) a Thai listening comprehension pre- and post-test, (b) the CRRU “FANG KRU” Model innovation designed to improve Thai listening skills among ethnic student teachers, and (c) a student satisfaction questionnaire regarding the innovation. The findings revealed that the CRRU “FANG KRU” Model comprised four sets of Thai listening exercises: (1) communication primarily through visual elements, (2) communication through equal use of visual and auditory elements, (3) communication primarily through auditory elements, and (4) communication through auditory elements only. The model demonstrated an efficiency of 82.80/86.00. Furthermore, the students’ Thai listening comprehension abilities improved significantly, and their satisfaction toward the development process and the use of the model was at the highest level.
Mapping the Evolution of Interactive Media Arts: A Bibliometric Analysis of Paradigm Shifts and Trends in Technological Convergence (2004–2024)
This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of interactive media arts, with the goal of providing academics with a comprehensive reference for understanding research trends over the last two decades. The primary data source was literature indexed in Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus, with bibliometric visualization tools used to track scholarly advances. Scientific knowledge maps were created using software tools such as VOSviewer, Citespace, and Bibliometrix, with an emphasis on publication timelines, burst detection, cooperation networks, and keyword grouping. The study identified four evolutionary stages in the creation of interactive media arts: technical experimentation, tool popularization, social penetration, and ethical reflection. These stages demonstrate not only the field's technological advancements, but also the paradigm shifts that result from the incorporation of artificial intelligence into co-creative art activities. The findings demonstrate how interactive media arts have evolved from initial technical research to broader social and cultural applications, ending in increased focus on ethical considerations in AI-driven creation. The study underlines the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in generating academic inquiry and practical innovation. By mapping these evolutionary paths, the study adds to our understanding of the dynamics of technological convergence, providing valuable insights for artists, technologists, and politicians. It also lays the groundwork for forecasting future trends and tackling the issues brought by rapid changes in media technologies and creative processes.
Agro-Ecological Transitions in Malawi: Pathways to Sustainable Food Systems
This research delves into the agro-ecological transitions occurring in Malawi, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices that enhance food security and resilience in the face of climate change. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys targeting smallholder farmers across diverse regions in Malawi. Key findings reveal that agro-ecological practices, including intercropping and organic farming, not only bolster soil health and crop yields but also diminish reliance on chemical fertilizers. Additionally, the research underscores the crucial role of local knowledge and community involvement in facilitating these transitions. Ultimately, the study concludes that promoting agro-ecological practices can create more resilient food systems in Malawi, effectively addressing both environmental sustainability and socio-economic challenges.
The Influence of Virtual Reality on Marketing Education in Jordan: A Developing Synthesis
This research aims at examining the splendid affordance of virtual reality (VR) in enhancing marketing education in Jordan. The research focusses on the effects of integrating the use of marketing simulations through virtual reality on students’ perceptions of course interestingness, desire to learn, confidence in course contents, and recall ability. What is more, it explores how cultural background and technological skill impact the results of virtual reality. This well-thought-out mixed-methods research incorporates a well-designed quantitative questionnaire with carefully designed semi-structured interviews to gather quantitative and qualitative data in a small, selected sample of Jordanian university students studying in prestigious programs in the field of marketing. It is a clear implication of the study that VR goes a long way in enhancing students’ interest, enthusiasm, and confidence in their capabilities, as well as mastery and knowledge, all crucial attributes towards the development of essential marketing skills. However, due to cultural background and technological literacy, the effectiveness of VR differs, and that is why applications should be culturally sensitive, and people who use VR should receive detailed instructions and support. The findings of the study include a more accurate verification of the contribution of VR within the domain of marketing while stressing the importance of enabling cultural sensitivity and technological skills in the application of VR projects.
