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.
Brand Personality Perceptions of Political Leaders Among Young Indian Voters: A Comparative Analysis
This study examines brand personality perceptions of three prominent Indian political leaders—Narendra Modi, Arvind Kejriwal, and Rahul Gandhi—among 425 young adults aged 18-30 in Bengaluru, using Aaker's Brand Personality Scale adapted for political context. The research explores how political leaders have evolved into individual brands beyond traditional party affiliations in India's digital age. Findings reveal distinct profiles: Modi dominates in competence (4.01) and ruggedness (3.50), positioning him as a decisive administrator. Kejriwal demonstrates the most balanced profile, leading in sophistication (3.59) and excitement (3.42), appealing to educated urban voters. Gandhi faces perception challenges, ranking lowest in competence (2.94) and ruggedness (2.66). The study confirms young voters rely on perceived personality traits as cognitive shortcuts when evaluating candidates. Social media platforms serve as crucial vehicles for political brand development, enabling leaders to craft curated personas. These findings contribute to understanding political branding in emerging democracies and voter behavior patterns among digitally native demographics.
The African-Americans and American Women's Human Rights: Thoughts of the Quaker Figures in their Works
This article examines Quaker figures' thoughts as conveyed in their works, such as letters, essays, and pamphlets. The Quakers mentioned are John Woolman, John Whittier, Sarah Grimke, Angelina Grimke, Lucretia Mott, and Elizabeth Chandler. The theoretical underpinnings for this article are the qualitative method, an interdisciplinary notion, and grounded theory. Slavery of African-Americans and female subordination in America were found to be practices that violated human rights and did not align with Christianity's essential teachings, which advocated love for all human beings regardless of natural differences such as race, skin color, ethnicity, nationality, and gender. Quaker personalities' perspectives on these two topics are fundamentally an extension of their conviction in Quakerism, which teaches the presence of God in every human conscience, known as the Inner Light, Inward Light, or Christ Within. Quakers believed that everyone had the same and equal potential in their connection with God. Therefore through this article we can find the deep thoughts of the American Quaker figures to be frontiers of human rights enforcement in United States as a milestone for global peace.
The Unfinished Journey: The Narratives of Students Halting Graduate Studies
There are serious institutional and personal repercussions when graduate studies end, especially when thesis-related difficulties are involved. The stories of five graduate students who left a state university are examined in this study. The study looked at institutional, academic, and personal barriers using narrative-case analysis, which was based on Atkinson's narrative method, McAdams' Life Story Theory, and Clandinin and Connelly's framework. The five major themes followed a story arc. Balancing Aspirations and Realities presented their histories and driving forces. Facing Obstacles and Rising Tension exposed emotional exhaustion, a lack of direction, and self-doubt. Confronting Crisis and Breaking Points marked significant turning points in their journeys. Resilience in the Face of Unresolved Struggles emphasized goal reevaluations, ongoing efforts, or withdrawals. Finding Closure and New Perspectives reflected the participants’ acceptance, remorse, or renewed direction. Semi-structured interview data revealed patterns of divergence as well as common issues, such as advisor mismatches, pandemic disruptions, and institutional rigidity. While some participants showed resiliency and redefined success, others faced isolation and system failures. The study provides insights for institutional reform in graduate education by highlighting the necessity of adaptable policies, sympathetic mentorship, and comprehensive support networks that address structural, emotional, and financial issues.
"Who Owns Tortor and Gordang Sambilan?": Between the Traces of History, Protection of Indonesian’s Intangible Cultural Heritageand Concern for the State to Preserve
Ownership of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is not merely a matter of registration leading to recognition. More than that, a culture must be based on its history honestly, including the history of Tortor and Gordang Sambilan. Using a legal history approach, this study found that Tortor and Gordang Sambilan, as cultural heritage of the Mandailing tribe in Indonesia, have existed since the 12th century, while some of the Mandailing tribe migrated to Malaysia in the 19th century. Changes over time have received criticism from the non-essentialist view that value identity tends to be fluid, consisting of elements that will adapt to circumstances. This is in line with Ibnu Khaldun's view, in hermeneutic discourse, that a tradition will die, dry up, and stagnate if it is not continuously revived through reinterpretation in line with social dynamics. Therefore, the Indonesian Government continues to strive for this art to gain global recognition.
Foreign Investment and Non-Oil Export Development as Drivers of GCC Economic Diversification
This study explores the ways in which the development of foreign direct investment and non-oil exports contributes to the overall economic diversification of the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) countries between 2020 and 2025. A key aspect of long-term development as countries struggle with rising oil revenue volatility is the diversification of non-oil businesses. The growth of non-oil exports diversifies the economy away from hydrocarbons, and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows are required for knowledge transfer, infrastructure modernization, and the integration of the region into global value chains. This study employs a dynamic panel data method using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) with annual data for all the six GCC countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This approach helps to better deal with potential endogeneity and to capture both the short- and long-run impacts. The key variables include FDI as a percentage of GDP, non-oil export quantities, and economic diversification measures, with controls for inflation, trade openness, and institutional quality. For building robust and diversified economies in the GCC nations, the empirical results show the significance of concerted policies that attract foreign investment while promoting non-oil sectors. They demonstrate that higher FDI has a significant impact on the performance of non-oil exports, which accelerates diversification.
The Effect of Value-Based Folk Songs and Spiritual Care and Empowerment Practices on the Psychological Well-Being and Spirituality Levels of Faculty of Theology Students
This study examined the effect of spiritual care and empowerment practices supported by value-based folk songs on the psychological health and spiritual well-being levels of Faculty of Theology students. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the aforementioned practice in reducing anxiety, depression, negative self-perception, somatisation, and hostility levels and increasing spiritual well-being. The research was conducted with students aged 18–23 studying at the Faculty of Theology of a state university in Türkiye during the 2023–2024 academic year. A quantitative research method was adopted, utilising a pre-test–post-test design with experimental and control groups. Fifty students, selected through purposive sampling, were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=25) and control (n=25) groups. The Brief Symptom Inventory and Spirituality Scale were used as data collection tools. The experimental group underwent spiritual care and empowerment sessions accompanied by value-laden folk songs for eight weeks; no intervention was applied to the control group. Data were collected through pre-test, post-test, and follow-up test three months later and analysed using SPSS software. The findings indicate that the application significantly reduced the psychological symptom levels of students in the experimental group and significantly increased their spiritual well-being levels. Furthermore, negative correlations were found between spirituality and anxiety, depression, negative self-concept, somatisation, and hostility. This study contributes to cross-cultural psychology and spiritual well-being literature by integrating traditional Turkish folk songs into an experimental design. The research results reveal that spiritual care applications supported by value-based folk songs are an effective method for the psychological health and spiritual development of young adults.
Social Representations and Organizational Management in MSMEs in Sincelejo, Colombia: A Study Beyond Theory
This article aims to analyze potential factors related to social representations of organizational management that may be contributing to the economic stagnation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Theoretical Framework: Social representations are examined drawing on the contributions of Moscovici (1979), Jodelet (2002), and Farr (1986). Organizational management is grounded in the postulates of David (2003). The study is situated within the qualitative paradigm and is underpinned by an interpretative methodological approach. It was observed that organizational management practices among micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs are limited. Based on descriptions of their social representations, respondents associate the concept with terms such as order, control, objectives, planning, development, quality, processes, loyalty, growth, efficiency, and responsibility. This suggests that they frame the business process through constructs generated by their mental representations. A significant influence of these representations on various aspects of the enterprise and on the conduct of organizational activities was identified, which is reflected in business outcomes. Regarding the impact of social representations on organizational management, findings indicate that planning emerges as the most frequently cited social representation of organizational management. This research delves into how managers’ perceptions and social representations influence diverse management processes within MSMEs in Sincelejo—a topic scarcely addressed through qualitative methodologies in this local context.
Australia’s Refugee/Asylum Seeker Geopolitics in Asia: The Role of Incentives
Australia is a destination state for refugees and exhibits behaviours in the 21st century that are worth observing. Australia has a complex problem related to the influx of refugees/asylum seekers via IMAs (Irregular Maritime Arrivals). The majority of refugees/asylum seekers via IMAs originate from countries in Asia. Australia has implemented various strategies to reduce the number of IMAs, including mobilising national resources and utilising international relations. This paper will explain Australia's refugee/asylum seeker geopolitics strategies in several Asian countries through incentive instruments integrating political economy and international relations. The findings from the Australian case study demonstrate that incentives serve multiple roles namely supporting strategic interests, approaching and exercising influence, lubricating bilateral and multilateral cooperation, broadening avenues for demand, and shaping the decisions and behaviour of other actors. This research employs a qualitative approach, utilising both primary and secondary data.
The Cultural Embeddedness of Economic Action: Islamic Values, Entrepreneurship, and FinTech Innovation
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the deep-seated cultural influences that shape economic behavior, entrepreneurship, and innovation within Islamic societies. Moving beyond conventional economic models, this study synthesizes a wide body of literature to explore how core Islamic values—such as trust (amanah), justice (’adl), and communal welfare (maslahah)—construct a unique form of economic rationality. The research adopts a systematic literature review methodology, analyzing scholarly articles, reports, and theoretical papers to build a conceptual framework. The findings reveal that Islamic entrepreneurship is characterized by a dual objective of pursuing both material profit and spiritual-social success (falah), a motivation that significantly influences business strategy and innovation pathways. Furthermore, the paper examines the contemporary wave of Financial Technology (FinTech) as a case study for value-driven innovation, demonstrating how digital tools are being adapted to comply with Sharia principles (Maqasid al-Shariah) while promoting financial inclusion and social entrepreneurship. The discussion section, constituting a significant portion of the analysis, synthesizes these findings to argue that economic actions in these contexts are culturally embedded, leading to unique models of enterprise and technological adoption that challenge universalist assumptions. The study concludes by recommending a more culturally nuanced approach to economic policy and business strategy in Muslim-majority regions, emphasizing the need to align innovation with intrinsic value systems to foster sustainable and equitable development. This work contributes a novel, integrated framework for understanding the intersection of culture, economics, and technology in the modern Islamic world.
Assessment of Essential Knowledge Components for Real Estate Project Developers in Thailand: An Exploratory Factor Analysis
This research aims to identify key knowledge areas for real estate project developers and create readiness assessment criteria for the Thai market. Data were gathered from 100 managerial-level personnel in real estate development firms in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. After removing one outlier, 99 valid responses remained. EFA identified three distinct knowledge components: (1) Marketing and Finance Knowledge, including marketing, project budgeting, and managerial accounting. (2) Strategy and Risk Knowledge, covering strategic management and risk management. and (3) Legal Contracts, Investment, and Services Knowledge, involving contract preparation, investment data analysis, management, and project services. The results show that real estate developers in Thailand need skills across three key knowledge areas. These findings offer a framework for educational programs and professional development activities.
Strategies for Journalistic Discourse Regarding Arab and Islamic Context 2024 Content Analysis of Al-Riyadh Newspaper
This research examined the strategies journalistic discourse uses to address the Arab and Islamic context in 2024, aimed to identify and explain the specific discourse strategies Al-Riyadh newspaper presented in its coverage of the 33rd Arab Summit and the extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The objectives are to analyse how journalists use these strategies and to address the main research question regarding the prevalence and function of each strategy. Researchers applied content analysis as a descriptive method and combined it with a historical approach. The research community includes all 100 paragraphs from the two speeches, and researchers analysed them via a comprehensive survey. The content analysis tool organizes findings under two main categories: "what was said" and "how it was said," each with subcategories. This approach identifies the frequency and prevalence of different discourse strategies. The findings reveal that Al-Riyadh newspaper employs a variety of discourse strategies when covering the Arab and Islamic context in 2024, with persuasion strategies being the most frequent.
An Examination of Green Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), Brand Passion, and Materials on Compulsive Buying of Local MSME Products
Compulsive buying behaviour can arise when individuals make purchases driven by environmental influences or to avoid the fear of missing out (FoMO) on an opportunity. This study aims to analyze the relationship between green fear of missing out (FOMO), brand passion, and materials on compulsive buying of local MSME products. The study was conducted in Bali Province. The population of this study was all Generation Z residents in Bali province. Purposive random sampling was used. A total of 350 respondents were sampled across all regencies in Bali province. The analysis technique used was SEM-PLS. The results showed that green fear of missing out (FoMO) positively and significantly affected compulsive buying, while green brand passion had a positive and significant effect. Green brand passion had a positive and significant effect on green compulsive buying. Green's fear of missing out (FoMO) positively and significantly affected materialism. Individual materialism had a positive and significant effect on green compulsive buying. Green brand passion mediated the effect of green fear of missing out (FoMO) on green compulsive buying. Materialism mediated the effect of green fear of missing out (FoMO) on green compulsive buying. Generation Z moderated the effect of FoMO on green compulsive buying.
TikTok Live Streaming Impact on E-commerce Gross Merchandise Value in Indonesia
Indonesia's digital economy transformation has positioned live streaming as a critical mechanism driving social commerce growth, yet limited research examines how specific technological features directly impact business performance metrics beyond consumer engagement indicators. Current literature focuses predominantly on purchase intention and satisfaction measures in social commerce contexts. Significant research gaps persist regarding direct relationships between live streaming functionality and gross merchandise value (GMV) performance, particularly lacking empirical validation of technology-performance correlations in Southeast Asian emerging markets. This mixed-method case study investigates how TikTok's live streaming functionality contributes to GMV growth in Indonesia's social commerce ecosystem. Research employed secondary data analysis of TikTok Shop performance (2021-2024), in-depth interviews with 15 successful sellers across diverse product categories, surveys with 200 active buyers, and expert stakeholder interviews. Quantitative analysis included time-series evaluation, competitive benchmarking, and correlation analysis. The results show a strong positive relationship (r = 0.847, p < 0.001) between how often people use live streaming and how well their GMV does each month. In 2024, TikTok Shop had a GMV of IDR 528.6 trillion (US$22.6 billion), making it Indonesia's second-largest e-commerce site, even though it only opened in April 2021. Improved real-time product visualization, the ability to interact with customers right away, and algorithmic amplification that makes it easier for small businesses to get into the market are all important ways to succeed. The fashion and beauty categories have the highest conversion rates (23.2% and 21.8%, respectively), and WhatsApp integration is essential for completing transactions in Indonesia. This study adds new theoretical frameworks that connect live streaming technology to business performance through the extension of social presence theory. It also introduces "algorithmic commerce," which represents a shift from search-based to recommendation-driven consumer discovery processes. This provides empirical evidence for platform developers and strategic guidance for improving social commerce.
This Smart Hotel is all about Sustainability! Impact of Perceived Compatibility, Perceived Enjoyment and Perceived Usefulness on Sustainable Travel Intention
The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has engendered novel opportunities within the tourism industry. Smart hotels, which are defined by their reliance on IoT-driven technologies, have emerged as dynamic ecosystems that significantly enhance the overall travel experience. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of perceived compatibility, perceived enjoyment and perceived usefulness of a smart hotel on sustainable travel intentions. A quantitative study was conducted with a sample of 250 tourists who are familiar with using smart applications. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to analyse data, which confirmed all the causal relationships between the variables in the research model proposed.
Implementing Social Security Policy in the Current Context: A Case Study of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ensuring the implementation of social security policies in Ho Chi Minh City is not only a requirement for the central political system but also for local authorities, especially in promoting the role of resource mobilization and ensuring the implementation of policies. The Party Committee, Government and People of the City are implementing Resolution 98, the study of the implementation of social security policies in Ho Chi Minh City plays a very important role in summarizing practices, ensuring that the City maintains its leading role in socio-economic development; actively grows, improves the quality of people's lives, and contributes to the overall development of the country.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Graphic Design from the Perspective of Motion Design and Animated Characters in Universities as a Model
This research explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on graphic design students at University, specifically focusing on motion design and animated characters. The study aims to investigate the relationship between AI awareness, usage, and creativity enhancement among design students, as well as to assess how AI tools influence their design processes. The population for this study consisted of graphic design students from five Egyptian universities, with a sample of 156 students from 6 University. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on students' AI awareness, usage, and perceived impact on creativity, while interviews were conducted to gain deeper insights into their experiences. The statistical analysis included correlation, regression, and ANOVA tests to examine the relationships between key variables. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between AI awareness and usage, with higher levels of awareness leading to more frequent use of AI tools. Regression analysis indicated that both AI awareness and usage significantly predicted students' perceptions of enhanced creativity in motion design and animation. Additionally, ANOVA results showed significant differences in AI usage across academic years, with advanced students (3rd and 4th years) reporting higher usage of AI tools compared to first- and second-year students. Based on the findings, the study recommends that universities integrate AI tools into the curriculum from the first year, offer specialized workshops to enhance AI skills, provide access to AI software, and foster collaboration between design and AI experts. Additionally, ethical concerns regarding AI's role in creative work should be addressed, and future research should explore the long-term effects of AI on students' careers in design. This research underscores the importance of AI in shaping the future of graphic design education and creative industries.
Reham Mohyealdeen Mohamed Abdealsalam Hosen
Understanding Cultural Differences in Hospitality Students’ Acceptance of Service Robots: A Cross-National Study in Portugal, Brazil and Greece
This study explores how cultural differences influence hospitality students’ acceptance of service robots and their intention to work in partially robotized environments. Building on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, this cross-national study compares the perceptions of 532 hospitality and tourism students from Portugal, Brazil, and Greece. Using multivariate analysis (MANOVA) and multi-group structural equation modelling (MGSEM), the findings reveal significant differences across countries. Greek students express the highest willingness to work with robots, while Portuguese students report stronger attachment to traditional hospitality values. Although culture significantly influences students’ views on hospitality and robot use, it does not directly predict their intention to work in robotized environments—suggesting other factors mediate this relationship. The study highlights the importance of embedding technological competencies and emotional intelligence in hospitality education, while offering practical guidance for AI developers and human–robot interaction (HRI) designers. These findings contribute to cross-cultural research on service robot acceptance and provide actionable insights for preparing the future workforce in the context of hospitality automation.
Study Cultures as Mediators of Educational Equality in Diverse University Settings
This study conceptualises undergraduate students’ academic work as both a social and didactic phenomenon, analysed across two epistemologically contrasting fields: Education and Accounting. From a perspective of educational justice, it examines how learning cultures—defined as sets of practices, values, and dispositions towards knowledge—mediate experiences of equality in higher education. A mixed methodology combining ethnographic fieldwork, qualitative interviews, archival analysis, and descriptive and inferential statistics was applied. The sample comprised 305 undergraduate students from public universities in Peru. Findings show that variability in learning strategies, rather than the amount of time spent studying, is significantly associated with higher academic achievement and more equitable educational experiences. The diversity of academic tasks and learning environments reflects both cognitive flexibility and inequalities in access to material and symbolic resources. The results indicate that learning cultures act as mediating processes linking institutional structures, pedagogical practices, and student autonomy. By connecting micro-level academic habits with broader social and institutional contexts, the study bridges the gap between structural analyses of inequality and lived experiences of educational justice. It concludes that universities should cultivate inclusive pedagogical ecologies that recognise diversity in learning approaches as a central condition for equality in higher education.
Spiritual Mindfullness Combination Breathing Exercise Toward Anxiety, Depression and Blood Pressure in Ischemic Stroke Survivors
In general, ischemic stroke patients experience psychological problems anxiety, depression and increased blood pressure to be above normal. The purpose of the study was to analyze anxiety, depression and blood pressure post mindfulness spiritual intervention combination breathing exercise. Quasy experiment research design with a large sample of 25 respondents through purposive sampling techniques. The intervention group was given a combination of Spiritual Mindfulness and Breathing Exercise within 10-15 minutes 2 times a day for 5 days and the control group was given an intervention according to hospital standards. The variables studied were anxiety, depression and blood pressure. Statistical Test with anova test with the help of SPSS version 27. The results of the study through the anova statistical test showed that the mindfulness spiritual intervention combination breathing exercise had an effect on anxiety (sig = 0.000), depression (sig = 0.000), systole blood pressure (sig = 0.000), diastole (sig = 0.005) with the strength of influence on moderate anxiety (R = 0.571), moderate depression (R = 0.529), low systole blood pressure (R = 0.231) and low diastole blood pressure (R = 0.154). Mindfulness spiritual intervention in combination breathing exercise is an intervention technique that is applied, thus facilitating the rehabilitation and recovery process in ischemic stroke patients.
Social Constellation of Warjabakti Village: A Sociological Study on Structure, Interaction, and Social Change
This study examines how the community of Warjabakti Village in West Java, Indonesia, constructs social resilience amid structural transformation and digitalization. Employing a qualitative approach through three months of participant observation, twenty in-depth interviews, and document analysis, the research reveals that digital platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook have redefined traditional social spaces without displacing communal values. The findings show three interrelated strategies of resilience: conserving local values, selectively adopting technology, and rearticulating social roles through hybrid gatherings and youth-led initiatives. While digitalization enhances communication efficiency and youth participation, it also generates symbolic inequalities that marginalize elders and less-connected residents. Social capital remains a key resource, bonding ties sustain trust, while bridging ties link generations, migrants, and new digital actors. Theoretically, the study contributes to global debates in rural sociology and social resilience by demonstrating how peripheral communities transform from mechanical to hybrid forms of solidarity that blend tradition with innovation. Practically, it highlights the need for inclusive village development policies that integrate social structures, technological adaptation, and participatory governance. Warjabakti exemplifies a communicative and reflective model of rural transformation in the digital era.
User-Centric Design and Augmented Reality in Cultural Heritage Preservation: A Comprehensive Review of Interactive and Educational Applications
This paper explores the world's first augmented reality (AR)-based art project, discussing the innovative role of AR in cultural heritage, with a particular focus on its application in heritage education and user-centred design. Over the past decade, AR has markedly revolutionised cultural heritage preservation through its ability to deliver an immersive, interactive learning environment that stimulates public interest in heritage sites and practices, and facilitates the digital documentation and reconstruction of artefacts. This paper reviews past literature to understand how AR interacts with other digital tools, such as BIM and GIS, and demonstrates the synergistic interplay between them in heritage preservation, enabling users to manage local communities via these multiple interfaces. The paper also identifies key rationales in the literature that lack a user-centred design approach, as well as problems relating to the integration of AR and heritage building data. The paper concludes with the following policy recommendations: supporting the scaling up of AR applications in small, under-exploited heritage sites and integrating AR and sustainability aspects into cultural heritage management. In summary, this paper highlights how AR can transform the experience, preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage in various contexts, offering valuable insights for future endeavours.
Stunting Prevention Behaviors Based on Family Centered Nursing with Lokal Value in Pesawaran Regency
Stunting is toddler’s failure to thrive condition because of chronic malnutrition. This kind of chronic malnutrition is caused by recurrent infection and insufficient parenting. which occurs during the first 1.000 days of life over long period. This research aims to assess the family empowerment’s influence based on Family Centered Nursing with local value towards family’s behavior of stunting risk, includes the knowledge, attitudes, preventing action of stunting in Pesawaran Regency. It was the quantitative research with quasi-experimental design complete with intervention and control group which each of group consisted of 42 family who risk of stunting in Pesawaran Regency with purposive sampling technique. Intervention group received health education by using module based on local value with intensive mentoring, while the control group without the mentoring and analysis data carried out by using Paired test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann-Whitney test. It was found that the intervention based on Family Centered Nursing with local value gave significance effect on increasing all of studied variable. In the intervention group, there was a significance increase for the knowledge [Δ2=2.62], attitude [Δ=3.98], action [Δ=4.14]. Mann-Whitney value was 269,500 with a Z value was -5,636 and the significant between knowledge, attitude, and action after the treatment was 0,000. Based on the result of the research it was found that the significance difference statistically on the knowledge, attitudes, and actions between control and intervention group based on Mann-Whitney test [p < 0,05]. Intervention group showed better improvement in all three-measured aspects. Intervention program that have been proven effective should.
The Cultural Diversity to Sustainable Creative Culture of Musical, Poetic, and Artistic Innovations in Chao Phraya River Basin Community, Thailand
The concept of cultural diversity is crucial towards enrichment of ideas. This study explores in maintaining creative culture where musical, poetic as well as artistic activities take place in the Chao Phraya River basin community in the Province of Nakhon Sawan in Thailand. The qualitative method employed the documentary analysis, interactive action learning, and interviews with the experts. In addition, the research is a description of the relevance of cultural diversity to purchasing social cohesion and encourage creative development in a sustainable creative culture. The results showed that sustainable creative culture involves the musical composition in a multi-cultural society, poetic and artistic representation of a diverse community which is supported by knowledge, wisdom, learning processes and creative thinking to amplify potential of a sustainable community. The most important results of religious teachings include morality and ethics, estimation and honor of human dignity, recognition and inclusion of individual and common rights and liberties, equality and proper prioritization of preferable cultural capital to serve the community and the locality.Cultural diversity
Bridging Heritage and Technology: Rethinking Cultural Asset Classification through Digitalisation
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has introduced new complexities in heritage management and classification, affecting traditional UNESCO-based frameworks that distinguish cultural heritage as tangible or intangible. This study employs a systematic literature review to explore how existing classification systems address the evolving forms of digital heritage, highlighting key gaps in hybrid expressions and community involvement. Rather than proposing an entirely new classification system, this study presents a conceptual refinement that functionally distinguishes digitisation (documentation and preservation) from interaction (engagement and participation). Clearly delineating these roles provides heritage professionals and policymakers with practical guidance for integrating digital and traditional heritage assets effectively. This approach emphasises ethical stewardship, supports strategic resource allocation, and encourages meaningful community participation. This study concludes by recommending further empirical validation and policy-oriented collaboration, highlighting the potential of this functional framework to foster more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative approaches to heritage management within the context of ongoing digital transformation.
Language as a Catalyst for Knowledge and Education: An Analytical Study of Arabic and Other Living Languages
Language functions as a central catalyst in the creation, transmission, and advancement of knowledge, shaping educational systems and intellectual development across societies. This qualitative analytical study explores the Arabic language in comparison with other living languages, examining their structural, historical, and cognitive contributions to education. The analysis draws on thematic and interpretative approaches to investigate how linguistic features influence learning processes and intellectual growth. Findings reveal that Arabic’s root-based morphology, complex syntax, and extensive vocabulary enhance conceptual learning and analytical reasoning, enabling precise and expressive communication. The research emphasizes that linguistic qualities—such as **precision, expressiveness, and lexical diversity—**serve as powerful instruments for knowledge dissemination and cognitive development. Moreover, the study traces Arabic’s evolution from a regional dialect to a globally esteemed scholarly language, highlighting its pivotal role in transferring knowledge among civilizations. By linking linguistic development with human capital growth, the research advocates for educational policies and pedagogical frameworks that strengthen the role of language in shaping intellectual and socio-economic progress. Ultimately, it underscores that language—particularly Arabic—is a vital instrument for knowledge expansion, cultural preservation, and sustainable educational development in an increasingly interconnected world.
Assessing the Influence of Digital Marketing Communications on Customer Loyalty: The Moderating Role of Service Quality: Evidence from Sudanese Companies
The factor of this observe is to inspect how virtual marketing messages have an effect on patron loyalty and the way provider satisfactory influences that courting within the Sudan Telecom Company. Using a quantitative studies method, facts become accumulated from a large institution of clients to investigate how the have a look at's essential variables were related to each other. According to the study, virtual advertising communications play a huge part in making clients extra loyal. This means that good on-line exchanges, promotional messages, and engagement all play a massive component in clients' lengthy-time period dedication to the organization. Additionally, the consequences show that provider quality is a key part of constructing loyalty, each at once and with the aid of making the high-quality consequences of virtual advertising messages even more potent. These phrases imply that digital marketing works even higher at preserving human beings unswerving once they assume the provider is good. Overall, the observe suggests how critical it is for telecom carrier companies to have each nicely-idea-out digital advertising plans and regularly high service requirements. In a completely aggressive market, this may make the consumer revel in better, construct agree with, and cause stronger, longer-lasting client relationships.
Closeness and Conflict in Malaysian Preschools: Quantitative Insights into Teacher–Child Relationships
Early childhood classrooms are pivotal contexts where teacher–child relationships shape children’s socio-emotional and behavioural development, yet Malaysian evidence on these dynamics remains limited. This study, therefore, describes the quality of teacher–child relationships in Malaysian preschools using two STRS constructs, namely Closeness and Conflict, as well as tests gender differences on both subscales and the overall STRS score (male vs. female teachers). A total of 444 preschool teachers from urban and rural settings participated in this quantitative, descriptive-correlational study. Data were collected via the Student–Teacher Relationship Scale (STRS-SF) administered through Google Forms and analysed using descriptive statistics (percentages, means, SDs) and independent-samples t-tests. Findings indicate a warm, supportive classroom climate, characterised by high Closeness (M = 4.47, SD = 0.79) and low to moderate Conflict (M = 2.35, SD = 1.11). Gender comparisons revealed significant patterns: female teachers reported higher Closeness (estimated d ≈ 0.74), whereas male teachers reported higher Conflict (estimated d ≈ 0.94). For the overall STRS score, the difference was small but significant in favour of male teachers (Mean = 0.15). Overall, the results underscore the centrality of relational competencies in early childhood education and point to the need for professional development focused on co-regulation, supportive language, and escalation-prevention routines to maximise children’s well-being.
Model for Developing Technology-Based Extreme Poverty Data Collection in Semarang City
This study aims to examine the technology-based extreme poverty data collection model to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the Extreme Poverty Eradication Acceleration Program (P3KE) in Semarang City. Along with the complexity and dynamics of the socio-economic development, accurate and integrated extreme poverty data collection is key to determining targeted policies in Semarang City. However, challenges such as data inaccuracy, information fragmentation between regional apparatuses in Semarang City and other institutions, limited technological infrastructure, and low digital literacy among the community are still significant obstacles. This study uses a qualitative approach with case study methods and in-depth interviews to explore the effectiveness of using technology in extreme poverty data collection. The results of the study show that the integration and synchronization of data systems between regional apparatuses in Semarang City, the use of Big Data technology, and mobile applications for field data collection can significantly improve the quality and speed of data collection. In addition, regular data updates, community participation in the data collection process, and the application of a multidimensional approach to poverty are important factors that support the increase in the accuracy and effectiveness of the P3KE program. This study recommends the development of an integrated and synchronized database system in real time, optimization of the use of digital technology, and increasing human resource capacity through digital literacy training. In addition, collaboration with the private sector and non-governmental institutions is also identified as a strategy that can accelerate the eradication of extreme poverty. With the implementation of policies based on technology and innovation, it is hoped that the P3KE Program can run more effectively in reducing the level of extreme poverty in Semarang City.
Cooperative Learning and the Improvement of Generic Competence Development in University Students
The objective of the present investigation is to measure the relationship between cooperative learning and generic competencies in university students. The research corresponds to the hypothetical-deductive method, a quantitative approach, with a correlational cross-sectional design. The instruments applied were questionnaires administered to sixty students. The Kolgomorov-Smirnov statistic was applied for the assumption of normality, and Spearman's Rho was used for the correlation test. After processing the data, a high positive correlation of 0.653 and a P-value of 0.000 were evidenced, which lead to the conclusion that there is a positive relationship of moderate level between cooperative learning and generic competencies in the student.
Filling the Access Gap: The Role of Renewable Energy in Reducing Energy Poverty Inequality
This study examines the relationship between renewable energy consumption and energy poverty inequality in five Sub-Saharan African countries—Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria—over the period 2000 to 2023. Using a panel data fixed effects model, the analysis constructs an Energy Poverty Inequality Index (EPII) based on the disparity in urban and rural electrification rates. The objective is to assess how renewable energy deployment affects the distributional aspect of energy access within these countries. The findings reveal a complex relationship. Overall, renewable energy consumption is associated with an increase in energy poverty inequality. However, this relationship is significantly moderated by rural population share. In countries or regions with higher rural populations, the inequality-widening effect of renewable energy is reduced. This suggests that renewable energy initiatives may have limited impact—or even unintended adverse effects—on equity unless they are specifically designed to meet rural energy needs. Furthermore, the analysis shows that GDP per capita is negatively associated with EPII, indicating that economic growth contributes to reducing energy poverty inequality. On the other hand, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) appears to have no statistically significant effect on EPII, implying that not all forms of economic engagement lead to improved energy equity. These results underscore the importance of crafting inclusive energy policies that prioritize rural electrification and are integrated with broader development strategies. To foster equitable energy transitions, policymakers must ensure that renewable energy deployment is aligned with local demographic realities and is supported by targeted interventions aimed at marginalized communities.
Even the Weakest Can Change the World: Black Girlhood, Resilience and Systemic Evil in Stephen King's Doctor Sleep and Contemporary Society
Stephen King's Doctor Sleep (2013) and the 2019 movie depict a battle against unfair systems through Abra Stone, a young Black girl with special powers. Her psychic gift, the ability to shine, is both a weakness and a strength. This paper examines how King's horror story can be interpreted as a metaphor for racial injustice, family trauma and abuse of power. Using ideas from Black feminist thought and trauma studies, it demonstrates that Abra's gift is the hidden talent of many young people who are often ignored or used by society. This study allows readers to understand how horror stories can be used to teach kindness, unity and courage. It also demonstrates that even the weakest people can change the world if they have compassion and the will to fight injustice.
Management Accounting System as Mediating the Relationship of Blockchain Technology and Strategic Management Accounting on Sustainability Performance
This paper analyzes the dimensions of management accounting system as mediating the relationship of blockchain technology and strategic management accounting on sustainability performance in the manufactured company in JABODETABEK region, Indonesia. This research adopts quantitative method and survey method. This study relied on self reported primary data from an administered survey by spreading questionnaires to 259 Manager in Manufacture Company, Indonesia that have participated in PROPER. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with the assistance of SmartPLS 3.3 software. This study proposed nine hypotheses to evaluate the relationships among the variables, where five hypotheses showed positive associations and four revealed negative result. The results contribute to a better understanding of how management accounting systems influence sustainability outcomes in the context of emerging digital technologies and strategic practices.
Narrative Economics in the Digital Age: The Power of Stories in Shaping Economic Behavior and Policy
Narratives increasingly shape collective expectations, economic behavior, and policy effectiveness. In this study, the active role of economic narratives as drivers of markets is examined under a multi-level conceptualization of narratives in formation, transmission, persistence, and interaction with fundamentals. Through three recent episodes—cryptocurrencies (2016–2022), post-COVID inflation narratives (2020–2023), and the 2021 meme stocks episode—the paper illustrates how narratives shape expectations, coordinate collective action, and influence market outcomes. Analyses use textual, media, and social network data to highlight how platforms digitally facilitate diffusion and amplify emotionally resonant stories. Findings show that narratives can lead, amplify, or even temporarily overcome economic fundamentals to generate feedback loops and market turbulence. The study illustrates the measurable impact of storytelling on financial and macroeconomic action and highlights the importance of injecting narrative analysis into economic research. These conclusions offer some recommendations to policymakers and regulators regarding how to predict, inform, and manage narrative-based effects in today’s digitalized economies. By applying crossing theory, empirical exemplars, and policy understanding, the paper provides a stepping stone for applying narrative analysis in economic decision-making, with a focus on the structural importance of stories in shaping contemporary economic systems.
Evaluation Methodology for Graduate Follow-Up and The Development of Complex Competencies in Higher Education
Graduate follow-up in higher education requires systematic and scientifically validated strategies to ensure educational quality and strengthen professional competencies. This study aimed to design an evaluation methodology to enhance graduate follow-up processes and promote the development of complex competencies in university professionals. A mixed-methods approach with an explanatory sequential design was adopted, combining qualitative and quantitative procedures. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 experts in educational management, and structured questionnaires were administered to 46 graduates from a Human Medicine program at a private university in Lima. Data collection techniques included interview guides, observation, and surveys. Qualitative data were analyzed through thematic coding, while quantitative data were processed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results confirmed the theoretical validity of the proposed graduate-tracking metamodel, highlighting its coherence, relevance, and capacity to generate reliable information about graduates’ professional trajectories. Quantitative findings revealed weaknesses in self-information, self-training, and self-development competencies, as well as insufficient preparation to meet the demands of the labor market. The integration of the complex competencies approach emerged as a key component for guiding curricular improvements and reinforcing employability. In conclusion, the proposed methodology proved effective for evaluating and monitoring the development of complex competencies in university graduates, enabling continuous feedback on curricula and strengthening institutional processes for educational quality assurance.
Integrating PROPER, Adipura dan SDGs: A Study of Sustainability Governance in Indonesia
The environmental pillar of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is increasingly important in Indonesia due to rapid urban growth and expanding corporate activities. Two major national programs—PROPER (corporate environmental performance rating) and Adipura (urban environmental award)—directly contribute to achieving SDG goals 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. This study uses bibliometric analysis and systematic meta-synthesis to examine how these programs relate to the environmental SDGs. The analysis shows that from 2015 to 2024, most studies discussed PROPER, Adipura, or SDGs separately, with little effort to integrate them. To address this gap, the study proposes an integrative framework called “PROPER Achievements, Adipura Awards, and Sustainable Cities”, which connects corporate and local government initiatives to improve environmental governance, strengthen community participation, and accelerate progress toward the environmental SDGs in Indonesia.
Sustaining Grammar Learning through Gamification: A Quasi-Experimental Investigation
The present study investigated the impact of an electronic gamification-based program, using the “Class Point” platform, in improving grammatical achievement and retention of learning among grade five students in the Sultanate of Oman. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design and the study sample consisted of 120 male and female students, distributed evenly into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was taught grammatical activities through an interactive gamification program, while the control group was taught using conventional methods of teaching. An achievement test was administered as a pre-test, post-test, and a delayed post-test. Statistical analyses using t-tests, ANCOVA, and Eta-squared effect size revealed statistically significant differences in favor of the experimental group for both genders, indicating large effect sizes (η² = 0.55 for males; η² = 0.57 for females). Results further showed significant improvement in delayed post-test scores, suggesting strong retention of learning. No significant differences were found based on gender suggesting that the gamification-based program created an inclusive learning environment. These findings confirm the effectiveness of gamification in enhancing grammatical learning and sustaining its effect over time. The study recommends incorporating gamification strategies into Arabic language curricula and teacher professional training programs to promote active, technology-enhanced learning.
Institutional Readiness for Inclusive Carbon Market Development in Indonesia
This study explores Indonesia’s institutional readiness to develop an inclusive carbon market as a strategic instrument for achieving sustainable development. Using a qualitative descriptive approach and content analysis of national regulations, international best practices, and academic literature, the research examines how carbon schemes—ranging from emissions trading systems and carbon taxes to result-based payments and REDD+—can integrate environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The findings show that while Indonesia holds substantial potential in forestry and land-use sectors to generate carbon credits and attract green investments, institutional gaps remain in regulatory coherence, technical capacity, monitoring and verification systems, and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms. Evidence from global experiences underscores that successful carbon markets require transparent governance, cross-sectoral coordination, and strong community participation to prevent social inequities and conflicts over land rights. The study highlights that strengthening institutional capacity and embedding inclusivity into policy design are critical for transforming carbon markets from a purely emission-reduction tool into a catalyst for local empowerment and green economic transformation. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers seeking to balance climate mitigation, economic growth, and social equity in Indonesia’s pathway toward a low-carbon future.
The Influence of Social Media and Interpersonal Communication on the Voting Behavior of Millennials and Generation Z in the 2024 Presidential Election in Indonesia
The 2024 Indonesian presidential election was dominated by young voters, with Millennials and Generation Z comprising more than half of the electorate and thus becoming decisive actors in electoral democracy. This study examines the influence of social media and interpersonal communication on their voting behavior using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design that combined a national survey of 1,200 respondents with Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) across seven provinces. Regression analysis confirms that social media—particularly WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram—significantly shapes political preferences, with Generation Z more influenced by digital narratives while Millennials tend to validate information through face-to-face discussions. Qualitative findings highlight that interpersonal communication remains essential for clarification and reinforcement of political decisions. The integration of both channels creates a complementary ecosystem in which social media provides broad reach, while interpersonal exchanges strengthen legitimacy. The study concludes that effective political communication strategies must combine the immediacy of digital media with the depth of participatory interpersonal engagement.
Reward and Recognition as Cultural Catalysts of Performance: The Mediating Role of Motivation and Engagement in Indonesia’s Palm Oil Industry
Employee performance in the palm oil industry remains a crucial determinant of industrial productivity and sustainability in Indonesia’s resource-based economy. However, performance stagnation often reflects deeper cultural and managerial dynamics related to how employees are motivated and valued. This study examines the influence of reward and recognition on employee performance, mediated by work motivation and engagement, within PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PTPN IV) Regional III in Riau Province, Indonesia. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional explanatory design, data were collected from 313 operational and staff employees across 12 palm oil mills. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test both direct and indirect effects. The results indicate that reward and recognition significantly enhance work motivation and engagement, which in turn positively influence employee performance. Moreover, both motivation and engagement partially mediate the relationship between reward–recognition and performance. These findings contribute to behavioral management theory by contextualizing the role of cultural values such as fairness, collectivism, and respect in shaping reward systems that sustain employee commitment. Practically, the study highlights the need for organizations in emerging economies to balance monetary and non-monetary incentives with meaningful recognition practices that resonate with local work culture. The research underscores that fostering intrinsic motivation through culturally aligned recognition is as critical as providing external rewards in improving sustainable employee performance.
Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Earnings Management: Evidence from Jordan
This paper aimed to examine the influence of corporate governance procedures on earnings management of manufacturing firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) during the period 2015–2024. Based on agency theory and stakeholder theory, we analyze the influence of governance characteristics (i.e., board independence, audit committee independence, existence of a nomination and remuneration committee, and auditor independence) on earnings manipulation in Jordanian firms. A quantitative methodology was used in the study, based on secondary panel data from annual reports, corporate governance disclosures, and auditor statements. Descriptive, correlation, and panel regression analyses were used to test four hypotheses. The results indicate that all types of corporate governance mechanisms are significantly negatively related to earnings management, suggesting that stronger governance structures could help mitigate managerial opportunism and enhance financial reporting quality. Of these parameters, auditor independence had the most significant effect on earnings manipulation. The results provide a strong case for agency theory, based on empirical findings that good internal and external controls can help avoid conflicts of interest and contribute to a company's transparency. This paper contributes to the corporate governance literature by providing longitudinal evidence in an emerging market environment. It highlights the vital importance of regulators, boards of companies, and external auditors in Jordan to enhance the enforcement of governance principles in practice, promote independence of boards, and maintain the quality and integrity of external audit procedures. This information would be necessary in supporting investors’ confidence, financial transparency, and corporate accountability in the Jordanian business milieu.