Social Change in Parenting Practices and Emotional Development of Children
Social change has significantly influenced parenting practices, which in turn affect children's emotional development. These changes reflect evolving societal norms, economic conditions, and cultural landscapes. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of different parenting styles on the development of children’s emotion regulation capacities. This research is a cross-sectional study on the correlation between parenting styles, Parenting Behavior Inventory (PBI) (Lovejoy et al., 1999), and Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) (Rinaldi et al., 2023). More than 300 respondents from Hong Kong and Mainland China responded to the survey. Structural Equation Modeling was adopted to investigate the relationships between various parenting practices and children’s emotional development. Parents’ beliefs about children’s emotions and parental stress were identified as the independent study variables. These specific variables were chosen because of the increased potential for these parental factors to influence the way parents emotionally socialize their children, thereby influencing children’s overall emotional development (Root & Denham, 2010), characteristics on the development of children’s emotion regulation capacities. Findings from this study highlighted the significant effect of emotion socialization on children’s emotion regulation and liability.
The Experience of Reproductive Suffering: An Anthropological and Sociological Approach to Social Pressure Regarding Infertility
The problem of infertility is not only medical, but also a social, moral, and political issue. This article aims to analyze the problem of infertility from an anthropological and sociological perspective, focusing on the experiences of women and men who have undergone assisted reproductive treatments in Spain and Latin America in urban and peripheral contexts. The methodology used includes a theoretical review with an ethnographic design, as well as in-depth interviews and life histories. The findings reveal that infertility influences people's identity, altering their family relationships, their experience with their bodies, their daily routines, and their perception of social acceptance. Furthermore, it is shown that the growth in reproductive technology has created, in addition to opportunities for conception, inequalities related to social class, gender, and access to treatment. The research also shows that infertility is a form of suffering produced by society, that it manifests unequally, and that biomedical institutions play a significant role in this regard, acting as both beacons of hope and emotional marketplaces. From a social science perspective, infertility allows for the analysis of contemporary social pressures regarding the body and gender, as well as reproductive neoliberalism and current changes in family and kinship.
A Case Study Exploring the Provision for Gifted Learners in China: A Qualitative Study of Primary School Teachers' Practices
This qualitative case study aims to explore how three Chinese primary school teachers understand, identify and provide for gifted students in ordinary classroom contexts. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with teachers from rural Shandong, an urban public school in Northeast China and an urban school context in Shanghai, the article examines gifted provision as a situated practice shaped by classroom routines, assessment pressure, family resources, school culture and teacher agency. The study uses thematic analysis to compare teachers' accounts of giftedness, identification, differentiation, institutional support and constraints. The findings show that teachers recognize high potential through everyday signs such as rapid comprehension, accurate responses, independence, advanced preparation, wide reading, curiosity, knowledge transfer and subject-specific engagement. However, public recognition of giftedness remains narrowed by examination performance, ranking and visible classroom achievement. Differentiated instruction is valued in principle but is usually enacted informally through questioning, peer sharing, occasional extension, role assignment, after-class suggestions and teacher encouragement rather than through systematic curriculum adaptation. Across the three cases, teachers' professional agency is bound by common pacing, large or mixed-ability classes, workload, safety responsibilities, parental expectations, monitoring, limited training and weak policy guidance. The article argues that the absence of school-based gifted provision is not neutral, because it shifts enrichment opportunities onto families and therefore reproduces uneven access. Building on a comparison with previous case-study work in Madrid, the article recommends a modest, inclusive and sustainable model of gifted support that frames challenge as educational fairness rather than elitism.
Examining the Internal Factors Underlying Language Change in the Kaili Language
Research on language change has always captured the attention of linguists. This is because language is constantly evolving. This study explores and analyzes the factors driving language change in the Kaili language using linguistic and historical-linguistic approaches. These approaches are used to uncover, understand, and describe the internal factors of language change in Kaili. The method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive method. The data collection techniques used in this study are interviews, observation, and literature review. The data analysis technique used in this study involves identifying the internal factors causing changes in the Kaili language. The results of this study reveal the presence of internal factors of language change, namely (1) phonetic assimilation, (2) analogy, (3) simplification or elimination of elements considered less important, and (4) innovation.
Understanding the Relationship Between Electronic Word-of-Mouth (E-WOM) and Customer Retention in the Jordanian Telecommunications Industry
This research seeks to explore the influence of social media viral marketing factors on customer retention within the Jordanian telecommunications sector, specifically focusing on Umniah Company. An online survey was conducted, collecting data from 418 participants, which was subsequently analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS 23 and SPSS 23 software. The overall results of the study underscore the significant role that social media viral marketing factors play in enhancing customer retention in the Jordanian telecommunications industry. More specifically, the findings revealed a strong correlation between electronic word-of-mouth (E-WOM) and customer retention. Notably, E-WOM was identified as the most influential factor in fostering customer loyalty.
The University Concept in the Geo-cultural Context: A Historical Perspective
Sources of Western civilization often promote the concept that the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 and considered the world’s oldest, is a kernel of the global university tradition. Here, we challenge this egocentric concept by reviewing the educational and research achievements of often-forgotten ancient civilizations, other than those with a Western orientation. Here, we investigated issues dealing with the foundation of the medieval ”university” concept. The method was based on the digital humanities analysis of internet websites relating to the entry term "university". The search concerned nine geo-cultural civilization circles, each represented by the most relevant language. We defined the origin of the term "university,” and the names of renowned higher education institutions considered the oldest. The term ”university” has Latin roots and thus relates to the Medieval European Christendom. However, the tradition of higher education originated in institutions established in Chinese, Arabic, Hindu, and Byzantine civilizations, dating back to around 2000 BC, which long preceded medieval European universities. In conclusion, we challenge the widespread narrative that Western civilization and its medieval European universities are the sole founders of the global university tradition and historical educational advancements.
Internet Use and Subjective Well-Being among Urban Elderly Women: A Quantitative Study from Chengdu, China
The accelerated digitalisation of everyday life in urban China has reshaped how older citizens sustain social ties, yet older women remain among the least connected groups, and the cultural consequences of their digital participation are poorly understood. Drawing on the competing social compensation and displacement hypotheses, this study examines whether and how internet use is associated with the subjective well-being of urban elderly women. Cross-sectional questionnaire data were collected from 412 women aged 60 years and above residing in urban districts of Chengdu, using a multistage sampling design. Internet use intensity, perceived online social support, loneliness, life satisfaction and psychological well-being were measured with established scales. Hierarchical regression showed that internet use intensity was positively associated with subjective well-being after adjusting for demographic and health covariates. Bootstrap mediation analysis indicated that this association operated through two relational mechanisms, namely greater perceived online social support and reduced loneliness. A small but statistically significant negative association between internet use and the frequency of face-to-face contact provided limited evidence of displacement, yet the compensatory pathways outweighed it, yielding a net positive relationship with well-being. The hypothesised buffering of the internet for the most socially isolated women was not supported. The findings position digital participation as a modest instrument of social inclusion for ageing women, while cautioning against treating online contact as a substitute for embodied community life. Implications for digital inclusion policy in ageing Chinese cities are discussed.
Multidimensional Asset Poverty and the Socio-Cultural Dynamics of Rural Deprivation in South Africa: Evidence from Hlokozi Village
This study examines the socioeconomic status and determinants of asset poverty among rural households in Hlokozi village, located in KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. The study contributes to multidimensional poverty literature by integrating Principal Component Analysis (PCA)-based asset indexing with econometric modelling to reassess poverty measurement in rural settings. Using household survey data collected from the study area, a composite asset index was constructed to classify households as poor or non-poor. A probit regression model was subsequently employed to identify the socioeconomic determinants of asset poverty. The findings reveal that employment status, educational attainment (secondary, matric, and tertiary education), and the age of the household head significantly reduce the likelihood of asset poverty. In contrast, household head gender, marital status, and household size were found to have no statistically significant effect. The study conceptualises poverty as a multidimensional condition shaped by unequal access to education, employment opportunities, productive resources, and social infrastructure. The findings further demonstrate how structural inequalities and rural marginalisation continue to shape household welfare outcomes in former homeland areas. Given the limited empirical studies on asset poverty in rural South Africa, this study contributes context-specific evidence and policy-relevant insights into rural deprivation and social inequality.