Navigating the Role of Workplace Happiness amid Employer Branding and Prosocial Behaviour among IT Professionals
The research aims to explore the nexus between Prosocial Behaviour(PSB) and Employer Branding (EB). Also attempts to study the role of Workplace Happiness (HF) in relationship amid PSB and EB. The research design has two folds. Firstly, the antecedents of study variables were explored and validated adopting Exploratory Data Analysis (using SPSS and AMOS). Secondly, the mediating effect of HF is studied with the help of multiple regression analysis, additionally confirmed with Sobel test. The data were collected from 480 IT professionals working in Bangalore, India via email-based survey. The results indicate that prosocial behaviour impacts on employer branding. The HF is directly associated with EB while, PSB positively influences HF. Also HF mediates the nexus amid PSB and EB. The study offers vital and actionable insights for HR practitioners by deepening the knowledge of PSB and HF which enables in design and development of comprehensive HRM framework emphasizing value-based recognition programs and internal communication strategies that reinforce collective organizational identity. The outcome helps for orienting the employees towards PSB which guides their decision making process by encouraging them to balance between affective/emotionality (compassion, empathy, and interpersonal sensitivity) and cognitive/rationality (strategic thinking) as they must co-exist in contemporary workplaces. This dual emphasis fosters inclusive and psychologically safe work cultures, aligning with modern policy initiatives on workplace wellness. This study contributes by bridging the existing gap through investigating HF role in relationship amid PSB and EB.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Criminal Sciences and Crime Control
This study aimed to identify the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on criminal sciences and crime control by using the analytical descriptive approach. A questionnaire was used to collect data from (120) participants in the domains of security, technology and education. The study used percentage analysis, means, standard deviations, t-test and ANOVA for data-analysis. The results showed that artificial intelligence could support criminal processes and provide innovative solutions to challenges in this domain. Also, the participants were highly confident in artificial intelligence capacity to improve the accuracy and efficiency of processes, particularly in analyzing data and determining behavioral patterns. However, there were worries concerning legal and ethical challenges, such as the possibility of wrongful accusations, exploiting artificial intelligence in cybercrimes, privacy violation, and criminal liability in case of machine errors. The results showed reservations concerning the complete dependency on artificial intelligence instead of the conventional evidence during investigations, where the participants were worried about the impact of possible errors on people's trust in the legal system, and confirmed transparency in the algorithms used to protect general and private rights.
Exploring the Intergenerational Communication Experiences of Generation Z Employees in Indonesia’s Public Institution: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study
This study explores the intergenerational communication experiences of Generation Z employees working in government institutions in West Sumatra, Indonesia. As the youngest cohort entering the public workforce, Generation Z employees encounter challenges in navigating hierarchical and multigenerational structures, particularly when interacting with Generations X and Y. This study aims to explore how Generation Z civil servants experience and interpret intergenerational communication within Indonesia’s bureaucratic context. Using a qualitative approach grounded in transcendental phenomenology, the research investigates how Generation Z employees adapt, interpret, and respond to diverse communication dynamics in the workplace. The findings revealed six major themes: (1) supportive communication facilitates adaptation; (2) smooth and informal communication with Generation Y fosters harmonious collaboration; (3) etiquette-based communication with Generation X reflects respect for hierarchy; (4) communication gaps with supervisors lead to misunderstandings; (5) inappropriate humor creates discomfort; and (6) strategic communication adjustments help Generation Z navigate generational differences. The study contributes to the growing literature on intergenerational communication in public institutions by providing culturally grounded insights into how young employees perceive and manage communication challenges within bureaucratic settings. Theoretically, it expands the understanding of intergenerational communication within Southeast Asian public institutions, an underexplored context in existing scholarship while practically emphasizing the importance of adaptive, inclusive, and empathetic leadership communication.
A Proposed Forward-Looking Vision for construction Effective Partnerships in the Education Sector
This study aims to develop a proposed forward-looking vision for activating effective partnerships in the education sector, considering the challenges and rapid changes currently facing this sector. The study was based on the importance of integrating efforts between the various stakeholders in the education process, which contributes to enhancing the quality of education and achieving sustainable development. The study relied on a systematic review and critical analysis of 22 recent relevant educational studies and literature published during the 2024/2025 academic year, with the aim of exploring successful experiences and distinguished applied models in the field of educational partnerships. This study distinguishes itself from previous studies by its reliance on a dual approach that combines analytical and investigative approaches. The content of relevant educational literature analyzed, along with a preliminary survey of the opinions of a group of experts and specialists in the field of education regarding the mechanisms for activating partnerships and their challenges. This approach resulted in the development of an initial concept of the proposed vision, which will later presented to a select group of specialists to verify its suitability and realism, before its adoption and the presentation of final recommendations based on the analysis and collective review. Through the proposed vision, this study seeks to provide a strategic framework that will help educational decision-makers and educational institutions develop more effective and sustainable partnership policies based on the principles of participation, governance, and accountability. Considering the study's findings, a set of practical recommendations will be presented aimed at implementing this vision and achieving a tangible impact in the educational field.
Eastern Politicians' Viewpoints on Talent and Issue of Developing Talented Civil Servants in Vietnam
In every era, talent is a special human resource, directly affecting the breakthrough development of the country, locality and each organization. Therefore, competition for talent is an objective reality; leaders and managers often consider talent as an important strategy and policy to gain development advantages for each country, locality and organization. In fact, this issue can be implemented more conveniently in the private sector associated with the autonomy of each organization; but it is a difficult issue for public sector organizations due to the influence of political and legal factors. In this study, the author analyzes the views on talent of some Eastern politicians, including President Ho Chi Minh - Leader of Vietnam, and Chairman Mao Zedong - Leader of China. Based on the analysis of the content of Ho Chi Minh and Mao Zedong's views on talent, the author builds a theoretical framework for research on the development of talented civil servants, including a 3-scale model in the direction of assessing the correlation of the independent scales/variables "Civil servants’ outstanding capacity" (CSO), "Policy for civil servants’ capacity development" (PCS) and the dependent scale/variable "Developing talented civil servants" (DCS). The author conducts a survey of 510 leaders of 170 local government agencies at the commune level representing three regions of Vietnam, including Lang Son province (North), Nghe An province (Central), Tay Ninh province (South). From the analyzed survey results, the author draws research conclusions and discusses policy issues to develop talented civil servants in Vietnam in the trend of social change with the development of digital technology and digital society today.
Family Harmony in the COVID-19 Pandemic among Housewives in Malang
The COVID-19 pandemic spreads quickly and affects various aspects of human life, one of which is family life. This study aims to describe family harmony, especially for housewives accompanying their children in distance learning. This study uses samples from a group of housewives in Malang. The family harmony scale was used to collect information about family harmony, while the interviews were used to find the factors that promote and hamper family harmony. The data is analyzed by a mixed-method. The results showed that the career housewives did not experience a significant negative effect from the pandemic. The promoting factors involve good communication, appreciation, acceptance of strengths and weaknesses, understanding the wills of family members, open communication and supporting among family members. The hampering factors are poor communication, lack of quality of time, poor of economy, selfishness, emotional acts, and low awareness and sensibility to the people in the workplace and the neighbourhood. This research results could be used to facilitate housewife to manage their family after COVID-19 pandemic to create more harmony family.
Modularity Transportation by TOD Model in City of Ramadi in Iraq
Striving to provide a sustainable transportation environment and developing urban city centers has become a basic requirement for current and future societies, especially with accelerating pace of urbanization. Therefore, an integrated transportation system with land uses within TOD system provides environmental treatments through developing traffic movement, encouraging walking and cycling, and introducing public transportation, which area lacks. The study, as well as diversity of mixed land use with high density, would achieve gains on economic and social dimensions and preserve land’s “compact city” image. Research presents a model for developing and analyzing possibilities of establishing a TOD center for Iraqi city of Ramadi according to independent indicators selected from experiences and based on TOD planning principles through an analytical approach to inputs in SPSS program, adopting a multiple linear regression model, which includes modeling relationship between land use and transportation. And reaching conclusions about intervention values for all variables with a positive and negative impact, in order to evaluate realistic performance of variable adopted for study area, from possibility of creating TOD in proposed location and possibility of replicating it in other squares in city of Ramadi to achieve integration at city level.
Revenue Generation from Sustainable Aquatic Services: Willingness to Pay, Resource Management Policies, and the Moderating Role of Perceived Environmental Benefits
This study investigates the mechanisms through which tourists' willingness to pay and sustainable resource management policies influence revenue generation from sustainable aquatic services, with particular emphasis on the moderating function of perceived environmental benefits. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected via structured surveys from 385 participants, comprising aquatic tourism stakeholders and tourists across Southeast Asia. Analytical procedures included exploratory factor analysis, multiple linear regression, and moderation analysis utilizing SPSS software. The findings demonstrate robust support for all hypothesized relationships. High willingness to pay (β = 0.642, p < .001) and strong sustainable resource management policies (β = 0.711, p < .001) significantly enhance revenue generation. Critically, perceived environmental benefits exert a significant moderating influence, amplifying the effect of willingness to pay on revenue at medium (β = 0.485, p < .001) and high levels (β = 0.721, p < .001), while rendering it insignificant at low levels (β = 0.112, p = .007). The study advances theoretical understanding by integrating Triple Bottom Line theory with the Theory of Planned Behavior, thereby elucidating how perceived environmental benefits transform ethical consumer intentions into tangible economic outcomes within sustainable aquatic tourism contexts. These findings offer empirical evidence for policymakers and tourism operators seeking to harmonize ecological integrity with financial sustainability.
Exploring Gendered Views of Mathematics: A Study of Female Primary School Teachers
The study investigates female teachers’ gender perspectives in mathematics, defined as viewing the world through lenses shaped by social and cultural gender norms. The research is grounded in gender studies and uses a qualitative methodology, involving semi-structured interviews with eight female teachers at a Mexico City public primary school. Findings indicate teachers distinguish between talent and ability in mathematics: talent is defined as an inherent, genetic capacity, while ability refers to skills gained through practice and continual exercise. Teachers associate talent primarily with boys, attributing their mathematical success to innate advantages, whereas they link girls’ success to acquired skill through effort and persistence. Teachers consistently report that boys possess a "natural" advantage, while girls may approach but not equal this talent through diligence. This belief is underscored by teachers attributing "aggressiveness-activity" traits to boys and "passivity-dedication" traits to girls, considering aggressiveness essential for excelling in mathematics. These perceptions point to teachers’ recognition of male-oriented sociocultural constructs that they believe facilitate mathematical learning.
Erotic Iconography in Nepalese Temples: Archival Analysis and Comparative Study with South Asian Sacred Art
This study examines the erotic iconography carved on the wooden struts (tudāls) of temples in the Kathmandu Valley and situates these motifs within the wider South Asian artistic tradition through a comparative, archival, and interpretive approach. The research categorized erotic motifs by the type of act, posture, and architectural position, as well as the condition and history of the continuity, by means of a database of archival photographs. The results showed that paired maithuna images were the most prevalent type of carving in Nepalese temples, comprising more than 40% of the carvings in temples, and were much more common than triadic or group scenes. Placement studies found that Erotic struts were placed in the Second tier of temples with south and west direction to indicate the cosmological arrangement, which was observed in tantric semiotics of liminality and fertility. Consanguinities and dissimilarities with Khajuraho and Konark, too, could be summarized. Common systems of symbolism of fertility, auspiciousness, and cosmic harmony represent an affirmation of the pan-South Asian relevance of erotic imagery. Yet divergences were apparent in terms of materiality and ritual function: Nepalese wooden struts privileged an intimate, self-contained vignette set in a communal shrine; the Indian stone temple monumentalised erotica in sprawling narrative reliefs for dynastic and pilgrimage settings. The susceptibility of wooden images to subvert earthquakes and their discriminatory replacement in post-earthquake reconstruction drew attention to the fragility of erotic themes as part of the inheritance. With the combined use of iconographic analysis, tantric hermeneutics, and heritage studies, the present study addressed an important lacuna of scholarship. It has been shown that Nepalese erotic struts are not peripheral decorations, but are instead integrally related to the theme of temple sculptures as well as to metaphysical concepts and group ideals. The research facilitates broader dialogues regarding the intersections of sexuality, spirituality, and heritage in South Asia, highlighting the necessity of preserving the archive and maintaining the space with community awareness.
Cultural Resonance in Advertising: Audience Interaction with Culturally Embedded Campaigns in Lebanon (2022–2023)
Advertising is increasingly recognized as a cultural practice that extends beyond persuasion to reflect collective values, identity, and social belonging (Hall, 1973; Arnould & Thompson, 2005). This study investigates the effectiveness of cultural advertising in Lebanon, focusing on Almaza’s social media campaigns during 2022–2023. By analyzing engagement data (likes, comments, shares), the research shows that ads embedding cultural symbols generate significantly higher interaction than non-cultural campaigns. Guided by encoding/decoding theory, consumer culture theory, and reception theory, the findings underscore how cultural resonance strengthens audience engagement and brand identity. The originality of this study lies in situating Lebanon—a context marked by collectivism and resilience—within global advertising scholarship. Its implications align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by demonstrating how culturally rooted marketing can foster sustainable business practices and community cohesion.
Impact of Organizational Agility on Institutional Excellence in Municipalities of Jordan
This study aimed to explore the impact of organizational agility on institutional excellence in municipalities of Jordan (case study on the municipalities of Jerash Governorate). This study examined the impact of organizational agility on institutional excellence in municipalities in Jordan from the perspective of service recipients (public sector, private sector, local community). The primary objective of this study was to identify the impact of organizational agility dimensions "flexibility, responsiveness, innovation, sensing agility on institutional excellence in Jordanian municipalities. The researcher used a descriptive and analytical research method to achieve the study's objectives. A questionnaire was used to conduct this study and a convenient random sample of "200" service recipients was selected. The researcher used several statistical methods, the most important of which were arithmetic averages, ANOVA testing, and the "SPSS" statistical package. The results of the study showed that service recipients' perceptions of organizational agility in the dimensions of "flexibility and responsiveness" were moderate, while the study sample's perceptions of organizational agility in the dimensions of "innovation and sensing agility" were high. The study also demonstrated a positive impact of organizational agility on institutional excellence in Jordanian municipalities. The study recommended paying great attention to the flexibility of service provision and responsiveness to service recipients through training and raising the efficiency of employees in the municipal sector and providing material and technical capabilities, as well as enhancing employee innovation and responsiveness. The study presented recommendations for conducting a study on the impact of organizational agility on institutional excellence from the perspective of municipal employees. The study provided important practical contributions related to the dimensions of organizational agility and its impact on institutional excellence, which can be used by municipal officials to improve institutional excellence. It also provided contributions related in providing a conceptual framework for organizational agility and institutional performance.
Economic Democracy against Liberal Democracy: The Arab World as a Case Study
This study aims to critically examine the distinctions between liberal democracy, rooted in neoliberal capitalist principles, and economic democracy, a concept that has been systematically marginalized—especially in Arab countries undergoing democratic transitions following the so-called Arab Spring. It highlights how this marginalization often resulted from efforts by ruling elites, both Islamist and secular, to secure legitimacy and recognition from Western powers, while neglecting the social and economic demands that fueled the revolutions. Furthermore, the study investigates the instrumental role of Western-funded civil society organizations in shaping these transitions and influencing their outcomes. By focusing on the Arab context, this research sheds light on the broader implications of neoliberalism and colonial legacies on democratic processes.
Driving Social Impact and Inclusive Growth: Role of Indian Social Stock Exchanges
The paper examines Social Stock Exchanges (SSEs) and their potential to bridge the funding gap for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, focusing on India. It explores eligibility criteria, investment opportunities, and impact measurement frameworks for SSEs. Additionally, it discusses how mutual funds can channel donations to social causes via SSEs. Finally, it recommends ways to improve transparency and investor confidence in the SSE ecosystem.
Factors Affecting the Phenomenon of Poverty in Iraq (Anbar as a Model)
Poverty is a complex issue that results from the interaction of social, political, and economic elements that affect people's capacity to achieve their most basic need. Developing effective measures to lessen its effects on people and society is made possible by an understanding of these elements. With an emphasis on examining the social and economic circumstances faced by low-income families and determining the consequences of the increase in the poverty line in the study region, the study aims to investigate the variables contributing to the phenomenon of poverty in Anbar. A descriptive approach was used to interpret and analyze the findings of the study on the factors influencing the poverty phenomenon in Anbar. Additionally, the results of the questionnaire for the year 2024 were analyzed to determine the percentages of data pertaining to the phenomenon of poverty, which came to 452 families in the governorate. The spread of poverty in Anbar province dates back to a long history of economic and political factors. Due to the absence of employment prospects that coincide with population growth, this situation has gotten worse in recent years. High unemployment rates have resulted from this, making it difficult for many families to meet their basic necessities. This has had a detrimental effect on many facets of provincial life and aided in the rise of significant social issues and phenomena, including drug misuse, domestic violence, begging, and crime. One of the significant topics this study addresses is the poverty phenomena in Anbar. It concentrated on examining the political, social, economic, and demographic elements that fueled the development of poverty, including rising family sizes, fast population growth, inadequate education, joblessness, low incomes, and the worsening security conditions brought on by crises. The study's objectives are to present a scientific examination of these variables and offer suggestions for lowering poverty. Keywords: economic and social causes, poverty, and Anbar
Hybrid Transformation through Communicative Leadership and Learning: Evidence from Civil Society Organizations in Indonesia
This research explores how the internal organizational processes such as transformational leadership, organizational learning culture and internal communication impact the social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) to jointly drive the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Indonesia towards sustainable hybrid models. To overcome the perennial problem of donor dependence, this underscores communicative and motivational underpinnings of hybrid resilience in fledgling democracies. Adopting a quantitative, explanatory design, data were collected from 115 registered CSOs in Semarang, Indonesia. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the study test a sequential double-mediation model linking leadership, learning, communication, and SEI as internal pathways toward organizational transformations. Results demonstrate that internal communication and SEI sequentially mediate the effects of leadership and learning on transformation. Transformational leadership exhibits competitive mediations; its direct influence becomes negative when communicative participation is weak; whereas organizational learning culture shows partial complementary mediation. Sustainable hybridization is thus achieved through dialogic communications, participatory dialogue, and shared entrepreneurial intention rather than structural reform alone. The study focuses on CSOs in single Indonesian city, which may limit generalizability. Future research could extend the model across sectors or region to assess institutional and cultural variations in hybrid transformation processes.Findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, donors, and capacity-building institutions to design leadership and communications development initiatives that strengthen CSO autonomy and hybrid sustainability aligned with SDG 8, SDG 10 and SDG 16. This research advances social enterprise and hybridity theory by conceptualizing communication and SEI as processual micro-foundations of transformations. It provides rare empirical evidence from the Global South, offering a nuanced understanding of how leadership-driven learning and communicative capacity enable sustainable hybridization in civil society contexts.
The Impact of Energy Consumption on Global Energy Intensity Based on K-Nearest Neighbor Algorithm
The primary objective of this study is to utilize the K-Nearest Neighbor Algorithm (KNN) to investigate the relationship between energy intensity and energy consumption across the Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Transportation, and electric power sectors. The paper approved the KNN Algorithm as more accurate than the remaining algorithms. The most influential factors affecting energy intensity are the Power Sector (61.89%), the Industrial Sector (24.62%), the Transportation Sector (8.5%), the Residential Sector (3.6%), and the Commercial Sector (1.3%). Consequently, the Industrial, Electric Power, and industrial Sectors have the most significant influence on energy intensity. Thus, enhancing the energy performance of these sectors can reduce energy intensity and maximize efficiency, leading to improved environmental sustainability.
The Triple Bottom Line Framework of Sustainable Urban Development of Heritage Districts: The Case of Ermita-Malate, Manila and Tiong Bahru, Singapore
Urban redevelopment has emerged as a key strategy for economic recovery in the post-pandemic era, particularly in cities with rich historical backgrounds. However, the rapid commercialization of cultural heritage sites has led to challenges such as overtourism, commodification, and the deterioration of historical landmarks. This study examines the urban redevelopment of two heritage districts—Ermita-Malate in Manila, Philippines, and Tiong Bahru Estate in Singapore—through the lens of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, which balances social, economic, and environmental sustainability. By analyzing historical records, government policies, and site observations, this research highlights the contrasting trajectories of these districts. While Tiong Bahru has successfully integrated heritage conservation with modern urban planning, Ermita-Malate struggles with unchecked commercial expansion and the loss of cultural identity. The findings underscore the need for a sustainable urban planning approach that prioritizes not only economic gains but also social and environmental considerations. This study contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban development of heritage districts by proposing an integrated framework that fosters long-term preservation and responsible urban growth.
A Deep Chasm? Ethno-cultural Diversity and Nationalism in the History of Malay-Muslim-Dominated Southern Thailand
Undoubtedly, ethno-cultural diversity in the contemporary era has been a social reality that cannot be denied. However, promoting multiculturalism and interculturalism is not always a straightforward process: there tends to be a gap between these concepts as discourses at the state or elite level and their practical implementation at the societal level. This article attempts to examine why such a gap still exists by analysing the ethno-cultural tensions in the Malay-Muslims-dominated Deep South of Thailand. The Deep South provides an illuminating example of a non-Thai minority culture living inside the Buddhist-dominated Thai state, and presents a challenging case study in the management of ethno-cultural diversity. This article aims to elucidate how different state elites have dealt with the Malay-Muslims in varying ways, and to examine why state formulations of Thainess have remained neither fully multicultural nor intercultural despite the ruling elites’ recognition of ethno-cultural diversity and their publicly articulated commitment to promoting equal citizenship.
Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency and Green Logistics: The Role of Environmental Regulations
This study investigates the influence of Environmental Regulations (ER) and Financial Incentives (FI) on Supply Chain Efficiency (SCE) and Green Logistics Implementation (GLI) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan. Drawing on the theoretical foundations of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM), this study proposes and empirically tests a conceptual model linking ER and FI to SCE and GLI. A quantitative research design was employed using data collected from 243 professionals across Jordanian SMEs involved in logistics and supply chain operations. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 4. The results reveal that both ER and FI significantly and positively influence SCE and GLI, though with varying magnitudes. ER exerted a stronger effect on SCE (β = 0.372, p < 0.001) compared to GLI (β = 0.172, p < 0.01), suggesting that regulatory compliance enhances operational efficiency but may not fully drive proactive green logistics practices. Conversely, FI demonstrated the strongest impact on SCE (β = 0.412, p < 0.001) and a weaker yet significant effect on GLI (β = 0.148, p < 0.05), indicating that financial support serves as a critical enabler of efficiency but requires complementary institutional and cultural mechanisms to promote sustainability adoption. These findings underscore the complementary roles of regulatory and financial instruments in advancing both efficiency and sustainability within SME supply chains. The results also provide practical insights for policymakers and SME managers aiming to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Jordan’s supply chain ecosystem.
Institutional Mechanisms and Efficiency in Sustainable Land Use: A Case from Almaty and Turkestan Regions
This study examines the institutional mechanisms affecting sustainable land use efficiency in Kazakhstan’s Almaty and Turkestan regions. Drawing on expert interviews with representatives from governmental land management bodies, the research identifies critical barriers and potential opportunities in implementing effective land use strategies within the current socio-economic and environmental context. The study develops a region-specific framework to assess sustainable land use ef-ficiency, incorporating administrative capacity, the effectiveness of land governance tools, and the role of stakeholder engagement. Key findings underscore the necessity of enhancing institutional coordination, im-proving the integration and accessibility of land use data, and aligning policy instruments with regional needs and local conditions. The re-search reveals that fragmented responsibilities, limited interagency communication, and outdated data systems hinder sustainable land management efforts. In contrast, strong stakeholder collaboration and adaptable governance structures offer pathways for improvement. This study contributes to the academic and policy discourse by bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical land use planning in developing contexts. It provides targeted policy recommendations aimed at fostering more coherent, adaptive, and sustainable land governance practices in Kazakhstan’s agricultural regions, ultimately supporting national goals for land reform, environmental protection, and rural de-velopment.
Development of an Online Marketing Communication Model for Community-Based Water Hyacinth Weaving Products
This study aims to develop an online marketing communication model to enhance the visibility and purchasing potential of community-based water hyacinth weaving products. With growing consumer interest in sustainable and culturally authentic goods, local artisans face both opportunity and challenge in transitioning from traditional markets to digital platforms. Using a mixed-method approach, the research draws on quantitative data from 343 consumers in Bangkok and the surrounding metropolitan area, as well as qualitative insights from expert evaluations of marketing media. Key constructs explored include visual appeal, emotional engagement, and perceived authenticity. Multiple regression analysis revealed that visual appeal (β = 0.41), perceived authenticity (β = 0.35), and emotional engagement (β = 0.29) significantly predicted purchase intention (R² = 0.74, p < .001). ANOVA results further indicated that purchase intention varied significantly by age group (p = .024) and occupation (p = .038), while emotional engagement was significantly higher among consumers with prior purchasing experience (p = .002). Expert evaluations affirmed the cultural relevance of the content while recommending improvements in platform optimization and call-to-action clarity. The findings underscore the importance of integrating visually compelling, emotionally resonant, and culturally grounded content in online marketing. Furthermore, demographic differences suggest the need for audience segmentation and platform-specific strategies. To maximize impact, the study recommends that community enterprises invest in visual branding, digital storytelling, and digital readiness training. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable marketing and offers a practical framework for enhancing the competitiveness of local crafts in the digital economy.
Dynamics of yoga and Odissi Dance: A Comprehensive Analysis of Physiological Demands and Perceived Yogic Benefits
This comprehensive study investigates the self-reported perceived benefits of integrated Yoga practice and the primary challenges affecting the performance and mental wellbeing of Odissi dancers. While the philosophical synergy between the disciplines is widely recognized, this research aims to quantify dancers’ experiences concerning performance weariness and the efficacy of Yogic techniques. Data were collected via a structured quantitative questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of $N=22$ professional and advanced student Odissi dancers. The sample was predominantly female (95.5%) and covered a wide age range (14–65 years), with the majority falling within the 18–24 group. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed significant self-reported physical and mental stress: $70\%$ of respondents reported feeling tired or lacking focus 'sometimes' or 'often' after performance. The primary self-identified inhibitors were physical exhaustion and pain in the body after performance. In contrast, the perception of Yoga’s utility was universally positive: $100\%$ of respondents selected 'Strongly Agree' on all five-point Likert scale items assessing the impact of Yoga on strength, flexibility, breath control, energy level, and stamina. This confirms a universal consensus among practicing dancers that integrated Yogic methods are indispensable for enhancing key performance attributes and mitigating performance-related weariness. By weaving these empirical results with a detailed theoretical review of postural, kinetic, and spiritual overlaps, the findings provide a robust justification for the formal, integrated inclusion of Asana and Prāṇāyāma in classical dance training curricula to ensure holistic dancer wellbeing and improved sustained performance quality.
An Examination of Hostility to Foreigners in Bursa Using the Xenophobia Scale in the Framework of the ‘Clash of Civilizations’ Model of Samuel Huntington
Xenophobia has been intensely examined in recent years, in the contexts of both migration policies and societal adaptation processes. The subject of this research was to determine within the framework of the ‘Clash of Civilizations’ model of Samuel Huntington, whether or not the effect on the perception of the “other” in the processes of different religions and cultural identities living together has an effect on the extent of prejudice and hostility between individuals as much as at the international level. The aim of the study was to determine the levels of xenophobia of individuals living in Bursa, Türkiye, using an objective scale. Thus, the Turkish verson of the Xenophobia Scale was applied to 435 participants, and validity and reliability analyses were conducted using SPSS software. The study findings demonstrated that xenophobia was shaped by structural and cultural dynamics exceeding the individual level in this sample from Bursa. Although the explanations based on the cultural difference of the Clash of Civilizations Theory of Huntington were partially confirmed, economic concerns (X̄=4.08) and security concerns (X̄=4.35) were seen to be determinant at an equal degree. These results indicate that societal tensions cannot be explained with one-dimensional cultural readings, but that the nature of conflict dynamics is multi-layered.
The Impact of Corporate Culture Promotion on Firm Financial Performance during the War: A Case Study in Sudan
This study to check out to whether culture organization affects firm financial performance in sudan in terms of institution government during the war and innovation and leanrning. We find consistent evidence that corporate culture is positive effected by war from different orientation of employees, also positively related to innovation and learning output and significantly affected by related to firm financial performance. In addition, the negative effect of corporate culture promotion on firms located in less developed provinces. Furthermore, we find that some specific corporate culture, such as innovation culture and integrity with objective the institutions reduce performance.
The Benefits of Using the Copilot App in Developing Arabic Vocabulary among Non-Native Learners
This research investigated the impact of the Copilot application on developing vocabulary of learners of Arabic as a second language. To achieve this aim, the research employed both descriptive-analytical and quasi-experimental methodologies. The study involved 25 intermediate-level students at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University. The results showed statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level between the mean scores of the experimental group on the two versions of the vocabulary test, favoring the post-test, with a high effect size (0.98). The study recommends encouraging learners to use Copilot for self-learning and research, developing linguistic, research, and analytical skills.
HRM 4.0 Practices and their Effect on Organizational Performance
The digital transformation linked to the Industry 4.0 concept is fundamentally altering human resource management and creating new HRM 4.0 practices that influence organisational performance. This paper aims to analyse which HRM practices have a statistically significant effect on specific business performance indicators and to determine their relative importance. The research was carried out through surveys. Data were analysed using factor analysis and both single and multiple linear regression. The findings confirmed that practices promoting autonomy at work, the hybrid work model, and employee psychological well-being have the greatest impact on performance metrics. Employer branding proved to be a strong predictor of both productivity and workforce stability. Conversely, purely technological tools such as gamification, automated resume screening, and online interviews did not show significant effects. Personalised and performance-based pay systems contribute most to profitability, while continuous learning and retraining are vital for job satisfaction and reducing staff turnover. The discussion highlights that the success of HRM 4.0 depends more on the strategic integration of practices than on digitalisation itself. The limitations of the research include the self-assessment nature of the data, the sector-specific sample, and the cross-sectional design. Nonetheless, the study offers valuable insights for developing effective HR strategies in the digital era.
An Analysis of Media Agenda-Setting During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: Implications for Disaster Preparedness, Response, And Policy
Mainstream media shape public understanding and policy attention during health crises. In Indonesia’s COVID-19 pandemic, how national online media prioritized disaster-management phases remains underexamined. To analyze agenda-setting patterns in Indonesian national online media and assess whether coverage emphasized mitigation/preparedness versus response/recovery, alongside accountability focus, framing, tone, and policy/health orientation. A quantitative content analysis of 16 news articles (2020–2021) from Kompas.com, Detik.com, Tempo.co, and CNNIndonesia.com coded for phase (mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery), accountability actors, framing (thematic/episodic), tone (positive/neutral/negative), and presence of health context and policy focus. Coverage concentrated on response (68.7%) and recovery (18.7%), with minimal attention to mitigation and preparedness (each 6.3%). Accountability was centralized on the national government (75%). Framing was entirely thematic (100%), and tone was predominantly neutral (62.5%). Most articles incorporated health context (87.5%) and a policy focus (93.7%). Indonesian online media displayed a reactive, state-centric agenda during COVID-19, privileging response/recovery over prevention-oriented phases. Strengthening media attention to mitigation and preparedness—and broadening accountability beyond the central government—could better support public risk education and resilience for future health emergencies.
Effectiveness of Application-Based Motivational Interviewing on Teenagers' Tooth Brushing Practice in Gorontalo City
Improper tooth brushing behavior remains a major contributor to oral health problems among adolescents. Correct Tooth Brushing Practice (TBP) is essential for preventing plaque accumulation and dental caries. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of application-based Motivational Interviewing (MI) in improving adolescents' toothbrushing practices. A quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design was conducted among 100 high school students. Participants were divided into an intervention group (n = 50) that received application-based MI counseling for three months and a control group (n = 50) that received conventional health education. MI counseling was delivered to adolescents three times over the course of three months. At each stage, tooth brushing behavior was assessed, and the results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test to evaluate within-group changes. Data were collected through direct observation of tooth brushing behavior using a standardized WHO checklist. Results: In the intervention group, correct toothbrushing practice increased from 24% to 88%, while in the control group, it increased from 48% to 68%. Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement, with the mean TBP score increasing by 5.18 in the intervention group compared to 1.26 in the control group (p < 0.000). Application-based Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an effective approach for improving adolescents' toothbrushing behavior. This approach is feasible for integration into school-based oral health programs to promote sustainable healthy habits.
Modeling Real Income Indicators in the Russian Federation and the European Union Countries
This paper presents the results of a factor analysis of real income indicators in the Russian Federation and the European Union based on an original evaluation algorithm. Using the least squares method, the authors propose models for assessing real income in Russia and European countries. The findings of these models are compared, leading to recommendations aimed at increasing real income levels in Russia, the EU and globally.
The Effect of Flipped Classroom on EFL Students’ Reading Comprehension and their Reading Motivation Levels
The Flipped Classroom (FC) approach has the potential to enhance EFL students’ reading comprehension and motivation; however, its effectiveness remains under-researched. This study employed a quasi-experimental method using a non-equivalent control group design to examine the effect of the Flipped Classroom on EFL students' reading comprehension and motivation. Two classes were randomly assigned as the experimental and control groups, each consisting of 35 students, with the FC treatment applied only to the experimental group. Research instruments included a reading comprehension test, a reading motivation questionnaire, and interviews to explore students’ perceptions of FC implementation. Pre-test results indicated no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in either reading comprehension or motivation. However, after the treatment, the experimental group using the Flipped Classroom showed significant improvement in both aspects. Student responses also indicated that the approach improved their focus, independence, and understanding of texts. The Flipped Classroom model was proven to significantly improve EFL students’ reading comprehension and motivation, with higher post-test scores and positive student responses toward interactive and independent learning. Therefore, FC is a promising and effective technology-based approach for teaching reading in EFL classrooms.
The Effectiveness of Physical Education Teachers' Professional Teaching Skills in Motivating Primary School Students in Jordan to Learn
This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of physical education teachers' professional teaching skills in motivating learning among primary school students in Jordan and its relationship to gender. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing a questionnaire consisting of 18 items. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 700 male and female primary school students in Jordan during the first semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. The study concluded that the effectiveness of physical education teachers' professional teaching skills in motivating learning among primary school students in Jordan was moderate, with a mean of 3.26 and a standard deviation of 0.61. Furthermore, the study found no statistically significant differences in the effectiveness of physical education teachers' professional teaching skills in motivating learning among primary school students in Jordan based on gender.
Understanding the Adverse Effects of Social Media on Children with Intellectual Disabilities: Parental Insights and Preventive Strategies
Background: This research emphasizes the background issue of social media-based adverse effects on children with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia, along with parents’ perceptions and possible solutions for mitigating such issues. Results: The results derived from the survey method used with Saudi parents indicated that social media had negative emotional, physical, and psychological impacts on children suffering from intellectual disabilities. Parents’ perceptions are also negative of these children’s excessive usage of social media Conclusions: It is concluded that parents must guide these children to limited and positive usage of social media for exchanging information and educational achievements. Parents are also required to keep their children monitored and use the co-surfing of social media accounts to prevent children from cybercrimes, fake relationships, and data privacy issues.
The Development of Competency-based Online Course for Course for Improving Literacy of Ecological Civilization
This study investigates the ecological civilization literacy of Visual Communication Design majors in Zhejiang Province. It develops a competency-based online curriculum to strengthen students’ knowledge, skills, and values related to sustainable design. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research was conducted in five stages: diagnostic analysis, needs assessment, competency modeling, curriculum development, and expert-guided iterative optimization. Quantitative data were collected from 336 students and 307 graduates, revealing a structurally imbalanced profile characterized by strong ecological attitudes, moderate conceptual understanding, and weak behavioral competence. Qualitative data from faculty (n = 24), employers (n = 25), and experts (n = 24) further indicated fragmentation in current ecological instruction, misalignment between educational supply and industry requirements, and a strong demand for project-based and context-relevant learning experiences. Based on Delphi consultation and content analysis, the study constructed the “Three Dimensions–Nine Competencies” ecological civilization literacy model, which integrates ecological knowledge, sustainable design skills, and value-oriented professional ethics. Guided by Competency-Based Education (CBE) and backward design principles, an online course titled Ecology and Vision: Integrating Sustainable Design Competencies was developed. The curriculum comprises 64 hours across four modules, incorporating localized Zhejiang case studies, interdisciplinary resources, PBL-driven rural revitalization projects, learning analytics, and diversified assessment aligned with the K–S–V competency framework. Expert review demonstrated the curriculum's high validity and feasibility (IOC averages 0.89–0.95; satisfaction scores 4.3–4.6/5). Through iterative refinement, the final model presents a scalable pathway for integrating ecological civilization education into design disciplines. The study contributes a theoretical framework, a methodological model, and a practical solution to advancing sustainability-oriented design education in Chinese higher education institutions. It also provides a transferable curriculum development paradigm for other regions and disciplines seeking to integrate ecological civilization into professional training.
Leveraging Organizational Culture to Enhance Employees' Innovative Performance: Empirical Evidence from the Directorate General of State Assets in Indonesia Mediated by Job Satisfaction
This study examines the influence of organizational culture (OC) on the innovative performance (IP) of public-sector employees, with job satisfaction (JS) serving as a mediating variable, specifically within the Directorate General of State Assets in Indonesia. The research aims to analyze how organizational culture shapes innovative performance and to assess the extent to which job satisfaction strengthens this relationship. Using a quantitative approach with a descriptive survey, data were collected from 361 employees through questionnaires measuring OC, JS, and IP, and analyzed using SMARTPLS4 for model and hypothesis testing. The findings reveal that job satisfaction successfully mediates the relationship between organizational culture and innovative performance, indicating that a positive organizational culture enhances innovation primarily through increased job satisfaction, while the direct effect of culture on innovation is not significant. These results highlight the unique contribution of the study, namely the crucial mediating role of job satisfaction in driving innovation through organizational culture. The study recommends that organizations strengthen positive cultural practices to improve job satisfaction and, consequently, employee innovation. Future research is encouraged to expand the analysis to other government institutions to provide a broader understanding of how culture influences public-sector innovation.
The Pre-Service Teachers’ Learning Experience Amidst the Gradual Lifting of Social Distancing
This research explored the learning experiences of Pre-service Teachers during the gradual easing of social distancing mandates amidst the COVID-19 lockdowns. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining survey and thematic analysis, guided by the elements of the Community of Inquiry framework: social presence, cognitive presence, and teaching presence. A total of 251 PTs from three renowned universities in Maguindanao and Cotabato City, Philippines, participated in the surveys. Additionally, seven intern supervisors from these institutions served as key informants during interviews, while ten cooperating teachers from partner schools provided insights through focus group discussions. The analysis revealed that PTs perceived their experiential learning as excellent across all critical elements. Social presence was observed when they built harmonious relationships with students, peers, and mentors, expressed empathy and care in their communication, and created a comfortable, safe, and secure learning environment. Cognitive presence emerged through dynamic student participation in class sessions and reflective practices. Finally, their teaching presence was evident in their diverse teaching strategies, use of appropriate language, effective design and organization of instructional materials, facilitation of instruction, assessment, and feedback. However, further in-depth studies may be required to ascertain whether similar patterns emerge across diverse demographic groups.
The Effectiveness of a Program Based on Thinking Activities in Developing Extensive Reading Skills Among Arabic Language Learners Who Speak Other Languages
The aim of this research is to build a program based on thinking activities to develop the extended reading skills of learners of Arabic speaking other languages. For the purpose of the research, a list of the appropriate extended reading skills for fourth-level students, a program based on thinking activities, and a test of extended reading skills were prepared. The research experiment was applied to (30) fourth-level students who are learners of Arabic speaking other languages at the Institute of Arabic Linguistics at King Saud University. The results of the research showed that there were statistically significant differences between the average scores of students (members of the research group) in the pre and post measurements in the skills of each of the three levels of extended reading; And that was in favor of the dimensional measurement, and by revealing the level of significance, it was found that it is statistically significant at the level (05.0), as it became clear from the statistical treatment that the proposed program is characterized by a high degree of effectiveness in developing the expanded reading skills of the students of the research group, where the average gain percentage is (12,1) which is greater than the correct one. Accordingly, the research presented a variety of recommendations and research proposals.
Abdulkarim Saad Saleh Al-Yahya Al-Bashri
Does National Culture Moderate the Relationship between CEO Characteristics and Accounting Conservatism? Evidence from SBF120
This research aimed to examine the relationship between Chief Executive Officer (CEO) characteristics and accounting conservatism and whether national culture moderates this relationship. The sample consisted of 672 observations from French industrial and service companies listed on the SBF 120 from 2015 to 2022. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. To explore the moderating effect of national culture on the relationship between CEO characteristics and accounting conservatism, we applied the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) to panel data. The results show that CEOs with greater experience and skills are positively and significantly associated with accounting conservatism. Furthermore, consistent with the arguments of the upper echelons theory, the results show that, on the one hand, the seniority of the CEO is positively and significantly associated with accounting conservatism and, on the other hand, education, age, and compensation of CEOs are positively but insignificantly associated with accounting conservatism. Furthermore, the results show that the moderating variable (national culture) positively affects the relationship between CEO characteristics and accounting conservatism.
Navigating Community Collaborative Dynamics in Environmental Management of Indonesian Lake Conservation Zones
Restoring the environmental quality of lakes is essential to encourage sustainable tourism and maintain the ecological balance of conservation areas. This study has explored the dynamics of collaboration between local communities and stakeholders in managing environmental restoration in lake conservation areas in Indonesia, emphasizing the intention and support for community collaboration. By applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a guiding framework, this study has examined the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentions on community participation in restoration efforts. A cluster random sampling method has been utilized to survey local communities in the Lakeshore region. The study findings have revealed that positive attitudes and strong subjective norms significantly encourage collaboration intentions, while perceived behavioral control moderates’ community support and restoration initiatives. These findings highlight the necessity of aligning local perceptions with conservation goals to enhance collaborative efforts and ensure the success of sustainable lake management. This study has contributed to the understanding of community-based environmental management and provided policymakers with some applicable insights to encourage effective collaboration and sustainable tourism development.
Economic Complexity and Carbon Neutrality Targets in the GCC: Evidence from a Panel Threshold Model
This study explores how economic complexity shapes carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 1990 to 2022. Using a dynamic panel threshold model, we investigate whether rising economic complexity creates a turning point that changes how economic growth, energy use, trade openness, and renewable energy adoption affect environmental outcomes. The analysis uncovers a clear threshold level of economic complexity that divides the sample into two distinct regimes. In the low-complexity regime, CO₂ emissions are highly sensitive to economic growth and energy consumption, while neither renewable energy nor trade openness plays a meaningful role in reducing emissions. In contrast, once countries cross into the high-complexity regime, the picture changes: energy intensity declines, renewable energy becomes a powerful tool for lowering emissions, and trade openness supports cleaner production and greener technologies. This shift reflects a partial decoupling of economic growth from environmental damage. Overall, the findings highlight how structural transformation and technological upgrading can support climate goals in hydrocarbon-dependent economies. By prioritizing innovation, diversification, and strong policy frameworks, GCC countries can advance toward carbon neutrality while maintaining economic momentum.