Foundations and Trends in the Classification of Sciences among Muslim Thinkers
This research addresses one of the most prominent tributaries of Islamic epistemology through the historical trace of the legacy of the philosophy of classification of sciences in the Islamic heritage. The research analyzes the methodological transformations that have marked the history of general scientific work among Muslims, which was particularly evident in the three schools of classification of sciences, which are, respectively: rational, religious, and scientific. These are the schools whose classification philosophies are linked to traditional philosophical, fundamentalist religious and progressive scientific foundations.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Accountability and Transparency in South African Municipalities: Prospects, Barriers and Strategic Pathways for Local Government
This study examined how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance accountability and transparency in South African municipalities. The study responded to persistent municipal governance challenges, including weak financial oversight, fragmented data systems, service delivery inefficiencies and declining public trust. A systematic review design was adopted to synthesise global, African and South African evidence on AI adoption in public administration and municipal governance. The review was guided by PRISMA principles and included 43 eligible studies selected from academic, policy and institutional sources. The Technology Acceptance Model and Institutional Theory were used to interpret both user-level and institutional factors influencing AI adoption, including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, staff readiness, organisational resistance, regulatory pressure and governance norms. The findings show that AI can support municipal accountability through fraud detection, procurement monitoring, audit support and anomaly identification. AI can also improve transparency through citizen-service chatbots, complaint-routing systems, open data tools and integrated information platforms. However, the review found that AI adoption in South African municipalities is constrained by poor digital infrastructure, weak data interoperability, limited technical skills, financial pressure, organisational resistance and unclear ethical governance arrangements. The study concludes that AI should be treated as a governance support tool rather than a complete solution to municipal failure. Its value depends on phased implementation, data modernisation, capacity building, legal safeguards, human oversight and inclusive citizen engagement. Future research should examine municipal-level AI implementation, public trust, algorithmic accountability and the effects of AI on equitable service delivery.
Political Wealth and Economic Inequality: Evidence from Declared Assets of Indian MPs, 2004–2024
Purpose: This study investigates the growth and concentration of political wealth in India. By researching the declared assets of Members of Parliament (MPs) for five Lok Sabha election cycles spanning the years 2004 to 2024. Design/methodology/approach: Mandatory affidavits submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and processed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), are used for the source of data. Inequality within the political class is assessed using Gini coefficients, top decile wealth shares, and Pareto tail indices. Findings: We record a sharp increase in median and mean MP wealth, a thickening upper tail, and an increasing distance between political elites and the masses Our results show intensifying concentration of MP wealth over time. Real (inflation adjusted) asset values reveal substantial appreciation beyond nominal price movements, consistent with the “winner’s premium” documented in the political economy literature. Regional analysis shows sharp divergence: MPs in governance challenged BIMARU states exhibit returns to office far exceeding regional economic growth, while MPs in dynamic southern states mirror private sector capital accumulation. Comparing MP wealth growth with regional per capita income demonstrates persistent and universal excess, widening the representative–represented gap. The findings suggest that India’s “Billionaire Raj” is not merely an economic phenomenon but is deeply embedded within its legislative institutions. Research limitations/implications: The affidavit data may under-report the wealth as candidates tend to declare their real estate at circle rates, do not report benami holdings and differ in accuracy of reporting. Regional PCI figures are unweighted averages of state incomes, which underweights populous poorer states; this is likely to understate the divergence between MP wealth and regional economic conditions. Such limitations also highlight the need for future work that would incorporate affidavit verification, circle-rate adjustments, or triangulation with tax data where possible, to recover a more accurate picture of political wealth. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of population-weighted measures of regional inequality and implies that the accumulation of political wealth might be less correlated with constituent welfare than current estimates imply. Originality/value: Existing studies document returns to winning office but do not study how political wealth is distributed, how inequality evolves over time, how regional political wealth diverges from regional economic conditions, or how the statistical structure of political wealth has changed. This study addresses these gaps by providing the first multi-cycle distributional analysis of MP wealth (2004-2024), the first inflation-adjusted assessment of real political wealth growth, the first regional comparison of MP wealth against regional income, and the first formal modelling of the lognormal-Pareto structure of political wealth.
The Open Proportional Election System in Indonesia: Legal Problems, Oligarchic Practices, and State Financial Losses
This study addresses the negative impacts of Indonesia’s open proportional election system, particularly its tendency to foster oligarchy, corruption, and abuse of office that result in significant losses to the state economy and public welfare. The system compels elected officials to recoup substantial campaign costs funded by oligarchs, often through corrupt practices, as evidenced by numerous convictions of regional heads and ministers. This research employs a normative juridical method with a descriptive-analytical specification. Data were collected from secondary and tertiary legal materials, including statutory regulations, court decisions, audit reports from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), and previous scholarly studies on electoral corruption. A qualitative legal analysis was used to identify regulatory gaps in the current electoral system. The findings reveal three structural problems: 1) The open proportional system creates high-cost politics, forcing candidates to rely on financiers and triggering a cycle of capital repayment through corruption; 2) Weak legal instruments fail to regulate campaign financing, money politics, and conflicts of interest, enabling state financial leakages; 3) The system prioritizes elite competition over public interest, undermining welfare-oriented governance. The study estimates that electoral corruption linked to this system has contributed to trillions of rupiah in state losses since 2019. The novelty of this research lies in its legal reconstruction proposal: the need for urgent electoral regulation that embeds principles of economic justice and state financial protection. The study concludes that reforming the open proportional system is imperative. It recommends policy changes focused on campaign finance transparency, strict sanctions for money politics, and legal safeguards to ensure elections support national economic growth and public welfare, not oligarchic interests.
Retail Healthcare Related Project Design – TQM, ISO SDG Guidelines 53002
The 24th International Conference on ISO, TQM, AI at Gratia Christian College presents a valuable opportunity to explore the synergistic relationship among TQM, ISO standards (e.g. SDG guidelines ISO 53002), and SDG 9. By embracing TQM principles, organizations can create a culture of innovation SDG#9, improving quality services of healthcare related organizations holistically via knowledge transfer SDG#4, and fostering sustainable development via committed partnership SDG#17. A framework like ISO 53002 would provide a structure for implementing TQM and ISO related standards, leading to the development of innovative solutions that drive economic growth SDG#8 in the retail healthcare sector.
Structural Convergence of Macroeconomic Indicators in the European Union (2000–2024)
This study analyses the dynamics of structural convergence of macroeconomic indicators within the European Union during 2000-2024 period of time, using an approach based on the transition matrix and similarity measures between cluster structures. The analysis highlights the way in which the relationships between economic indicators evolve over time, capturing both stability processes and episodes of structural fracture generated by major shocks. The results demonstrate that convergence does not follow a linear or cumulative path, but manifests discontinuously, being strongly influenced by contexts of crisis. Periods of time characterised by systemic constrains, such as the global financial crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic, are associated with high levels of structural similarity, reflecting institutionally and behaviourally induced convergence. On the other hand, in the absence of these shocks, economies tend to evolve differently, which leads to fragmentation of structures and a reduction in internal coherence. By using statistical measures of similarity and structural distance, the study offers an integrated perspective on the stability and mobility of the relationships between macroeconomic indicators, highlighting the episodic and fragile character of European convergence. The conclusions suggest that the resilience of the European Union does not derive from the maintenance of a stable structure, but from the capacity to repeatedly reorganize in the face of external shocks.