Results of Assessment of the Organization of Dual Education in the Training of Engineers and the Formation of Students Competences
The article presents information on the clarification of the principles of successful implementation of dual education at the level of "Industry-Enterprise-University", the development of a new methodological support for dual education, the involvement of graduates in self-assessment in the formation of general competencies, and the results obtained. There are many features of the organization of the dual education system, and the most important of them, based on the analysis of their specific characteristics, a number of its principles, advantages, and a comparison of the characteristics of dual and traditional education systems, it was determined that eight categories of dual education are considered extremely important. The diagram of the results of the assessment of the organization of dual education by graduates of higher educational institutions (HEIs) showed that organizing dual education at the “Industry-enterprise-university” level is more difficult than organizing it at the “Enterprise-department (laboratory)” level. In the self-assessment of the level of development of ten competencies by HEIs graduates, not a single respondent chose the position of “competence is not developed”, but respondents noted the weak development of certain competencies (from 10.4 to 42.2%). The results of the study showed that for the successful development of competencies within the framework of dual education, it is necessary not only to implement the principles of its organization, but also to improve teaching methods. The responses of the respondents showed that organizing dual education at the “Industry-enterprise-university” level is more difficult than at the “enterprise-department (laboratory)” level. It turned out that the content of professional module subjects is more closely related to the requirements of production enterprises It is necessary to consider the basis of the study, and it is advisable to bring the laboratory equipment of the university to the level of modern production equipment. Reliance on the principles of dual education in organizing the implementation of dual education at the “industry-enterprise-higher education” level is its distinctive feature. Analysis of the practice of implementing dual education at the “industry-enterprise-higher education” level revealed the need to improve the regulatory and legal framework for its development.
Crisis Management in Creating Shared Value: Effects of Good Governance, Social Responsibility and Reputation
Shared value creation emerges as a multidimensional construct characterized by an intricate network of interrelated factors that redefine its operational and strategic practices, consolidating as an integral paradigm oriented towards the optimization of sustainable organizational development. Within this conceptual framework, crisis management emerges as a strategic vector that catalyzes shared value, grounded in dynamic response capabilities and their multiplier effects across the stakeholder ecosystem, through the synergistic integration of corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, and reputational capital. The research, conducted across 101 organizations with documented post-pandemic crisis management experience, implemented a quantitative methodology with a predictive approach through variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), evidencing a statistically significant relationship between crisis management and shared value generation within the stakeholder ecosystem. The findings validate the strategic relevance of crisis management in shared value architecture, demonstrating positive effects on organizational performance, relational capital, and strategic resilience, suggesting that organizations can capitalize on disruptions as catalysts for innovation, develop resilient dynamic capabilities, and strengthen their strategic positioning, facilitating not only organizational survival in adverse contexts but also catalyzing strategic transformations that enhance sustainable development across long-term temporal horizons.
Attributes of Professional Leadership among Industrial Vocational Teachers in the Context of Industry 4.0
This research aimed (1) to study the level of professional leadership characteristics among industrial teachers in the era of Industry 4.0, (2) to analyze key components of professional leadership, and (3) to propose guidelines for promoting leadership development among vocational instructors. A mixed-methods design was employed, collecting data from 150 industrial teachers under the Office of Vocational Education Commission in Bangkok and its vicinity. A Likert-scale questionnaire and in-depth interviews with five model teachers and two school administrators were used. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Exploratory Variable Analysis (EFA), while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings revealed that the teachers exhibited a high level of professional leadership. Major components included instructional leadership, transformational leadership, servant leadership, and coaching/mentoring roles, all positively correlated with the effectiveness of Active Learning and Project-based Learning approaches. It is recommended that leadership development programs for industrial teachers emphasize collaboration with industry partners, motivation building, and professional mentorship for learners.
The Effect of Hand Grip Strength and Interval in BOTELI Method Exercises to Improve Rally Groundstroke Forehand Skills
The purpose of this study is to determine: 1) the effect of the BOTELI method exercise on training intervals to improve rally groundstroke forehand skills; 2) the effect of the BOTELI method exercise on hand grip strength to improve rally groundstroke forehand skills; and 3) the interaction effect between training intervals and hand grip strength to improve rally groundstroke forehand skills. The research method used was an experimental design. The sample in this study consisted of 48 sports students of Universitas Sebelas Maret in 2022. Data collection techniques used the Kem-Vincent Rally Test of Rally Skill, and hand grip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. The data analysis technique used was a two-way factorial ANOVA 2x2 with a significance level of α = 0.05 using SPSS version 26 for Windows. The results showed that variable A affected the improvement of rally groundstroke forehand skills with a value (0.000 < α 0.05) and was indicated by the value (F-count = 129.686 > F-table 4.06). Variable B affected the improvement of rally groundstroke forehand skills with a value (0.000 < α 0.05) and was indicated by the value (F-count = 198.793 > F-table 4.06). A and B showed an interaction effect on improving rally groundstroke forehand skills with a value (0.000 < α 0.05) and was indicated by the value (F-count = 18.921 > F-table 4.06). Therefore, to improve rally groundstroke forehand skills, both variables A and B, as well as the BOTELI training method, have an influence.
Transpositioning Identity of Indonesian Hospitality Internship Program Students in Hong Kong Hotels
This study investigates the transpositioning of identity among Indonesian hospitality interns navigating multilingual environments in Hong Kong’s global hotel sector, a context that remains underexplored in current research. Recognizing the gap in how young professionals adapt and reposition their linguistic and cultural identities within institutions dominated by linguistic hierarchies and diverse ideologies, the study set out to examine how they transform themselves in such agentive, moment-to-moment shifts in self-positioning. Employing a qualitative narrative inquiry design, data were collected through thematic analysis triangulated by survey data and interviews with four Indonesian interns. The findings reveal that identity transformation in this setting is both strategic and deeply agentive: intern students transition from locally-rooted Indonesian students to global hospitality professionals, transpositioning their identity from Indonesian student to global hospitality professional as well as shaping their identity through continually leveraging English, Mandarin, and other languages as powerful tools for career advancement, adaptive professionalism, and emotional well-being. The implications suggest that hospitality training should focus not only on language proficiency but also on the development of identity-negotiation skills, preparing interns for complex communicative and cultural demands. Future research is recommended to trace the long-term effects of workplace identity transposition, compare outcomes across international service sectors, and integrate longitudinal and quantitative approaches.
Principals' Values and Beliefs in Integration Curriculum the Local Character Education at Kindergarten
A Mathematical Model for Assessing the Economic and Social Impacts of Traffic Congestion an Applied Study on Riyadh City
This paper develops and applies a comprehensive mathematical model to quantify the economic and social impacts of traffic congestion in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, which faces significant mobility challenges. A multi-dimensional assessment framework is proposed, integrating three core mathematical models: the Congestion Level Model (synthesizing 17 variables for a unified index), the Economic Impact Model (translating the index into costs for fuel, maintenance, and productivity loss), and the Social Impact Model (assessing consequences for time wasted, public health, and safety). The analysis utilizes a 10-year longitudinal dataset (2015-2024) specific to Riyadh, with model coefficients calibrated to the local context. The model application reveals a persistent upward trend in congestion severity over the past decade. The analysis estimates the annual economic burden to be substantial, with productivity losses representing the dominant cost component. Social impacts are equally severe, with wasted commuter time and negative health outcomes being the most significant societal burdens. The model shows strong correlations between population growth, urban density, and rising congestion levels. This study presents one of the first comprehensive, model-based frameworks for quantifying the dual economic and social dimensions of traffic congestion in a major Saudi Arabian city. The findings provide critical, evidence-based insights for policymakers, offering a robust analytical tool for evaluating mitigation strategies and informing investment priorities aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives.
The Impact of Board of Directors’ Characteristics on Financial Performance: The Moderating Role of Voluntary Risk Disclosure in the Iraqi Banking Sector
This study investigates the effect of board of directors’ characteristics on the financial performance of banks in Iraq, while also examining the moderating role of voluntary risk disclosure (VRD). Drawing on agency theory and legitimacy theory, the study explores how specific governance mechanisms namely board size, board independence, and frequency of board meetings influence key performance indicators: return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and Tobin’s Q. VRD is conceptualized as a transparency tool that may enhance or weaken the effectiveness of board-level governance in shaping firm outcomes. The study employs a panel dataset of 34 Iraqi banks over the period 2010–2023 and applies multiple regression techniques to test the hypotheses. The results reveal that board size and board independence have a significant positive impact on financial performance, while board meetings exhibit a mixed findings with negative effect on Tobin’s Q. Importantly, VRD is found to positively moderate the relationship between board characteristics and ROA but not ROE or Tobin’s Q. These findings offer theoretical contributions to the corporate governance literature in emerging markets and provide practical implications for policymakers, bank executives, and regulators seeking to improve governance and performance in the post-conflict Iraqi banking sector.
Adaptive Co-Management Strategy in forming Social-Ecological Resilience as a Basis for Achieving Blue Economy Development in Coastal Regions. Case Study of Tambakbulusan, Demak
Coastal areas represent a dynamic and productive intersection between land and sea, characterized by unique ecosystems such as estuaries, mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. However, these areas face significant environmental challenges, including silting, climate change, land subsidence, and pollution, exacerbated by human activities like resource extraction and industrial development. Despite the abundant natural resources, many fishers struggle with low income due to factors such as poor fishing technology, environmental degradation, and climate variability. The research aims to analyzing the Socio-Economic Ethnography of Tambakbulusan, 2). Investigating coastal vulnerability in Tambak Bulusan, 3). Explore the adaptation and mitigation in dealing with the vulnerability of resources and communities in coastal areas, 4). Formulate adaptive strategies through a co-management approach.. This study location in Tambakbulusan Village, Demak Regency. Using a mixed-method approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 57 small-scale fishers through field surveys and interviews. The findings highlight that sensitivity is the highest indicator that causes vulnerability. Its needed for sustainable coastal management practices and co-management strategies to improve the adaptive capacity of fishers and enhance their livelihoods in the face of environmental and economic uncertainties.
An Ethnomusicological Study of Bòlòjò Music of Yewa Land in Ogun State, Nigeria
One of the dynamics of the traditional African societies is that music is a common feature of cultural expression. In Nigeria, traditional music which is rooted in the belief system and the socio religious activities of the people finds space in the musical practice of the country and therefore attracts attention of scholars for documentation and analysis. Bolojo music, a traditional genre rooted in Yorùbá oral tradition from the Yewa people of Ogun State, Nigeria serves as a cultural expression that embodies the socio-cultural dynamics, historical contexts, and musical heritage of the Yewa people. This music has received scholarly studies in aspects such as its history, sociology, its dance forms, and song texts, but its ethno musicological study is still under explored. This study is therefore an ethno musicological examination of Bòlòjò music. Engaging established theories in ethnomusicology and African cultural studies as its theoretical framework, the study examines the musical structure, social functions, adaptability, and communicative roles of Bolojo within Yewa society. The study employs qualitative research methods including participant observation, interviews with local musicians, and audio-visual recordings of Bòlòjò performances. Through participant observation, the researchers engage in communal events where Bòlòjò music is performed, gaining first-hand insights into its social functions. Interviews with Yewa elders and Bòlòjò musicians provide valuable perspectives on the genre’s cultural meanings and evolution over time. Audio-visual recordings further aid in analyzing musical structures, rhythmic patterns, and lyrical themes with Bòlòjò music. Bòlòjò music is renowned for its unique rhythms, showcasing the call-and-response patterns that foster community participation and engagement during performances, also with the variety of traditional instruments integral to Bòlòjò performances, particularly the distinctive use of drum such as talking drum (gángan), àkúbà or kóngà, bèmbé, bàtá, which create complex rhythmic patterns, as well as agogo (metal gong), sèkèrè (rattles), and the introduction of guitar by King Jossy Friday. As an essential cultural practice, Bòlòjò music plays a central role in rites of passage, festivals, weddings, funerals, communal gatherings, where it not only entertains but also reinforces Yewa identity and heritage in social cohesion, cultural expression, and moral instruction. This study concludes that Bòlòjò music serves as a vital expression of the Yewa people’s identity and cultural heritage. Its origins are rooted in the historical, social, and spiritual fabric of the community, making it not only a form of entertainment but also a powerful medium for preserving cultural memory and fostering community unity. As Bòlòjò music continues to adapt and evolve, it remains a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Yewa people in navigating their cultural heritage. The need to preserve and promote Bòlòjò music has become urgent, particularly in the face of globalization and changing social landscapes. This paper recommends that archival documentation, festival support, gender inclusivity and international collaborations should serve as safeguard for the preservation of Bòlòjò music.
Mindfulness and Self-Efficacy in Predicting Academic Resilience among College Students
Academic resilience, mindfulness, and self-efficacy are important constructs in the field of guidance and counseling, yet their relationships remain underexplored. This study examined the predictive roles of mindfulness and self-efficacy on academic resilience among college students during the 2020–2021 academic year. A descriptive–correlational research design was employed, involving 363 students from a state college in the Philippines who were aged 18 years and above. Data were gathered using the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), and the Academic Resilience Scale (ARS-30). Findings revealed that mindfulness significantly predicted academic resilience, indicating that higher levels of mindfulness are associated with greater academic resilience. In contrast, self-efficacy did not significantly predict academic resilience, suggesting that it does not directly contribute to resilience within this sample. These findings underscore the importance of fostering mindfulness to enhance students’ academic resilience and inform counseling interventions.
Forecasting Sovereign Debt Distress in Egypt Using a Machine Learning-Based Early Warning System
In the era of rising global sovereign risk, this study designs and validates A Machine Learning-Based Early Warning System for sovereign debt distress specific to Egypt. Going beyond conventional econometric models, we advance machine learning techniques suited to the idiosyncratic nature of the Egyptian economy. Upon rigorous analysis of a comprehensive dataset (1990–2023), the XGBoost algorithm (an implementation of Gradient Boosting showed excellent forecasting power (the AUC-ROC being 0.92), significantly surpassing that of traditional benchmarks. Interpretation using the SHAP framework (Shapley Additive explanations, rooted in cooperative game theory) identified that foreign reserve adequacy (with a critical non-linear threshold below 3.0 months of import cover), exchange rate misalignment, and the public debt-to-GDP ratio are the top risk predictors. The practical validity of this framework is demonstrated by its successful forecast of the 2016 crisis and its strong explanatory power for the 2023 distress, predicted using data available up to 2022, serving as a rigorous ex-post validation. This provides policymakers with a truly novel, transparent, and operational tool for forward-looking risk identification and management.
The Causal Nexus Between Digital Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
This analysis examines the causal relationship between digital financial inclusion and economic performance in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region experiencing significant financial access constraints. The theoretical framework suggests that digital financial services lower information barriers and transaction expenses, facilitating improved capital distribution and business development. The study develops a new composite index measuring digital financial inclusion through principal component analysis, combining multiple indicators across access, usage, and quality dimensions. To test the claim on a panel data consisting of 35 SSA countries spanning from 2004 to 2022, and solving the endogeneity problem arising from reverse causality and unobserved heterogeneity, a two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator is adopted. Our results provide robust evidence for a positive causal relationship. We find that a one standard deviation increment in the DFII leads to a statistically significant increase of 0.154 percentage points in annual GDP per capita growth. The methodological approach used in this analysis—specifically, the development of a comprehensive, multi-dimensional index alongside the deployment of a dynamic panel estimator to mitigate the risks associated with endogeneity—establishes a robust foundation for causal inference. This approach significantly elevates the scientific credibility of the findings, setting them apart from prior research that was largely constrained to mere correlational analysis. Furthermore, the stability of these conclusions is definitively confirmed by their successful replication across diverse model specifications and their satisfactory performance on all requisite post-estimation diagnostic criteria. Consequently, the evidence presented confirms that Digital Financial Inclusion (DFI) functions as a fundamental driver of economic expansion.
The Optimal Orchestration of Military Expenditure for Economic Growth in Africa: A Non-Linear Threshold and Regional Heterogeneity Analysis
This study presents an extensive empirical investigation into the non-linear relationship between military spending and economic growth, backed by data from 45 African countries for the period of 1990-2023. We relied on an extended Solow growth model and a multi-method econometric approach consisting of System GMM, Panel ARDL, and Panel Threshold Regression; to deal with the problems of endogeneity, dynamic panel bias, and heterogeneity. The results of the analysis confirm in a robust manner the non-linear Inverted U-shaped relationship, with the growth-maximizing military spending threshold endogenously determined by the panel threshold regression at around 2.4% of GDP. It merits consideration that the coefficient of this threshold is yielded by a static PTR model, which constitutes a methodological constraint as it does not integrate the serial dependence in growth data fully. The correlation is marked by considerable regional heterogeneity; North Africa has a higher threshold of 3.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while the conflict areas (e.g., the Sahel) are experiencing economic losses. However, above all, the caliber of institutions is recognized to be the main factor moderating the situation where better governance amplifies the growth returns of military spending through the mechanisms of efficiency and accountability. At the same time, the findings also reveal a significant temporal trade-off: the immediate interaction of security and higher aggregate demand is slowly superseded by the long-term crowding-out effect on human and physical capital accumulation. The projections demonstrate that the period of investment in education and governance reforms may not be mandatory before the associated prosperity dividends become sizeable if such a policy approach is complemented by the reallocation of financial resources from military spending cuts to the mentioned areas. Thus, it is evident that context-specific fiscal rules within the frame of institutional reinforcement and regional security cooperation are the ultimate pre-requisite for Africa to tap into the potential of the security-growth nexus amidst its poly-crisis situation.
A Nonlinear Statistical Analysis of Demand Shocks and Public Debt Dynamics in Egypt
This study uses non-linear econometrics to analyze Egypt’s public debt from 1970-2022 and finds three key results: (1) a 89.7% debt/GDP threshold (95% CI: 87.2-92.4%) beyond which fiscal multipliers decline by 40% and interest-growth differentials become 2.5× more volatile, (2) regime asymmetries where crisis periods have 50% slower debt adjustment (α=-0.11 vs -0.32 in stable regimes) and 8.7-year persistence, and (3) institutional mediation where governance quality (Qₜ>0.6) reduces exchange rate pass-through by 40% and tourism shock impacts by 35%. On methodology side, we innovate in) debt sustainability analysis (by combining threshold VARs with Markov-switching ECMs, introducing an institutional-augmented fiscal reaction function, and estimating climate-debt linkages (∂d/∂Climate Shock=0.05). Our policy simulations show that a 1.5% GDP/year on average package of frontloaded consolidation, debt management reforms and energy subsidy rationalization is enough to reduce debt/GDP by 25-30 ppt by 2030. Getting to this requires tackling the political economy obstacles through sequential institutional reforms. When combined these results validate linear debt frameworks and provide a straightforward playbook for other emerging markets dealing with debt-institution-climate trilemmas.
Quality-Driven Education: Analyzing the Effects of ISO 9001 Quality Management Principles on University Performance
This research examines the impact of seven quality management principles (QMPs)—customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, continuous improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and relationship management—on university performance (UP) in Pakistani universities. Data were collected from academic and administrative staff at ISO 9001-certified institutions via purposive sampling and analyzed using SPSS-25 and SmartPLS-4. The findings show that leadership, process approach, continuous improvement, and evidence-based decision-making have strong positive effects on UP, while customer focus, engagement of people, and relationship management show insignificant impact. Limitations include the lack of a comprehensive sampling frame, reliance on purposive sampling, and the focus on only seven certified universities. Future research should involve additional stakeholders, such as students, alumni, and industry partners, and employ random sampling to enhance generalizability. Additionally, further exploration of ISO 9001’s implementation could yield deeper insights into its role in improving academic and administrative processes. Despite its limitations, this study contributes to scholarly discourse by integrating QMPs within the resource-based view (RBV) framework, providing valuable insights for enhancing academic quality, stakeholder satisfaction, and UP. Policymakers, administrators, and quality managers can use these findings to optimize resource allocation and improve organizational outcomes. This study is one of the first to apply RBV theory to examine the impact of ISO QMPs on UP in Pakistan, offering practical strategies for academic quality improvement.
Does Government AI Readiness Improve Human Resource Management Efficiency in The Public Sector?
The research purpose determined for this study focuses on investigating whether and to what extent AI readiness levels of public sector institutions affect their HRM efficiency. In doing so, the secondary objective for this research concentrated on observing the heterogeneity determined by national differences at the global level. This research used panel data from 45 countries selected based on the data available for their AI readiness index from Oxford Insights per annum, and their government effectiveness from the World Bank indices per annum. The data was then statistically examined using the multi-linear regression (MLR) model. Information was also gathered by reviewing literature on the research problem. The findings obtained from the research revealed that AI readiness is directly responsible for the HRM efficiency level retained by the public sector organizations. However, there were notable discrepancies when observing the effects of total AI readiness scores, the technology sector, and data and infrastructure, which were excluded from the model. Nonetheless, the findings rejected the null hypothesis for this research, implying that HRM efficiency is indeed affected by the AI readiness of public organizations. The findings obtained from this research can be used to develop policy decisions that focus on strengthening AI readiness and accomplishing maturity levels, while also focusing on HRM efficiency enhancement strategies. Considering each HRM dimension in alignment with the drivers identified through the AI readiness framework will be highly beneficial in this regard. This research is a novel approach to utilize 45-country panel data spanning 4 years (from 2020 and 2023), further deconstructing AI readiness into ten distinct dimensions.
Care Worker’s Experience after Mandatory Installation of CCTV in Long-Term Care Facility in Korea
This study examined the experience of care worker after the mandatory installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in long-term care facilities in Korea. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 care workers working at long-term care facilities. Giorgi (1997)’s phenomenological method was used to for data analysis and the results show six and three emerging and essential themes, respectively. The essential themes included “CCTV that operates 24/7, 365 days a year,” “guardians who place more trust in CCTV than in care workers,” and “concerns about one’s appearance on CCTV.” The themes resulted in the following: “I am concerned about my appearance on the CCTV because of guardians who place more trust in the CCTV system, which operates 24 hours, than in care workers.” Based on these findings, this study suggests the following policy and practice recommendations: ensure rest time and space for care workers; add a voice-recording function to CCTV; and reduce the care worker-to-resident ratio.
From Tribute to Treaty: U.S. Diplomatic Strategies against Barbary Piracy in the Mediterranean, 1783–1805
The purpose of the research paper is to examine the United States’ diplomatic strategies in combating Barbary piracy in the Mediterranean from 1783 to 1805, with a particular focus on the transition from tribute-based appeasement to treaty-based sovereignty. The study aims to elucidate how diplomacy, rather than military force alone, was employed to safeguard maritime trade and assert U.S. sovereignty in the early post-revolutionary period. The scientific novelty of this paper lies in its reevaluation of early American foreign policy through the lens of diplomatic negotiation, rather than traditional military historiography. By analyzing treaty texts, congressional records, and executive correspondence, the research highlights the internal political dynamics between President Thomas Jefferson and Congress, and the role of international legal norms in shaping U.S.–Barbary relations. Furthermore, the study contributes new insight into the formation of U.S. diplomatic identity and its influence on international maritime law in the early 19th century. The research concludes that U.S. engagement with the Barbary States represents a formative moment in American diplomacy. The successful negotiation of peace treaties with Morocco, Algiers, Tripoli, and Tunis not only mitigated the immediate threat of piracy but also established legal and symbolic precedents for U.S. international conduct. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that strategic diplomacy was pivotal in transforming the United States from a vulnerable commercial nation into an emerging maritime power capable of shaping its own security and legal space in the Mediterranean.
Assessment of Existing Weir Performance Index Integrated with Variability of Crop Productivity
This research intends to assess the existing performance index of the weir that is integrated with the variability of crop productivity as a strategic effort in supporting the building of a weir performance index model scientifically which so far, the assessment now is based on the consensus result. The methodology consists of a field survey, inventory of weir physics, analysis of performance weight, and then determining the performance of each component of irrigation. The research result shows that of 28 weirs as the samples of research, only 1 (one) weir (3.60%) is in good condition, 18 (eighteen) weirs (64.3%) are in moderate condition, and 9 (nine) weirs (32.10%) are in bad condition. The dominant of weir’s condition is on the moderate and bad conditions, it shows that there is a need to increase the effective and planned operation and maintenance activity. The performance index model of weirs and the relation between weir performance and variability of crop productivity can be used as the technical monitoring tool for detecting the decreasing of weir function and to support the formulation of technical effort in the activity of operation and maintenance as well as rehabilitation in order to increase the agricultural productivity and food resilience.
Optimization of the Retarding Basin Maximum Capacity to Reduce Flood Peak Discharge
This research intends to analyze optimal storage capacity of retarding basin (Vk optimal) in reducing the flood peak discharge (DQp) in the downstream control point. The methodology consists of simulation in several placing of retarding basins (RAK) and various maximum storage capacity (Vk) for various flood return periods (QT). This research is conducted in agglomeration urban area of Wonosari, Gunungkidul Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta-Indonesia. There are planned 5 retarding basins that are Purbosari, Jeruk, Kepek, Purwosari, and Trimulyo. The optimal result of maximum storage capacity (Vk) due to the reduction of flood peak discharge (DQp) for the retarding basin of Purbosari (RAk = 7.01%) produces the optimal storage capacity (Vk optimal) about 886.45 x 103 m3 and it can reduce the flood peak discharge (DQp) about 6.20%; however, for the retarding basin of Jeruk (RAk = 8.65%) produces the optimal storage capacity (Vk optimal) about 1000.01 x 103 m3 and it can reduce the flood peak discharge (DQp) about 7.56%; for the retarding basin of Kepek (RAk = 21.34%) produces the optimal storage capacity (Vk optimal) about 1069.88. x 103 m3 and it can reduce the flood peak discharge (DQp) about 14.23%; for the retarding basin of Purwosari (RAk = 60.11%) produces the optimal storage capacity (Vk optimal) about 1266.92. x 103 m3 and it can reduce the flood peak discharge (DQp) about 26.45%; and for the retarding basin of Trimulyo (RAk = 66.52%) produces the optimal storage capacity (Vk optimal) about 1266.94. x 103 m3 and it can reduce the flood peak discharge (DQp) about 29.27%.
From Troy to AI: Decoding the Language of Creativity
The study aims to examine the effects of artificial intelligence AI-powered creative writing practices on students' written expression and creativity levels. The study was conducted with 10 foreign undergraduate students studying at a state university in Türkiye, and the participants were asked to guess and write a letter containing a secret that they found at the Troy excavation site. During the data collection process, the students produced texts after researching the story of Troy, first without AI support and then with AI support, and then the students' feedback on the process of writing with AI was collected. The data obtained were evaluated using the content analysis method. The study analyses include examining the texts in terms of content, theme, message, grammar, syntactic structure, historical accuracy, symbolic expression, and the students' feedback on the process of writing with AI. The study data were analyzed using MAXQDA 2024 qualitative analysis software. The findings show that AI-powered creative writing applications are effective in increasing students' written expression skills and original thinking levels. Moreover, it was concluded that these technologies not only support grammatical accuracy in the learning process, but also encourage students' active participation, critical thinking, and creative production skills.
The Dormitory as a Moral Laboratory: Leadership Strategies for Boarding-Based Moral Development in Indonesian Madrasahs
Dormitory-based madrasahs in Indonesia constitute distinctive moral ecosystems wherein leadership, spirituality, and education intersect. This study investigates how school principals reconceptualize dormitories as “moral laboratories,” fostering the development of ethical reasoning and communal integrity among students. Utilizing a qualitative multiple-case study methodology, the research encompassed three state Islamic boarding schools in South Kalimantan. Data collection comprised 27 in-depth interviews with principals, dormitory teachers, and student leaders; 45 hours of non-participant observation; and comprehensive analysis of institutional documents pertaining to dormitory governance. Triangulation of methods facilitated the identification of salient leadership patterns instrumental in shaping moral development within residential settings. The findings demonstrate that effective leadership entails the integration of spiritual routines, restorative disciplinary practices, and peer mentoring into the dormitory milieu. Morning Qur’an recitations, reflective sessions (muhasabah, i.e., self-examination), and student-led ethics committees operate synergistically as mechanisms of internalized moral accountability. Principals eschew coercive enforcement in favor of participatory, empathetic supervision grounded in Islamic ethical principles (ta’dib). Consequently, the dormitory functions as a moral microcosm where discipline is cultivated through reflective practice, collaboration, and shared responsibility. This study advances scholarly discourse on faith-based moral education by positioning Indonesian madrasahs as exemplars of holistic character formation, characterized by the integration of devotion, reflection, and distributed moral leadership.
Circular Economy, Environmental, Economic and Social Effects in Agriculture
In modern conditions, the priority area for the agro-industrial complex is the introduction of resource-saving and environmentally friendly models of enterprise operation, which is especially important in the regions of Northern Kazakhstan . aspect more appropriate conditioned climatic risks and availability natural resources northern territories , as well as presence big quantities waste and their ineffective using . The present study directed on studying mechanisms , models development circular economics in rural areas economy of Kazakhstan, considering economic , social and environmental effects . The main objective of the study is to develop a methodology for implementing the principle of circular economy and education. be based on materials from agricultural enterprises in northern Kazakhstan. Methodology . Methodological research include. How both quantitative and qualitative methods on level enterprises . study interactions farms with a chain creation cost respectively meso-level and study influences regional stability on macro level . indicators from the position stability development rural territories , the Triple Bottom Line concept , which allows measure aggregate effects implementation circular principles activities agricultural enterprises developed author's methodology By effective implementation equipment , optimizing temporal lag on development and adaptation this equipment in the activities of enterprises . Proposed system key indicators For assessments sustainable development agricultural enterprises on basis implementation tools circular economy. Results . Established decrease volumes waste , provision increases employment , population , increase profitability and formation new sources income For fortifications social stability rural territories . In general By rural farm is demonstrated high level adaptations agricultural enterprises to circular mechanisms , principles and practices . this celebrated limitation access to finance , knowledge technologies with sides small farms rural economy. implementation. Uniqueness enterprises allowed reduce cycles implementation, on the contrary, is effective is used in reality enterprises. In conclusion research developed recommendations By formation national politicians circular economics in rural areas farm, which directed on effective distribution resources, development ecosystems, sustainable development agro-industrial complex and stimulation innovations.
From Golden Age to Golden Generation: Leadership in Early Childhood Character Education
This study aims to describe how the principal’s leadership develops religious-based character education for early childhood. Using a qualitative approach, theprincipalplores the principal’s experiences and perceptions regarding leadership practices in implementing religious-based character education in the early childhood environment. The subjects of the study were the principal, teachers, and parents at PAUD Al Firdaus, Banjarmasin. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. The validity of the data was tested using triangulation techniques. Data analysis followed Miles and Huberman’s analytical model, which includes data condensation, data presentation, and drawing and verifying conclusions. The results show that the principal employs several strategies: (1) establishing religious-based character education as a core vision of the school; (2) socializing the vision, mission, and goals to all school members to achieve common objectives; (3) acting as a role model by consistently displaying good behavior to inspire and motivate the school community; (4) encouraging creativity and innovation among teachers by providing support, discussion opportunities, and appreciation; and (5) addressing the needs of teachers and staff through effective communication, personal mentoring, and offering training tailored to their interests and potential. The study concludes that the principal demonstrates transformational leadership with a collaborative and participatory approach grounded in religious values.
Assessing the Effectiveness of the Energy Transition in Reducing CO₂ Emissions: A New Indicator for MENA Countries
This study investigates the effectiveness of the energy transition in reducing CO₂ emissions in six MENA countries (Algeria, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) over the period 1980–2024. To assess the cleanliness and quality of the energy mix, we employ a novel composite indicator, the Green Quality of Energy Mix (GQEM) (Lau et al., 2023). Annual data are converted into quarterly series and analyzed using advanced econometric techniques, including quantile-on-quantile regression (QonQR), quantile regression (QR), and Kernel Regularized Least Squares (KRLS). The results reveal asymmetric, nonlinear, and heterogeneous relationships between energy transition and CO₂ emissions. North African countries display a stronger negative impact of GQEM on emissions, whereas Gulf economies show unstable effects, reflecting their structural dependence on hydrocarbons. These findings highlight the importance of multidimensional indicators and nonlinear methods to accurately assess the energy transition in heterogeneous economies.
Development of a Hybrid Quadrotor Control Framework Integrating Classical Control and Vision-Based Deep Learning for Autonomous Takeoff, Landing, and Object Tracking
The object of this study is a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with classical PID (proportional-integral-derivative) and backstepping controllers for stabilization and deep learning-based vision modules (YOLOv8(You Only Look Once) and ByteTrack (a multi-object tracking algorithm) for perception and tracking. The research addresses the problem of limited robustness and adaptability of traditional control systems when operating in dynamic environments with external disturbances, sensor noise, and moving targets. As a result of the study, a hybrid quadrotor control framework integrating classical control and vision-based deep learning was developed and experimentally validated. The proposed system enables autonomous takeoff, smooth landing, stable hovering, and reliable multi-object tracking under varying illumination and occlusion conditions. These results were achieved through the layered coupling of model-based controllers with visual feedback, which allows real-time compensation for sensor drift and external perturbations, ensuring stable flight trajectories. The developed framework can be effectively applied in practice for infrastructure monitoring, environmental observation, search-and-rescue missions, and intelligent transportation, especially in GPS-denied (Global Positioning System) or visually complex environments.
A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning and Fuzzy Logic Models for Credit Risk Prediction
Credit risk prediction is a crucial task for financial institutions seeking to minimize defaults and maintain financial stability. This study investigates the most relevant predictive variables and compares the performance of three classification model’s fuzzy logic, logistic regression, and random forest, using features selected through variable importance analysis with the random forest method. Based on a dataset of 1,000 Tunisian firms (500 creditworthy and 500 non-creditworthy) described by fourteen financial and non-financial variables, the selected predictors were used as inputs for all three models. Performance was evaluated through accuracy, Type I and II errors, AUC (Area Under the Curve), Cohen’s Kappa, and Fuzzy Average Absolute Error (FAE). Results indicate that fuzzy logic achieved the highest accuracy (98.67%), zero Type I error, a low Type II error rate (2.7%), and excellent AUC (0.99) and Kappa (0.97) scores. However, it recorded a higher FAE (1.2645), suggesting a trade-off between classification accuracy and absolute prediction error. Logistic regression and random forest yielded lower FAEs (0.1997 and 0.2266, respectively) but slightly lower accuracies (87% and 90%). Overall, combining variable selection with multiple classifiers enhances both interpretability and performance assessment, and while fuzzy logic delivers superior classification results, metrics like FAE offer valuable insights into model behavior.
Ecotourism, Culture, and Social Change: A Comprehensive Comparative Study of Algeria and Jordan
Ecotourism has emerged as a multidimensional development approach that integrates environmental protection, cultural revitalization, and social empowerment. ... (truncated scientific version) Ecotourism as a field of study has evolved considerably over recent decades, culminating in a rich body of interdisciplinary research drawing from sociology, anthropology, environmental governance, economics, and cultural studies. This evolution reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of ecotourism itself. The integration of cultural identity and sustainable practice remains central to understanding how ecotourism reshapes local communities. In both Algeria and Jordan, the interplay of governance, heritage, and ecological fragility creates unique dynamics that reveal the potential and limitations of ecotourism as an agent of social change. Scholars widely agree that successful ecotourism depends not only on environmental integrity but on empowering local communities, respecting cultural traditions, and establishing participatory frameworks that ensure equitable benefit distribution. Although contexts differ, the broader theoretical principles remain consistent: ecotourism can reinforce community resilience, support environmental stewardship, and foster new economic opportunities when supported by coherent institutional mechanisms. The cases of Algeria and Jordan demonstrate that the effectiveness of ecotourism depends on long‑term policy alignment, institutional capacity, and the meaningful inclusion of local populations. These insights align with global research suggesting that ecotourism functions best when communities are recognized as custodians of both culture and environment. Ecotourism as a field of study has evolved considerably over recent decades, culminating in a rich body of interdisciplinary research drawing from sociology, anthropology, environmental governance, economics, and cultural studies. This evolution reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of ecotourism itself. The integration of cultural identity and sustainable practice remains central to understanding how ecotourism reshapes local communities. In both Algeria and Jordan, the interplay of governance, heritage, and ecological fragility creates unique dynamics that reveal the potential and limitations of ecotourism as an agent of social change. Scholars widely agree that successful ecotourism depends not only on environmental integrity but on empowering local communities, respecting cultural traditions, and establishing participatory frameworks that ensure equitable benefit distribution. Although contexts differ, the broader theoretical principles remain consistent: ecotourism can reinforce community resilience, support environmental stewardship, and foster new economic opportunities when supported by coherent institutional mechanisms. The cases of Algeria and Jordan demonstrate that the effectiveness of ecotourism depends on long‑term policy alignment, institutional capacity, and the meaningful inclusion of local populations. These insights align with global research suggesting that ecotourism functions best when communities are recognized as custodians of both culture and environment. Ecotourism as a field of study has evolved considerably over recent decades, culminating in a rich body of interdisciplinary research drawing from sociology, anthropology, environmental governance, economics, and cultural studies. This evolution reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of ecotourism itself. The integration of cultural identity and sustainable practice remains central to understanding how ecotourism reshapes local communities. In both Algeria and Jordan, the interplay of governance, heritage, and ecological fragility creates unique dynamics that reveal the potential and limitations of ecotourism as an agent of social change. Scholars widely agree that successful ecotourism depends not only on environmental integrity but on empowering local communities, respecting cultural traditions, and establishing participatory frameworks that ensure equitable benefit distribution. Although contexts differ, the broader theoretical principles remain consistent: ecotourism can reinforce community resilience, support environmental stewardship, and foster new economic opportunities when supported by coherent institutional mechanisms. The cases of Algeria and Jordan demonstrate that the effectiveness of ecotourism depends on long‑term policy alignment, institutional capacity, and the meaningful inclusion of local populations. These insights align with global research suggesting that ecotourism functions best when communities are recognized as custodians of both culture and environment. Ecotourism as a field of study has evolved considerably over recent decades, culminating in a rich body of interdisciplinary research drawing from sociology, anthropology, environmental governance, economics, and cultural studies. This evolution reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of ecotourism itself. The integration of cultural identity and sustainable practice remains central to understanding how ecotourism reshapes local communities. In both Algeria and Jordan, the interplay of governance, heritage, and ecological fragility creates unique dynamics that reveal the potential and limitations of ecotourism as an agent of social change. Scholars widely agree that successful ecotourism depends not only on environmental integrity but on empowering local communities, respecting cultural traditions, and establishing participatory frameworks that ensure equitable benefit distribution. Although contexts differ, the broader theoretical principles remain consistent: ecotourism can reinforce community resilience, support environmental stewardship, and foster new economic opportunities when supported by coherent institutional mechanisms. The cases of Algeria and Jordan demonstrate that the effectiveness of ecotourism depends on long‑term policy alignment, institutional capacity, and the meaningful inclusion of local populations. These insights align with global research suggesting that ecotourism functions best when communities are recognized as custodians of both culture and environment. Ecotourism as a field of study has evolved considerably over recent decades, culminating in a rich body of interdisciplinary research drawing from sociology, anthropology, environmental governance, economics, and cultural studies. This evolution reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of ecotourism itself. The integration of cultural identity and sustainable practice remains central to understanding how ecotourism reshapes local communities. In both Algeria and Jordan, the interplay of governance, heritage, and ecological fragility creates unique dynamics that reveal the potential and limitations of ecotourism as an agent of social change. Scholars widely agree that successful ecotourism depends not only on environmental integrity but on empowering local communities, respecting cultural traditions, and establishing participatory frameworks that ensure equitable benefit distribution. Although contexts differ, the broader theoretical principles remain consistent: ecotourism can reinforce community resilience, support environmental stewardship, and foster new economic opportunities when supported by coherent institutional mechanisms. The cases of Algeria and Jordan demonstrate that the effectiveness of ecotourism depends on long‑term policy alignment, institutional capacity, and the meaningful inclusion of local populations. These insights align with global research suggesting that ecotourism functions best when communities are recognized as custodians of both culture and environment.
From Optimism to Reality: Behavioral Biases and IPO Long-Term Performance in Emerging Market
While traditional theories attribute initial public offerings (IPO) anomalies to information asymmetry and risk, behavioral finance research emphasizes the role of behavioral bias in explaining both IPO underpricing and long-term reversals. This study investigates the long-term performance of IPOs in an emerging market, focusing on investor behavioral bias. Given that emerging markets are typically characterized by higher volatility and limited information transparency. Thailand provides an ideal context to examine how irrational behavior shapes post-IPO outcomes. Using 243 IPOs issues between 2010 and 2016, this study evaluates IPO long-term performance over one-, three- and five-year horizon using cumulative abnormal returns (CAR), buy-and-hold abnormal return (BHAR) and risk-adjusted models based on the CAPM and Fama-French Five factor model. The results consistently reveal significant long-term underperformance with negative abnormal returns that intensify as the investment horizon lengthens—particularly 36- and 60- month horizons. These findings are robust across firm size and offer size subsamples, confirming that both small and large IPOs experience persistent post-listing declines. Even after controlling systematic risk factors, the negative abnormal return remains statistically significant, indicating that these patterns cannot be explained by rational risk compensation alone. The findings support behavioral bias in emerging markets. Based on representative bias, investors are over-optimism and overconfidence on newly issued IPOs. This drive initial overvaluation and subsequent price corrections. This study contributes to behavioral asset pricing by showing that IPO mispricing is not purely risk-based but also driven by psychological factors, highlighting the need for improved investor education and greater transparency in emerging markets.
Pathways from Community-Based Tourism to Poverty Reduction: A Multilevel Mediation Analysis in Vietnam
Community-based tourism (CBT) is increasingly viewed as a viable strategy for sustainable poverty reduction, yet rigorous empirical evidence remains scarce. This study investigates the causal impact of CBT on multidimensional poverty across 63 Vietnamese provinces from 2015 to 2023 using a comprehensive panel dataset. Employing fixed effects models, instrumental variable estimation, and dynamic system GMM, we identify robust effects of CBT on household welfare. Results show that higher CBT intensity reduces provincial poverty rates by approximately 2.3–2.8 percentage points and increases household income by 15–18%. Mediation analysis demonstrates that these impacts operate primarily through employment creation, skill development, and infrastructure improvement. The effectiveness of CBT, however, varies substantially across regions, with stronger impacts observed in mountainous and coastal areas. Governance quality and community participation significantly moderate the CBT–poverty relationship, amplifying its poverty-reducing effect in provinces with stronger institutions and more inclusive participation. The findings provide new causal insights into the pathways through which CBT contributes to poverty alleviation and offer policy recommendations for designing sustainable, community-centered tourism strategies in emerging economies.