Marketing Information Exposure Behavior through Soft Power: The Korean Drama Popularity Phenomenon among Thai Housewives
This research aimed to: (1) examine the marketing information exposure behavior through Soft Power via the popularity of Korean drama series among Thai housewives based on personal factors; (2) investigate opinions toward the effectiveness of marketing communication, both overall and by dimension; (3) examine the relationship between marketing information exposure behavior and personal factors; and (4) compare opinions on the effectiveness of marketing communication according to personal factors. This study employed a quantitative research approach using a questionnaire as the research instrument. Data were collected from 400 Thai housewives with experience watching Korean drama series. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Statistical methods included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, Independent Samples t-test, One-way ANOVA, and Scheffé's post hoc comparison. The findings revealed that: (1) most respondents were under 40 years old, married, held a bachelor's degree or higher, had a household income of 15,000–30,000 baht per month, and preferred watching Korean drama series on weekends through Netflix; (2) the overall effectiveness of marketing communication through Soft Power was rated at a high level ( = 4.26, S.D. = 0.34), with the highest mean scores in Appealing and Asking; (3) certain personal factors were significantly associated with marketing information exposure behavior through Soft Power; and (4) certain personal factors significantly influenced differences in opinions regarding the effectiveness of marketing communication through Soft Power.
Marketing Mix Factors Influencing the Decision to Use Convenience Store Services Among Private Company Employees
This research aimed to (1) examine the decision-making behavior of private company employees in using convenience store services based on their personal characteristics; (2) investigate the marketing mix factors influencing their decisions to use convenience store services; (3) analyze the relationship between convenience store usage behavior and personal characteristics; and (4) compare differences in the importance of marketing mix factors according to personal characteristics. This study employed a quantitative research design. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to 400 private company employees selected through purposive sampling. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, yielding a reliability value of 0.975. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Scheffé’s post hoc test. The findings indicated that (1) most respondents were female, aged between 30 and 40 years, single, held a bachelor's degree or higher, earned a monthly income of 15,000–30,000 baht, and visited convenience stores more than three times per week, with 7-Eleven being their preferred convenience store; (2) the overall importance of the marketing mix factors was rated at a high level ( = 4.32, S.D. = 0.50). The highest-rated factor was place, followed by product, physical evidence, process, people, price, and promotion, respectively; (3) some personal characteristics were significantly related to convenience store usage behavior at the .05 level; and (4) there were no statistically significant differences in the overall importance of the marketing mix factors among respondents with different personal characteristics.
EMBER-T: An Integrative Trauma Formulation Framework for Ongoing Threat Contexts
Many dominant trauma models assume that safety can be established before trauma processing begins. This assumption is often invalid in contexts marked by displacement, chronic violence, and persistent threat. For many individuals, trauma is not a past event but an ongoing physical, relational, and existential reality. Existing stage-based and event-focused frameworks frequently fail to account for the state-dependent nature of trauma presentations, where individuals may demonstrate regulation and competence in some contexts while remaining significantly dysregulated in others, sometimes within the same session. This paper presents EMBER-T, an integrative trauma formulation framework designed to support ethical clinical decision-making when trauma persists rather than resolves. EMBER-T conceptualises trauma presentation across five dynamic, interrelated domains: Embodied Activation, Meaning Making, Breaks in Connection, Endurance-Oriented Identity Work, and Reclamation and Re-Patterning. Central to the framework is the concept of Trauma Endurance, the capacity to maintain functioning, dignity, and relational connection despite unresolved and ongoing threat. EMBER-T is not a treatment protocol or a replacement for evidence-based interventions. It functions as a meta-framework that assists clinicians in evaluating readiness, pacing, and the ethical sequencing of interventions when standard readiness conditions cannot be assured. Drawing on polyvagal theory, attachment theory, narrative approaches, existential psychology, and Ubuntu-informed relational perspectives, the framework addresses a critical gap in trauma care for humanitarian, displacement, and ongoing-threat contexts. Clinical illustrations and identity mapping tools are included to support practical application.
The Development of Management Model for Processed Agricultural Products to Enhance Value for The Khao Yai Nature Community Enterprise
This study aimed to: 1) Examine the current conditions and the factors affecting the management of processed agricultural products of the Khaoyai Thammachat Community Enterprise, 2 ) Analyze appropriate approaches and practices for enhancing management efficiency, 3) Develop and present a management model that corresponds to the context of the community enterprise, and 4) Test and evaluate the effectiveness of the developed model. The population of the study consisted of 10 members of the community enterprise, selected through purposive sampling. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, and the instruments used for data collection included in-depth interviews and a 5-point rating scale questionnaire. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, namely mean and standard deviation, SWOT analysis, and paired t-test. The results revealed that 1) The current conditions of the management of processed agricultural products were overall at a high level, with a mean of 3.89 and a standard deviation of 0.49. When considering each aspect, competitiveness had the highest mean (4.00), followed by production technology (3.94), and management and human resources (3.86). 2) The SWOT analysis indicated that the strengths of the community enterprise included trustworthy leadership and the use of resources that reflect local identity, while the weaknesses were the lack of a systematic business plan and limited knowledge of production and marketing technologies. 3 ) The developed management model resulted from synthesizing SWOT information together with best practices, aiming to address structural problems and support longterm capacity development. and 4) Sixty percent of the members showed improved operational capability, and post-training knowledge scores increased significantly according.
The Influence of Ziska (The Wheel of Karma) on the Novel Phitsawat
This study examines the influence of the novel Ziska (Kongkwian) on the Thai novel Phitsawat. The main objectives are to analyze how Ziska influences Phitsawat and to explore the distinctive characteristics of both novels. The findings show that Phitsawat is indeed influenced by Ziska. A comparative analysis of plot, characters, setting and atmosphere, narrative techniques, and thematic ideas reveals several important similarities between the two works.Both novels feature female characters Sarochinee and Princess Ziskawho appear in ancient-style clothing, creating a sense of mystery connected to the past. In addition, the palace or house associated with these characters is portrayed as mysterious and unsettling in both stories. Another shared element is the presence of strange and frightening paintings that contrast sharply with reality. Furthermore, sacred or supernatural beings play an important role as witnesses to the final moments of the characters, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of both narratives.A distinctive feature of Ziska is its integration of social criticism, along with its emphasis on the consequences of karma. Although Phitsawat is clearly influenced by Ziska, it also has its own unique characteristics. Phitsawat strongly reflects Thai cultural identity, particularly through the concept that hatred should be ended through forgiveness rather than revenge. In addition, the use of a homophonic title adds a special literary dimension to the novel. These features demonstrate the creativity of Thamayanti in adapting foreign literary influence into a narrative that is harmonious with and meaningful within the context of Thai society.
Entrepreneuring an Integrated Model for Optimal Learning Management System Adoption in South African Higher Education: A Multidisciplinary Consortium Approach
This study proposes an integrated entrepreneurial model to optimize Learning Management System (LMS) adoption in South African higher education (HE). It addresses connectivity, content, and technical support barriers through multidisciplinary collaboration, expanding LMS use for teaching, research, and community engagement. It employed a mixed-methods approach involving a multidisciplinary consortium from computer science, IT, statistics, operations research, and education. Data included a literature review, surveys (337 responses), interviews, and workshops to co-design an integrated LMS adoption model. Results revealed major barriers in connectivity, digital content, and technical support. The proposed model emphasizes infrastructure upgrades, localized content, capacity-building, and strategic policies, showing initial pilot improvements in LMS usage and stakeholder satisfaction. The study concludes that effective adoption of LMS requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach addressing interconnected barriers of infrastructure, content, technical support, and institutional strategy. The integrative entrepreneurial model developed offers a scalable and contextually relevant framework to optimize LMS use across teaching, research, and community engagement. Key recommendations include prioritizing broadband expansion with hybrid connectivity solutions tailored to diverse regional needs, co-creating localized and culturally relevant digital content, and implementing comprehensive capacity-building programs involving ongoing user training and AI-supported help desks. Institutionalizing LMS integration through clear policies and nurturing entrepreneurial partnerships with technology providers and government agencies is essential for sustainability. Continuous monitoring and adaptive refinement based on data-driven evaluations can ensure responsiveness to emerging challenges and evolving technological landscapes. This comprehensive strategy can overcome persistent inequities and unlock the transformative potential of digital education in South Africa’s HE sectors.