AI-Driven Educational Assessments: Navigating the Intersection of Innovation, Equity, and Ethical Concerns for Future Learning
The implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assess examinations and tests is transforming traditional evaluation methods employed by educational institutions. This advancement not only generates the employment opportunities outlined in the present study but also introduces technological progress that becomes more adaptable and offers personalised feedback to students. The development of cutting-edge technologies, although not yet widely accessible, undoubtedly opens new avenues of opportunity for subsequent generations. Given this context, this study conducted a systematic literature review (meta-analysis) of the current use of AI in educational evaluation, paying special attention to computer-assisted marking, personalised testing, and AI-based exam proctoring. Although AI technologies are expected to contribute to objectivity and standardisation, particularly in mass assessments, they also raise difficult-to-solve problems concerning assessment of advanced cognitive abilities, pitfalls regarding bias, and ethical considerations. While computer-based grading applications such as E-rater save time, their ability to assess creativity and sophisticated analysis is limited, often leading to a homogenised writing process. While adaptive testing tools, such as ALEKS (a web-based learning and assessment system), essentially perform some measure of customisation to the educational journey, they could also be somewhat limited in scope, restricting students to answer recall rather than more complex problem-solving tasks. However, language assessments using AI technology may result in an unfair bias, particularly in those with a non-native accent. Similarly, the use of AI tools for proctoring during remote examinations raises concerns regarding the invasion of personal privacy and overmonitoring. This study aims to address the implications of data-driven AI applications for educators and policymakers. It promotes hybrid processes that pair AI applications with human control to ensure fairness, transparency, and equity in academic evaluation.
The Function of Dialogue in Screenwriting: A Narrative Strategies in Contemporary Drama Films
This narrative literature review examined how dialogue functions as a core narrative strategy in contemporary drama films. Using research from narratology, pragmatics, screenwriting studies, media industry research, and multimodal discourse analysis, this study mapped the diegetic (exposition and clarity), pragmatic (speech acts, subtext, conflict), and affective (rhythm, tension, immersion) roles of dialogue from 2000 to 2025. Sources were selected for explicit treatment of film dialogue or dialogue-centered narrative strategies; thematic coding organized findings by dialogue functions, narrative techniques (sequencing, point of view, multimodal cohesion), and analytic methods (corpus linguistics, speech act analysis, script analysis, visualization/computational approaches). Results converged on six themes: (1) dialogue as a narrative engine structuring causality and comprehension, (2) multimodality and immersion, including first-person and VR perspectives, (3) speech acts and subtext as drivers of persuasion and conflict, (4) cultural and industrial dimensions shaping authorship, identity, and platform-driven circulation, (5) technological innovation that visualizes, optimizes, and recomposes dialogue as data and (6) pedagogical and moral learning observable in children’s media. Authorial purpose, character interaction, and audience participation are all bridged by conversation, which acts concurrently across textual, visual, and emotive levels, according to the review. With datafication, multilingualism, and transnational production recalibrating the meaning and function of conversation, it suggests avenues for further study in the context of streaming, immersive cinema, and interactive narrative.
Strategic Integration of CSR and Human Resource Practices: Effects on Employee Empowerment and Social Identity in Higher Education
The significance of social identity in the workplace for affecting worker involvement and organizational results cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, there is a shortage of research that emphasizes the relationship between social identification in higher education institutions (HEI) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Knowing how these programs affect workers’ sense of belonging to their employer and coworkers becomes critical as HEI emphasizes CSR as a component of their organizational principles. With an emphasis on the function of CSR, this study investigates the patterns of social identity at work in the setting of HEI. The study used the SEM-PLS approach to collect information regarding 380 workers at a HEI through an online survey. Overall, the results support the hypothesis that HEI's CSR development programs have an impact on study-related attitudes by demonstrating a substantial correlation between CSR and career fulfillment, involvement at work, and organizational identity. Additionally, the study discovers that CSR programs improve psychological empowerment among employees and have a beneficial impact on their perceptions of supportiveness. The results reaffirm that HEIs must combine human resource and CSR initiatives and give CSR communication approaches particular consideration. These results highlight the need for HEI to design successful CSR programs that improve employees' general well-being as well as their perceptions of empowerment and career fulfillment. This study helps to mitigate the paucity of research on the effects of CSR on workers’ performance.
The Moderating Role of Financial Development and Taxation in the Relationship Between International Trade and Economic Growth
This research explores how financial development and taxation act as moderating factors in the connection between international trade and economic growth in Saudi Arabia, utilizing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method over the period from 1990 to 2022. International trade is often seen as a crucial driver of economic growth, but its impact is significantly influenced by the country's financial and tax structures. The findings reveal a stable long-term cointegration relationship among these variables. Specifically, international trade positively and significantly contributes to economic growth, with financial development amplifying this effect by improving capital mobilization, investment ability, and risk management. On the other hand, taxation appears to have a detrimental impact on growth, dampening the trade-growth relationship. This suggests that high or distortionary taxes can diminish the benefits derived from trade. The error-correction mechanism indicates a swift adjustment back to long-term equilibrium. These insights highlight the need for synchronized trade, financial, and tax policies to foster sustainable economic growth. The study provides valuable policy recommendations for Saudi Arabia, especially considering its ongoing economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030.
Digital Voting and Democratic Culture: Examining How Technology Shapes Electoral Participation in the United States
This paper investigates the feasibility, efficiency, and broader sociocultural implications of adopting electronic voting (e-voting) as the sole legal method for presidential elections in the United States. While e-voting is frequently promoted as a modern solution for enhancing electoral accessibility and administrative convenience, its complete replacement of traditional voting methods raises complex questions about security, trust, and democratic participation. This study evaluates whether e-voting systems are sufficiently reliable to function as the exclusive mode of voting by examining their technical performance, susceptibility to cyberthreats, and the institutional capacity required for nationwide implementation. To contextualize the U.S. experience, the paper also reviews international cases such as Estonia, Brazil, and Switzerland, where e-voting has been adopted in varying forms, highlighting lessons relevant to digital governance and public confidence. Additionally, the study analyzes public attitudes toward e-voting, drawing on national surveys and opinion polls, and explores trends in electronic voter participation over recent election cycles. By synthesizing empirical evidence, comparative insights, and social perspectives, the paper offers a critical assessment of whether transitioning to a fully digital voting system could strengthen or undermine democratic engagement in the digital age.
Dual Protection Framework for Insurance Company Financial Crises
Insurance company bankruptcies in emerging economies pose significant regulatory challenges, often leading to poor policyholder protection and market disruption due to fragmented regulatory frameworks lacking coordinated intervention mechanisms. This research addresses these issues by developing a dual protection framework that protects policyholders while ensuring business continuity during insurance restructuring. The study employs a dual methodology, combining bibliometric analysis of 33 peer-reviewed articles (2015-2025) with comparative case studies of three Indonesian insurance failures: PT Asuransi Jiwasraya, PT Asuransi Jiwa Kresna Life, and AJB Bumiputera 1912. Results show contrasting outcomes based on institutional coordination effectiveness. Jiwasraya succeeded through coordinated government intervention with Rp 31 trillion backing, achieving 99.9% policy restructuring. Conversely, Kresna Life failed completely, affecting 9,500 policyholders due to regulatory breakdown, while AJB Bumiputera achieved partial recovery. The analysis identifies five critical success factors: multi-agency coordination, substantial fiscal backing, institutional innovation, transparent communication, and adaptive regulatory frameworks. The proposed Integrated Dual Protection Framework includes coordinated crisis management, graduated fiscal support, institutional innovation capabilities, and enhanced stakeholder communication. This framework provides emerging economies with practical guidance for developing robust insurance governance that balances market discipline with comprehensive consumer protection, significantly improving upon ad-hoc intervention approaches.
Gender Discrimination in Family Matters, Albanian Legal Framework
The Albanian society, as well as the international community, has evolved over the years towards democratic values, which are fundamentally based on the respect and guarantee of human rights and freedoms. This paper focuses on the treatment of several key aspects of equality in matters related to family relationships, from which elements can be concluded that may be considered discriminatory in the context of gender stereotypes. Recognizing that family relationships are complex and the subject is very broad, we have endeavored to focus on issues that can be considered problematic for Albanian society in particular and the world in general. Here, we mention issues such as domestic violence, aspects of equality in matters pertaining to marriage, and relationships within the exercise of parental responsibility. Despite the progress made towards the establishment of an equal world, we observe that there are still aspects that need improvement in this regard, both in terms of legal frameworks and in the implementation of laws. This article aims to provide an approach to these issues, though it does not exhaustively analyze the subject matter.
Beyond Compliance: Integrating Balinese Hindu Ethics into Ethically Embedded Internal Control within Indonesian University Governance
This study critically examines how Tri Kaya Parisudha, the Balinese Hindu philosophical ideas of manacika (right thought), wacika (right speech), and kayika (right action), are used in the internal control systems of religious colleges and universities. It wants to break down a governance model that is based on culture and spirituality and that deals with the limits of the traditional COSO-based internal control framework in terms of knowledge and practice. The study is based on a qualitative, postmodern framework and uses in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentary analysis. The data is then analyzed using a modified interactive model of Miles and Huberman. The real-world results from higher education institutions governed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Indonesia show a change in the way internal controls are done: manacika rethinks risk assessment in terms of moral cognition; wacika changes audit communication into dialogic, non-punitive engagement; and kayika redefines control activities as proactive and value-driven actions. When these native ideas are applied to the Government Internal Control System (SPIP), they create a hybrid governance structure that combines following the rules with moral and spiritual responsibility. This study adds to the body of research on governance by suggesting a localized, ethics-based internal control model that is both theoretically sound and useful in real life. It encourages future research to look into spiritually embedded control systems as valid alternatives to hegemonic governance paradigms and moves the conversation forward on pluralistic, culturally sensitive institutional monitoring methods.
Embodied Identity in Kazakh Male Dances: Movements and Anthropological Meanings
This article investigates the features of contemporary Kazakh male dance through an embodied and choreological analysis of three authorial works: Zholbarys Zhürek, Asan & Üsen, and Tas Tülek. Drawing on somatic and anthropological approaches, it explores how movement encodes culturally situated masculinities, post-nomadic identity, and intergenerational memory. The analysis integrates fieldwork, visual documentation, and theoretical frameworks from gender studies, phenomenology, and dance ethnography. Methodologically, the study combines movement analysis with choreographic reconstruction and embodied inquiry to reveal how Kazakh male bodies negotiate tradition and innovation on stage. Findings suggest that these dances – while grounded in ethnic motifs and social roles – mobilize a plural, reflexive masculinity that challenges binary gender models and affirms dance as a legitimate medium of male expression and cultural continuity.
Tourism Management Model to Support Tourists Digital NOMADs Sumui Island, Surat Thani Province
This study examines the current status of tourist attractions for NOMAD tourists, study the problems of tourist attractions for NOMAD tourists, study the factors affecting the decision to choose Koh Samui as a tourist attraction for NOMAD tourists, study the level of satisfaction of NOMAD tourists with tourist attractions on Koh Samui, and to propose recommendations for the development of Koh Samui as a tourist attraction for NOMAD tourists. This study was a mixed-method research, collecting data from 385 tourists using simple random sampling, tourism experts and tourism agency executives using purposive sampling, and analyzing the data using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that (1) the current status of tourist attractions on Koh Samui for NOMAD tourists is ready in terms of infrastructure, internet connection, a variety of accommodations, and tourist activities that support the lifestyle of this group. (2) The problems of tourist attractions for NOMAD tourists, including infrastructure, environmental management, availability of affordable accommodations, and specific tourism promotion policies, are still important obstacles in developing tourist attractions for this group of tourists to be sustainable and able to support long-term growth. (3) The factors affecting the decision to choose Koh Samui as a tourist attraction for NOMAD tourists include tourist behavior and tourism stimuli. Factors related to tourism perspectives, social factors, and tourism service characteristics (4) The overall marketing mix of Koh Samui development as a NOMAD tourist destination was found to be at a high level. (5) The development model of Koh Samui as a NOMAD tourist destination should take into account several factors that are consistent with the needs of this group of tourists, focusing on the convenience of working remotely, access to technology, and flexible lifestyles, including internet infrastructure, accommodation that supports remote working, leisure and community activities, community facilities, long-term tourism promotion policies.
Indigenous Wisdom and Environmental Conservation: Cultural-Ecological Insights from Karampuang, Sinjai
This study explores the philosophical meanings embedded in the indigenous traditions of the Karampuang community, Sinjai Regency, and their role in environmental conservation. The research aims to uncover how local wisdom, rituals, and customary regulations contribute to ecological sustainability. Data were obtained through qualitative field research, including in-depth interviews with community leaders and elders, participant observation of traditional ceremonies, and document analysis of customary laws. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret cultural practices within a philosophical and ecological framework. Results indicate that the Karampuang traditions embody values of harmony with nature, intergenerational responsibility, and sacred respect for natural resources, manifested through ritual prohibitions, spatial land-use norms, and symbolic practices. These traditions function as an indigenous environmental management system that regulates resource use and preserves biodiversity. The study concludes that such cultural-ecological systems offer sustainable models for contemporary environmental governance, especially in contexts where modern regulations face implementation challenges. The findings are useful for policymakers, environmentalists, and cultural preservationists, highlighting the potential integration of indigenous philosophical perspectives into modern conservation strategies.
Development of Mathematics Learning Model Based on Mapalus Values: Efforts to Improve Mathematical Literacy and Students' Social Skills
Mathematics learning in Indonesia still faces serious challenges due to the dominance of conventional methods that make students passive and difficult to relate concepts to real life. This research aims to develop and test the effectiveness of the macarmatic learning model based on Mapamus values, which is a typical Minahasa gotong royong tradition, in improving learning outcomes, engagement, and motivation of junior high school students. The research uses a research and development approach with the stages of needs analysis, prototype design, expert validation, limited trials, and model revision. The trial was carried out in two classes VII of junior high school (N=60) which were divided into an experimental class with the Mapalus model and a control class with the conventional method. The research instruments included learning outcome tests, engagement observation sheets, perception questionnaires, and interviews with teachers and students. The results showed that the Mapalus model was valid with an average score of 3.6 from expert validation. Quantitatively, students in the experimental class achieved a significant improvement with an average posttest of 78.4 and an N-gain of 0.53 (medium-high category), while the control class only achieved an average of 65.1 with an N-gain of 0.25 (low category). Observations showed that the involvement of the students of the experimental class increased from 52% at the first meeting to 83% at the fourth meeting, while the control class was stagnant at 41–44%. Questionnaire and interview data confirmed that students felt more motivated, confident, and found the material more relevant to daily life. This research confirms that the integration of local cultural values through the Mapalus model not only improves mathematical understanding, but also fosters collaborative character, empathy, and responsibility. These findings have important implications for the development of culture-based learning in line with the Independent Curriculum and the strengthening of the Pancasila Student Profile.
Internal Control Effectiveness in Malaysian Cooperatives: Insights from Self-Organizing Maps and Artificial Neural Networks
The study aims to evaluate and visualize the effectiveness of internal control in Malaysian cooperatives. Adapting the three categories of internal control objectives and the five internal control components in the internal control integrated framework designed by COSO, the effectiveness of internal control is measured based on assessments conducted by the cooperative’s internal auditor or audit committee member, as Malaysian cooperatives are not required to provide material weakness statements in financial reporting. Survey data from 126 cooperatives generating Malaysian Ringgit (RM) 800,000.00 and above are clustered using the self-organizing map (SOM), a clustering technique based on artificial neural networks (ANNs). The analysis reveals four groups of internal control effectiveness in Malaysian cooperatives, visually demonstrating the association between internal control components and objectives. The results suggest an interrelated, albeit not straightforward, relationship between internal control components and objectives. The study emphasizes the importance of heightened attention to internal control within Malaysian cooperatives by responsible parties, including internal auditors, internal audit committees, cooperative management, cooperative boards, and the Malaysian Cooperative Society Commission (MCSC). This paper represents one of the first attempts to assess internal control components and objectives in Malaysian cooperatives based on internal audit and audit committee assessments rather than relying on material weakness statements.
Resilience in the Digital Age: Technostress and Its Impact on University Lecturers in China
This study investigates the significant effects of technostress on burnout and turnover intentions among university lecturers in China, emphasizing the urgent need to address this growing concern in higher education. By applying the Job Demands-Resources Model and the Transactional Theory of Stress, the research explores how the relentless pace of technological advancement exacerbates stress levels, leading to burnout and increased turnover intentions. The study also examines the moderating role of knowledge collecting behavior, which potentially mitigates the adverse effects of technostress. Data collected from various universities across China highlights that while technostress significantly contributes to lecturer burnout, adequate institutional support and effective management of technological demands can enhance lecturers' ability to cope. The findings suggest that comprehensive strategies, including targeted training and resource allocation, are essential for fostering a supportive environment that can help educators manage technostress effectively. This research identifies limitations related to its geographic focus and cross-sectional design, recommending future studies to incorporate longitudinal and qualitative methodologies to expand understanding and develop more robust interventions.
A Collaborative Model of a Creative Living District: Tourism, Identity, Community Engagement and Benefit Balance in Songwat District
This study aims to develop a creative tourism model to promote local economic development in the Songwat area, a historic district in Bangkok undergoing cultural and commercial transformation. Although Songwat has recently emerged as a vibrant creative corridor, research gaps remain in understanding how cultural identity, community participation, and stakeholder collaboration collectively shape its sustainable development. To address these gaps, this study proposes a Collaborative Creative Living District Model that integrates four core dimensions: tourism experience, local identity, community engagement, and balanced benefit distribution. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing field observation, in-depth interviews, participatory mapping, and document analysis. Participants included residents, cultural practitioners, tourism operators, creative entrepreneurs, community leaders, and visitors. Data were analyzed through thematic coding, pattern matching, and model synthesis. The findings reveal that creative tourism activities, such as craft workshops, heritage storytelling, and cultural walking routes, serve as catalysts for economic revitalization by generating new income opportunities and attracting diverse visitor groups. Local identity, particularly Songwat’s Thai–Chinese heritage and architectural character, plays a critical role in enhancing authenticity and reinforcing destination distinctiveness. Community engagement strengthens cultural continuity and fosters co-creation, while collaboration mechanisms among stakeholders enable adaptive management of tourism growth. The proposed model demonstrates that sustainable creative district development requires not only economic gains but also equitable benefit sharing, cultural preservation, and inclusive participation. The study contributes to creative tourism scholarship by offering an integrated framework applicable to other culturally rich urban districts seeking balanced and community-centered development.
Unveiling the Underrepresented Tourism: A Qualitative Inquiry into Strategic Destination Branding in Kampung Sanjai, Bukittinggi
This study examines tourist perceptions and brand awareness of Sanjai Tourism Village as an educational destination based on local wisdom in Bukittinggi City, West Sumatra. The research problem centers on the disconnection between product recognition and place awareness, where Sanjai chips are widely known but their geographical and cultural origins remain obscure. Using qualitative methodology with social construction theory framework, data were collected through interviews with tourists, village managers, and community members, supported by field observations and documentation. The study reveals that while 75% of tourists recognize "Sanjai" as a food product, only 25% associate it with a tourism destination, creating a fundamental branding paradox. The findings demonstrate that destination branding processes remain incomplete, particularly in the internalization phase where community participation is limited and tourist awareness is low. The research contributes to destination branding literature by highlighting unique challenges faced by underrepresented localities where authentic cultural assets fail to translate into effective marketing due to inadequate stakeholder integration and weak promotional strategies. The study emphasizes the need for participatory branding approaches that position local communities as primary actors in brand construction while ensuring cultural preservation and sustainable tourism development.
Unleashing the Potential of Saudi Municipal Finance Toward Sustainable Urban Environments: Barriers and Strategies
Saudi Arabia’s rapid urbanization driven by Vision 2030 demands sustainable municipal finance systems. Using a mixed-methods analysis, this study analyzes 360 expert perspectives and identifies the key challenges of fiscal centralization (β = –0.14), governance deficits (20.2% variance), and overreliance on centralized funding (31.8% variance). However, decentralization (β = 0.31), policy alignment with Vision 2030, and green finance tools emerge as transformative pathways. Regression and correlation analyses reveal that municipal autonomy and legal frameworks are crucial in promoting sustainability integration. This study advocates for fiscal decentralization, Sharia-compliant green bonds, and institutional reforms and offers useful insights for policymakers.
Assessing the Feasibility of Downsizing Municipalities in Saudi Arabia: A Path Toward Efficiency
This study investigates the feasibility and implications of municipal downsizing, defined as the structural consolidation or amalgamation of small or overlapping municipalities rather than internal administrative retrenchment, within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The research focuses on improving governance efficiency, service delivery, and institutional coordination. Against the backdrop of Saudi Vision 2030 and ongoing decentralization efforts, three questions are addressed: (1) Can municipal consolidation enhance local governance efficiency? (2) What structural, cultural, and economic barriers impede such reform? (3) How can restructuring balance fiscal efficiency with the preservation of local identity? A mixed-methods design was adopted, not solely for triangulation but to achieve complementarity and development between quantitative and qualitative strands. Quantitative survey data from 375 stakeholders, policymakers, municipal employees, civic-minded citizens, and governance experts, were integrated with qualitative thematic analysis. The findings reveal moderate but differentiated support for downsizing, with variables such as age, education, and stakeholder role influencing perceptions. Regression and ANOVA results show statistically significant divergences, particularly concerning expected cost savings and perceived impacts on service quality. A contextual case analysis of the Eastern Province, where selected municipalities were recently merged, further illustrates mixed satisfaction with previous consolidations, underscoring concerns about rural marginalization and administrative overreach. Digital transformation, public-service enhancement, and strengthened inter-municipal coordination emerged as the preferred reform priorities. Yet apprehensions remain regarding representation, identity erosion, and uneven development. The results emphasize the need for a phased, inclusive, and adaptive reform strategy that aligns with local sociocultural contexts and is anchored in measurable performance outcomes. By bridging local insights with global experiences, this study contributes to the wider literature on public-sector restructuring and offers actionable pathways for Saudi policymakers navigating the complexities of territorial reform in a highly centralized administrative system pursuing Vision 2030’s governance-transformation goals
Nullification of Divorce: A Comparative Jurisprudential Study in Light of the Jordanian Personal Status Law
This study aims to clarify an important issue in Islamic jurisprudence and the Jordanian Personal Status Law, namely the issue of the “resetting (demolition) of the divorce count.” The researcher relied on the preferential (comparative) methodological approach to examine the differing opinions of jurists. The study concluded that if a husband divorces his wife and she subsequently marries another man, then returns to her first husband, she returns through a new marriage contract with a fresh count of three divorces, without considering the divorces previously issued or the number remaining from the earlier marriage.
The Mediating Effect of Technological Innovation on The Relationship Between Privatization of Saudi Airports and Employee Performance Dynamics
Privatisation of Saudi airports is focused on improving the functionality of the trade routes and achieving sustainability in the aviation industry. Technological innovation is one of the crucial elements that help in the process of privatisation, as well as employee performance dynamics. Apart from that, technological innovation is also the result of unique business performance in the competitive marketplace. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the mediating effect of technological innovation on the relationship between privatisation of Saudi airports and employee performance. This paper's objective is to use global examples to analyse the effects of this growth and determine its efficacy. It starts by examining various important topics, including the degree of government participation, the choice of administrator or shareholder, the decision between group compared to individual activities, and the applicability of economic legislation. Reviewing the privatisation process, the article identifies significant shifts in the way privatisation is seen today in contrast to in the past with regard to motive, geographical scope, model category, shareholder, and transaction. This paper has examined the mediating impact of technological innovation by collecting data through a close-ended survey questionnaire from 402 employees, who are working in Saudi Arabia airport. Interpreting all of the items through IBM SPSS software, a high reliability value has been identified that refers to a minimal measurement error in this research work. The generated findings have supported this research work to draw a valid and reliable research outcome.
The Role of Market Demand in Enhancing Transformation Effect in the Healthy Elderly in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
This study explores the dynamic role of digital intelligence in service innovation and the moderating effect of market demand on transformation effects in the healthy elderly care sector of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Against the backdrop of the region’s aging rate (22.65%) exceeding the national average, traditional elderly care models face supply-demand imbalances, while digital intelligence offers industrial transformation opportunities. A mixed-methods approach was adopted: 400 valid questionnaires (from practitioners, the elderly, and their children) were analyzed via structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and 15 key informants were interviewed to supplement findings. Results show that: 1) Digital Intelligence Application (DGIL) has a significant positive direct impact on Transformation Effect (TFME) (β=0.955, p<0.01); 2) Service Innovation (SVIN) partially mediates the DGIL-TFME relationship (indirect effect β=-0.117, p<0.01) but exhibits a negative direct effect (β=-0.163, p<0.01) due to user-unfriendly designs; 3) Market Demand (MKDM) negatively moderates the DGIL-TFME relationship (interaction term β=-0.064, p<0.01), as the elderly’s low technology acceptance constrains effectiveness. This study enriches digital transformation theory in elderly care and provides practical guidance for optimizing services, policies, and products.
Assessing the Usability of a Virtual Reality Training Tool for Coffee Handling and Hygiene: The SafeBrew VR Ex-perience
Effective coffee handling and hygiene practices are paramount for quality as-surance and food safety in the coffee industry, yet traditional training meth-ods often fall short in providing hands-on, consistent learning experiences. This paper presents a usability assessment of a novel Virtual Reality (VR) training tool designed to teach coffee handling and hygiene skills. We con-ducted a mixed-methods usability study with [Number] participants, utiliz-ing a combination of quantitative metrics, including the System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), and qualitative data derived from post-test interviews and think-aloud protocols. Participants en-gaged in realistic VR scenarios covering tasks such as coffee brewing, milk steaming, and counter cleaning. Our findings reveal [summarize key positive aspects, e.g., high levels of immersion and perceived effectiveness] but also highlight specific usability challenges, including [summarize key challenges, e.g., difficulties with virtual object manipulation and navigation]. Based on these insights, the paper provides concrete recommendations for iterative de-sign improvements to enhance the tool's learnability, efficiency, and overall user satisfaction. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on VR in vocational training by offering empirical evidence on the usability of immersive tools in a specialized industry, guiding future development to-wards more effective and user-friendly VR learning solutions for critical practical skills.
A Case Study of Provision for Gifted Students in Stem Subjects of a Bilingual Private Secondary School in Madrid
This study examines how gifted students in STEM subjects are identified and supported at Seafarers College, a bilingual Catholic boys’ secondary school in Madrid. Using a participatory action research (PAR) methodology within a constructivist paradigm, data were collected through interviews, observations, focus groups and online questionnaires with teachers, students, and parents. The theoretical framework draws on the Three-Ring Model of giftedness to conceptualise giftedness and incorporates Critical Race Theory alongside Freire’s notion of education as liberation to address issues of equity and empowerment. Findings reveal that provision for gifted learners is minimal at Seafarers College. Identification tends to be reactive and largely parent-driven, and classroom pedagogy remains exam-oriented, teacher-led, and non-differentiated. Moreover, the bilingual setting further complicates gifted identification, often privileging dominant-language speakers. The study concludes that effectively supporting gifted students in such contexts requires not only culturally responsive pedagogy and structural reform, but also greater teacher agency and a shift from a compliance-driven culture to one of collaboration.
Exploring Communication Anxiety in English Language Learning through Affective Filter Theory: Evidence from Indian College Students
This conceptual review explores the role of communication anxiety in English language learning among Indian college students through the theoretical lens of Stephen Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis. Drawing on literature published between 2020 and 2025, alongside foundational works in second language acquisition (SLA), the study investigates how emotional variables such as anxiety, motivation, and self-confidence impact learners’ ability to acquire and use English effectively. Key themes identified include the fear of grammatical errors, peer judgment, low self-esteem, and classroom performance pressure, factors that collectively raise the affective filter and inhibit language input processing. The review further examines how supportive teaching practices, empathetic classroom environments, and affective awareness can help lower the filter, enhancing communicative competence. The findings have important implications for English language educators, curriculum developers, and researchers aiming to reduce affective barriers in SLA contexts. This paper calls for more empirical work exploring communication anxiety in multilingual settings and proposes affective, pedagogically informed interventions for improving learner outcomes.
Tri Hita Karana-Based Deradicalisation Learning and Reconstruction of the Menyama Braya Culture Effect on Students' Social Thinking
Radicalism among students has emerged as a pressing issue that threatens social harmony and cultural sustainability in Indonesia. While schools, as primary agents of civic education, are expected to cultivate resilience against radical ideologies. This study aims to analyse the impact of Tri Hita Karana-based deradicalisation learning and the reconstruction of the Menyama Braya culture on students’ social thinking. Tri Hita Karana, a Balinese philosophical framework emphasizing harmony between humans and God (parahyangan), humans and fellow humans (pawongan), and humans and nature (palemahan), provides a moral-spiritual foundation for deradicalization education. Meanwhile, Menyama Braya, a cultural practice rooted in solidarity and brotherhood, serves as a socio-cultural reconstruction strategy that strengthens communal bonds in a plural society. This quantitative explanatory research involved 230 elementary school students in Bali selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via Likert-scale questionnaires and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling with SmartPLS. The results indicate that Tri Hita Karana-based deradicalisation learning (β = 0.421, t = 4.562, p < 0.001) and the reconstruction of Menyama Braya culture (β = 0.397, t = 4.118, p < 0.001) have positive and statistically significant effects on students’ social thinking. These findings confirm that integrating spiritual values from Tri Hita Karana and sociocultural solidarity, as embodied in Menyama Braya, meaningfully enhances students’ empathy, critical reasoning, and resilience against radical ideologies. These findings underscore the importance of local wisdom-based educational approaches in combating radical ideologies and promoting multicultural values in Indonesian schools.
Strategic Management Accounting, Learning Culture, and Environmental Performance: Direct or Indirect Influence?
This study seeks to examine the function of learning culture as a mediator between strategic management accounting and environmental performance within the tourism sector of Bintan Regency. This quantitative study employed a survey methodology, utilizing questionnaires disseminated to managers or supervisors within the tourism sector of Bintan Regency. The data were examined utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) grounded in Partial Least Squares (PLS) through SmartPLS 4.0 software to evaluate the direct and indirect relationships among variables. The outcomes prove that strategic management accounting lacks a substantial direct impact on environmental performance. Strategic management accounting exerts a beneficial and statistically significant effect on the learning culture. The learning culture generates a favorable and statistically significant impact on environmental performance. Learning culture has been demonstrated to entirely mediate the link between strategic management accounting and environmental performance. The findings indicate that the data produced by strategic management accounting systems can provide tangible enhancements in Environmental Performance only when it is handled and converted inside a robust learning culture. This research underscores the necessity for tourism enterprises in Bintan to invest in advanced accounting systems and to cultivate an organizational culture that fosters experimentation, knowledge exchange, and ongoing learning to attain sustainability objectives.
The Effect of National Income on Goods Imports in Saudi Arabia: Using Time Series Data
This study investigates the relationship between national-income and goods - imports in Saudi Arabia, a country heavily reliant on oil exports and actively pursuing economic diversification as part of its Vision 2030 plan. Utilizing annual time series data from 2002 to 2023 sourced from the World Bank and Statista, the research examines the impact of national-income, inflation, and oil - prices on goods - imports. These imports are crucial for modernizing infrastructure and enhancing industrial capacity. The research employs econometric techniques, including unit root tests, cointegration analysis, and regression modeling, to understand how these factors interact and influence import patterns in Saudi Arabia. The analysis also explores the long-run equilibrium relationships among the variables and assesses the quality of the model through residual diagnostics and variance inflation factor (VIF) analysis. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers aiming to manage import flows, promote domestic production, and ensure sustainable economic development in the post-oil era.
The Consumption Response to Income Fluctuations in Egypt: Evidence from Public Sector Wages and Subsidy Reforms
This study evaluates the Life-Cycle/Permanent Income Hypothesis (LCPIH) focusing on the consumption response of households below retirement age in Egypt during the years 2000 to 2024. We use two quasi-experimental settings: the staggered release of public sector wages and the staggered implementation of energy subsidy reform. Using a large-scale household panel data set from ELMPS and HIECS, we strongly confirm significant, persistent deviations from LCPIH where households responded massively to pre-income change announcement. The MPC or marginal propensity to consume out of a transitory income shock in this paper is 0.42, This value is remarkably higher than the figures found in figure is significantly higher than when compared to any other benchmark calculated for the advanced economies.
Modeling to COVID-19 Mortality Data: Using the Neutrosophic Gompertz Inverse Rayleigh Model with Estimation
In this article, we introduce a new statistical model called the Neutrosophic inverse Gompertz Rayleigh (NGIR) distribution, which has excellent modelling to COVID-19 mortality data in the Netherlands. The model uses neutrosophic logic to address uncertainty in the data by representing parameters as time intervals (using neutrosophic logic, the direct method). The basic distribution functions were found, and several mathematical properties of the distribution were derived. Several tables illustrating the behavior of the distribution were developed based on these properties. Equations for estimating the parameters of the distribution were found using three estimation methods. The performance of NGIR was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations of five estimation methods, and the results of these simulations were compared using several statistical measures to determine which method is best for estimation. Practical application on mortality data confirmed the model's ability to represent complex data with high degrees of uncertainty, making it a powerful tool for epidemiological analysis. The results demonstrated that NGIR outperforms other neutrosophic distributions in terms of information criteria and goodness of fit.
Neutrosophic Gompertz Inverse Weibull Distribution: Generalization Properties Simulation with Application on Under-Five Mortality Rates
This work introduces a new continuous statistical distribution namely Neutrosophic Gompertz Inverse Weibull Distribution (NGoIWD), with four neutrosophic parameters. The NGoIWD used the expansion the Inverse Weibull distribution for Neutrosophic logic by merging it with Neutrosophic Gompertz-G family which was found based on T-X method and Neutrosophic logic in direct method that is mean the parameters for this family be as intervals. The study presents serval basic distribution functions for a new generalization with some illustrations, three methods of presenting the parameters were also presented. In addition to performing a Monte Carlo simulation of NGoIWD using three statistical method and six of unconstrained optimization algorithms to determine its efficiency in parameters estimation. Finally to evaluate the efficiency and flexibility of NGoIWD, real data was used, which represented the mortality rate for children under age five, and compared it with six other distributions that proved to be efficient compared to the other distributions.
Exploring Polytechnical Teaching Strategies in SABIC Academy and Technical Colleges: A Comparative Causal Study
The study aimed to identify the polytechnical teaching strategies used at SABIC Academy and the Technical Colleges, employing a comparative causal approach. A research questionnaire covering four main axes was utilized: the current use of teaching strategies at SABIC Academy and the Technical College in Riyadh; the impact of these strategies on developing trainees' technical skills; the challenges encountered in using these strategies; and suggestions for improving their implementation. The study sample consisted of faculty members and trainers from SABIC Academy and the Technical College in Riyadh. The results indicated a high level of implementation of teaching strategies in both institutions, with no statistically significant differences between them, and a significant impact on developing trainees' technical skills. The results also revealed notable challenges in implementing teaching strategies, and proposals to improve their use received a high degree of agreement. Based on these findings, the study offered a set of recommendations and suggestions.
The Impact of Human Resource Slack on Digital Transformation in all China A-Share Listed Corporations: A Study of Mechanisms Based on Ownership
The rapid development of China's digital economy has brought about the need for corporations to undergo digital transformation, and both manpower reserves and innovation capabilities play a role in the continuation of a digital transformation. This paper analyses the data of listed corporations on the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges over a period of 16 years from 2009, with a total of 28,619 samples, and measures the degree of digital transformation of corporations by their comprehensive performance in terms of ‘words’ and ‘deeds’, and it takes the degree of human resource slack as an independent variable, whilst adding ownership as a moderating variable to validate the difference between state-owned corporations and non-state-owned corporations in digital transformation. The robustness and endogeneity of the model are also examined, adding insights from different perspectives for Chinese corporations in the process of digital development.
Fetus as a Subject in Culture: A Contextual Study of Pregnancy Practices and Beliefs in Indonesia
This article analyzes the position of the fetus as a subject within various Indonesian cultural contexts, highlighting how communities interpret fetal existence beyond its biological dimensions. In many Nusantara traditions, the fetus is regarded as a being that possesses social, moral, and spiritual status from an early stage, and its presence is acknowledged and honored through diverse cultural practices. Using a comparative ethnographic approach, this article examines how communities in Java, Sunda, Bali, Minangkabau, East Nusa Tenggara, and Papua understand the existence of the fetus and construct ritual communication patterns that connect the mother with the unborn child. In Javanese and Sundanese contexts, for example, rituals such as mitoni and tingkeban are not merely markers of gestational age but also ceremonial acts of welcoming a new subject believed to have already entered the familial sphere. In Bali, the concepts of bhuta kala and cosmic harmony situate the fetus within a spiritual structure that requires balance between the mother’s body and the natural world. Minangkabau communities view the fetus as part of the matrilineal lineage, linking its status closely to clan identity. Meanwhile, in East Nusa Tenggara—particularly within Atoni Pah Meto and Kelimutu traditions—the fetus is often treated as a person who must be protected through taboos, prayers, and symbolic safeguards. In Papua, pregnancy is understood as a relational process involving the mother, ancestors, and nature spirits who watch over the fetus’s life journey. This study demonstrates that Indonesian traditions construct a dialogical mother–fetus relationship that influences maternal emotional well-being, the quality of prenatal bonding, and cultural conceptions of the beginning of human life. Thus, the fetus is not merely positioned as “one who will become,” but as a subject already occupying social and spiritual space within the community.
From Project to Creativity: How Academic Culture Shapes the Success of Project-Based Learning in Creative Writing Programs?
This research is motivated by the low ability of students to write descriptive texts in German, which is largely caused by the use of conventional learning methods and limited active student involvement in the learning process. The aim of this study is to improve students’ writing skills through the implementation of PjBL that emphasizes collaborative and reflective project activities. This classroom action research was conducted in two cycles, involving 36 eleventh-grade students as subjects. Data collection techniques included observations of student activities and descriptive text writing tests, while data analysis was carried out using both quantitative and qualitative descriptive approaches by comparing learning outcomes between cycles. The results indicated a significant improvement in students’ writing performance: the average score increased from 65 in cycle I to 82 in cycle II, while the completion rate rose from 30.56% to 86.11%. Observational data revealed that students actively engaged in group discussions, confidently expressed ideas, responded to peer feedback, and demonstrated higher motivation in completing writing tasks. Furthermore, the quality of their descriptive texts improved, particularly in terms of structure, vocabulary, grammar accuracy, and creativity. These findings suggest that the PjBL model effectively enhances not only students’ descriptive writing skills but also their collaboration, critical thinking, and creative expression. The study theoretically contributes to the growing literature on PjBL in foreign language education, providing evidence of its impact on student learning outcomes. Practically, the findings serve as a valuable reference for teachers aiming to develop innovative, student-centered, and effective strategies for teaching descriptive writing in German, promoting active learning and sustained engagement in the classroom.
Challenging the Postcolonial Quasi-liberal Paradigms of Globalization and Neo-imperialism: A Critical Investigation into the Alternative Forms of Cosmopolitanism
This paper offers a critical examination of how postcolonialism and globalization—two influential intellectual and socio-economic forces—shape contemporary life in an increasingly interconnected world. It foregrounds the complex and often conflictual relationship between these frameworks, arguing that while they intersect in their analyses of power, culture, and mobility, they diverge sharply in their ideological foundations and socio-political implications. Central to this discussion is the persistence of neocolonialism within global capitalism, wherein former colonial powers continue to exert dominance through economic dependency, development discourse, multinational corporations, and global financial institutions. By extending beyond the historical legacies of empire, postcolonial studies provide diagnostic tools for engaging with modern crises such as ecological degradation, neo-imperial exploitation, mass displacement, and cultural fragmentation. Conversely, globalization, despite its rhetoric of integration, has intensified inequalities by reinforcing structural asymmetries between the global North and South. The paper also interrogates the Eurocentric underpinnings of conventional cosmopolitanism and calls for alternative, inclusive models that foreground subaltern agency, ecological responsibility, and multicultural coexistence. Ultimately, the discussion lays a theoretical foundation for reimagining global structures in more equitable and sustainable ways.
Strategic Roadmaps in Smart Cities: A Comparison of Bucharest and Konya
This study presents a comparative analysis of smart city strategies between Bucharest, Romania (an EU capital) and Konya, Türkiye (a metropolitan city from a developing candidate country). The research aims to elucidate the similarities and differences in their strategic vision, governance models, implementation plans, technological infrastructure, and environmental priorities. Using a thematic analysis of the official strategy documents of both cities (Bucharest 2023-2030; Konya 2022-2030) with MAXQDA software, the study argues that the strategies are shaped by a dynamic tension between “outward alignment” with global standards and “inward embeddedness” in local contexts. The findings reveal that Bucharest’s strategy is pragmatic and deeply aligned with EU policies, emphasizing economic competitiveness, service efficiency, and measurable outputs. In contrast, Konya has adopted a more holistic vision aligned with national strategies, focusing on local identity, cultural values, and innovative leadership. In governance, Konya plans a central agency and multi-layered stakeholder participation, while Bucharest prefers flexible integration with existing administrative structures. Technologically, Bucharest aims for an integrated digital platform, whereas Konya stands out with modular solutions, a cybersecurity center, and advanced technologies like IoT and blockchain. Environmentally, Bucharest focuses on the circular economy and energy efficiency, while Konya’s strategy is shaped by pressing local needs such as water scarcity. The study concludes that smart urbanization is not a universal model; each city develops unique strategic pathways. The examples emphasize the critical importance of cities striking a balance between their integration into global networks and the urgent needs of their local contexts.
A Socio-Structural Analysis of Psychological Well-Being Among Adolescents in Rural Assam: The Paradox of Community Cohesion and Relational Deficit
This interdisciplinary study investigates the psychological well-being (PWB) of adolescents in Narayanpur Block, Lakhimpur District of Assam, India, adopting a socio-developmental perspective. Utilizing quantitative data collected from 200 students (100 males, 100 females) via the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS-SDCP), the research found that 97% of participants exhibited a moderate level of overall PWB, leading to the rejection of the initial hypothesis that PWB levels would be high. Furthermore, no statistically significant gender difference was observed ({p} = 0.313). A granular dimensional analysis revealed a critical deficit: the lowest incidence of high PWB was observed in the dimension of Interpersonal Relations (3.5%), contrasting with moderate levels across Life Satisfaction, Efficiency, Sociability, and Mental Health. This paper utilizes sociological frameworks—specifically social capital theory, structural inequality, and the digital divide—to interpret these findings. The prevalence of moderate PWB is posited as a form of adaptive resilience to chronic rural stressors, while the non-significant gender difference is interpreted as the homogenizing effect of high community social control and rigid traditional norms. The low score in Interpersonal Relations is presented as a structural constraint, wherein strong community cohesion, paradoxically, limits individual relational autonomy and self-disclosure, compounded by socio-economic disadvantages and limited access to modern digital resources. These findings underscore the imperative for interventions that address socio-structural barriers to facilitate true eudaimonic flourishing, moving beyond merely maintaining adaptive functioning.
Enhancing Neutrosophic Weibull-G Family: Simulation and Applications on Neutrosophic Data
This paper, propose a new family of continuous probability distributions that combines the Weibull distribution and T-X method to generate the modified family and then combine it with Neutrosophic framework. This family is known as the Neutrosophic Modified Weibull-G (NMW-G) family. Also present the Neutrosophic Modified Weibull Exponential (NMW-E) distribution. The effectiveness of the NMW-E was tested on real neutrosophic data (time to failure of 20 electronic components) and compared with several neutrosophic distributions using specific statistical methods. Five simulations methods were also performed to estimate parameters using: MLE, LSE, WLSE, ADE, and RTADE, and their associated statistical properties were analyzed. The results demonstrated high accuracy and flexibility of the proposed distribution compared to other classical distributions.
Navigating Complexity: A Soft Systems Approach to Indonesia's OECD Membership Bid
This study examines Indonesia's readiness for OECD membership through the lens of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), focusing on the complex interplay between policy reform requirements and institutional capacity. Using data from in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, public discussions, and document analysis, the research reveals significant gaps between current conditions and OECD standards across regulatory, economic, and institutional dimensions. Key challenges identified include the ambitious three-year accession timeline and a highly complex regulatory environment, often described as a "jungle of regulation". The study proposes five critical and actionable areas for transformation: (1) the establishment of a centralized Project Management Office (PMO), (2) the digitalization of coordination processes, (3) the strengthening of parliamentary involvement, (4) the enhancement of public-private dialogue, and (5) the maintenance of national policy autonomy while pursuing international alignment. The findings suggest that while Indonesia's political commitment to OECD accession is strong, substantial challenges remain in harmonizing domestic policies and building the necessary institutional capacity. This research contributes a structured framework for developing nations to navigate the intricate process of international policy alignment while preserving their strategic autonomy.
Spaza Shops and Community Resilience in Post-Pandemic South Africa: A Sustainable Livelihoods Framework Analysis
The study explores the socioeconomic role of spaza shops in South African communities during the post-COVID-19 period, using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as an analytical lens. Spaza shops are embedded within township economies and emerged as critical lifelines during the pandemic, offering proximity-based access to essential goods, informal credit, and social support. The study employed a qualitative research approach, involving interviews with 25 participants. The study's findings reveal that spaza shops serve as both economic and social infrastructure, with their embeddedness in community networks enhancing trust and adaptability. However, challenges such as supply chain fragility, competition from formal retailers, and policy pressures surrounding formalisation threaten their sustainability. The study argues for calibrated policy interventions that preserve the accessibility and resilience of spaza shops while promoting accountability and safety. By situating spaza shops within the SLF, the research contributes to broader debates on informal economies, inclusive development, and post-pandemic recovery strategies in South Africa.
Whose Voice Counts in Student Accommodation? A Literature Review on Inclusion, Access, and Agency in Massified Higher Education
Over the past three decades, the landscape of student housing has undergone significant transformation globally, driven by massification, internationalization, and widening access to higher education. In South Africa and other sub-Saharan countries, the post-1994 expansion of higher education access has led to rapid growth in enrolment, outpacing the development of student accommodation infrastructure. This literature review explores the evolving field of student housing, focusing on students’ satisfaction, housing preferences, and the critical challenges associated with accommodation provision particularly in the South African context. Drawing from global and local studies, the review identifies key physical, economic, and psychosocial determinants of student housing satisfaction, such as room size, proximity to campus, facility quality, safety, and affordability. It also analyzes how housing influences academic performance, social integration, and overall well-being. The review engages with conceptual frameworks such as Ford et al.’s (2002) housing pathways model and Thomsen’s (2008) typologies of student housing needs, highlighting how student preferences reflect both structural constraints and evolving expectations. Despite growing international attention, student voices particularly in sub-Saharan Africa remain underrepresented in housing policy and design. This review underscores the importance of student centered approaches in shaping sustainable and inclusive accommodation strategies. By synthesizing findings across regions, the review identifies persistent gaps in research on student satisfaction, equity in access, and quality of facilities. It concludes by recommending further empirical studies to inform policies that align with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and NSFAS standards, ultimately enhancing the student experience in higher education institutions.
Insecurity and Electoral Participation in Southwest and Southeast Nigeria
This study examines how insecurity affects voter turnout in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the southwest and southeast regions. Using the Civic Voluntarism Model (CVM), the study highlights how specific types of insecurity, including politically motivated violence in the southwest and ideology-based militia insecurity in the southeast, influenced electoral behavior. Employing a qualitative comparative historical review and using secondary data, the study finds that physical violence and psychological fear largely influenced voter participation. In the southwest, episodic violence by party-affiliated thugs undermined voter turnout, while the southeast experienced persistent intimidation from separatist ideological militias. Both situations deprived participants of resources, motivation, and mobilization, negatively impacting democracy. The study, therefore, recommends region-specific security measures to address security needs and boost voter confidence and turnout.
Relationship between Classroom Environment and Students’ Motivation with Mediating Effect of Teachers’ Leadership
This study investigates the relationship between classroom environment and students’ motivation, with a specific focus on the mediating effect of teacher leadership, using a structural analytical approach. Drawing on a sample of 500 participants (435 students and 49 teachers) from public and private universities in Lahore, data were collected through a structured questionnaire measuring three core constructs: classroom environment, student motivation, and teacher leadership. Quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses, were employed. Results revealed strong, statistically significant positive correlations between all three variables, with teacher leadership emerging as a significant mediator. Regression analyses demonstrated that classroom environment positively predicts student motivation (β = 0.603, p < .01), and teacher leadership significantly predicts classroom environment (β = 0.603, p < .01). Gender and departmental comparisons showed minimal differences, while ANOVA indicated a statistically significant variation in perceptions of teacher leadership across institutions. These findings highlight the critical role of teacher leadership in fostering a motivating and supportive classroom environment, offering valuable implications for educational policy, teacher training, and classroom management practices aimed at enhancing student engagement and academic outcomes.
From Transformation to Trust: How Job Crafting and AI Knowledge Influence Psychological Contracts in the Age of AI
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace has altered the way employees perceive their roles, expectations, and relationships with their organizations. This transformation challenges traditional psychological contracts, requiring employees to adapt through job crafting and increasing their knowledge of AI to remain relevant in the digital age. This study aims to analyze how job crafting and AI knowledge influence the formation of psychological contracts, as well as the role of AI-based digital transformation in strengthening trust between employees and organizations. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method through questionnaires, and the data is analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results show that Digital AI Transformation has a significant positive effect on Job Crafting (β = 0.740; p = 0.000) and a significant negative effect on Job Insecurity (β = -0.406; p = 0.040). In addition, Job Crafting and AI Knowledge were found to have a significant positive effect on Psychological Contract, while the effect of Job Insecurity on AI Knowledge was not significant. The implications of this study indicate that the success of digital transformation depends not only on technology but also on the ability of employees to engage in job crafting and improve AI literacy to maintain trust and psychological balance in modern work relationships.
Effects of Internship to the Students’ Mental Health and Mindset: A Case Study of a School in Special Geographic Area in BARMM Philippines
This study focused on investigating the impact of pre-service teachers (PSTs) on students' mental health and mindset in one of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) community schools located in Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato, Philippines, striving to achieve sustainable peace. As part of the PSTs’ internship, they worked and immersed themselves in this community high school. A Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21) was utilized to determine if there would be significant improvement with the mental health of 60 students selected randomly. In-depth interviews were conducted with the group of 5 high school students, 5 parents and 7 PSTs to determine if there would be changes in the mindset of the students. The transcribed statements from the participants which were in Filipino and Maguindanaon, were translated to English for the thematic triangulation analysis with the help of an external translator. Results show that depression, anxiety and stress scales of students significantly improved (moderate to mild). In the lens of the students, the internship positively influenced their personal development, fostering changes in their punctuality, motivation, confidence, and their overall behavior. In the lens of the parents, they have seen the students’ progress in attitudes, behaviors, and skills where internship reflected how the experience nurtured not only academic habits but also socio-emotional development of their students. In the lens of the PSTs, the internship resonated on positive education, where fostering the academic skills and personal development of students leads to their long-term success and well-being. Although the idea of the PSTs on peace education as well as their understanding of their value in instilling a good mindset to the students often seemed limited, especially in relation to their competence in developing a lesson that can help a flourishing society, it can’t be denied that they have brought significant influence to the belief and attitude of students toward schooling.
Embedding Shari'ah Ethics into Sustainability Governance: Evidence from Jordanian Banks
This research explores how Islamic ethics are—or aren't—being put into practice in the sustainability strategies of Jordanian banks. Using interviews with senior managers and analysis of recent sustainability reports from Arab Bank, Al Ahli Bank, and Housing Bank, the study examines whether principles like khalifa (stewardship), adl (justice), and amanah (trust) are genuinely reflected in bank policies or just used for appearances. While all three banks reference the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Islamic values often remain on the sidelines. The findings reveal a noticeable gap between religious ideals and what actually happens inside institutions. To bridge this divide, the paper suggests reforms in regulation, better alignment between ethics and reporting, faith-based financial innovation like green Sukuk, and stronger staff training. The aim is to offer practical steps toward an Islamic banking model that takes its values seriously—beyond surface-level commitments.
Generational Motivation in Sustainable HR Management
Today, sustainability extends beyond its traditional environmental and economic interpretations and has become a key issue within human resource management as well. The long-term success and competitiveness of organizations increasingly rely on their ability to retain, develop, and motivate employees, with special emphasis on effectively managing generational differences. This study aims to investigate how the intentional development of managerial tools can support sustainable human resource practices, focusing on the distinct motivational drivers and value systems of various generations—Baby Boomers and Generations X, Y, Z, and Alpha. Worldwide trends show that employees' expectations regarding recruitment, selection, career development, and retention are becoming more diverse. Our research seeks to identify both the divergences and commonalities among these generational groups, as well as the strategies managers can apply to address their heterogeneous needs. To achieve this, the study employs a mixed-methods approach: it combines an extensive literature review with empirical data collection examining managerial motivation practices and their perceived effectiveness. The findings indicate that sustainable HR policy is grounded in the integration of generation-specific motivational techniques into organizational culture, alongside an adaptive, value-oriented reinterpretation of managerial roles. The study’s practical relevance lies in its recommendations for developing a managerial toolkit that strengthens intergenerational collaboration and supports the long-term enhancement of employee engagement, satisfaction, and performance.
Impact of AI-Based Decision Support Systems on Managerial Decision
This paper aims to identify the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption on managerial decision-making in contemporary organizations in Kosovo, focusing on decision quality, decision speed, and the moderating role of managers technological experience. A quantitative research approach was employed, using a structured questionnaire distributed to 320 owners and managers from AI-intensive sectors, including banking, healthcare and supply chain management. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), which allowed for the simultaneous examination of direct and moderating effects among the latent variables. The results indicate that AI adoption significantly enhances both the quality and speed of managerial decisions, demonstrating that AI tools support timely, evidence-based, and effective decision-making. Additionally, managers technological experience was found to significantly moderate these relationships, highlighting the importance of human expertise in optimizing the benefits of AI technologies. These findings extend socio-technical systems theory offering both theoretical contributions and practical guidance for organizations. Overall, the study demonstrates that AI adoption, combined with skilled management, serves as a key driver of enhanced decision-making performance, providing a sustainable competitive advantage in dynamic organizational contexts in Kosovo.
Non-verbal Communication in Chinese Entertainment News Program
This study investigates the non-verbal communication methods and their effects in Chinese entertainment news programs, focusing on how hosts enhance program appeal and persuasiveness through facial expression management, body movements, spatial distance, and clothing styles. It further examines how these non-verbal elements complement spoken Mandarin communication to improve the overall effectiveness of program delivery and influence audience perception. This study employs a qualitative multiple-case analysis design, integrating literature analysis with in-depth case studies. First, relevant broadcasting and non-verbal communication theories were reviewed to establish a conceptual foundation. Subsequently, representative Chinese entertainment news programs were selected for case studies, analyzing hosts’ non-verbal behaviors—including facial expressions, postures, space utilization, and clothing styles—across different communication contexts. The theoretical insights were then integrated with practical observations to develop a systematic non-verbal communication strategy for entertainment news hosting. The results reveal that appropriate non-verbal expressions significantly reduce the psychological distance between hosts and audiences, enhance program affinity, and strengthen emotional engagement. Techniques such as smiling, maintaining eye contact, using expressive gestures, adopting confident standing postures, controlling spatial distance, and selecting suitable clothing styles were found to create a synergistic effect with verbal expression. This synergy shapes program atmosphere, reinforces emotional communication, and enhances persuasiveness, ultimately meeting audience expectations for authenticity and interaction. Non-verbal communication is a critical component of effective hosting in Chinese entertainment news programs. Its integration with verbal expression not only improves audience perception but also increases the persuasive power and appeal of program delivery. The study recommends that systematic training in Mandarin non-verbal communication be incorporated into broadcasting and hosting art education. Training modules should focus on expression management, body language control, and image design, ensuring the organic integration of non-verbal skills with verbal communication to enhance hosts’ media literacy and audience engagement.
Sustainable Production and Making of Chinese Documentary Films: A Cross-Cultural Communication Perspective
This study investigates the sustainable development of Chinese documentary films through a cross-cultural communication lens, highlighting how these films navigate global media environments while preserving cultural authenticity. The introduction outlines the increasing relevance of documentary filmmaking in shaping China's international image and cultural soft power. The second section examines cross-cultural communication strategies, such as narrative localization, audience-oriented framing, and symbolic mediation, which enable Chinese documentaries to resonate with diverse international viewers. The paper then explores the cultural characteristics embedded in Chinese documentaries, including collective memory, and social realism, which contribute to their unique cultural identity. Attention is given to the content quality of these productions, emphasizing thematic relevance, informational depth, and audiovisual innovation as critical factors influencing their global reception. In the fifth section, the study analyzes narrative techniques, such as voiceover styles, personal storytelling, and hybrid formats, that enhance the emotional and intellectual impact of Chinese documentaries across cultural boundaries. Finally, the paper discusses the sustainable production of Chinese documentaries, advocating for integrated support through institutional policies, international co-productions, talent development, and platform diversification. This comprehensive analysis offers theoretical and practical insights for enhancing the global reach and enduring viability of Chinese documentary filmmaking.
Challenges of Educational Public Policies and Human Resource Development in Iraq after 2006: Security and Institutional Challenges as a Model
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the security and institutional challenges facing educational policies in Iraq after 2006, and their direct impact on the structure and outcomes of the educational system. The research focuses on showing how security disruptions, including mass displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and politicisation of curricula, have weakened the educational process and created a sharp gap between stated goals and the reality of implementation. The research addresses institutional challenges from multiple angles, most notably the absence of a clear strategic vision, the decline in teacher competence, weak legislative structures, and the lack of alignment between education and the labour market. It concludes that addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive structural reform based on good educational governance, integrating security and educational planning, and enabling educational institutions to respond effectively to the requirements of sustainable development. The research provides a set of policies and proposals that would rebuild the educational system in line with the goals of the Iraqi state in the post-crisis phase.
Addressing the Role of the Family in Preventing Youth Gang Crime: The Case of Bangladesh
The main aim of this article is to explore the critical role of the family as a protective factor in preventing youth gang crime in Bangladesh. The family is a main building block in society and an integral part of human life. In recent years, youth gang crime has proliferated like an epidemic in society in Bangladesh. This study has been used a qualitative and library-based method and conducted an extensive review of scholarly literature. The study examines the influence of familial support and effective familial strategies of moral guidance, emotional support, and instilling religious teachings to counteract youth engaging in gangs and committing criminal activities. Moreover, the study investigates the influence of socio-economic crises within the family, social media, and violent activities in forming and recruiting youth into gang crimes. In addition, the study explores the role of religious values and extended families resisting and mitigating against youth aggressive behaviour and criminal activities. This article contributes on comprehending relationship between youth criminal behaviour and families in Bangladesh and proposes recommendations for bolstering familial measures.
Developing Regional Potential through Social Entrepreneurship to Alleviate Local Community Poverty
Poverty remains a significant challenge in many parts of Indonesia, especially in rural areas. Social entrepreneurship offers a promising and innovative approach to addressing poverty by harnessing the potential of local resources. This article investigates the development of regional potential by implementing social entrepreneurship as a strategy for empowering local communities. Besides the economic profits, social entrepreneurship also focuses on improving social welfare and ensuring environmental sustainability. This study employed a descriptive-qualitative method with a case study approach in underdeveloped regions of Kupang Regency and Timor Tengah Selatan Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, rich in untapped natural and cultural resources. The findings of this research highlighted that (1) regional prospects can be developed through social entrepreneurship; (2) social entrepreneurship affects poverty alleviation in local communities; (3) the primary challenges in implementing social entrepreneurship at the local level; and (4) an effective model of social entrepreneurship for managing regional potential. Social entrepreneurship fosters job creation, enhances community income and strengthens regional competitiveness. This article recommends enhancing community capacity through training, access to capital, and ongoing mentoring to promote local innovation. Developing regional potential through social entrepreneurship can serve as a strategic solution for poverty eradication and supporting sustainable development.
Holistic Limitation of Doctoral Training
This paper explores the challenge of fostering a holistic vision in doctoral training amid increasing specialization. While deep expertise is essential for advancing knowledge, excessive focus on narrow fields during PhD studies often limits understanding of broader social, cultural, and environmental contexts. Drawing on Bauman’s critique of knowledge fragmentation and other academic perspectives, the authors highlight that traditional doctoral programs emphasize specialization and isolated research projects, frequently neglecting interdisciplinary collaboration and contextual impact. The study argues for rethinking doctoral education to balance specialized depth with multidisciplinary engagement. This involves admitting candidates whose projects, mentors, and communities embrace multidimensional paradigms, thereby promoting broader critical analysis and professional maturity. The doctoral thesis should represent not a closure but a starting point for an ongoing research trajectory that addresses complex, multidimensional issues. Ultimately, developing a holistic vision equips doctoral students to better understand their research topic in its entirety, identify new questions, generate innovative ideas, and communicate effectively across disciplines. The paper calls for formal studies to examine how holistic doctoral training improves researchers’ preparedness to contribute meaningfully to society and tackle complex global challenges.
From Machine to Network: Evolution of the Administrative Structure in 7 Key Paradigms
The objective of this study is to explore the evolution of the administrative structure through a comparative analysis of its main paradigms. Unlike reviews that are limited to a linear description of theories, this work addresses a knowledge gap by offering a structural analysis that deconstructs each model into its essential components. A qualitative methodology with an interpretive paradigm was used, along with the technique of documentary and bibliographic review, which allowed for a deep comparative analysis. The main finding is that the evolution of paradigms is not a simple succession, but a process of adaptation and accumulation of complexity, where each model integrates and redefines the structural elements of its predecessors. In conclusion, modern management has transcended the rigidity of a single model to become an epistemology of hybridization, where successful leaders eclectically synthesize the components of each paradigm to design dynamic and adaptable organizations for uncertainty.
How China's State Media uses Culture and Art to Reshape Collective Memory and Identity - A Case Study of China Daily
In the context of the deep integration of globalization and digitalization, the function of state media, has become increasingly prominent in reshaping collective memory and strengthening national identity with the help of cultural and artistic means. Based on the three-layer analytical framework of "symbol production, memory construction, and identity", this paper systematically discusses the cultural communication practice path of China's state media based on the three-layer analytical framework of "symbol production, memory construction, and identity", combined with cultural memory theory, media ritual theory and identity theory. In the end, the role of the state media has changed from historical recorders to memory translators, forming a Chinese communication model of cultural and technological integration, and providing a practical paradigm for the generation of cultural self-confidence and the dissemination of new forms of human civilization.
The Features of Weighting Through Derivation in the Explanation of the Rulings Ayaat
This study aimed to shed light on the subject of measurement and its impact on weighting in the verses of rules, where researchers dealt with the subject through three topics dealt with the first definition of measurement and a statement of evidence of its legitimacy, in the second, the definition of weighting and the statement of evidence of its legitimacy, and in the third on the extent to which weighting is affected by analogy in the verses of rules through the definition of the verses of rules and the statement of the most important applications on that, The problem of research revolves around the research in the fact of proving the impact of measurement on weighting in the verses of rules, the researchers followed the inductive approach by reviewing what the scholars of asset and the scholars of interpretation wrote in their books, And benefit from the extrapolation method to reach the rules and bases, with mentioning some applications of Quranic verses, and analyzing them to know the significance of the rulings in them, the researcher reached many results, the most important of which is that one of the most important effects resulting from preference in analogy is the introduction of jurists into the issue of preference between the concepts of agreement and disagreement, and the reason for that is that the indication may be definitive or may not be so.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Firm Profitability
With the increasing convergence of the digital economy and the real economy, digital transformation has become a vital pathway for enterprises to achieve high-quality development. Against this backdrop, where digital technology's effect on firm profitability is key to understanding its real-economy impact, this article provides empirical data from a panel of Chinese A-share listed companies (2010–2023), systematically showing that digital transformation significantly increases return on assets (ROA). From a mechanistic perspective, digital transformation enhances profitability by lowering financing costs through increased information transparency and improved market signaling, while also boosting financial flexibility by improving access to financing and optimizing the debt maturity structure. The dual contributions of this study lie in furnishing novel empirical evidence for understanding digital technology's empowerment of real-economy firm performance and in generating micro-level policy implications that can inform the effective implementation of digital strategies and the advancement of high-quality economic growth.
Representation of Contemporary Balinese Women in the Symbol of Rangda: Perspectives from the Lontar Calonarang and Usadha Taru Premana through Ethnography
This study examines the representation of women in Balinese culture through the symbols of Rangda and Usadha Taru Premana, which depict the duality of women's roles in Balinese society. The symbol of Rangda, found in the Lontar Calonarang, depicts women as strong and destructive figures who rebel against injustice. In contrast, the symbol in the Lontar Usadha Taru Premana depicts women as guardians of balance and healers, playing an important role in maintaining the physical and spiritual harmony of society. These two symbols reflect the complexity of Balinese women's identity, which is respected in both spiritual and social contexts but also viewed ambivalently in a patriarchal society. A qualitative, ethnographic case-study approach was used to explore the representation of women in both lontars, analysing data from interviews, observations, and documentation. The study's results show that the Rangda symbol reflects the destructive power of women who resist oppression. At the same time, Usadha Taru Premana depicts women as harmonious and respected figures. These two symbols depict the contrasting yet complementary roles of women in shaping their identities and positions in Balinese society. This study also reveals that although Balinese women are increasingly recognized across sectors, they still face obstacles to achieving full equality, especially in social and cultural contexts. Therefore, it is important to continue strengthening women's position and promoting gender equality in Bali.
Creation of Works: Using Drama to Develop Quality of Life in Terms of Health, Society, and the Environment, on The Issue of Teenage: Online Love
This study explores the development and impact of a country musical drama addressing adolescent issues. The performance aimed to foster understanding between teenagers and adults through traditional Thai melodies in country songs, accompanied by a brass band. The script, developed with a psychologist's input, was designed for academic rigor, and necessary song copyrights were secured for legal compliance. The performance was recorded and published online to reach a wider audience. To assess effectiveness, 88 participants aged 18 and above were evaluated before and after viewing the performance. Before viewing, participants had an average comprehension score of 5.73 (median = 6/10), with scores ranging from 0 to 10. After watching, the average score significantly increased to 8.78 (median = 9/10), with scores ranging from 6 to 10, indicating a significant improvement in understanding. The study concludes that the musical drama effectively communicated complex social and generational issues, achieving its goal of promoting awareness and understanding. The performance’s success highlights its potential as an educational tool and platform for fostering social awareness, with implications for future academic and social development projects.
Prenatal Intersubjectivity in Indonesian Culture: Maternal–Fetal Soul Communication as an Embodied Practice among 30 Pregnant Women at Santo Borromeus Hospital, Bandung – Indonesia
This study presents an in-depth analysis of prenatal intersubjectivity—namely the inner connection, intuitive communication, and emotional resonance between mothers and their fetuses—within the context of contemporary Indonesian sociocultural life. Using a cultural-phenomenological approach involving 30 pregnant women at Santo Borromeus Hospital in Bandung, the research explores how bodily sensations, emotions, intuition, cultural narratives, and spiritual or familial rituals shape mothers’ ways of perceiving and responding to the presence of the fetus. The study focuses particularly on how bodily sensations, especially fetal movements and physiological changes during pregnancy, are interpreted as meaningful forms of communication rather than merely biological reactions. The findings demonstrate that what is often described as “soul communication” is not a supernatural phenomenon, but an embodied process of sensemaking in which mothers link sensory and emotional experiences to the cultural frameworks they inhabit. Religious values, beliefs about the presence of life-essence or spirit, the role of extended family, and local narratives about pregnancy all play crucial roles in shaping maternal interpretations of bodily and fetal signals. This interpretive process generates experiences of prenatal intersubjectivity that enrich maternal emotional well-being, strengthen psychological readiness for childbirth, and enhance the quality of prenatal attachment. As a scientific contribution, this article proposes two new theoretical models: the Prenatal Embodied Intersubjectivity Model (PEIM-Expanded), which explains the dynamics of body–emotion–meaning interconnection in prenatal communication; and the Cultural Intuitive Communication Pathway (CICP), which illustrates how maternal intuition is facilitated and mediated by cultural values and spiritual practices. Together, these models provide a more comprehensive understanding of maternal–fetal communication as a complex and transformative cultural experience.
The Impacts of Chongqing Food Through Chinese Influencers Via Tiktok
This study investigates how Chinese influencers utilize TikTok to disseminate Chongqing cuisine within cross-cultural communication contexts. While short video platforms have become central to global cultural circulation, existing research has not systematically addressed how influencers mobilize algorithmic logics, audiovisual strategies, and audience engagement patterns to promote regional food culture. To fill this gap, the study examines the production, dissemination, and reception of Chongqing cuisine content, with attention to differences across culturally diverse audiences. A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating computational communication analysis, multimodal discourse analysis, and audience ethnography. A dataset of 600 high-engagement Chongqing cuisine videos was collected via Python for analysis of visual features (e.g., color saturation, shot transitions), narrative forms (challenge-based, tutorial, experiential), and algorithmic adaptations (hashtags, interaction rhythms). In-depth interviews with 20 top-tier influencers provided insights into production logic. Cross-cultural surveys (N=500) and eye-tracking experiments further explored audience responses to “spiciness visualization” among East Asian and Western viewers. Findings reveal three major patterns: (1) high-virality videos rely on “sensory bombardment” strategies, with close-ups of chili oil and steam within the first three seconds (Digital Spiciness Index = 0.78); (2) cultural translatability significantly shapes outcomes, with East Asian audiences emphasizing dining rituals (e.g., dipping sauce preparation), while Western audiences prefer challenge-oriented content (e.g., #SpicyNoodleChallenge); and (3) TikTok’s algorithm amplifies “lightweight cultural transmission,” privileging short, high-stimulus formats. The study proposes a dual-driven “sensory-algorithm” framework for enhancing global dissemination of Chongqing cuisine. Recommendations include standardizing spiciness indicators (e.g., 40% chili-oil close-ups, spiciness progress bars), adopting challenge-based designs, and implementing cultural sensitivity mechanisms such as graded adaptation (e.g., masking visceral ingredients, multilingual captions). Collaboration between local governments and platforms to develop a “Chongqing Cuisine Digital IP” is suggested to link virtual cultural promotion with offline gastronomic experiences, contributing to sustainable gastro-cultural ecosystems.
The Communication Value of Traditional Chinese Cultural Content in Costume Dramas
This study aims to analyze the role of costume dramas in communicating traditional Chinese cultural values and narratives and examine audience perceptions and reception of traditional Chinese culture through costume dramas. Findings indicate that Chinese costume dramas effectively convey traditional values such as Confucian ethics, filial piety, and respect for hierarchy. Audience reception varies based on cultural proximity, with East and Southeast Asian viewers demonstrating higher engagement, while Western audiences rely more on subtitles and external research. Additionally, streaming platforms play a crucial role in global dissemination, enhancing accessibility and cross-cultural interaction. However, challenges such as historical inaccuracies, government censorship, and commercialization remain concerns. Despite these challenges, costume dramas contribute significantly to China's soft power and cultural diplomacy, shaping domestic and international perceptions of Chinese heritage.
Advancing Administrative Service Quality in Higher Education: An Integrated Model of Digital Competence, Organizational Capability, Career Path Clarity, Cross-Unit Collaboration, and Administrative Process Effectiveness
This study formulates a comprehensive strategic model for improving the quality of educational personnel at the University of Riau by integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Using a census of 484 administrative staff and semi-structured interviews with key institutional leaders, the research employs Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the influence of digital competence, organizational capability, career path clarity, and cross-unit collaboration on administrative service quality, with administrative process effectiveness as a moderating variable. The results reveal that all exogenous variables significantly and positively affect service quality, with organizational capability and administrative process effectiveness being the strongest determinants. Qualitative findings further validate the importance of digital literacy enhancement, structural coordination, and competency-based career systems in strengthening human resource performance. This study provides an integrated and empirically tested model that contributes to the literature on non-academic human resource development in Indonesian higher education and offers actionable strategies for institutional transformation toward efficient, transparent, and user-oriented administrative services.
Participatory Paradigm of Licensingin the Implementation of Spatial Planning Development Policy in Indonesia: A Proposal
The licensing paradigm in spatial planning development policy plays a crucial role as a regulatory instrument for controlling land use. However, if this function is applied partially and lacks public participation, the effectiveness of law enforcement in a spatial planning becomes weak. This article aims to analyze the role of licensing in the implementation of spatial planning development policies and formulates a collaborative model to enhance public participation. Using a normative approach with a juridical-normative method, this study examines licensing regulations based on applicable laws and the factors influencing their implementation. The findings indicate that policy inconsistencies, weak law enforcement, and low public participation are the main obstacles to effective spatial governance. Therefore, a new paradigm that emphasizes participation is needed to be institutionalized in order to plan, to utilitize, and to control the use of land. By optimizing the licensing function not only as a control tool but also as an empowerment of social participatory instrument, spatial planning policies can become more inclusive and sustainable.
Workplace Harassment and Employee Outcomes: Exploring the Links to Burnout, Turnover Intention, and Absenteeism
This study examines links between workplace harassment and employee outcomes—burnout, turnover intention, and absenteeism—using multiple regression on data from varied industries. Four harassment dimensions were tested: verbal harassment, workload harassment, social exclusion, and threats/intimidation. Harassment significantly predicted all outcomes. Verbal harassment related strongly to burnout (β = .28, p < .001) and turnover intention (β = .22, p < .01). Workload harassment was the most influential across outcomes, especially absenteeism (β = .27, p < .001). Social exclusion predicted burnout (β = .17, p < .01) and turnover intention (β = .21, p < .01), but not absenteeism. Threats/intimidation strongly predicted turnover intention (β = .29, p < .001) and burnout (β = .26, p < .001). Models explained 46% of burnout, 42% of turnover intention, and 31% of absenteeism variance. Findings underscore the need for proactive prevention, supportive reporting mechanisms, and inclusive cultures to reduce distress, turnover, and absence.
Analysis of Alza and eMAG in the Hungarian E-Commerce
Our research compared the two main online retailers. Through secondary source analysis, we explored the business models of e-commerce, comparing the two companies' product offerings, delivery terms, marketing, payment and return terms, and other services. We first examined preferences for online and offline commerce, then the marketing activities of the two companies and finally satisfaction. Both organisations need to enhance customer satisfaction and customer experience. eMAG needs to improve its brand attractiveness and make more effort to attract attention. Even though Alza has attracted attention, it still needs to motivate people to buy, as their shopping preferences are less favourable. We have found that domestic consumers want online shopping to be convenient, easy and safe, so improving this area could enhance their shopping experience. Tailoring customer interactions, targeted advertising and personalised offers based on the purchase data obtained can help to increase propensity to buy. And regular satisfaction surveys and soliciting customer feedback can help identify potential problems early and address them quickly.
Positive and Negative Impacts of Influencer Marketing on Companies and Society
Influencer marketing has become a prominent player in the marketing world in recent years, as opinion leaders help companies reach their target audiences effectively. With the rise of digital marketing, influencers have a huge influence on consumers, creating opportunities for companies to interact with their audience and respond to market changes. The aim of influencer marketing is for companies to promote their products and services through influencers, connecting directly with consumers. Authentic content builds brand loyalty and consumer trust, and increases brand visibility and reach. However, there are also dangers: some influencers can mislead audiences by painting a false image or simply by greenwashing by falsely claiming to be environmentally friendly. It is important that companies choose their interactions with influencers carefully, as the behaviour of opinion leaders can directly affect brand credibility. A potential scandal could damage the image of the company, so choosing the right profile is key. Focus on the activity rate rather than the number of followers, as followers can be easily bought, which can distort the true reach. The impact of influencer marketing can vary for different age groups and genders, so companies need to carefully consider the aspects they take into account when running their campaigns. Ultimately, influencer marketing has a complex impact on both society and companies, so it is essential to be aware of both the positive and negative aspects.
Analyzing the Impact of Transformational Leadership on Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Employee Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of “Tamoon” Relationships in the Qatari Work Environment
This research aims to analyze the impact of transformational leadership on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and employee job satisfaction, with a focus on the mediating role of the “Tamoon” relationship—a socio-cultural concept rooted in mutual trust, support, and personal interaction within Arab environments. “Tamoon” represents a key cultural factor believed to enhance the quality of leader–employee relationships, potentially reflecting positively on employees’ proactive behaviors and their overall job satisfaction. The importance of this research lies in the need to integrate local cultural values with modern leadership approaches to strike a balance between organizational governance requirements and the nature of social relations within Qatari institutions. The study aims to provide a scientific framework that enables institutions to enhance performance through culturally grounded leadership and voluntary employee engagement. The research employed a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing a quantitative method. Data were collected through a closed-ended questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The target population consisted of employees from both public and private Qatari institutions with at least two years of experience. The sample size was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan formula to ensure accurate representation of the study population. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as correlation, regression, and path analysis to identify direct and indirect relationships among the independent variable (transformational leadership), the mediating variable (“Tamoon” relationship), and the dependent variables (organizational citizenship behavior and employee job satisfaction). The results revealed a positive impact of transformational leadership on both organizational citizenship behavior and job satisfaction, with “Tamoon” relationships reinforcing this impact through their mediating role. The research recommends developing a practical model for Qatari institutional leaders that balances the use of cultural values, such as “Tamoon,” with modern leadership practices. It also emphasizes leveraging employees’ years of experience to mentor less experienced staff, strengthening employees’ organizational attachment, analyzing gender-based differences in transformational leadership and “Tamoon” relationships, exploring variations between public and private sectors, and enhancing transformational leadership competencies.
Participatory Digital Media Model for International Chinese Language Education: Mechanisms, Empirical Validation, and Strategic Pathways
The integration of digital technologies into international Chinese language education has reshaped the modes, channels, and mechanisms of knowledge dissemination. This study explores the development and validation of a participatory digital media model for international Chinese language learning, focusing on the interplay between technological embodiment, learners’ perceptual experiences, and knowledge dissemination outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, this research examines the evolution of digital media in international Chinese education through four developmental phases: the initial emergence of online instruction, the expansion of digital platforms, the proliferation of digital resources, and the current transition toward intelligent and immersive learning environments. The study constructs a mechanism model that elucidates how embodied environments and embodied perceptions jointly shape the effectiveness of knowledge dissemination. Empirical findings reveal significant positive relationships among online interaction, resource quality, embodied perception, and dissemination outcomes, while embodied perception mediates the relationship between the digital environment and learners’ satisfaction and continuance intentions. Challenges such as insufficient digital literacy among educators and inadequate evaluation frameworks are identified, and a four-dimensional optimization strategy is proposed to enhance future practices. The findings contribute theoretical insights into digital media’s role in international language education and offer practical pathways for leveraging AI, big data, and virtual reality technologies to promote high-quality, learner-centered Chinese language education in the digital era.
Socially Responsible Communication in the Service of the Ethical Enterprise
This article examines how firms’ ethical practices affect consumers’ decisions not to boycott, particularly when one or more incident(s) are perceived as unethical. It also highlights the moderating role of socially responsible communication in this dynamic. In an environment marked by heightened awareness of ethical issues, companies increasingly have to justify their actions to an active and connected public. The empirical study conducted with 279 respondents shows that a strong ethical commitment can positively influence the decision not to boycott, even when unethical incident(s) are perceived. Furthermore, the results indicate that socially responsible communication mobilizes social‑media users in support of the firm, thereby mitigating boycott intentions by reinforcing the firm’s moral legitimacy. These findings provide actionable insights into the levers companies can use to safeguard their image in a context where consumers are growingly sensitive to ethical concerns.
The Everyday Politics of Gender, Work, and Domestic Labour: A Qualitative Inquiry into Changing Family Roles in Contemporary African Households
Across many African societies, gendered divisions of labour within the household are undergoing gradual transformation as economic pressures, educational attainment, media influence, and cultural interactions reshape expectations of masculinity and femininity. Yet these changes unfold unevenly, often producing tension, negotiation, and new cultural meanings around work, identity, and domestic responsibility. This qualitative study explores how individuals in Ghanaian households interpret and navigate shifting gender roles in the domains of care, domestic labour, income-generation, and family decision-making. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 30 participants from Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, and Takoradi, the study reveals that gender negotiations unfold through everyday cultural politics shaped by tradition, religion, economic realities, and aspirations for modernity. The findings highlight four dynamics: the silent persistence of traditional gender scripts; emerging partnership models based on shared labour; the symbolic politics of masculinity and breadwinning; and the subtle resistance strategies used by women to renegotiate domestic authority. The study contributes to interdisciplinary debates on gender, work, and cultural change by showing how households become sites of cultural negotiation, identity-making, and social transformation.
How Academic Climate Shapes Mentorship and Enhances Lecturer Career Development
In this article we investigate how the academic climate and the research culture influence the career development of lecturers by embedding mentoring as a key developmental process in higher education. This paper contributes to the sparse literature on the interaction between institutional contexts and professional development by developing an integrated model of how relational (baselining from environments) and structural factors (features of academic activities that vary in degree to which they are individualized) intersect in the shaping lives of academics. The results demonstrate the direct role played by conducive academic atmospheres and robust research environments in facilitating career trajectories; they also work through mentorship, which may reinforce developmental support, professional growth and involvement in scholarly work. The study provides a new understanding of the role mentorship plays as a main conduit that institutional conditions are channeled through to affect individual academic advancement, providing further evidence regarding the strategic importance of merging support at an institutional level with personal development as practices. These findings enhance our understanding of academic human resource development and have implications for how universities can promote more productive, research-intensive and mentorship-based academic communities.
Material Atmospheres in Cultural Architecture: A Phenomenological and Empirical Study of the Royal Danish Playhouse
Materiality in architecture has long been theorized as a central mediator of human perception, emotion, and memory. This study aims to find out how architectural materials influence emotional and sensory experience in cultural spaces, and in what ways phenomenological theories of materiality can be empirically observed in lived spatial perception. The study bridges phenomenological theory and lived perception by evaluating how material choices affect feelings of warmth, calmness, openness, and comfort, as well as broader atmospheric reception. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining theoretical analysis with an empirical sensory-emotional survey conducted in the Royal Danish Playhouse. Eighty-five participants evaluated their spatial experience across dimensions including emotional tone, sensory engagement, material harmony, and perceived atmosphere. Responses were documented using structured Likert scales and open reflection prompts. Findings indicate that materials play a measurable role in shaping emotional and atmospheric response. Light and texture emerged as key mediators, confirming that materiality shapes emotional and spatial perception and validating phenomenological understandings of architectural atmosphere.
Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility as a Key Factor in Enhancing Innovation and Entrepreneurial Orientation for SME Sustainability: Triple Bottom Line Theory Approach
This study aims to investigate the impact of CSR implementation on Entrepreneurial orientation, innovation behavior, and SMEs' sustainability, focusing on the triple bottom line theory approach. This study employs a quantitative approach with SEM-PLS as a tool of analysis. Data were collected by surveying 83 SME owners operating around the PT. NHM mining area in North Maluku, using a structured questionnaire based on validated scales from previous studies. This research adopts a multidimensional approach, measuring CSR across three main dimensions: economic, environmental, and social. The economic dimension assesses CSR’s contribution to competitiveness, efficiency, innovation, and business growth. The ecological dimension examines the role of CSR in driving sustainability-oriented innovation and compliance with environmental regulations. The social dimension evaluates the impact of CSR on employee well-being, community engagement, and institutional and stakeholder pressures. Innovation behavior in this study is measured through three key aspects: idea generation, idea promotion, and idea realization. Meanwhile, entrepreneurial orientation is analyzed based on four dimensions: proactiveness, risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness, and autonomy. SME sustainability is assessed using six key indicators: sales growth, profit growth, asset growth, customer base, and market reach. The analysis shows that CSR significantly enhances SME sustainability (0.529, p = 0.000). However, CSR negatively impacts entrepreneurial orientation (-0.629, p = 0.000) and innovation behavior (-0.300, p = 0.019), indicating potential trade-offs. Entrepreneurial orientation positively influences sustainability (0.373, p = 0.003), while innovation behavior has an insignificant negative effect (-0.236, p = 0.275). The analysis reveals a complex relationship between CSR, indirect effect, entrepreneurial orientation, innovation behavior, and SME sustainability. CSR has a direct positive effect on SME sustainability but negatively impacts it through entrepreneurial orientation (-0.235, p = 0.004), suggesting that CSR may constrain entrepreneurial initiatives. Meanwhile, the indirect effect through innovation behavior is positive but statistically insignificant (0.071, p = 0.360), indicating that CSR-driven innovation does not necessarily enhance sustainability.
The Digital Economy, Women’s Work and Inclusion in Africa: A Pathway to African Development
Globally, women perform two-thirds of labour but earn far less income due to lack of opportunities compared to their male counterparts in professional, technical, and managerial jobs. In Africa, women constitute over 50% of economically active population, but gender gaps in income still persist. Africa is presently undergoing structural transformation giving way for service oriented labour instead of agriculture. The services sector which constitutes the digital economy is growing massively, providing employment opportunities. Individuals use innovative digital tools to work and transact business remotely in the comfort of their homes. This has provided opportunities for many women for businesses and employment that gives them time for childcare as such providing increased income and economic development. This paper examines the potential, opportunities, and barriers in the digital economy for women's inclusion. The paper also examines how women can leverage the digital economy to ease conflict between childcare burden and work, enhancing income and standard of living. The paper adopts qualitative method and conducts systematic review. Findings show that opportunities in the digital economy include digital entrepreneurship and cyber security skills. The paper outlines challenges such as financial, social, and technological barriers that are limiting women’s involvement in the digital economy.
A Framework for Enhancing Airline Chatbot User Experience
Many businesses today including the airline industry have achieved newfound ways of providing service to consumers through chatbots which deliver quick efficient seamless interactions enabling better satisfaction for users and business operation streamlining. The research focuses specifically on examining the feedback of users of their dialogue with airline chatbots as the study aims to develop a Utilization Framework that provides all the necessary components to enhance the services of an airline chatbot system. It has been established in the created framework that the phases of the following components from Opening, Dialog Flow, Referrals, to Exit are necessary for a better experience of the chatbot services. Results from the thematic analysis reveal seven central themes: 1) Ease of Use and Accessibility, 2) Helpfulness and Effectiveness, 3) User Frustration and Difficulty, 4) Need for Improvement and Human Support, 5) Impersonal and Robotic Interaction, 6) Perception of Quality and Value and, 7) Specific Functional Feedback. System improvement relies on the critical feedback mechanism during the Exit phase to facilitate continuous improvement. The research delivers a crucial understanding of chatbot development, particularly for airlines and other similar industries which depend on customer satisfaction along with service quality to maintain client retention.
The Paranormal Belief Among Iraqi University Students
Over the past three decades, researchers have increasingly focused on studying the rise of paranormal beliefs among students and the general public, despite advancements in scientific knowledge and higher levels of education. Singer and Benassi (1981) indicated that the level of belief in the paranormal could be considered an indicator of deficiencies in science education programs. Accordingly, paranormal belief is viewed as a violation of scientific facts and laws, posing a threat to public scientific literacy. This necessitates identifying and diagnosing such beliefs within society, particularly among students, as a crucial step toward addressing gaps and weaknesses in the educational system. The goal is to enhance scientific understanding and foster critical thinking in the face of such phenomena. Therefore, the present study seeks to uncover the level of paranormal belief among Iraqi university students and to analyze differences in belief levels based on gender and academic specialization.
Regulatory Measures Regarding Security Token Offering in Decentralized Systems for Combatting Money Laundering in Thailand
This research undertakes a comparative analysis of Thailand’s anti-money laundering (“AML”) regulatory framework in relation to the most recent recommendations issued by the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”) concerning money laundering risks associated with Security Token Offerings (“STOs”) conducted via blockchain technology. The objective is to identify potential regulatory gaps and areas for improvement in Thailand’s existing AML measures, particularly in the areas of regulatory oversight, licensing requirements, customer due diligence (“CDD”), recordkeeping obligations, and the reporting of suspicious transactions by virtual asset service providers (“VASPs”). The methodological basis of the research is the comparative analysis method, examining Thailand’s applicable AML laws and regulations alongside FATF guidelines, relevant literature, and case law. The research found that Thailand’s applicable AML laws, including the relevant regulations, are inadequacies and inefficiencies in the regulatory oversight of securities offerings that utilize emerging technologies. Specifically, the current regulatory framework is insufficient in effectively preventing or mitigating risks related to money laundering and the financing of terrorism for investors. As a result, it does not adequately ensure the security and integrity of investments in decentralized systems, therefore, it fails to provide sufficient safeguards to protect investors from inadvertently becoming involved in unlawful activities. These shortcomings indicate a lack of alignment with international standards issued by the FATF. This research is useful to legislative authorities, lawyers, law students, and regulatory bodies, especially in Thailand, and only limited to the regulation of money laundering in Thailand and does not provide empirical research.
Agile Transformation in IT Organisations
The aim of the research is to compare different project management methodologies, especially agile and traditional linear models, with a special focus on their organisational and project methodological performance and effectiveness. At the beginning of the research process, three main hypotheses were formulated: agile methodologies increase organisational performance and efficiency, are more effective in IT projects compared to the traditional waterfall model, and may pose a risk to organisational design in the long run. The primary research involved questionnaires and interviews with ICT leaders and managers with experience in agile transformation. The questionnaire survey was designed to collect qualitative and quantitative data, while the interviews provided deeper insights into the experiences of managers and the implications of adopting agile methods in their companies. The data analysis phase involved statistical and qualitative analyses of the data, which highlighted the benefits and risks of adopting agile methods. The results helped to test the research hypotheses and contributed to a deeper understanding of the differences between methodologies and the organisational impact of agile transformation, thus supporting the research objectives and contributing to the scientific discourse.
Organisational Culture in the World of Remote Working
In my research I analysed virtual organisations, paying particular attention to their structural characteristics, management functions and organisational culture. I emphasized the role of organizational culture as an integrating force and used the iceberg model to examine the fit between the individual and the organization. I defined organisational culture in terms of beliefs, values and attitudes. The practical analysis focused on a well-known telecommunications company, where I used oral and written interviews and online questionnaires. My aim was to explore the visible and hidden cultural dimensions and to examine the alignment between individual and organisational goals. My hypotheses were confirmed by considering culture, as well as managerial and structural characteristics. My first hypothesis focused on maintaining cohesion by strengthening the organisational culture during remote working. I sought to answer how culture can help increase cohesion between remote teams. I found that good leaders are able to motivate their employees and that providing appropriate communication channels is key. Based on the interviews, I see that communication in the company is generally good, but there are some gaps in the interaction with external agencies. My second hypothesis explored the effects of organisational culture on information flow and collaboration. My research revealed that, in addition to video conferencing and chat applications, collaborative projects help teams achieve their goals. My third hypothesis focused on employee motivation and effectiveness. I found that joint programmes and events, such as online games and workshops, strengthen team spirit. At the same time, I missed opportunities for social responsibility, which could help bring teams together and increase empathy. The results of my research show that organisational culture plays a key role in the success of remote working. A strong culture fosters a sense of community, motivation and increased efficiency. Companies that take these factors into account can increase their competitiveness and become attractive employers. My research has not addressed the legitimacy of different organisational forms, but it is clear that these models are an integral part of the economy. In future research, it would also be worthwhile to look more deeply into the issue of maintaining trust and reciprocity.
Improving Audit Quality and Business Decision-Making: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Professional Skepticism in Conjunction with Professional Ethics
This study examines the influence of emotional intelligence and professional skepticism on audit quality and business decision-making, while also assessing the moderating role of professional ethics. Using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), data were collected from auditors working in Public Accounting Firms (KAP) across South Sulawesi. From an estimated 100 active auditors, respondents were chosen through probability sampling, specifically simple random sampling, to ensure representative findings. The results show that emotional intelligence has a significant and positive impact on both audit quality and business decision-making. Auditors with higher levels of emotional intelligence are better equipped to regulate emotions, address ethical dilemmas, and deliver superior audit outcomes and managerial judgments. In contrast, professional skepticism does not significantly influence either audit quality or decision-making, suggesting that its role may depend on contextual or organizational conditions. Importantly, professional ethics strengthen the relationship between emotional intelligence, professional skepticism, audit quality, and decision-making, highlighting the critical importance of ethics in professional practice. Future research is encouraged to expand the sample size and incorporate diverse methods such as interviews and observations to reduce bias and enrich insights. Further exploration of professional skepticism is also recommended, particularly regarding behavioral consistency and the influence of work environments.
Sustainability of Remote Work After the Pandemic: The Relationship Between Managerial Support, Flexibility and Employee Satisfaction
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally transformed the world of work and accelerated the spread of remote work and hybrid work models. The aim of this study is to explore the organizational and individual factors that influence the effectiveness of hybrid work in the post-pandemic period, as well as how employee satisfaction and work-life balance perceptions have changed. The research was conducted using a mixed methodology: quantitative questionnaire data collection was supplemented by qualitative interviews that examined the differences between managerial and employee perspectives. The results show that hybrid work increases performance and satisfaction when the organization provides clear communication protocols, flexible time frames, and adequate digital infrastructure. At the same time, the decline in face-to-face interactions and the blurring of boundaries have created new sources of stress. We can conclude that the hybrid model is not just a temporary solution, but the basic form of the workplace of the future, based on a balance between efficiency, flexibility, and employee well-being
Financial Ratios on Reducing Financial Distress Moderated by ESG
This study investigates the influence of financial ratios, including leverage, liquidity, operating capacity, and operating cash flow, on financial distress among NASDAQ-100 companies from 2013 to 2023. Using panel data regression on 700 firm-year observations, the results reveal that leverage increases financial distress, while liquidity, operating capacity, and operating cash flow help reduce it. Moreover, ESG disclosure plays a dual role: it directly contributes to reducing financial distress and significantly moderates the relationship between liquidity and distress. These findings support stakeholder theory and underscore the importance of integrating financial fundamentals with transparent ESG reporting to enhance corporate financial resilience.
Impacting Innovation Culture on Fintech Development and Financial Stability at Commercial Banks in Vietnam
This study examines how Fintech development influences the financial stability of commercial banks in Vietnam, with particular attention to the mediating role of operational efficiency and the moderating effects of digitalization, risk management capability, and bank size. A mixed-methods design was employed: qualitative insights from interviews with 30 financial experts were used to refine measurement constructs, followed by a quantitative survey of 500 bank managers in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province, yielding 474 valid responses. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0. The empirical results demonstrate that Fintech development significantly enhances both operational efficiency and financial stability. Among the antecedents of Fintech development, technological infrastructure exhibits the most decisive influence, followed by the legal framework, innovation culture, and customer behavior. Operational efficiency partially mediates the relationship between Fintech development and financial stability, while digitalization, risk management, and bank size significantly moderate key structural paths. The model explains substantial variance in Fintech development (R² = 0.483), operational efficiency (R² = 0.221), and financial stability (R² = 0.563). These findings provide novel evidence on how Fintech expansion strengthens banking resilience in emerging markets. Policy recommendations are proposed for regulators and bank executives to enhance technological readiness, risk governance, and digital transformation strategies in Vietnam’s banking sector.
Impact of Organizational Culture on Business Performance and Sustainable Development: Evidence from Small and Medium Enterprises in Vietnam
This study investigates the role of organizational culture in shaping business performance and sustainable development among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. This economic sector contributes substantially to national growth yet faces persistent challenges related to resource constraints and sustainability transitions. Grounded in the Resource-Based View, Institutional Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, the research develops a multidimensional structural model integrating internal capabilities and external institutional factors, including environmental practices, social responsibility, governance conditions, political influences, technological change, and tax policy. The model was refined through expert consultation with 30 economic management specialists and empirically validated using survey data from 875 SME managers across southern Vietnam. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to examine measurement validity and test hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that organizational culture exerts the most substantial positive influence on business performance and also significantly contributes to sustainable development. External institutional factors demonstrate statistically significant but modest effects, indicating limited practical influence within transitional economic contexts. Technological change emerges as a meaningful driver of sustainable development and further strengthens the cultural impact through a positive moderating effect. Business performance also positively affects sustainability outcomes, underscoring the role of financial and operational capacity in enabling long-term sustainability investment. The model explains 36.7% of the variance in business performance and 34.7% of the variance in sustainable development. This study contributes to the literature by providing an integrated theoretical and empirical perspective on SME sustainability in emerging economies. It offers actionable insights for policymakers and enterprise leaders seeking to foster sustainable competitiveness.
The Semantic Impact of the Responses of Sibawayh’s Commentators and Their Morphological Objections in the 4th Century AH
Sibawayh’s book is considered a foundation in the art of morphology due to the rules and principles it included that completely encompassed the science related to morphology, as it fulfilled its laws and investigated its rules. Accordingly, this study aimed to trace the responses of the book’s commentators to Sibawayh and their morphological objections in the fourth century AH, by examining the aspect of the commentators’ responses and objections is on the aspect of the morphological study, which includes the structures of verbs. To achieve this, the researcher has adopted the inductive approach, which depends on collecting scientific material by examining the sources of the commentators on the book by Sibawayh, and then using the comparative analytical method to clarify and clarify Aspects of the commentators’ responses and objections to the book. The study achieved many results, perhaps the most important of which is that the grammarians relied on their comments on Sibawayh in the book.
Managing Inventory Risks in SMEs: Strategic Approaches to Stocking, Supplier Choice and Digital Solutions
In a globalized and unpredictable economic environment, effective and strategic inventory management plays a key role in the life of every business. This is especially true for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are forced to respond quickly and flexibly to changing market demands with limited resources. This study examines the strategic importance of inventory management using the example of a Hungarian SME, qsd2 Kft., with a particular focus on geotextiles as a key product category. The research focuses on two key questions: the impact of the introduction of the consignment inventory model on the financial stability and customer service of , and the role of the geographical diversification of the supplier network (domestic, EU, and Chinese partners) in terms of cost efficiency and risk management. The study, which combines qualitative and quantitative methods—based on an analysis of company documents, semi-structured interviews, and procurement data—shows that consignment stocking has significantly improved the company's liquidity and reduced customer dissatisfaction due to stock shortages. In addition, the conscious geographical diversification of suppliers contributed to increased security of supply and reduced cost volatility. At the same time, the practical application of the model has also brought administrative, legal, and communication challenges to the surface. One of the most important lessons of the research is that inventory management can become a real competitive advantage for SMEs if it is supported not only at the operational level but also with a strategic and technological approach. Digital decision support systems, advanced demand forecasting techniques, and the integration of sustainability considerations can open up new perspectives in inventory optimization. Future research could expand our knowledge of this topic through cross-sector comparisons and a deeper examination of the role of IoT-based inventory monitoring and AI-supported forecasting solutions.
Working Conditions and Professional Well-Being: Teacher Retention and Performance in Secondary Education
The sustainability and attractiveness of the teaching profession has received increased attention in recent years due to labor shortages in public education and the exodus from the teaching profession. The aim of this research was to explore what factors provided by employers secondary school teachers consider most important in terms of job satisfaction, and to what extent these factors influence their performance, their intention to remain in the profession, and their positive communication about their school. Our original plan was to conduct a comparative analysis between Hungary and Slovakia, but unfortunately, we were unable to collect enough responses from the Slovak side. The questionnaire survey was therefore conducted in Hungary from May 2024 to May 2025, using convenience sampling, based on the responses of a total of 157 people. During the research, weighted satisfaction indicators were developed, combining the benefits and conditions that teachers considered important and actually experienced. Using multivariate linear regression analyses, it was found that access to continuous professional development, technical equipment, humane leadership, and professional recognition have a positive and significant impact on teachers' attitudes. These factors predicted performance, loyalty, and a positive image of the school, while the "important but lacking" elements proved insufficient to maintain motivation. The research showed that providing benefits considered important at the level of promises is not enough to retain teachers—their availability and actual satisfaction are at least as important.
Tradition as Economic Value: The Role of Medicinal Herbs in Emerging Green Health Markets
This study examines the cultural, social, and economic contexts of herbal medicine use in Hungary, as well as in the Carpathian Basin and Hungarian-populated regions of Europe. Its aim is to explore how traditional plant knowledge lives on and is utilized in 21st-century health and economic systems, with particular regard to the growing demand for phytotherapeutic products and the development of natural-based industries. Ethnobotanical heritage has survived in Hungarian and cross-border communities—especially in the Csángó, Székely, and Transdanubian regions—not only as an element of cultural identity but also as a local economic resource (Papp & Birkás-Frendl, 2013; Pinke & Kapcsándi, 2022). The research is based on semi-structured interviews, field observations, and international comparisons, with a particular focus on market and social trends that strengthen the economic embeddedness of the alternative health industry and natural products. The results identified three main attitude types: traditional (based on local knowledge and community self-sufficiency), conscious modern (digital and eco-oriented consumer behavior), and spiritual-ritual (identity- and community-forming). The use of medicinal herbs is therefore not merely a health-preserving practice, but also a value-creating economic activity that bridges local knowledge and the global market. The study highlights that the future of phytotherapy lies in the synergy of traditional knowledge, scientific validation, and innovative value chains. This connection can contribute to the diversification of rural economies, the development of a sustainable health industry, and the long-term competitiveness of the green economy.
Health Awareness and Economic Dimensions of Medicinal Herb Consumption: An Interdisciplinary Perspective
The use of medicinal herbs is playing an increasingly important role in natural health maintenance and prevention strategies, in line with European and global trends aimed at reducing lifestyle diseases through sustainable, low-risk means. The aim of the research was to explore the patterns of herbal medicine use among the Hungarian population using quantitative methods, based on a sample of 223 respondents. Cluster analysis identified four distinct consumer groups: minimally affected, committed intensive users, balanced users, and average interested parties. According to the results, attitudes towards medicinal herbs are overwhelmingly positive; strong social trust can be observed, especially in terms of safety. The standard deviation is low, with the majority of responses falling in the upper range of the scale ( ). The socio-demographic analysis (gender, age, place of residence, educational attainment) revealed statistically significant differences between the clusters, confirming that the use of phytotherapy is linked not only to health attitudes but also to social status. The Hungarian patterns fit well with the integrative approach preferred by the EU and WHO recommendations, which incorporates natural remedies into public health systems in a complementary manner. The practical application of the results is mainly evident in targeted health communication and regulatory development.
The Convergence of Human Resource Management and Artificial Intelligence: Practical Applications and Ethical Dilemmas
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most significant innovations in human resource management (HRM) today, fundamentally transforming the practices of recruitment, performance management, employee experience, and knowledge management. The aim of this study is to explore the organizational, technological, and psychological factors involved in the integration of AI into HR processes and to examine the attitudes and perceptions of managers, HR, and IT experts. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach: quantitative analysis using Spearman correlations identified significant relationships between the perceived effects of AI, while qualitative, semi-structured interviews provided deeper insight into the practical challenges of implementation. According to the results, respondents primarily associate the use of AI with improvements in efficiency, innovation, and work-life balance, while expressing particular concern about data security, ethical use, and employee trust. Based on interviews with managers and IT experts, the key to successful implementation is gradual integration, employee training and involvement, and a reliable technological infrastructure. The novelty of the research lies in its interdisciplinary approach, which combines technological, human, and organizational perspectives. The results contribute to the scientific and practical foundation for the ethical and sustainable implementation of AI-based HR systems.
The Rise of Streaming Services: A Challenge to Traditional Television?
The rapid rise of streaming services has ushered in a new era in media consumption, fundamentally transforming the traditional form of television. Platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max provide instant and flexible access to users, who can consume content without advertisements and in a personalized manner. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this change, as streaming has become the main form of entertainment for many during quarantine. The aim of the study is to explore the extent to which the rise of streaming services threatens the future of traditional television and whether the two platforms can coexist in the long term. By analyzing Hungarian and international data, the research highlights the declining trend in traditional television subscriptions and the rapid growth of the streaming market. Based on the results, the role of traditional television is increasingly being pushed into the background, while the streaming industry continues to grow dynamically, offering a sustainable alternative for media content consumption in the long term.
Generational Differences and Organizational Resilience: Addressing Workplace Conflicts
This study examines the issue of generational conflicts and motivational differences in the workplace in the 21st-century organizational environment, with a particular focus on the role of assertiveness, agility, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) . The aim of the research was to explore how different generations (Baby Boomers, X, Y, Z) relate to the value of work, self-actualization, and technological change, and how generational differences can be turned into a motivational advantage. The study was exploratory in nature, based on a non-representative sample, and used a qualitative approach to interpret communication patterns, leadership styles, and the relationships between generational attitudes. The results show that conflicts are primarily driven by different motivational structures rather than differences in values: while older generations value stability and loyalty, younger generations prioritize flexibility, learning, and social impact. The buzzwords of the 21st century—such as AI use, agile organizational functioning, and CSR-oriented leadership—provide a new interpretive framework for generational cooperation. The study concludes that assertive communication and value-based leadership can be effective tools for bridging generational differences. However, the limitations of the research include the non-representative sample and the lack of a standardized, validated questionnaire that would be capable of measuring complex, mutually reinforcing psychological and technological factors. The research contributes to the literature on generational research, organizational behavior, and human resource management by pointing out that generational differences are not insurmountable obstacles, but rather the foundation for developing a sustainable and innovative organizational culture.
Green Warehouses - The Future of Sustainable Logistics
As sustainability becomes an increasingly critical priority in logistics and supply chain management, the implementation of green warehousing practices has emerged as a key area of interest for both academic researchers and practitioners. This study aims to examine the feasibility, current level of implementation, and perceived environmental and operational benefits of green warehousing features—such as selective waste collection, energy-efficient lighting systems, the use of renewable energy sources, and green roofs—among companies operating in Győr-Moson-Sopron County, Hungary. Based on a quantitative survey conducted among a diverse sample of companies varying in size and sectoral focus, the research explores the extent to which green warehousing practices are integrated into everyday operations. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software, applying descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to assess the relationship between company characteristics (e.g., size, ownership structure, industry) and the implementation of specific green solutions. The results indicate a growing awareness of and openness toward environmentally sustainable warehousing. However, they also reveal significant barriers to implementation, primarily related to financial limitations, technological readiness, and lack of institutional incentives. While larger firms appear more capable of adopting advanced green technologies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face structural challenges that hinder their transition toward more sustainable warehousing models. This study contributes to the literature on green logistics by providing empirical insights into the regional dynamics of sustainable warehouse management. Furthermore, it offers practical implications for policy-makers, industry actors, and support organizations seeking to foster the wider adoption of green practices in warehousing, especially in the context of SMEs operating in regional economies.
Impact Of Public Expenditure on Science and Technology, Education, and Innovation on Economic Growth in Latin America, 1990 – 2022
Purpose: To analyze to what extent public spending impacts the economic growth of Latin America, 1990 – 2022. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative approach methodology, basic type, non-experimental design with longitudinal section and explanatory level was used. The analysis sample was between 1990 and 2022. Likewise, for the preparation of the thesis, the following data documents were used: World Bank Data and Real GDP Data 1990 to 2022. The technique employed involved documentary analysis, supported by an instrument specifically developed to guide the process. Findings: The results identified a positive and significant correlation between the variables science and technology, education and innovation, and GDP growth; the p-value was less than 0.05 for the established hypothesis tests. Furthermore, an R-squared of 0.9621 was found, and Fisher's F test was equivalent to 0.000, demonstrating the overall relevance of the model. Thus, the findings were in greater agreement with Zhong (2021), who mentions that government spending on science and technology has an important impact on economic development. Conclusions: There is an effect of public spending related to science and technology, Education and Scientific Innovation on the economic growth of Latin America during the period 1990 - 2022, which was verified using Fisher's F test.
Cattle theft and recovery challenges along South Africa’s borders: A case study of North-West Province
Livestock theft, particularly cattle, has emerged as a persistent issue along the borders of South Africa, undermining agricultural productivity, economic stability, and the livelihoods of rural communities. Despite the implementation of various legal frameworks aimed at mitigating theft and aiding the recovery of stolen livestock, significant challenges persist, especially with the facilitation of cross-border movement by thieves and stolen cattle. This manuscript explores the systemic barriers to effective cattle recovery. It focuses on the role of livestock passports, and provides an in-depth case study of North-West Province, where theft is particularly rampant. We examine the dynamics of livestock theft, the legal and logistical hurdles in recovering stolen cattle, and the socio-economic impacts on the affected communities. Key recommendations are proposed to strengthen security mechanisms and improve the effectiveness of recovery systems.
E-Government in Stagnation: The Case of Digital Inertia in E-PPID Implementation at the Bali Provincial Election Commission
This research departs from the paradox between the progress of the government's digital transformation agenda and the stagnation of e-government implementation at the regional level, especially in the Electronic Information and Documentation Management Officer (E-PPID) service of the Bali Provincial General Election Commission (KPU). This study aims to analyze the characteristics of digital inertia that emerge and develop in the management of E-PPID in the Bali Provincial KPU. The method employed is qualitative, utilizing a case study design with an interpretive approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with five key informants, direct observation of system management, and documentation studies, and then analyzed using the interactive model developed by Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The results of the study show that digital inertia is formed through the interaction between the social realm and the material realm: on the one hand, a bureaucratic culture that maintains manual procedures, human resource rotation without systematic knowledge transfer, and dependence on central instruction; on the other hand, the limitations of technological infrastructure, centralized management of servers and Open Data, small document upload capacity, and reactive security responses. These two domains form a feedback loop that reproduces stagnation and decreases the quality of public information disclosure. The research concludes that sustainable digital transformation requires simultaneous intervention on the social and material dimensions, strengthening infrastructure and human resource capacity, and balancing authority between the central and regional KPU so that E-PPID truly functions as an instrument of democratic accountability.
Cultural Negotiations of Digital Transformation: Womenpreneurs and Social Media in Rural India’s Domiciliary Enterprises
The global expansion of digital ecosystems, particularly social media and communication technologies, is widely positioned as a catalyst for inclusive entrepreneurship. These platforms promise new forms of market engagement, visibility, and networking. However, their design and deployment often reflect logics that privilege formal, urban, and male-dominated entrepreneurial models, for women engaged in domiciliary enterprises, micro-enterprises operated from within the home, such digital transformations remain unevenly realised. This study emphasises how women actively interpret, accommodate and challenge digital expectations within their socio-domestic environments. Doing so positions digital adoption as a continuous process of cultural negotiation. This study further adopts a techno-feminist perspective to interrogate how women entrepreneurs in rural and semi-urban India navigate the affordances and constraints of digital technologies within gendered domestic, cultural, and policy structures. Employing an ethno-narrative methodology, the research explores how digital access is mediated by familial obligations, socio-cultural norms, and policy regimes that frequently overlook the informal labour economy. The findings reveal a complex negotiation between enabling factors, such as mobile connectivity, digital financial tools, and peer support networks, and enduring inhibitors, including digital illiteracy, restricted mobility, and limited awareness of digital governance initiatives. Social media emerges as both an enabler and a barrier: it facilitates entrepreneurial outreach and communication while simultaneously reinforcing structural exclusions. These dynamics demonstrate how digital transformation is not just technological but also culturally embedded and negotiated. In response, the study proposes the Digitally Intervened Domiciliary Womenpreneurship Model, a conceptual framework that reframes digital inclusion not as a purely technical matter, but as a socio-political, cultural and governance issue. By centring the lived experiences of womenpreneurs, the study contributes to broader debates on gender, digital equity, and participatory governance, underscoring the need for inclusive digital ecosystems that recognise and support informal, home-based enterprises.
Exploring Self-Efficacy, Expressive Capabilities, And Social Leadership in Traditional Chinese Music Performance: A Study of Music Students in Henan Universities
This study explores the role of self-efficacy in enhancing expressive performance capabilities among music students specializing in traditional Chinese instruments at universities in Henan Province, China. It investigates how self-efficacy influences musical expression, emotional regulation, and performance confidence, particularly in a context where traditional technical training often outweighs emotional and psychological support. The research also examines the impact of teaching strategies, guided by a social leadership framework, in promoting students’ self-efficacy and expressive abilities. This study provides insights into how self-efficacy theory can be applied to improve expressive performance, reduce performance anxiety, and cultivate a more holistic approach to music education in under-resourced regions. The findings suggest that fostering emotional resilience and psychological readiness, through targeted instructional practices and supportive teacher-student relationships, is key to enhancing performance outcomes. By bridging the gap between technical proficiency and emotional expression, this research contributes to the development of more comprehensive music education models in traditional Chinese instrumental pedagogy.
Optimizing Work-from-Home Systems for Academics in African Open and Distance Learning Higher Education Institutions
The evolution of open and distance learning (ODL) has transformed higher education across Africa. It offers unique access to tertiary education for diverse populations. With advancements of technology and lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, work-from-home (WFH) models for academic staff have become progressively practical. This paper examines optimal ways that African ODL higher education institutions (HEIs) can benefit from WFH systems for academics. It explores the advantages, such as enhanced productivity, cost savings, flexibility, and work-life balance, as well as the challenges, including technological limitations, reduced collaboration, and quality assurance concerns. Using examples from leading African ODL HEIs: including the University of South Africa (UNISA), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), and Open University of Tanzania (OUT), this paper identifies main institutional and systemic factors that influence the effectiveness of remote academic work. The theoretical grounding draws on OET and DTT frameworks. It highlights how digital infrastructure and supportive management can sustain performance. Findings intimate that a well-structured WFH policy improves academic engagement, institutional efficiency, and educational quality. However, optimal realization requires flawless performance management systems, formidable digital infrastructure, psychosocial support, and inclusive policy design. The paper concludes by proposing strategic and policy recommendations for African ODL HEIs to institutionalize sustainable WFH models that balance accountability, flexibility, and productivity in the post-pandemic era.
Does IFRS Adoption Reduce Unconditional Accounting Conservatism? Empirical Evidence from the SBF 250
The economic and financial transformations observed over the past two decades have profoundly changed the business environment and reinforced the importance of understanding the effects of international accounting standards on reporting practices. In this context, this study examines the impact of adopting IFRS standards on the level of unconditional conservatism among French companies. The analysis is based on an independent market measure, founded on accruals and commonly used to assess unconditional conservatism. The study covers a sample of 80 non-financial companies listed on the SBF 250 index, observed over a ten-year period. Estimates are made using a random effects GLS model, supplemented by a dynamic estimator to limit the risks of potential endogeneity. This approach makes it possible to isolate the specific effect of adopting IFRS on unconditional conservatism. The results show that after adopting IFRS, the level of unconditional conservatism decreases significantly. This finding highlights the effects of fair value on accounting conservatism and raises important implications for investors, regulators, standard setters, and corporate governance.
Post-COVID-19 Impact on Social Skills of Students in Occupational Therapy Internship of Professional Technical Level
This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social skills of fifth-year Occupational Therapy students at an institute professional Chilean, a context marked by the transition to virtual mode and then the return to face-to-face. The critical issue lies in the deterioration of essential skills such as communication and empathy due to confinement, with consequences on their professional performance during internships. The main thematic axes are mental health post-pandemic, the development of social skills in occupational therapy, and institutional responses to the crisis. To address this, an exploratory and cross-sectional quantitative methodology was used. Data collection included dichotomous surveys of students and evaluative surveys of clinical tutors, administered digitally. The data were analyzed descriptively to identify trends. The main result was the finding of insecurity and difficulties in interacting with users and colleagues, as well as a decrease in proactivity. The main conclusion is the need to implement strategies for psychoemotional support and reinforcement of social skills in professional training post-pandemic to ensure quality care in the health area.
Methamphetamine Crisis in Iraq: Motivation of Recovery, Barriers of Treatment, and Mental Health Comorbidities
Methamphetamine use in Iraq is a growing concern and a complex issue that is associated with social, physical, and mental health problems. This study aimed to measure levels of motivation for recovery, barriers of treatment, and associated mental health comorbidities in clients with methamphetamine addiction, as well as determining the relationship between these variables. A descriptive correlational design using a non-probability sampling technique (convenience sampling) of consenting 257 methamphetamine addicts. The study was conducted in Thi-Qar Province, Al-Hayat Center for Recovery and Addiction Recovery Center and data were collected using six parts questionnaire, sociodemographic, health-related, the severity of dependence scale, motivation and readiness for substance abuse treatment scale, barriers to retention scale, and Arabic DASS 21scale. Severity of addiction among participants ranged between moderate to severe, they had moderate to high motivation level for recovery from substance. Participants experience moderate to severe barriers to treatment reveals. Most of participants experience severe level of depression, anxiety, and stress. Significant relationships are found between motivation of recovery, barriers of treatment, and mental health comorbidities. Despite those participants reported moderate to high level of motivation of recovery from substance, they have experienced various types of barriers to treatment that inhibit their ability change or continue in the treatment process, which also makes them at higher risk for mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and stress.
Fostering Love of Culture through Habituation at School: An Effort to Preserve Sundanese Culture
This article discusses the importance of fostering cultural love through habituation in schools as an effort to preserve Sundanese culture. This research uses a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach to understand how the Sundanese cultural habituation process can foster cultural love in students. The results showed that the habituation of Sundanese culture in schools can foster a love of culture in students through the process of habituation in wearing Sundanese traditional clothes every Thursday called Nyunda Thursday, compulsory mulok Sundanese language learning, Angklung art learning as compulsory mulok art and extracurricular, Ngalageuna or writing Sundanese script as an optional extracurricular, Pencak silat as a compulsory mulok lesson and optional extracurricular, which is also called in local wisdom character education. The article recommends that schools need to prioritize the habituation of Sundanese culture as part of the education curriculum to preserve Sundanese culture and foster cultural love in students. This article makes an important contribution to the development of culture-based education strategies to support the preservation of local culture in the future.
ESL Teachers as Practitioners’ Consensus of an ESL Global Competence Framework Indicators: Rasch Measurement Model Analysis
As globalization increasingly influences educational priorities, the ability to define and measure teachers' global competence is paramount. This study aims to identify the perceived indicators of an ESL Global Competence Framework (ESLGCF) for English as a Second Language (ESL) practitioners, employing the Rasch Measurement Model (RMM) for data analysis. The data were gathered from 392 ESL practitioners across various public school settings in Malaysia to identify which factors encapsulate global competence relevant to their teaching practices. A survey questionnaire with indicators for the constructs representing three domains respectively for the framework was developed and employed to gather data aligning with the objectives of the study. The data was analyzed using the Rasch Measurement Model (RMM) which allows for a nuanced examination of item performance and constructs through item response theory, providing insights into the validity and reliability of the framework. The findings indicate a consensus among ESL teachers on several critical indicators of global competence, including cultural awareness, pedagogical adaptability, and communicative effectiveness across cultures. The development of a robust GCF within the context of ESL teaching not only addresses the educational needs of diverse learner populations but also contributes to the professionalization of ESL teaching globally.
The Administrative Competency as Possessed by Heads Departments and its Relationship to Task Delegation from the Perspective of Teaching Staff Members at the University of Baghdad
This study investigates the administrative competency of heads of scientific departments and the extent of task delegation at the University of Baghdad, as perceived by teaching staff. It also explores the correlation between administrative competency and task delegation. Using a descriptive correlational method, the study targets 6,174 teaching staff, with a random sample of 494 (8%). Two scales are developed: one for administrative competency (21 items across planning, organizing, and evaluating) and one for task delegation (21 items across decision-making, administrative, and financial delegation). The scales undergo validation for reliability and psychometric integrity. Statistical tools like mean, standard deviation, t-tests, and Pearson correlation will analyze data, leading to conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions.
Artificial Intelligence and the Human Mind: Academic Achievement, Ethical Practice, and Equity in Higher Education
Artificial intelligence, generally known as AI, has now become increasingly popular in transforming the educational arena, and it helps shape the intellectual well-being of the student and teacher community to excel in their academic performance in schools and colleges. In this paper, we have tried to study the impact of AI-enabled tools on the students' academic achievements, ethical considerations, and creativity in performing their academic duties and responsibilities. We have done an extensive data collection to study how AI systems, which include ChatGPT, Grammarly, and DeepL, positively impact students' overall performance, including their academic engagement, fairness outlook, and understanding of the subject. We have concluded that the AI tools have positively influenced students' overall performance, such as efficiency, self-regulation, and accessibility in their learning, though they also raise some concerns about ethical dilemmas, such as academic integrity, data privacy, and authorship. The increasing use of AI in education impacts creativity and critical thinking. This study reveals that AI-related tools should be viewed as intellectual partners to assist the institution in achieving its planned goals, policies, and digital literacy programs.
An Empirical Study on Strengthening Student Food Security through the Development of an Ethnofood-Based Curriculum using a needs Assessment Approach
Recent years have seen food insecurity among college students emerge as a public health concern affecting diet quality, mental health, academic achievement, and graduation rates. This study highlights the importance of developing an ethnofood-based curriculum to improve student food security. It used a mixed-methods approach with a convergent design. Participants and data sources included qualitative, quantitative, and secondary data. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with curriculum and food experts using purposive sampling. Quantitative data came from 150 Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) students via a needs analysis questionnaire. Secondary data included policy documents, official reports, and scientific literature related to food security. The results reveal that although students are very interested in ethnofood, they have limited knowledge of its nutritional benefits and lack practical skills in preparation and preservation. Lecturers and curriculum developers stress the need for flexible, competency-based programs aligned with national microcredentials and sustainable education policies. The study concludes that an ethnofood-based curriculum can enhance students’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills in using local food resources, thereby promoting food security at both individual and community levels.
Socio-Cultural Analysis on Death Rites: Case Study of Ritual Death of Kempo People, West Manggarai, Flores-Indonesia
All humans are bound to die. However, death is not the last phase of human life. Death is a transition. Every transition is marked by certain rituals. Almost all cultures practice death rituals. This research specifically aims to describe death rituals according to the tradition of Orang Kempo in West Manggarai. The method used is qualitative with instruments of observation, in-depth interviews, and Focused-Group Discussion (FGD). Based on socio-cultural analysis, the results of this study show that first, death is a separation event. The separation causes sadness. There is a feeling of loss. However, socially, the separation creates social shocks both in the family environment, and the village. This is because one of the social functions played by the deceased while still alive cannot work. The death rite in this context plays several roles. Firstly, it honours the deceased. Second, comforting the people left behind by the deceased, Third, social reconsolidation both in the family environment, as well as at the village level so that the social functions left by the deceased continue to run. Thus, social order in the family and village is maintained.
Political Propaganda Posters and Their Influence on Public Opinion: Visual Rhetoric and Political Communication
This study examines the role of political posters in shaping public opinion, identity, and civic participation. By combining images and words, posters influence emotions and decision-making, with examples ranging from historical propaganda to modern election campaigns. Using a qualitative descriptive approach supported by case studies and a literature review, the research analyzes examples such as Shepard Fairey’s Hope poster from Obama’s 2008 campaign, Bogotá’s 2019 mayoral election, Taiwan’s referendum campaigns, and wartime propaganda. The findings show that design elements such as color, layout, and facial imagery strongly affect audience attention and memory, while slogans and short text reinforce first impressions. Cultural and social contexts further shape how these messages are received, with case studies revealing that posters not only attract attention but also build group identity and motivate participation. In the digital era, posters remain persuasive tools that circulate rapidly through social media, raising both opportunities for engagement and ethical concerns about manipulation and misinformation. Their continued effectiveness highlights the enduring importance of posters as instruments of persuasion, cultural expression, and civic engagement.
The Role of Digital Transformation in Enhancing Public Revenue Management in Iraq
Digital transformation plays a very important role in enhancing the management of public revenues, and in the context of sustainable development, it has become a cornerstone of the global drive for sustainable development, especially in developing countries, including Iraq. The fact that Iraq has a super sophisticated economic system nature and other route challenges i.E., dependency at the oil revenues quite some distance from smoothly exercising effectiveness and transparency in controlling public describer has been tough equivalent to process big parts of the public wealth. In this paper, we examine the part digital tools and technologies can play in revenue collection, administration and allocation. For instance, the ease of access to public financial systems is the workflow that leads toward sustainable economic growth through the integration of digital solutions that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Through analyzing Iraq's problematic management of the revenue, as well as the impact makings digital can enterprise; this paper delineates them as a core place of anchor for developmental aspirations broader. (A.Al- Kassar et al., 2014).
Image Sexualization and Self-Sexualization in Women: The Role of Sexualized Cultural Product Consumption and Age
Aesthetic and sexualized ideals of women have become an imperative for social acceptance, contributing to the sexualization of female self-image. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the consumption of sexualized cultural products and its relationship with self-sexualization and the sexualization of women in photographs, additionally exploring the role of age in these phenomena. A total of 964 Ecuadorian women participated (M = 29.74 years; SD = 11.93), who were grouped into three age cohorts: young adults (18–29 years), middle-aged adults (30–49 years), and mature adults (50–69 years). Instruments included an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire, a survey on consumption of sexualized cultural products, the Image Sexualization Scale, and the Self-Sexualization Scale. Results showed that consumption of sexualized products significantly predicted both photo sexualization and self-sexualization, while age played a relevant role only in photo sexualization, suggesting that self-sexualization might be influenced by other factors. The findings of this study are discussed.
The Forms of Constructing the Advertising Image in the Qur'anic Parable: Rhetorical Construction as a Choice
This study explores rhetorical construction and its effective role in shaping a vibrant and dynamic advertising image that transforms abstract meanings into tangible sensory representations, thereby increasing appeal and impact on the recipient. Rhetorical techniques such as simile and metaphor, among others, have contributed to making the Qur’anic parable more comprehensible and meaningful. These techniques also enhance the depth and suggestive power of the parable, granting it an advertising communicative force that adds aesthetic dimension and effectiveness to the image aligning it with the objectives of advertising.
Fan Culture and Cultural Acceptance in Consumption Preferences and Purchase Intention of K-Products in Peruvian University Students: A Structural Equation Analysis
The research studies how fan culture and cultural acceptance influence consumption preferences and the intention to purchase Korean products among Peruvian university students. To this end, the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was used. The main purpose was to understand whether fan culture drives cultural acceptance and how this, in turn, affects the way young people consume, and purchase products linked to the Korean wave. The study took a quantitative approach, with a cross-sectional and explanatory design. A sample of 384 randomly selected students was used. The information was obtained through a validated questionnaire and analysed using SmartPLS 4.0 software. The reliability and validity of the data were ensured through tests such as AVE, Cronbach's alpha and VIF. The main results showed that cultural acceptance significantly influences consumption preferences (β=0.658, p<0.001). It was also found that fan culture has a direct effect on both cultural content consumption (β=0.705, p<0.001) and emotional influence (β=0.625, p<0.001). Furthermore, it was evident that emotional influence acts as a bridge between fan culture and cultural acceptance, strengthening the emotional bond with Korean products. Consequently, cultural acceptance and positive emotions are decisive elements that drive both consumer interest and purchase intention. This indicates that marketing strategies should focus on generating emotional experiences and cultural narratives that connect with young audiences. It is also suggested that community spaces and immersive activities be promoted to strengthen consumers' relationship with Korean products, especially in emerging markets such as Peru.
From Energy Transition to Legitimacy Crisis: A Narrative Policy Framework Analysis of Public Narratives on the Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant
This study aims to analyze the public narrative construction related to the Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant on social media by employing the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) approach. The study stems from the contradiction between the idealization of geothermal energy as a form of green energy and the emergence of social resistance caused by its ecological and social impacts. Through a qualitative, case study based analysis, this research utilizes 287 posts from five social media platforms (X, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram) during the 2024–2025 period, categorized according to the four core elements of NPF: setting, character, plot, and moral of the story. The findings reveal that public narratives construct a symbolic structure, positioning the Catholic Church, WALHI NTT, and environmental activists as heroes, the government and PLN as villains, and local communities as victims. The narrative plot evolves from optimism toward energy transition to social resistance driven by information asymmetry, environmental degradation, and a crisis of policy legitimacy. Meanwhile, the moral message emphasizes the importance of energy justice and citizen participation in the development and implementation of renewable energy policies. These findings suggest that social legitimacy plays a key role in determining the success of energy projects and that digital narratives significantly influence public opinion, shaping the direction of Indonesia’s energy transition policies.
Methodological Opportunism in Management: The Use of the Case Study Method to Develop a New Construct Called IODD
The different visions that organizational reality conveys generates a diversity of research methods allowing it to be approached from different perspectives. Such diversity of paths to reality in organizations often poses epistemological problems. In fact, by migrating from one vision of the organization to another we go through a continuum from subjective to objective and the methods of investigation change accordingly. In management sciences, this epistemological opposition between the positivist perspective and the constructivist one results in two research directions. Research traditions in management sciences generally mean that confirmatory research relies on quantitative techniques and exploratory research tends to adopt qualitative methods. However, can we really speak about antagonism between positivism and constructivism in management science? If not, what are the epistemological foundations of the case study as a research strategy in management sciences? Such a response marks, in our opinion, the need to adjust research paradigms by putting an end to the opposition between positivist positioning and constructivist positioning. Especially since such an opposition has been falsified since Piaget (1970) then by Latour (1991).
Exploring the Impact of Responsible Artificial Intelligence on Creativity: The Role of Entrepreneurial Leadership in Enhancing Government Performance in Qatar
This study addresses a contemporary topic represented in “Responsible Artificial Intelligence” and its relationship with “Creative Performance” in government institutions in the State of Qatar, while analyzing the mediating role played by “Entrepreneurial Leadership.” This study comes in light of the accelerating global trends toward adopting artificial intelligence technologies in the governmental sector, contributing to improving service quality and achieving digital transformation, as emphasized in Qatar National Vision 2030. The descriptive-analytical method was used, relying on a quantitative survey through a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 150 leaders in the Qatari governmental sector who met specific knowledge and job-related criteria. The questionnaire covered three main variables: Responsible AI (RAI) with its four dimensions (accountability, responsibility, transparency, and ethical empathy), Entrepreneurial Leadership (ELD), and Creative Performance (INNP). The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via AMOS 22 to test direct and indirect hypotheses. The results showed no statistically significant direct relationship between Responsible AI and Creative Performance, while a strong positive relationship was found between Responsible AI and Entrepreneurial Leadership, as well as between Entrepreneurial Leadership and Creative Performance. The analysis confirmed a full mediation effect of Entrepreneurial Leadership in the relationship between Responsible AI and Creative Performance, meaning that the effect of AI is only achieved through an effective leadership channel. The study concluded that the ethical use of technology, represented solely by Responsible AI, is insufficient to achieve institutional creativity unless activated by conscious entrepreneurial leadership capable of transforming technological capabilities into innovative solutions. The study recommends empowering government leaders through leadership development programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, and establishing clear regulatory frameworks for Responsible AI that enhance trust and creativity within government institutions.
Selective Socialization and Racer Development in Malaysian Motorsport: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Autonomy’s Role
This study investigates how team-level socialization processes and talent management strategies influence competitive advantage in professional road racing, where individual autonomy and team dynamics must coexist. A mixed-methods design integrating Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) was employed, analyzing data from 180 Malaysian professional racers and team managers. Results show that socialization agents (e.g., coaches, sponsors) and talent development initiatives significantly enhance performance (mean increase of 29.9%, p < 0.001). fsQCA further identified key combinations of socialization practices that foster long-term success, underscoring nonlinear relationships between these factors. This research extends existing scholarship by highlighting the need to align individual talent with organizational socialization mechanisms in motorsport. The findings offer actionable guidance for team managers and policymakers seeking to optimize performance management strategies. Future studies should incorporate longitudinal designs to establish causality and deepen understanding of talent development dynamics in elite motorsport.
The quality of in-service and the preparation of pre-service teachers significantly impact education systems. However, existing literature lacks a structured framework for objectively measuring teacher competencies at a national level. This study aims to address that gap by developing a conceptual framework to assess teacher competence through a mathematical model. We propose a Teacher Competence Measurement by assigning numerical values to key competency components — academic achievements, pedagogical skills, and professional experience. This model quantifies teacher effectiveness and provides a systematic tool for evaluating in-service teachers in secondary schools in Mongolia. The findings contribute to enhancing teacher assessments and professional development strategies.
Development and Validation of Cultural Intelligence, Cultural Diversity Climate, and Intention to Implement Ethno-STEM Scales for Indonesian Novice Science Teachers: An Exploratory Factor Analysis Approach
This pilot study developed and validated a three-scale measurement model investigating predictors of Indonesian novice science teachers' intention to implement Ethno-STEM approaches. The Cultural Intelligence Scale, Cultural Diversity Climate Scale, and newly developed Intention to Implement Ethno-STEM Scale underwent systematic adaptation through forward-backward translation, cultural contextualization, and two-phase expert validation. The adapted instruments were empirically tested with 105 novice science teachers using Exploratory Factor Analysis. Results demonstrated excellent sampling adequacy (KMO: 0.910-0.922) and significant correlations suitable for factor analysis. Seven items (14.9%) were eliminated due to low communality values, yielding validated scales: Cultural Intelligence (14 items, α=0.889), Cultural Diversity Climate (12 items, α=0.912), and Intention to Implement Ethno-STEM (14 items, α=0.835). All instruments maintained original theoretical structures with acceptable to excellent reliability. Critical findings revealed discrepancies between expert validation and empirical performance, particularly with reverse-coded items in Indonesian cultural contexts. The validated instruments provide Indonesian educational researchers with psychometrically sound tools for investigating culturally responsive STEM education, establishing methodological foundation for examining how cultural intelligence and diversity climate predict teachers' implementation intentions.
Maternal–Fetal Soul Communication in Indonesian Phenomenological and Cultural Perspectives: A Phenomenological Study of Prenatal Experience
Pregnancy in Indonesian cultures is understood not merely as a biological process but as a spiritual, emotional, and intersubjective experience shared between mother and fetus. This study aims to explore maternal–fetal soul communication through sensory pathways, intuition, and emotional resonance using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Thirty pregnant women from diverse Indonesian cultural backgrounds (Sundanese, Javanese, Minangkabau, Batak, Betawi, and East Nusa Tenggara) were interviewed at Santo Borromeus Hospital in Bandung. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, sensory diaries, and participant observation. The analysis identified three essential themes: (1) the senses as bio-cultural channels of communication, (2) maternal intuition as a mechanism of intersubjective interpretation, and (3) feelings as a bidirectional emotional resonance. These findings are synthesized into a new theoretical framework—the Prenatal Intersubjective Communication Model in the Indonesian Cultural Context (PICMIC)—which conceptualizes prenatal communication as a sensory–intuitive–emotional process shaped by Nusantara cultural values. This study contributes to expanding maternal–fetal attachment theory within a non-Western cultural context.
Strategic Management of Traditional Clay Sculpture in Northeast China in Contemporary Marketing
The objectives of this research are (1) to study the characteristics of traditional ceramics in Northeast China and the current market status of traditional ceramics, and (2) to analyze the development of traditional ceramics industry in Northeast China to improve its competitiveness. This research is a qualitative research, which reviews the literature from articles, research papers and documents related to the historical background, management status of traditional ceramics in Northeast China, PEST analysis and SWOT analysis to analyze the factors and conditions of internal and external environment, and interviews with three experts, including intangible cultural heritage inheritors and cultural heritage sculpture and design experts. The results of the research show that: 1) Traditional ceramics in Northeast China are folk arts with a long history, which not only has valuable cultural value, but also is an important center of cultural diversity in Northeast China. In the context of modern society, ceramics in Northeast China are facing challenges in terms of culture, protection, inheritance and development management. This traditional art form has significant advantages in terms of historical background and cultural characteristics, but it still needs to be effectively managed in terms of development, protection and inheritance to avoid affecting cultural value and economic potential; and 2) The development of ceramic industry in Northeast China has benefited from policy support, especially under the policy of protecting intangible cultural heritage and revitalizing the traditional industrial base in Northeast China, ceramic art has gained development opportunities, including protection The inheritance of cultural heritage and development direction of ceramics in Northeast China enables traditional art forms to adapt to the needs of modern society.
The Evolution of Sacrificial Furniture Decorative Motifs in Wuyi Overseas Chinese Homelands During the Late Qing and Early Republic Periods
The late Qing and early Republican periods marked a pivotal era in China's transition from tradition to modernity. As a significant cradle of modern Chinese immigrant culture, the Wuyi Overseas Chinese hometown saw its ritual furniture not only serve as a medium for religious ceremonies but also as a tangible testament to cultural integration. With its unique overseas immigrant background, the decorative motifs of Wuyi ritual furniture exhibit distinct regional characteristics and phenomena of cultural fusion. Through literature analysis, physical examination, and comparative research, this study systematically categorizes the decorative patterns of Wuyi ritual furniture, explores their craftsmanship techniques and cultural connotations, and delves into the evolution from the intricate traditional motifs of the late Qing to the simplified and integrated styles of the early Republic. The research reveals that the transformation of Wuyi ritual furniture motifs was driven by three factors: the improved material conditions and aesthetic demands brought by overseas remittance economies, the interplay between Western decorative arts and Lingnan indigenous craftsmanship, and the interplay between clan consciousness and pragmatism during social transformation. Ultimately, while preserving the core function of ritual furniture, these motifs gradually developed a unique style that blends elegance with accessibility, becoming an important material carrier of cultural identity in the Overseas Chinese hometown.
Long Necks of Northern Thailand: Identity Construction and Interaction with the Tourism Landscape in the Context of Globalization
This research examines the long-necked people of Northern Thailand, known for their neck rings, to understand their complex identity in the context of globalization. The research uses national identity and political identity negotiation theories to explore these groups' social, historical, and cultural aspects. In an increasingly globalised society, the study seeks to highlight how the long-necked people manage their identity within tourism's complicated landscape, providing a comprehensive perspective of their historical growth and current concerns. This study examines how historical events and social changes have affected their position, recognition, and socio-cultural integration. The research also analyses long-necked societies' adaptation tactics and resistance to changing political, economic, and cultural influences using political identity negotiation theory. As globalization changes society and politics, long-necked cultures are caught between tradition and modernity. The study's findings illustrate these communities' historical evolution, national identity dynamics, and complex political identity struggles in the face of modern problems. This research illuminates the complexities of their identity in the tourism landscape, which benefits both scholars and policymakers and practitioners seeking to preserve and improve these unique communities' cultural and well-being in the globalised era.
Cyberbullying as a Manifestation of Cultural Deviation
This article presents a philosophical and anthropological exploration of cyberbullying as a contemporary form of cultural deviation within the context of the modern information age. The 21st century is characterized by an unprecedented wave of digitalization and globalization, which poses significant challenges to national cultures striving to preserve their unique identities. In this rapidly evolving landscape, humanistic and moral values are increasingly tested and often destabilized. Cyberbullying—defined as harassment and intimidation through digital platforms—emerges not only as a social issue but also as a reflection of deeper cultural and ethical crises. Of particular concern are distorted interpretations of history and culture, along with the intensifying consumerist attitudes toward nature and identity. These trends are mirrored in the rise of discriminatory practices, including racism and anti-Semitism, which proliferate across social media, messaging platforms, and digital media spaces. The study seeks to understand these phenomena through a cultural-philosophical lens, emphasizing the urgent need for ethical reflection in the digital age.
Implementation of Digital Literacy in Designing Learning Using Canva Application in Baubau High School
This research aims to explore and analyze the impact of digital literacy implementation in designing learning designs using the Canva application in five Senior High Schools (SMA) in Baubau City, namely SMA 1, SMA 2, SMA 3, SMA 4, and SMA 5. The method used is a mixed methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis. Quantitative methods were used to measure the increase in students' skills before and after the implementation of Canva, covering aspects of mastery of digital design tools, creative and aesthetic skills, information organization, collaborative skills, and active participation. Meanwhile, qualitative methods were used to delve into the perceptions of teachers and students regarding the use of Canva in the learning process. The results showed that there was a significant increase in students' skills in all aspects after the implementation of Canva. The average increase in students' skills from the five schools is as follows: mastery of digital design tools increased from 60% to 84%, creative and aesthetic skills from 51% to 76%, information organization from 56% to 72%, collaborative skills from 40% to 78%, and active participation from 40% to 69%. Qualitative analysis revealed that teachers and students welcomed the use of Canva, as this application was able to enhance students' creativity, collaboration, and engagement in the learning process. In conclusion, the implementation of digital literacy through the Canva application has proven effective in improving students' skills in Senior High Schools in Baubau City. These results emphasize the importance of integrating digital technology into learning to prepare students for the challenges of the digital era.
AI-generated Images of Ukrainian Soldiers as a Tool for Media Manipulation in the Context of the Russo-Ukrainian War
This article presents the first systematic study of information manipulation in social media through images of Ukrainian soldiers generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Focusing on Facebook between 2022 and 2025, the research examines how fabricated soldier images created by generative neural networks have been disseminated for manipulative purposes. Several recurring thematic clusters are identified. Many of the pages spreading such content feature fictitious administrators (often abroad), display automated behavior (bots, automated commenting), and exemplify “coordinated inauthentic behavior” (CIB). For the first time, manipulations using generated images are compared across the Ukrainian and foreign segments of Facebook. The study highlights the risks of eroding trust in social networks amid the spread of the “Dead Internet,” an environment saturated with bots and synthetic content. By analyzing these practices, the article contributes to research on digital manipulation and calls for a deeper conceptualization of AI’s impact on social processes in the context of information warfare.
Linguistic Country Studies Dictionary as a Basis for International Communication
In the era of globalization, the concept and understanding of a Linguistic country studies dictionary, which should serve as a country's cultural passport, varies across the world. However, the core idea behind such works remains consistent: if this idea were unified, theoretically systematized, and a linguistic country studies dictionary structure were developed in a way understandable to all peoples — and if all countries adhered to that model — it would greatly assist anyone in understanding the culture and general framework of a country they are interested in. This article briefly examines how the term linguistic country studies is interpreted globally, how linguistic country studies dictionaries have been created, and what characteristics such a dictionary should ideally possess. The research employs methods of material analysis, observation, comparison, and description. The article explores the origin and development of the term linguistic country studies, presents the opinions of international scholars on the subject, and identifies the lexical components, vocabulary, structure, and practical role of a linguistic country studies dictionary. If the structure of linguistic country studies dictionaries were standardized globally, scientifically grounded, and officially adopted — and if every country developed their dictionary based on this model — it would mark a significant achievement in intercultural and ethnocultural communication in human history.
Online Collaborative Information System for Strengthening Tourism Capacities in Local Communities of the Sacred Lake, Puno–Peru, 2025
This research evaluates the impact of the Online Collaborative Information System for strengthening tourism capacities in the local communities of the Sacred Lake, southern Puno–Peru. Using a predictive quantitative research approach, conditional relationships between sociodemographic variables are modeled based on a causality analysis with graphical and probabilistic representation, conditional probability tables, estimation of the Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structure, and conditional independence tests and scores of Bayesian Networks (BN). A survey was conducted with 608 residents from the rural communities of Luquina, Titilaca, Socca, and Thunuhuaya regarding the use of an Online Collaborative Information System to strengthen community-based rural tourism. The results show that the design of a probabilistic Bayesian network accurately describes conditional dependency interrelations among sociodemographic variables associated with the Collaborative Information System. The educational level variable directly influences tourism strengthening, with technological interaction—device use, software applications, internet access, and social networks—acting as key elements for supporting service quality and equitable distribution of benefits among community members. The study provides empirical evidence on the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Community-Based Rural Tourism (CBRT), generating inputs to guide public policies and intervention plans that promote local self-determination, equity, and cultural-environmental conservation in high Andean contexts.
Cultural Identity Construction in Architecture from Glenn Murcutt’s Design Philosophy and Practice
This study investigates the construction of cultural identity through architecture within the framework of critical regionalism. The objective is to analyze the design concepts and processes that reflect local identity amidst the forces of globalization. Focusing on contemporary architectural works in Thailand, the research adopts a qualitative methodology, incorporating content analysis, field observation, and in-depth interviews with architects and experts. The findings reveal that critical regionalism is not merely the application of local elements but involves a negotiation of meanings and power between local culture and global contexts. The architectural cases studied illustrate an attempt to articulate a contemporary identity rooted in cultural heritage through forms, materials, and design paradigms. This research argues that critical regionalism offers a meaningful approach for creating architecture that expresses cultural specificity while creatively responding to evolving socio-cultural conditions.
Factors Affecting the Development of the Ice and Snow Tourism Industry in Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
The objectives of this research are (1) to study the development of the ice and snow tourism industry in Jilin Province, and (2) to analyze the factors affecting the development of the tourism industry through cultural integration. This research uses qualitative research methods. First, SWOT analysis is used to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the development of the ice and snow tourism industry in Jilin Province, so as to comprehensively understand the internal and external conditions of the development of Jilin's ice and snow tourism industry. Second, to comprehensively understand the external factors affecting Jilin's ice and snow tourism industry, PEST analysis is used to examine the political, economic, social and technological dimensions of the macro-environment and the factors influencing the development of the industry, and in-depth interviews are conducted with 5 local and national experts and scholars in related fields. The content of the interviews is analyzed. The research found that: (1) In terms of the development of the ice and snow tourism industry, it can meet the diversified needs of tourists through creative products and services, such as developing high-end ice and snow resorts and adventure experiences. At the same time, expanding market access and building a strong brand can enhance Jilin's awareness and influence. Both domestic and international, environmental protection and development will help the ice and snow tourism industry to ensure the sustainability of Jilin Province; and (2) promote tourism through cultural integration. By exploring and analyzing the factors of Jilin's unique ice and snow culture, folklore and historical heritage, and incorporating cultural elements into the design of cultural products and attracting attention, by holding ice and snow culture festivals and folk festivals, showing the cultural charm of Jilin, it can enhance the cultural experience of tourists. In addition, the development of tourism service models, such as the development of ice and snow culture-themed hotels, educational tourism, these factors not only add value to the tourism industry, but also drive the transformation and upgrading of the industry.
Developing a Teaching Model Based on A Simulation Company in Order to Improve the Working Ability of Environmental Design Students in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China
This study aims to analyze the current state of environmental design education in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China, and to develop and evaluate a teaching strategy based on a simulated company teaching model to enhance students' work capabilities. The research process is divided into three phases: current situation investigation and analysis, model development, and model evaluation. The subjects of the study are undergraduate students majoring in Environmental Design from five universities in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining literature review, questionnaire surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. The research follows six steps: identifying problems, locating key teaching points, developing a teaching model, collecting feedback, optimizing the model design, and determining the final version of the model. Data collection methods include interviews, questionnaire surveys, observations, and practical assessments. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, encompassing descriptive statistics, mean values, percentages, reliability, and standard deviation calculations. The study found that there are difficulties in recruiting for enterprises and difficulties for students in finding employment in the field of environmental design in Xinxiang City. Additionally, there is a disconnection between the current curriculum settings and the needs of enterprises, which fails to meet the demands of the industry. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a teaching model that meets the needs of enterprises and enhances students' work capabilities. The developed simulated company teaching model was ultimately confirmed to be appropriate and feasible after expert evaluation and feedback from focus groups. The research results highlight the potential and value of the simulated company teaching model in improving the work capabilities of students majoring in environmental design.
Optimizing Inventory Management Performance Through a Mediated Perspective of Demand Uncer-tainty: Business Models for Supermarkets
The study provides awareness to the industries and stakeholders about information management systems that have revolutionized supply chain management techniques. Traditional methods have been replaced with faster and more reliable information systems, where we use big data to forecast future needs and enhance inventory management performance. The integration of information management systems with inventory management gives way to new possibilities of successful supply chain. It enhances predictability and information sharing along with forestalling the situation of out-of-stock. We employ non-probability sampling to gather information (n=350) from managers and supervisors and related staff of supply chain & inventory management using the questionnaire. This study will benefit supermarkets as it discusses different aspects of information technology. Supermarkets will be able to ana-lyze their IT system better and evaluate the weak areas. As this research also deals with demand uncertainty so supermarkets will be able to synchronize their IT needs with uncertain demands from the customer side. The re-gression results show that material requirement planning system, vendor inventory management, and warehouse management system have a significantly favorable impact on the inventory management performance. The findings of this study will help supermarket supply chain managers optimize their supply chain management techniques. This study examined the direct relationship between information technology system performance and inventory management performance, which will help the inventory managers improve the supply due to the effects of de-mand uncertainty. This study highlights the importance of understanding the antecedents of Information technol-ogy in inventory management to combat demand uncertainty. The response to demand uncertainty from the cus-tomer’s side will reduce costs and delays, which will serve the customers with more satisfaction and beneficial.
Leadership Behavior as the Determinant of Organizational Engagement: A Review of Managerial Character and Employee Retention
This conceptual study aims to examine how leadership behavior and managerial character serve as key determinants of organizational engagement and employee retention. Using a conceptual study approach, this study integrates findings from Social Exchange and Leader–Member Exchange (LMX) theories to explain the psychological relationship mechanism between leaders and subordinates. The synthesis results show that character-based leadership behavior including integrity, empathy, fairness, empowerment, and emotional support can create high-quality social relationships that increase engagement. This attachment then functions as a psychological mediator that bridges leadership behavior and employees' decisions to stay. These findings show that retention is determined more by the quality of social experiences and a sense of belonging in the organization than by financial incentives alone. This study produces a new conceptual model that positions engagement as the main link in the relationship between leadership and retention. This model provides relevant theoretical and practical contributions to organizations, particularly in designing character-based leadership development programs and relationship-oriented retention strategies. Recommendations for further research include empirical testing, mixed-methods approaches, the addition of moderating variables, and exploration of cultural contexts and future generations of workers.
Insights and Reflections from a Collaborative Experience in Quality Assurance Audits of Academic Departments
This manuscript examines the experiences and insights gained from three quality assurance (QA) audit exercises involving collaboration among an academic with a strong background in mathematics and statistics, an education specialist, and an administrator. The study aims to illuminate the complexities of QA in educational settings through interdisciplinary perspectives. An emic, qualitative approach was employed, drawing on reflective narratives derived from field notes and group discussions held during and after the audits. The paper captures the lessons learned, challenges encountered, and potential implications for future audits. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, preparedness, leadership stability, and institutional support structures in enhancing educational quality. The study emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary teams in QA processes and provides actionable insights for improving future audit exercises. It contributes to the literature by showcasing how diverse expertise can address the complexities of educational quality assurance and by identifying critical factors that support successful audits.
Entrepreneurship Education and Entrepreneurial Intention: Investigating the Moderating Role of Psychological Capital in a Tunisian Case Study
Entrepreneurship education is widely recognized as a key driver of entrepreneurial intention, yet the psychological mechanisms that shape this relationship remain insufficiently explored, particularly in emerging economies. This study investigates the effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intention, with a specific focus on the moderating role of psychological capital within the Tunisian context. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from university students enrolled in entrepreneurship-related programs across several Tunisian institutions. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the direct and conditional effects. The findings reveal that entrepreneurship education significantly enhances students’ entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, psychological capital—comprising hope, resilience, optimism, and self-efficacy—strengthens this relationship, indicating that students with higher psychological capital derive greater benefits from entrepreneurial learning experiences. These results highlight the importance of integrating psychological-capital–building components into entrepreneurship curricula to foster more robust entrepreneurial mindsets. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from Tunisia and offers practical implications for educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurship program designers aiming to cultivate future entrepreneurs.
The Dialectics of Environment and Arabic Literature: Representations in Literary Discourse and the Role of Contemporary Writing in Promoting Environmental Awareness
The current research aimed to clarify the status of the environment in Arabic literature, to clarify the nature of the environment's influence on writers and their literary texts, and to identify the role of contemporary Arabic literature in raising environmental awareness and addressing contemporary environmental issues. To achieve the research objectives, the historical approach was used to clarify the impact of the environment across different eras, starting with the pre-Islamic era and focusing specifically on the current era. The descriptive-analytical approach was also used, presenting some poetic examples to clarify the relationship between Arabic literature and environmental awareness, framing the idea and topic of the research. The results concluded that environmental literature was able to reflect the environmental conditions in which humans live, as the environment represents the stimulus from which writers derive their vocabulary and literary texts. The results also confirmed that literary texts provided an expressive description of the environment and emphasized the reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment. Recent literary texts succeeded in highlighting environmental issues, especially in light of the ongoing developments and changes the world is witnessing, including issues related to climate change, desertification, air and water pollution, unjust practices in exploiting natural resources, wars, and others. Highlighting these issues in Arabic literature would enhance environmental awareness and reduce the effects of negative practices. Moreover, the results indicated that mention of the environment in literary texts is still contained within the general framework of general texts, where the environment represents a means to serve the artistic purposes of literary works; however, it is not an end in itself. What the world needs at the present era is an accelerated level of awareness of the negative impact of humans on the environment in the current era. This may direct literary writings to re-read previous Arabic texts and move from them towards a new approach that shifts the literary text to new horizons that support peaceful aspects of environmental conservation. The study recommended the necessity of adopting effective language in presenting images that enhance awareness of environmental conservation, including aesthetic imagery, humanistic narration, and simulation.
Improving the Quality of Life for Autistic Children through Mobile-Based Learning and Developmental Monitoring
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing prevalence worldwide. This disorder significantly impacts not only children diagnosed with ASD but also their families, posing challenges in daily life, education, and social integration. Digital support technology, especially mobile applications, has emerged as a valuable tool for providing comprehensive support to children with autism and their families, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for children with autism. This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of mobile applications in enhancing the development of children with autism, particularly in gross motor skills, fine motor skills, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and social skills. This research adopted the ADDIE model framework, comprising Analysis (A), Design (D), Development (D), Implementation (I), and Evaluation (E). An interactive mobile application was developed to address the specific educational and developmental needs of children with autism. The effectiveness of the application was evaluated using Welch's test. The study resulted in the development of the AutiParent mobile application, which integrates various features, including health services, educational modules, social support, child profiles, health screening and monitoring, social skills training, educational games, communication tools, structured schedule recording, and community interaction support. The application’s effectiveness was tested over five months, revealing a statistically significant improvement in children's developmental skills across all tested areas. Statistical analysis using Welch's t-test demonstrated a p-value <0.05 for all indicators, confirming a significant difference between the first and fifth months. The consistently higher average scores in the fifth month indicate significant improvements in all assessed developmental aspects. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the use of digital interventions to enhance the developmental skills and quality of life of children with ASD and their families. The findings highlight the potential of mobile applications as accessible, cost-effective, and personalized tools for structured learning and developmental monitoring.
The Factors Influencing the Conservation and Development of Handwoven Fabrics from Ban Nonkum, a Thai Yuan Community in Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
The study on the factors influencing the conservation and development of handwoven fabrics from Ban Nonkum, a Thai Yuan community in Sikiew District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, aimed to examine the factors affecting the conservation and development of handwoven fabrics in the community. The study also analyzed the role of support from the government and private sectors, focusing on factors impacting the conservation and development of handwoven fabrics, particularly in terms of local wisdom, production technology, branding, and support from both government and private sectors The research findings revealed that the factors influencing the conservation and development of handwoven fabrics in Ban Nonkum include: 1) the preservation of local wisdom and cultural identity of the community through the traditional weaving methods, such as using a simple loom and Jacquard loom, as well as the use of natural dyes, which is knowledge passed down through generations; 2) the introduction of modern technologies, such as the Jacquard loom and ready-made yarn, to improve the production process and add variety to the fabric designs; 3) the development and branding of handwoven products to meet the demand in both domestic and international markets; 4) the support from government and private sectors, including training programs for weaving skills, market promotion, and the establishment of producer groups, which play a key role in product development and creating new markets The study highlighted the importance of community involvement and the support from both the government and private sectors in ensuring the sustainability of handwoven fabric conservation and development. The findings from this research can be used as a guideline for the development and conservation of handwoven fabrics in other similar communities in the future
Trust as the Missing Catalyst: How Environmental CSR Becomes Employee Eco-Behavior through Concern Activation
Even though environmental agendas and ESG rhetoric have become highly visible across governments and firms, we still do not fully understand how an employee’s perception of green CSR is internalized and eventually shows up as pro-environmental actions. Much has been said in policy speeches, but the internal psychological pipeline that runs from awareness to action has remained curiously underexplored. This study takes that pathway seriously. We propose that green CSR perception nudges environmental concern, which then shades into everyday eco-behavior; and that this linkage becomes stronger, or weaker, depending on whether employees believe their organization acts sincerely. To test this, survey data from 300 Korean employees were examined using PROCESS Model 7. Three domains of pro-environmental behavior—resource saving, eco-product choices, and green mobility—were analyzed. Results show that CSR perception does not directly translate into green practices; instead, it works mostly through the elevation of environmental concern. Moreover, this indirect link was only robust under conditions of high organizational trust. These findings suggest that corporate environmental messaging is insufficient without credible trust-building mechanisms. Practically speaking, CSR must be participatory, believable, and grounded in responsible governance. Policies that reinforce this alignment provide fertile ground for meaningful ecological behavior inside firms.
The Virtual Human Technology Adoption and Professional Adaptation of Chinese Local News Anchors
This study examines the adoption of AI-driven virtual human technology among local news anchors in China and their strategies for career adaptation. As virtual human anchors become increasingly prevalent, traditional news anchors encounter challenges in preserving their professional identity while adapting to technological advancements. A qualitative research design was employed to investigate the attitudes, adoption behaviors, and career adaptation strategies of 30 Chinese news anchors. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis, guided by professional identity theory. Interviews examined their professional background, perceptions of virtual human anchors, identity formation, and emotional responses. The study reveals that news anchors redefine their roles by emphasizing their strengths in in-depth reporting and emotional communication. While some feel threatened by virtual human technology, others regard it as an opportunity to enhance their professional value. Job satisfaction fluctuates due to increased competition, yet most anchors believe their unique skills remain essential. Changes in information consumption during the digital era impact career honor, prompting anchors to upskill and differentiate themselves. The future of news anchoring requires interdisciplinary knowledge and innovation. Anchors must leverage their unique skills while adapting to AI-driven changes. This study provides insights into professional adaptation strategies and offers a framework for media organizations integrating virtual human technology.
The Role of Cynism and Affective Commitment in Mediating Empowering Leadership Style with Gender Bias Moderation on Subsorits' Compliance Towards Female District Heads in District Governments across East Java
This study aims to analyze the role of cynicism and affective commitment in mediating the influence of empowering leadership style on subordinate compliance, with gender bias as a moderating variable, among female sub-district heads (camat) in East Java. The background of this research is rooted in the persistent gender stereotypes and discrimination that affect the legitimacy of women’s leadership in the public sector. The research employed a quantitative survey design, involving a population of 39 female sub-district heads and 285 subordinate respondents from 666 sub-districts across East Java, using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. The results of the study indicate that the direct influence of a leadership style that empowers female superiors on subordinate compliance is not significant or has not been proven to directly increase subordinate compliance, while the leadership style has a positive and significant influence on affective commitment, the higher the value of the leadership style, the higher the level of individual affective commitment, as well as subordinate cynicism. Although the empowering leadership style is successful in increasing affective commitment, it has not been proven to make subordinates more obedient to superiors, so it is unable to bridge the relationship between the empowering leadership style and compliance. There is a clear and significant indirect path, that the empowering leadership style affects subordinate compliance through the mechanism of reducing subordinate cynicism. This means that changes in compliance occur because empowering leadership changes the level of subordinate cynicism. Gender bias does not change how strong the influence of the empowering leadership style on affective commitment. Whether low or high gender bias, the effect of the empowering leadership style on effective commitment is more or less the same, as is the effect of cynicism which does not differ in conditions of high or low gender. The implications of this study highlight the importance of managing subordinate cynicism, increasing organizational transparency, and providing training for female leaders to integrate empowerment with role clarity and assertive communication. The theoretical contribution of this research enriches Social Exchange Theory (SET) by emphasizing cynicism as a critical mediator and gender bias as a complex moderator within the public bureaucracy context.
Deep Structures of Selected Qur’anic Constructions: Fillmore’s and Al-Khuli’s Semantic Roles
The present study aims to describe Arabic Qur’anic constructions in terms of deep structure using Fillmore’s (1966) base rules and Al-Khuli’s (2000) semantic roles. However, the study seeks to determine whether Arabic Qur’anic constructions can be analysed using the theory of semantic roles to determine their deep structures. What if the Qur’anic constructions were analysed in terms of the theory of semantic roles and deep structures? Likewise, the study hypothesises that Qur’anic constructions can be analysed using the theory of semantic roles to determine their deep structures, though this is not an easy task; hence, Al-Khuli modified Fillmore’s base rules to make them compatible with Arabic. The data selected for semantic representations in the present study are 40 Qur’anic constructions collected in a table at the end of the study. Some samples are analysed in detail to highlight the analysis method. However, deciding the deep structures requires discussing the constructions’ selectional restrictions, co-occurrence restrictions, lexical items, and transformations. However, the present study concludes that Fillmore’s and Al-Khlui’s semantic roles can be adopted to represent Qur’anic constructions, thereby providing the best way to determine their deep structures, as well as those of other Arabic constructions. In addition, the concepts of semantic roles, selectional and co-occurrence restrictions, lexical items, and transformations can be identified by considering their equivalents in the Arabic linguistic tradition. After all, Arab scholars have noted the necessity of combining semantics with syntax as generativists do.
Green Finance and its Impact on Debt Financing for a Sustainable Financial System
In order to tackle the urgent problems brought forth by worries about the environment, Many countries have been proactively looking at green finance methods. Green finance is a key motivator that helps environmentally conscious businesses become more economically savvy by strategically pooling funds and regularly sharing critical information. The goal of this research is to improve knowledge of financial effects of green finance and debt financing. connection between corporate debt financing levels and green finance. Our results show that corporate debt financing levels are effectively reduced by green finance, and this conclusion holds up after passing a number of hurdles. According to additional research, green finance accomplishes this by lowering loan barriers and raising top level management pay. The influence of green finance is especially noticeable in Government Owned Corporations (GOC), areas with soft market, advanced construction areas and renewable energy sources. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that green finance has no distinct effect on current liabilities but greatly encourages the decrease of bonds and leasing when regulatory rules are strengthened. The research gives firms looking to achieve sustainable growth in dynamic contexts practical insights by tying debt management to broader corporate objectives.
Developing Digital Civil Servants and Digital Citizens to Meet Digital Government Requirements in Vietnam
Digital government is an operating model of state agencies designed based on digital technology and digital data; the performance of public duties by civil servants and the transactions and participation of citizens in the policy process are carried out in a digital environment. This requires digital capacity for both civil servants and citizens to become digital civil servants and digital citizens - a necessary condition for building and operating a digital government. This study builds a theoretical framework on digital government, digital civil servants, digital citizens and builds a theoretical model to assess the impact of digital civil servants and citizens on the development of digital government. The author surveyed with a sample size of N = 300 local civil servants at the commune level and N = 300 local people of 30 selected communes in 3 provinces of Vietnam, including Thai Nguyen province (North), Ha Tinh province (Central), An Giang province (South). The research results show that people are limited in digital capacity and need to be trained and disseminated with basic digital knowledge and skills necessary to transact and participate in the policy process in the digital environment, becoming digital citizens to operate and develop digital government together with digital civil servants. From there, this research discusses solutions to develop digital citizens to meet the requirements of digital society and digital government in Vietnam.
Analysis Method of Testing the Time Period of Partial Discharge Symptoms on Automotive Engine Lubricant Insulation with Needle Plate Electrodes
Good insulation function in transformers is a major concern in the reliability of electrical energy distribution systems. Transformers serve as key components requiring effective insulation systems. This study analysis the time period of partial discharge (PD) phenomena in automotive engine oil using needle-plate electrodes with two detection components: HFCT and loop antenna. Testing was conducted 10 times with parameters including BGN on/off, positive/negative PDIV, PDIV × 1.25, and PDIV × 2. Results show automotive engine oil PDIV (2.0 kV) is lower than transformer oil (2.35 kV). PD time period in automotive oil was 6-6.4 μs, while transformer oil was 6.8 μs. Positive PDIV frequency in automotive oil (166.7 Hz) was higher than negative PDIV (156.250 Hz), while transformer oil had equal frequencies (147.1 Hz). The study concludes that PD in automotive engine oil insulation is more severe compared to transformer oil, with transformer oil demonstrating superior insulation strength. Keywords: insulation, PD, frequency, needle-plate electrode.
Mapping Structural Links from Effectual and Causal Logics to Entrepreneurial Practices: Evidence from Incubator Experts in Sfax, Tunisia
Effective entrepreneurial practices are crucial for early-stage startup development, yet the influence of cognitive logics (effectuation and causation) on actionable entrepreneurial marketing (EM) remains underexplored in emerging economies like Tunisia. This study examines the structural and causal links between these logics and EM using a new integrated ISM–MICMAC approach. Six academic experts are judiciously selected from Sfax incubators provided context-specific information under conditions of resource scarcity and uncertainty. The analysis identifies seven causal effect chains, consolidated into three meta-chains: (1) effectual strategic logic driving value creation, (2) hybrid effectual–causal reasoning shaping opportunity-focused marketing, and (3) partnership-driven innovation and market engagement. The findings offer practical guidance on iterative experimentation, lightweight strategic planning, proactive networking, and early customer engagement, supporting founders, incubators, and policymakers in improving resilience, opportunity recognition, and growth under uncertainty.
From Fiscal Input to Social Outcome: Literacy in the Effectiveness of Education Budget Policy
This research seeks to evaluate the productivity of educational expenditure with respect to socio-economic advancement, positing literacy as a mediating variable across a cross-national sample. Employing a comparative quantitative design, the investigation utilizes panel dataset encompassing ten nations from the ASEAN and Sub-Saharan African regions, covering the years 2000 to 2022 to trace causal linkages amongst expenditure, literacy, and per capita GDP. Pathway regression indicates a sustained positive effect of educational outlay upon GDP per capita, with the effect manifesting both directly and indirectly via heightened literacy. Using the Sobel statistic, we are able to verify the mediating path as statistically recognizable, hence confirming literacy as a major transmission process. Inter-regional contrast shows that the member states with the best budgetary governance mainly from ASEAN increase the mediating coefficients more than those in Sub-Saharan Africa. This tendency supports the claim that the success of educational budgetary policy heavily relies on measurable results and the support of skilled institutions. The use of literacy as an evaluative endpoint thus furnishes an explicit lever of policy assessment concerning fiscal interventions upon human development. The investigation therefore prescribes a recalibration of educational budgeting frameworks, migrating decisively towards an outcomes-centred orientation; systematic embedding of literacy performance in budgetary review cycles; and fortification of bureaucratic proficiencies alongside intentional intra- and cross-sectoral collaboration. Limitations of the study arise from the absence of comprehensive literacy datasets for a subset of countries, coupled with the intentional omission of political and cultural determinants from the analytic frame.
A Step Toward Effective Verbal Proficiency: An Insight into the Influence of Task-Specific Self-Efficacy in EFL Learners’ Evolvement of Speaking Skills on Enhancing Employability
The information revolution along with globalization and other social and economic changes in the new millennium have increased the importance of speaking skill. Speaking pervades the entire range of social and professional relationships and plays a key role in our life. In the world of English as a Foreign Language pedagogy, the efficacy of role play situations particularly task based activities, has garnered increasing attention. Various studies show internal factors play important roles in speaking. One of the important factors is self-eﬃcacy (SE). Therefore, the comprehensive study involves examining the relationship between self-eﬃcacy (SE) and speaking ability among students. Therefore, this research intends to find out the relationship between the student's self-eﬃcacy and speaking skills of the Amrita School of Agricultural Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore. The researchers used the quantitative methodology to analyse the report. For this research, we used 2 types of assessments. Internal Assessment (IA) and External Assessment (EA). For IA, we used the random sampling. 120 students from 3 practical batches consists of 40 each were given self-eﬃcacy questionnaire and speaking test based on their semester syllabus experiments for the course -19ENG101-Comprehension and Communication Skills in English & 19AEX113 - Communication Skills and Personality Development. For EA, we took 16 students those who participated in Model United Nations’2024 (MUN’24), which was conducted in our university from 24 to 26, July’ 2024. Model United Nations is an educational simulation of the United Nations where students’ role play as diplomats, representing different countries and debating global issues. Data from 16 participants were collected during a 3-day Model United Nations (MUN) simulation. The analysis of correlation revealed that there is a significant correlation between the students’ self-eﬃcacy and the students’ speaking skills. Empirical findings revealed a significant enhancement in the experimental group's task based activities and a three-day Model United Nations (MUN) participation simulation. We investigate to what extent self-efficacy development can be explained by the individual characteristics of students. This study further contributes to the field by including perceived student cohesiveness as a social aspect of the simulation.
Digital Microteaching as Cultural Practice: Reworking Storytelling Competence, Pedagogical Authority, and Moral Learning in Vietnam
Digital microteaching has become a cultural arena where student teachers meet their own image, negotiate their bodies, and rehearse the moral expectations of the profession. This study examines how storytelling practice, once grounded in voice and presence, is reshaped when captured, replayed, and scrutinized through screens. Drawing on a mixed set of videos, reflective journals, group observations, and interviews, the analysis traces three distinct trajectories of becoming: rapid openings shaped by self-recognition, slow adjustments formed through embodied micro-motions, and protective stillness anchored in mor al anxiety. These movements reveal digital microteaching not as a technique but as a moral–embodied field where teacherly presence is continually reassembled. The findings recast storytelling competence as a form of ethical attunement cultivated through the subtle frictions between image, body, and vocation.
Human Activities, Sustainable Development and Environmental Degradation
Environmental degradation is a significant issue affecting everyone, resulting from various factors such as natural disasters and human activity. Poverty is a major cause, as it encourages overuse of natural resources, such as trees for charcoal production. This leads to deforestation, air pollution, and other unsustainable behaviours. Poverty also affects sustainable practices, access to environmental education, and the likelihood of engaging in harmful practices like burning wood or disposing of waste. Deforestation, the deliberate clearing of forests for other uses, is a major cause of environmental degradation due to its impact on climate change, disruption of the water cycle, and reduction of biodiversity. It also contributes to soil erosion, desertification, and other land degradation issues. Human activities, such as accommodating the growing population, have also negatively impacted the environment through soil, water, and air pollution. Water pollution is a result of human activity near water sources, large-scale factory pollution, and a lack of proper sanitary facilities. Air pollution is caused by overcrowding and the emission of hazardous manufacturing gases. Since the beginning of time, humans have had an impact on the environment, and scientists have been concerned about this since the planet's food supply is running out. A significant portion of the effects humans have had on the environment can be attributed to our efforts to accommodate the growing population. The commercial fishing industry poses a threat to marine life, as water deterioration affects their longevity and causes illness and disease. Wildlife conservation is becoming increasingly challenging due to habitat loss and habitat loss. Because of the ongoing destruction and threats to wildlife's natural habitat, wildlife conservation is getting harder. The two main causes of habitat loss are deforestation and water pollution. While deforestation may result in an abundance of land for humans, it also causes animal homelessness. Food production rises in tandem with a significant increase in population. However, in order to meet the demand for food security, crops with extremely low nutritional contents are produced using hazardous fertilisers to aid in this production.
Foreign Language Anxiety and Academic Achievement Among English Learners at Najran University: A Multi-Level Comparative Study
This study examines the relationship between Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) and academic achievement among English learners at Najran University (NU), Saudi Arabia. The research employs a quantitative, correlational, and comparative approach to investigate whether levels of language anxiety differ based on students’ gender and academic level (Preparatory Year, undergraduate, and postgraduate). A total of 550 students participated in the study and completed the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). Academic achievement was assessed using official GPA records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA to examine group differences and the relationships among variables. The results indicated a significant negative correlation between FLA and academic achievement, suggesting that higher levels of anxiety are linked to lower academic performance. Additionally, female students and those at more advanced academic levels reported lower anxiety scores compared to their counterparts. These findings highlight the emotional and psychological factors within language learning contexts and provide pedagogical insights aimed at reducing anxiety and improving learners’ performance in English language programs.
The Dialectical Relationship between Strategic Preparedness and Nuclear Deterrence: A Study in the Principle of Extending Deterrence
The extended deterrence is one of the principles in strategy adopted by some nuclear powers, especially due to the commitments of major nuclear powers, to provide a nuclear umbrella of protecting their allies and strategic partners from any external threats, which calls for or requires the availability of comprehensive, and multi-level strategic preparedness. From this point, the research sought to explore the dialectical relationship between the nature of strategic preparedness and the credibility of implementing extended deterrence, with a focus on the challenges that hinder this principle in match with the opportunities that enable its implementation to use their potential powerful of extended deterrence strategy. The premise of article stems from the question following: Is there a relationship between the strategic preparedness of nuclear powers and the principle of nuclear deterrence followed, especially if it is extended deterrence? The study concluded that the effectiveness of extended deterrence depends on the guarantor state's ability to achieve a coherent strategic preparedness that qualifies it to bear the consequences of adopting extended deterrence itself, within a complex international environment characterized by escalating traditional and non-traditional threats.
Internet of Things-Based Landslide Threshold Detection and Monitoring System on Ambon Island, Maluku Province, Indonesia
Landslides frequently occur on Ambon Island, causing extensive damage each year, including debris avalanches and slope failures. Landslide mass movements are unpredictable, and investigations are usually only conducted after they occur. Therefore, direct landslide investigations that can be continuously monitored, anytime and anywhere, are crucial for establishing an early warning system. This study aims to detect and monitor slope landslide thresholds using IoT technology integration through cloud communication, as well as determine the maximum speed and total time of landslide runoff until deposition.. This research method is an innovation in the development of smart IoT devices by involving smart sensors (GesIC), and also a landslide physics approach. The research results obtained are smart IoT device products that detect and monitor landslides in real time so that slope landslides can be detected at a critical threshold angle of 32.5 on September 29, 2025 at 13:11:55 EIT, with a soil temperature of 30.8 C, soil moisture of 23.2%, soil conductivity of 29.0 S/cm, and rainfall of 215 mm. Then, a subsequent landslide occurred on October 7, 2025, with a threshold angle of 32.5 at 12:43:00 EIT, and a soil temperature of 26.8 C, soil moisture of 21.0%, soil conductivity of 17.0 mS/cm, and rainfall of 203 mm. The estimated maximum speed of the landslide run was 20.4 m/s with a maximum landslide range of 2.24 seconds at a slope angle of 85.0. Meanwhile, for a slope angle of 41.2, the maximum landslide speed is 7.3 m/s with a maximum landslide reach time of 17.9 seconds. These findings reveal that climate change can intensify landslide disasters during the rainy season. Therefore, a strategy is needed to design an adaptive landslide monitoring system, including increasing communication network capacity and optimizing an IoT-based EWS to be developed in the Maluku Islands region.
The Picture of Consistency in the Vocabulary of Modern Russian Language
The purpose of this article "The picture of consistency in the vocabulary of modern Russian language" – is update the classification of lexical-semantic system of relations by D. N. Shmelev, which is crucial for the functional-semantic characteristics of the vocabulary. "Figuring out the nature of the external semantic relations of words is one of the most important objectives of studying the vocabulary of the language. ... these relationships in general can be divided into three main lines: paradigmatic, syntagmatic and derivational (marked D. N. Shmelev. – S. T.) communications." At the same time D. N. Shmelev considers priority only the first two types of semantic relations in the system of semantic analysis of lexical units – paradigmatic and syntagmatic, calling derivational relations "the third dimension", and correlative with paradigmatical and syntagmatic: "The ability of the word to engage simultaneously in different lexical-semantic paradigm (and thus in syntagmatic combinations with other words) finds a match in the pressure variation of the word too, i.e. in the ability of different values to join different derivational series". He also notes that " the study of paradigmatic and syntagmatic relations in the lexicon allows to justify the selection of elements of word meaning, the individual semantic characteristics, and thus in a new way to illuminate traditional questions of polysemy and homonymy, synonymy and synonymy and semantic groups of words." To achieve this objective, in our view, will contribute to the following tasks: 1. To formulate the concept of consistency of lexical-semantic units; 2. to identify the typology of combining lexical items in certain groups and to uncover the nature of the interaction with each other; 3. to determine what connects lexical units in semantic terms, and what distinguishes them from each other. Thus, the most important selection criterion of synonymy and antonymy as a linguistic phenomenon serve the system relations of words in the lexicon. The system approach allows to penetrate into the depth of this phenomenon, to reveal its regularities, to explain the peculiarities of the use of synonyms and antonyms in speech. In order to identify systemic relations in the vocabulary of the modern Russian language were used descriptive linguistic method, methods of compare and contrast.
Empathic accuracy is not equally beneficial in all situations. In certain contexts, understanding others' thoughts and emotions can be a source of stress and may place strain on social relationships particularly when the inferred mental states are self-threatening or relationship-threatening, especially when the other person is unwilling to disclose such thoughts or feelings. Impairments in intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligence tend to cause deeper and more intense imbalances compared to other forms of intelligence. Practicing and developing these forms of intelligence requires individuals to tolerate greater pressures and constraints than those associated with other types of intelligence, and their acquisition and enhancement require significant time and effort. The current study aimed to: 1. Measure empathic accuracy among teachers and educators. 2. Identify the significance of empathic accuracy differences based on: a. Gender (male, female), b. Age (30–40, 41–50, 50 and above), c. Educational attainment (Diploma, Bachelor's, Postgraduate), d. Marital status (Married, Single, Widowed, Divorced). The research was limited to teaching staff during the academic year 2024–2025, including teachers and educators working in primary, intermediate, and secondary schools across the general directorates of education in Karkh (first, second, and third) and Rusafa (first, second, and third). The study adopted a descriptive correlational approach. A purposive sample of (400) participants (teachers and educators) was selected, with 27% male and 73% female, distributed across gender and educational directorates. The researcher constructed a scale for empathic accuracy based on the model of Ickes&Simpson (1997). The final version of the scale included 33 items using a five-point Likert scale (Always, Often, Sometimes, Rarely, Never). Validity and reliability of the scale were verified, with test–retest reliability at 0.84 and Cronbach's alpha coefficient at 0.89. The results revealed the following: 1. Teachers and educators possess a high level of empathic accuracy, 2. Statistically significant differences in empathic accuracy were found based on gender, in favor of males, 3. Statistically significant differences in empathic accuracy were found based on age, in favor of the 41–50 and 50+ age groups. Differences were also observed based on marital status, in favor of married individuals, followed by widowed, then divorced, and lastly single individuals, 4. No significant differences in empathic accuracy were found based on educational attainment. Additionally, no significant interaction effects were found for the following combinations: gender × age, gender × educational attainment, age × marital status, marital status × educational attainment, and the four-way interaction (gender × age × marital status × educational attainment). 5. Significant interaction effects in empathic accuracy were found for gender × marital status and age × educational attainment. In light of the findings, the researcher proposed a set of recommendations and suggestions, including: Recommendations: 1. Training programs to help employees recognize nonverbal cues (e.g., body language, facial expressions, tone of voice) that may indicate others’ emotions. 2. Creating an open work environment that encourages honest emotional expression without fear of criticism or judgment. Suggestions: 1. A study investigating the relationship between empathic accuracy and job performance among employees. 2. A study exploring the impact of empathic accuracy on interpersonal relationships within multicultural work teams.
Organizational Justice and Employee Performance in Banking: Mediating Roles of Intrinsic Motivation and Job Satisfaction
This study employs a quantitative explanatory approach to examine the causal relationships among organizational justice, extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, job satisfaction, and employee performance. The research was conducted at PT. Southeast Sulawesi Regional Development Bank (BPD Sulawesi). The population consisted of 1,002 permanent employees, and a sample of 285 respondents was determined using the Slovin formula with a 5 percent error level and selected through proportional random sampling. Data were collected using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The analysis was carried out using Structural Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS software. The results indicate that organizational justice has a positive and significant effect on extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, and job satisfaction. Job satisfaction also has a significant positive effect on employee performance. In addition, extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation partially mediate the relationship between organizational justice and job satisfaction. These findings show that employee performance is influenced by both organizational factors and individual psychological factors. Organizational justice encourages employees to feel motivated and satisfied with their work, which in turn enhances performance.
Local Cultural Governance and Educational Innovation: A Mobile Learning Model for the Traditional Instrument Khong Wong Yai in Thailand
This article explores how digital mediation reshapes the transmission of Thai traditional music through the case of the Khong Wong Yai learning application. Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the application addresses issues of accessibility, inequality, and the sustainability of cultural education. Grounded in ethnographic observation and participatory design, the study integrates a usability evaluation (SUS = 84.2) with qualitative feedback from students and instructors of the MSE 214 Khong Wong Practicum course. Findings reveal that digital simulation not only supports self-directed practice but also reconfigures the embodied learning of rhythm, timbre, and melodic contour characteristic of Thai classical performance. Users reported improved understanding of tonal structure and cultural meaning, suggesting that technology can mediate between traditional apprenticeship and contemporary modes of learning. The article argues that such digital interfaces function as new cultural spaces where heritage, pedagogy, and identity converge—demonstrating the potential of digital innovation to sustain musical heritage and foster social change in modern Thailand.
AI-Based Accounting Systems, Financial Reporting Quality, and Decision-Making Efficiency in Thai SMEs
In the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the accounting profession, reshaping how organizations collect, process, and analyze financial data. This study investigates the influence of AI-based accounting systems (AIA) and financial reporting quality (FRQ) on decision-making efficiency (DME), with cost information quality (CIQ) serving as a mediating variable, among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. Anchored in the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) Framework, Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT), Decision Usefulness Theory (DUT), and Resource-Based View (RBV), the study employs a mixed-method research design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative data were obtained from in-depth interviews with 15 SME accounting managers, revealing that AI integration enhances data accuracy, automates repetitive accounting processes, and accelerates reporting timelines. Quantitative data were collected through 400 structured questionnaires; of which 372 were valid responses analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS version 24.0. The results demonstrate that both FRQ and AIA have significant positive effects on CIQ and DME. Moreover, CIQ exhibits a strong mediating effect, reinforcing that reliable cost information serves as a critical mechanism linking technology adoption and information quality to managerial decision performance. The findings suggest that SMEs with higher levels of AI adoption and superior reporting quality can achieve improved cost accuracy, faster decision cycles, and stronger managerial confidence. This underscores that technological advancement alone is insufficient unless supported by high-quality financial data and skilled managerial interpretation. The study contributes theoretically by integrating technological and informational perspectives into a unified framework for decision efficiency and provides practical insights for SME managers, policymakers, and technology developers seeking to enhance accounting digitalization in Thailand. Overall, this research confirms that the synergy between AI-based accounting systems and financial reporting quality significantly enhances decision-making efficiency through the improvement of cost information quality, thereby strengthening the competitive capability and sustainability of Thai SMEs in the digital era.
Phichayapha Tulacharatkul, Titaporn Sincharoonsak
The Scenic Image and the Construction of Meaning in the Poetry of May Muzaffar
This study focuses on the use of cinematic media in contemporary Arabic poetry and the effort to establish bridges of communication with it. It investigates how the modern poet adopts cinematic techniques as a means of expressing personal or collective emotional experiences. The aim is to break free from the constraints of inherited language, transforming the image into a lively, dynamic tableau imbued with motion and vision. This approach enhances meaning, enriches the poetic experience, and adds a visual and cinematic dimension that aligns poetry with modern narrative methods and visual arts, effectively advancing it toward modernization.
A Study of the Cultural Identity of the Thai Bueng Community in Thailand
The Thai Bueng people are a distinct cultural group with roots in Vientiane, Laos. They reside near the Pa Sak River in five provinces in Thailand: Lop Buri, Phetchabun, Buriram, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. The findings revealed that key aspects such as traditional dances, language, customs, beliefs, clothing, food, folk games, and songs were documented. Despite variations across localities, the Thai Bueng identity is maintained through their language, which differs from Lao and Central Thai. This identity is further characterized by unique traditions, beliefs, food, and clothing, such as the traditional clothing items jongkrabin and phaokaoma inherited from their ancestors.
A Stylistic Analysis of Positive Temptation and Positive Intimidation in William Gibson's Play "The Miracle Worker"
Temptation and intimidation in almost all of many literary texts are two powerful forces and central to nature and interaction of relationships, conflicts, and decisions that characters face. Temptation may present itself in persuasive form, emotional satisfaction, promising the pleasing reward, or transformation. However, intimidation operates through an authoritative person, instilling fear or creating pressure to ensure obedience and control. Thus, these forces underscore the complex nature of human motivation. Thus, this study examines the stylistic phonological, syntactic and semantic and graphological devices of temptation and intimidation in William Gibson's Play "The Miracle Worker" and finds out the functions the stylistic phonological, syntactic, semantic and graphological devices carry out in "The Miracle Worker". The study hypothesises that "The Miracle Worker" uses different stylistic devices on different linguistic levels. And Stylistic devices used are functionally equivalent i, e, stylistically equivalent. Also, the stylistic functions of positive temptation and positive intimidation used are quite different. And the play uses the same frequency of positive temptation and positive intimidation stylistic devices. The findings of the analysis validate the first, third, and fourth hypotheses and refute the second, fourth one. Consequently, among the conclusions the study comes up with is that there are striking similarities and differences regarding the stylistic devices, their functions in different types of "The Miracle Worker" of positive temptation and positive intimidation.
Integrating Design Thinking into Blended Learning to Develop Critical Thinking in Thai General Practitioners
This study developed and piloted a blended learning model integrating design thinking to enhance critical thinking skills among Thai general practitioners (GPs), for whom such skills are essential yet challenging to cultivate. Using a two-phase research and development approach, the model was first drafted and validated by an expert panel (n = 5), receiving high ratings for quality and appropriateness (M = 4.57, SD = 0.21). Subsequently, a single-arm pilot study with 30 Thai GPs demonstrated significant post-intervention improvements in both knowledge (from M=55.56 to M=71.36, p<.001) and critical thinking skills (from M=3.36 to M=4.86, p<.001). The findings confirm the model's feasibility and initial effectiveness, providing a strong rationale for a future randomized controlled trial.
The Impact of Working Capital Management and Financing Strategies on Profitability: Evidence from Property and Construction Firms Listed on the Market for Alternative Investment (mai) in Thailand
The objectives of this study are to examine the influence of working capital management and financing strategies on the profitability of the property & construction companies listed on the Market for Alternative Investment (mai) in Thailand. It also examines whether firm size affects the relationships between working capital components, financing indicators, and profitability. The sample consists of ten firms listed on the mai and observed from 2020 to 2025. Multiple regression analysis is employed to assess the effects of key variables on Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Operating Profit Margin (OPM). The results show that the Debt Ratio has a strong negative effect on all profitability indicators, underscoring the risk associated with high leverage. Firm size exhibits a significant positive association with ROA, ROE, and OPM, suggesting that larger firms benefit from performance advantages arising from scale and resource efficiency. The average collection period is negatively associated with ROA and ROE, whereas its effect on OPM is insignificant. The average payment period exhibits a significant negative influence on OPM. Conversely, the inventory conversion period and the long-term debt-to-total debt ratio do not have a statistically significant effect on the profitability indicators. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of effective liquidity management and prudent financing decisions in enhancing firm performance within emerging capital markets.
The Development of Chinese Artificial Intelligence Science Fiction Movies through the Lens of the Film Industry Chain
Since The Wandering Earth (2019) achieved commercial success, Chinese sci-fi cinema—particularly works centered on artificial intelligence as their core narrative and aesthetic—has entered a new phase of industrial development. This paper does not treat this transformation as a mere genre trend; rather, it examines Chinese AI sci-fi cinema as an emerging industrial form shaped by the interplay of creative labor, production technology, capital structure, institutional governance, and intellectual property (IP) management. Using a film industry value chain analysis framework, this study re-evaluates the structural bottlenecks constraining sustainable development: interdisciplinary talent shortages, technological dependence, high-risk financing mechanisms, inadequate legal protections, and underdeveloped derivative commercialization. This paper situates Chinese AI science fiction films within broader discussions of cultural industrialization and IP-driven growth, emphasizing that the core challenges in this field lie not only in technological limitations but also in the incomplete integration of creativity, technology, and institutional coordination. The conclusion proposes an industry-oriented development pathway, highlighting systematic talent cultivation, collaborative technological advancement, diversified risk-sharing mechanisms, strengthened legal governance, and early-stage IP planning. This approach outlines a localized model for the long-term maturation of China’s sci-fi film industry.
Sustainability as a Signaling Mechanism: The Role of Audit Committee Characteristics in Shaping Environmental and ESG Transparency
The growing demand for sustainable corporate governance has strengthened the role of audit committees in linking environmental transparency with firm value, especially in high-risk industries. Yet, the mechanisms through which audit committee characteristics contribute to value creation through sustainability disclosures remain insufficiently explored in emerging markets. This study investigates whether Environmental Accounting Disclosure (EAD) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure act as mediators in the relationship between audit committee attributes and firm value in Indonesia’s energy sector. Using panel data from 34 listed energy firms comprising 134 firm-years between 2020 and 2023, the research employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze direct and indirect effects. The results indicate that audit committee size significantly enhances firm value but does not affect EAD or ESG disclosure. Independence increases ESG disclosure and firm value, while higher meeting frequency improves both EAD and ESG disclosure but negatively affects firm value directly. The mediation analysis confirms that ESG disclosure mediates the effects of independence and meeting frequency, whereas EAD mediates only meeting frequency. These findings reveal a meeting frequency paradox where more intensive meetings indirectly raise firm value through enhanced disclosure quality despite reducing it directly. The study contributes to governance and sustainability literature by distinguishing structural from process-based governance quality and providing practical implications for regulators, boards, and investors to strengthen ESG-oriented oversight and promote sustainable corporate value in emerging markets.
Do ESG Narrative Disclosures Matter for Financial Analysts
The aim of this research is to examine whether CSR narrative reporting has information content that is used by analysts to predict stock prices. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is still interesting today. Standalone CSR report in Indonesia as a voluntary nature. In this study we measure CSR reports based on the Environment, Social and Governance disclosure score (ESG_score) and we examine the relationship between ESG Score and analyst forecast. Used 393 data from manufacturing companies that are listed in IDX, this study analyzed the association of ESG score and Analyst forecast. The results of this study show environmental, social and governance affect share price that predicted by the analyst, so we can say that the analyst used the CSR report. This paper tries to fill in a research gap about the relevance of the value of CSR narrative reports in the perspective of financial analysis. Financial analysts are those who have a significant influence on the capital market but mostly in Indonesia. This research is the first study that discusses the relevance of values based on the perspective of the analysis conducted with the Indonesian sample. The second contribution of this paper uses ESG scores as a proxy for CSR performance. The use of ESG scores as a measure of CSR results has never been done before in Indonesia, so this study is also the first study. The findings of this study are expected to stimulate the government, particularly the Indonesian Capital Market regulators (OJK and IDX), to be able to tighten policies regarding social responsibility reporting. It is hoped that with increasingly stringent policies, issuers will increasingly comply with these policies and more parties will benefit from the non-financial information disclosed by the company. The limitation of this study is that the sample was only conducted in the manufacturing industry, so it still requires testing in other industries to improve the external validity of the research results. These two studies do not separate positive and negative net income as control variables, so it cannot be seen in more detail whether this non-financial information will be consistent if carried out on companies with positive and negative earnings.
The Language of Sensation from the Womb: Fetal–Maternal Communication from an Indonesian Cultural Perspective
Prenatal communication is commonly understood as a one-way process from mother to fetus. However, within the Indonesian cultural context, the fetus is perceived as an active subject capable of transmitting signals of sensation, emotion, and preference to the mother long before birth. This study aims to explore and interpret forms of fetal–maternal communication through the language of sensation, a pre-verbal mechanism that integrates bodily sensations, intuition, emotions, and spiritual influences. The research was conducted from October 2024 to June 2025 using a qualitative phenomenological approach and involved 30 pregnant women representing the cultural diversity of Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, daily reflective journals, observation of maternal physical responses, and group discussions. Analysis was carried out using Colaizzi’s method to identify the essence of the lived experiences of communication described by the participants. The findings indicate that the fetus transmits signals through four primary pathways: (1) bodily sensations, manifested in changes in fetal movement rhythms, abdominal warmth, spontaneous tension, and responses to environmental stimuli; (2) food preferences, expressed as fetal “desires” or “rejections” of specific foods, particularly contrasting traditional and modern foods; (3) emotional influences, including sudden urges for self-soothing, feelings of safety, restlessness, or emergent spiritual needs; and (4) spiritual resonance, evidenced by rapid fetal responses to prayer, gentle music, or religious rituals. These findings affirm that the fetus is not merely a passive recipient but an active communicator who conveys messages through the mother’s body and generates an intersubjective relationship between two souls within a single body. This study extends the understanding of prenatal communication from an Indonesian cultural perspective, positioning rasa (sensation/feeling) as the first language employed by the fetus. The findings open avenues for the development of culturally grounded theories of fetal–maternal communication in Indonesia and support the integration of holistic approaches in midwifery practice and prenatal counseling.
Effectiveness of a Program Based on the Use of Educational Videos to Develop Health Awareness in Kindergarten Children
The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a program based on the use of educational videos in developing health awareness among kindergarten children. A quasi-experimental design was used, and the study was conducted on (50) boys and girls enrolled in government kindergartens in Najran. The following instruments were used in the study: a pictorial health awareness test (personal hygiene, environmental health, and physical activity) for kindergarten children, and a program based on the use of educational videos to develop health awareness among kindergarten children. The study reached the following results: There are statistically significant differences at the (0.05) level between the mean scores of the study sample in the pre- and post-tests for children's awareness of personal hygiene, in favor of the post-test; there are statistically significant differences at the (0.05) level between the mean scores of the study sample in the pre- and post-tests for children's awareness of the concept of environmental health, in favor of the post-test; and there are statistically significant differences at the (0.05) level between the mean scores of the study sample in the pre- and post-tests for children's awareness of the concept of physical activity, in favor of the post-test. In light of the study's findings, the researchers offered several recommendations: The importance of utilizing educational videos to develop health concepts in kindergarten children and to make the learning process more enjoyable and engaging. Conducting workshops and training sessions for kindergarten teachers to raise their awareness of the importance of educational videos in developing health concepts in kindergarten children and to teach them how to use them in various educational situations. The necessity of educating kindergarten children about healthy habits through the use of diverse methods.
Computational Thinking in Indonesian Vocational Education: A Bibliometric Analysis
This study presents a bibliometric analysis of research focused on computational thinking (CT) in the context of Indonesian vocational education, aiming to map its development, thematic focus, and scholarly impact. CT has gained recognition as a critical 21st-century skill that supports problem-solving, digital literacy, and adaptability. These competencies are essential for vocational learners preparing to enter Industry 4.0 environments. Despite its growing importance, the landscape of CT research in Indonesia’s vocational education system remains fragmented and underexplored. Using the Dimensions AI database, this study retrieved open access publications from 2014 to 2025 based on the search query: (“vocational education”) AND (“Indonesia”) AND (“computational thinking”). A total of 219 documents were analyzed using Microsoft Excel for data cleaning and VOSviewer for network visualization. The findings show a significant increase in publication output beginning in 2019, which aligns with national education reforms such as Revitalisasi SMK and Kurikulum Merdeka. The dominant research categories include educational technology, STEM education, and curriculum innovation. Key themes identified through keyword co-occurrence include CT as a foundational skill, the integration of CT into vocational curricula, and the relevance of CT to employability and digital transformation. Influential journals such as Sustainability and IJERE appear frequently in the citation network, indicating the interdisciplinary appeal of CT and its relevance to both educational policy and practice. This study contributes to the field by offering a structured overview of research trends and providing a foundation for future inquiry and curriculum development focused on strengthening CT in Indonesian vocational education.
Peace Education Models in Enhancing Global Peace Awareness and Open Dialogue among Higher Education Students
This bibliometric study examines the evolution of research on peace education frameworks, focusing on their role in enhancing global peace awareness and fostering open dialogue among higher education students. Analyzing publication trends from 1014 to 2024, the study identifies a significant increase in scholarly output, reflecting the growing academic interest in peace education. Thematic clustering reveals that violence prevention, critical pedagogy, ad teacher training remain central research themes, while emerging areas such as sustainability, global citizenship, and digital education indicate expanding interdisciplinary approaches. The study categorizes the most influential research areas, with Education Policy, Sociology, and Philosophy contributing the highest volume of publications and citations. Additionally, an analysis of influential journals highlights the dominance of the Journal of Peace Education, reinforcing its role in shaping discourse within the field. Findings further indicate that critical pace education models, holistic frameworks, and experiential learning strategies are the most widely used approaches in higher education. These models emphasize the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical applications to equip students with the skills necessary for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Based on these insights, it is recommended that future research future explore interdisciplinary connections, expand regional representation, and integrate technological advancements to enhance the effectiveness of peace education. Strengthening institutional commitment to peace education initiatives can ensure that higher education continues to serve as a platform for fostering sustainable peace, intercultural dialogue, and social justice on a global scale.
The Reality of Kindergarten Teachers using Smart Boards to Develop Health Awareness in Children
The current study aims to identify the extent to which kindergarten teachers use interactive whiteboards to develop children's health awareness. The descriptive approach was used, and the study was conducted with (100) kindergarten teachers registered in government kindergartens in Najran. The following instruments were used in the study: - A questionnaire to measure the extent to which kindergarten teachers use interactive whiteboards to develop children's health awareness, which included the following sections: (the extent to which kindergarten teachers use interactive whiteboards to develop children's health awareness - obstacles to kindergarten teachers using interactive whiteboards to develop children's health awareness). The results of the study indicate a weak extent to which kindergarten teachers in Najran use interactive whiteboards to develop children's health awareness, as the arithmetic mean for the section was (2.42), which is a low average on a five-point scale, reflecting the limited implementation of this educational tool in classrooms. It can be concluded that the use of smart boards – despite their availability – remains below the required level to achieve educational goals related to developing children's health knowledge. Conversely, the axis of obstacles to using smart boards received a high average score of (4.21), indicating that teachers face significant difficulties hindering the application of technology in classroom practices. Based on the study's findings, the researchers offered several recommendations: Conducting specialized training programs for kindergarten teachers in the use of smart boards and the production of interactive health content for children; providing technical support and suitable technological infrastructure within kindergartens to ensure uninterrupted and easy use; developing educational guides that include digital health activities applicable via smart boards; encouraging teachers to share successful experiences and highlight outstanding practices to promote effective usage models; and promoting partnerships between kindergartens and health authorities to produce targeted and simplified digital health content for children.
The Brain that Understands Different Cultures: Brain Microstructure Measured by MRI Correlates with Cultural Intelligence
In today's world of increasing globalization, the importance of cultural intelligence (CQ), a necessary ability for cross-cultural adaptation, is becoming more and more recognized. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between brain microstructure and CQ. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between fractional anisotropy (FA) of the posterior thalamic radiation (PTR), inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP), and fornix and CQ using data from 310 healthy men and women collected in Japan. The results showed that Motivational CQ, Behavioral CQ, and Overall CQ were significantly related to FA of PTR, ICP and fornix. Results indicate that brain microstructure involved in motivation, behavior, and cognition correlates with motivational and behavioral aspects of CQ. This is the first study to clarify the relationship between cultural intelligence and brain structure.
The Role of Debt Management Literacy in Controlling Financial Impulsivity among PayLater Users in Young Generation
The rapid growth of financial technology (fintech) has transformed consumer behavior, particularly through the emergence of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services such as PayLater. While these platforms offer flexibility and convenience in purchasing, they have also been linked to rising impulsive and consumptive behaviors among young users. This study aims to examine the role of Debt Management Literacy (DML) in controlling financial impulsivity among young PayLater users in Indonesia. Using a quantitative explanatory approach, data were collected through an online survey of 312 respondents aged 18–30 who had used PayLater services within the last six months. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that the use of PayLater positively affects financial impulsivity while DML and self-control negatively affect it. Furthermore, DML has a moderating effect, weakening the positive relationship between PayLater usage and impulsivity. These findings confirm that good debt management literacy acts as a buffer against impulsive financial behavior, reducing the risk of overspending and debt accumulation. The study highlights the importance of strengthening financial education and promoting responsible digital credit usage among young adults to achieve sustainable financial well-being.
Development of Literacy-Numeracy Adaptive Test Application: A Case Study of the Al-Ashirriyah Nurul Iman Foundation, Indonesia
This study aims to develop an application of adaptive literacy-numeracy tests at the Al-Ashirriyah Nurul Iman Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia, with a focus on improving the quality of assessment and the efficiency of learning evaluation. The application developed integrates a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) system based on Item Response Theory (IRT) to adjust the difficulty of questions to students' abilities dynamically. The approach used is research and development (R&D) with testing of application prototypes through trials to students and teachers. The results show that this application can reduce evaluation time by up to 40% and provide more accurate assessments than conventional test methods. In addition, this application can provide faster, more relevant feedback to students and make it easier for teachers to analyze test results. Based on the research results, it is recommended to further develop this application by expanding its features and improving teacher training in the use of technology to support more effective technology-based learning.
Influence of Motor Activity Level on the Resistance of Students' Erythrocytes Membranes
The problem of reducing the motor activity of young students in the conditions of the modern educational process is more relevant than ever in connection with the trend towards a decrease in the quality of youth health. The purpose of this research was to study the influence of physical activity level of Pedagogical University female students on the resistance properties of erythrocytes. Methods for studying osmotic and peroxide resistance of erythrocytes and catalase activity were used. The background values of osmotic, peroxide resistance in the test groups did not have a significant difference, although the resistance of erythrocyte membranes to peroxide radicals is somewhat more pronounced in the group of girls with conditionally low activity. In the group of girls with reduced motor activity, the level of activity of the catalase enzyme was slightly lower than that in the blood of girls involved in physical exercises. There were no obvious differences in the resistance characteristics of the erythrocyte membrane in the groups of female students with different levels of motor activity at rest. The use of the step test revealed a difference in the structural and functional state of erythrocyte membranes - during exercise, a decrease in the osmotic and peroxide resistance of the erythrocyte membranes of girls from the group with conditionally low motor activity was shown, and a more stable structural and functional state of erythrocytes of girls from the group with a regime of high motor activity . There were no changes in catalase activity against the background of the step test in groups of girls with different levels of motor regimen.
Objectives of Legislation and their Impact on Modern Interpretations of the Qur'an with Special Reference to Ibn Ashur’s Interpretation
Maqasid al-Shari'ah (the objectives of shari'ah/ or legislation) is one of the important subjects in Islamic studies. Moreover, the interest in Maqasid al-Shari'ah in recent decades has increased immensely. Contemporary scholars, especially those who are concerned with reform and renewal in Islamic societies, pay considerable attention to the issue of Maqasid. This research will focus mainly on a famous modern exegete known for his valuable contribution to the field of objectives of shari'ah and to the field of Qur'anic exegesis who is Muhammad bin Ashur. The current study aims to explore how considering maqasid affects understanding of the Qur'an with regard to Ibn Ashur. And that appears in several examples in the interpretation in which Ibn Ashur gives new insight concerning some modern concepts and legal rulings.
Virtues of the People of al-Shām: A Human Analytical Study and Comparative Evaluation with AI Models (ChatGPT and Gemini)
This study aims to examine the virtues of the people of al-Shām through a human analytical lens and compare the findings with those generated by artificial intelligence models. The research adopts an inductive methodology for data collection and analysis, alongside an applied approach to compare human interpretations with the outputs of AI models. The results indicate that the Gemini model demonstrated superior performance in understanding and analyzing religious and cultural texts, offering interpretations that were more accurate and contextually appropriate than those provided by ChatGPT. These findings underscore the importance of advancing AI models capable of effectively engaging with religious and cultural content, while also highlighting the distinctions between human and machine-based analysis.
Evaluating the Strong Families Programme in Lebanon: A Single-arm Study on Family Functioning and Child Well-being
Families in Lebanon face compounded adversities, including political instability, economic collapse, and protracted displacement crises. These conditions place significant strain on caregiver-child relationships, which are critical determinants of child well-being. The Strong Families programme, developed by UNODC, is a brief, evidence-based family skills intervention designed for low-resource and high-stress settings. This study evaluated the programme’s feasibility and effectiveness in Lebanon. A single-arm pre-post design was employed. Seventy-six families with children aged 8–14 years were recruited through community-based organizations across Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and South Lebanon. Caregivers completed a demographic questionnaire, the Parenting and Family Adjustment Scales (PAFAS) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and six-week follow-up (T3). Despite high attrition, results showed significant reductions in SDQ conduct problems and total difficulties, with the greatest improvements among children with high baseline difficulties. PAFAS outcomes indicated significant decreases in coercive parenting and improvements in positive encouragement, parent-child relationship, and parental adjustment among the most challenged caregivers at baseline. Families with lower initial difficulties showed smaller or non-significant changes, suggesting a ceiling effect. No differences emerged between Lebanese and non-Lebanese participants. The Strong Families programme demonstrated feasibility and positive short-term impacts on family functioning and child mental health in Lebanon, particularly for higher-risk families. These findings support its scalability as a contextually adaptable intervention to strengthen resilience in humanitarian and fragile settings.
Developing A PDCA-Based Halal Value Chain Model For Food Msmes In A Non-Muslim-Majority Context: A Case Study From Bali, Indonesia
The global demand for halal food products continues to rise, requiring the establishment of effective halal value chains (HVC), particularly within micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). However, in non-Muslim-majority regions such as Bali, Indonesia—a global tourist destination—the implementation of HVCs among food-based MSMEs remains underdeveloped due to cultural, regulatory, and market-related challenges. This study aims to develop an integrated model for strengthening the HVC ecosystem using the PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) cycle as a quality management approach. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative surveys from 60 food MSMEs and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, including halal certification bodies, local government agencies, and supply chain actors. The research maps current practices along the halal value chain and identifies bottlenecks in sourcing, production, distribution, and marketing. The PDCA framework is then applied to each stage of the value chain to guide systematic improvement. The findings reveal critical gaps in awareness, documentation, and process standardization, particularly at the "Plan" and "Check" stages. A conceptual model is proposed to help MSMEs implement halal assurance procedures sustainably, with emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, incremental capacity building, and market education. This study contributes to the halal management literature by offering a replicable strategy for MSMEs operating in culturally diverse environments, and provides policy implications for advancing inclusive halal ecosystems.
Implementation of Audit For The Earnings Management in Emerging Indonesia Market
The setting of developing Indonesian companies this study analyzes the impact of audit quality, audit committee effectiveness, and IFRS adoption on auditor opinions, considering Earnings Management (EM) as a potential mediator. The research population comprises companies listed on the stock exchange of Indonesia, and the sample consists of 325 diverse industrial companies observed from 2013 to 2023. Data analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Utilizing measures such as maximum and minimum values to specify what they measure, correlations, hypothesis tests, mediation analysis, and R-squared. The findings indicate that audit quality, the audit committee, and IFRS adoption significantly influence auditor opinions, and that earnings management successfully mediates the relationship between employee empowerment and job satisfaction, these factors and auditor opinions. Specifically, implementing high audit quality based on Indonesian Auditing Standards (SPAP) and adopting IFRS appears to contribute to more favorable auditor opinions, particularly the unqualified opinion.
A proposed vision for including green economy concepts in science textbooks for the first intermediate grade
The current research aims to provide a proposed vision for including green economy concepts in science books for the first intermediate grade. The research used the descriptive approach, and the research sample consisted of science books for the first intermediate grade in the first, second and third semesters. A list of green economy concepts was prepared, and a content analysis card was prepared. The results of the study showed a low degree of inclusion of green economy concepts in science books for the first intermediate grade, as it was very low in the science book for the first intermediate grade in the first and second semesters and intermediate in the third semester. In light of the results of the study, the researcher presented a proposal to include green economy concepts in science books for the first intermediate grade. The study recommended including green economy concepts according to the list of concepts included in the current study within the scope and sequence system for science books for the intermediate stage, encouraging female students to implement classroom activities in light of green economy concepts that develop female students' awareness of the green economy inside and outside school.
Effectiveness of a program based on the use of interactive whiteboards to develop health awareness in kindergarten children
The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using interactive whiteboards to develop health awareness among kindergarten children. A quasi-experimental design was employed, and the study was conducted with (50) boys and girls enrolled in government kindergartens in Najran. The following instruments were used in the study: a pictorial health awareness test (assessing the child's awareness of diseases and their prevention, first aid, and prevention and safety) among kindergarten children. A study investigating the effectiveness of using interactive whiteboards to develop health awareness among kindergarten children yielded the following results: The study found that using interactive whiteboards was effective in developing health awareness among kindergarten children. Statistically significant differences were found at the 0.05 level between the pre- and post-test mean scores of the study sample regarding children's awareness of diseases and their prevention, with the post-test scores being higher, attributed to the use of interactive whiteboards. Statistically significant differences were also found at the 0.05 level between the pre- and post-test mean scores of the study sample regarding children's awareness of first aid, again with the post-test scores being higher, attributed to the use of interactive whiteboards. Finally, statistically significant differences were found at the 0.05 level between the pre- and post-test mean scores of the study sample regarding children's awareness of prevention and safety, again with the post-test scores being higher, attributed to the use of interactive whiteboards. Based on these results, the researchers offered several recommendations: The importance of utilizing interactive whiteboards to develop health concepts among kindergarten children and to make the learning process more enjoyable and engaging. Training courses and workshops were held for kindergarten teachers to raise their awareness of the importance of interactive whiteboards in developing health concepts in kindergarten children and to teach them how to use them in various educational situations. It is essential to educate kindergarten children about healthy habits through the use of diverse methods.
Liuzhi Suojia Ecomuseum at Guizhou: Theater of Interaction and Negotiating Ethnic Minority Identities in China
This study employs qualitative research methods to examine the distinctive identity of the Miao people during the transformation of the Ecomuseum, with particular attention to how identity is represented within the Ecomuseum context and how it interacts with external audiences. The technical procedures adopted were bibliographic research and field research. The findings reveal that the everyday practices and rituals of the Longhorn Miao have become phenomena subject to observation, interpretation, and interaction by external visitors, shaping the maintenance and transmission of their unique identity. The Suojia Ecomuseum showcases the Suojia ethnic identity and serves as a performance space for self-presentation in interactions with outsiders. In this parallel context, cultural performance is no longer solely for the benefit of community life but are also designed to meet the expectations of outside observers. This parallel position creates a complex connection between Longhorn Miao, consumers, and other stakeholders, resulting in a continuous and dynamic process of negotiating the self-identities of the Miao people with outsiders.This research advances Ecomuseum studies by moving beyond heritage preservation narratives to emphasize the Ecomuseum as a contested arena of identity negotiation, cultural politics, and globalization.
Repairing the Courtyard: Computational Participation, Cultural Care, and Design Justice in Bangkok
This study advances a theory-in-practice framework for community participation that integrates right-to-repair ethics, environmental justice, and cultural health into the design of semi-public courtyards in Bangkok. Building on mixed-methods fieldwork, we compared two participation instruments, on-site illustration and a lightweight browser-based voxel editor, to examine how tools mediate design cognition, inclusivity, and the aesthetics of shared spatial order. We argue that participation should not be reduced to consultation or delegated “design-by-community,” but structured as co-production in which computational legibility and lived, affective knowledge are equally first class. Empirically, 16 participants across four focus groups generated courtyard proposals that revealed complementary strengths: analog drawing elicited memory, ritual, and “care programs” rooted in Thai social life, while the voxel tool supported iterative composition, rule clarity, and post-hoc measurement. We report quantitative engagement metrics and qualitative thematic codes and then propose a repair-oriented workflow that translates narrative sketches into computable models without erasing cultural nuances. The result is a reproducible method that helps local governments and citizen groups negotiate between bottom-up claims and top-down constraints, positioning participation as an instrument of spatial justice rather than as a stylistic add-on.
Brick and Pottery Kilns in Mang Thit, Vinh Long: Local Knowledge and Community of Practice in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
This research examines qualitative methods and primary research that evaluates local knowledge and the "community of practice" (CoP). The Mekong Delta of Vietnam, located in Mang Thit, Vinh Long, has a rich history of traditional brick and pottery manufacturing. The goal of this study is to monitor the historical formation of the craft village, analyze mechanisms of intergenerational knowledge transfer, and consider socio-economic development. This study shows that the region's natural geology, particularly the amount of clay surrounding the Co Chien River, has a dense canal system that is one of the essential factors for Mang Thit's foundation, as well as key hubs for brick and pottery manufacturing during the colonial period. CoP operated in this craft village by combining customary methods with experiential learning and incremental innovation. The knowledge and skills of this approach are passed down through families and artisan groups. However, these industries face difficulties due to urbanization, limited resources, stricter environmental regulations, and market shifts, resulting in reduced production, a lack of workforce, and weakened traditional practices. Artisans, businesses, and local authorities are developing adaptive ideas by combining them with sustainable development policies to enhance craft innovation and cultural tourism. This research promotes an expanded discussion of cultural heritage, rural adaptability, and the resilience of local knowledge systems in the face of socio- environmental transformations.
The Reality of Using Digital Education Technologies in Developing Health Awareness Concepts from the Perspective of Early Childhood Teachers in the Najran Region
Background: Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in developing health awareness at the national and global levels, in response to growing health challenges, including the emergence of new health issues and the exacerbation of existing ones. Based on this reality, establishing health awareness from early childhood has become an urgent necessity and an essential preventative strategy. Objective: This research aimed to reveal the reality of using digital education technologies in developing health awareness concepts from the perspective of early childhood teachers in the Najran region. Methods: To achieve the research objectives, the descriptive-analytical method was used, and a questionnaire consisting of 23 items distributed across two axes was used as the data collection tool. The research tool was administered to a sample of 300 teachers selected using simple random sampling. After collecting and analyzing the data, the results showed that the degree of use of digital education technologies in developing health awareness concepts among children, from the perspective of early childhood teachers, was moderate. Results: The results also indicated that the challenges faced by early childhood teachers when using digital education technologies to develop health awareness concepts were high. Conclusion: In light of the findings, the research recommended conducting training courses for teachers on how to integrate technology into developing health awareness concepts among children and Developing Arabic digital content evidence-digital content based scientific evidence and Attractive activities to developing health awareness concepts for children.
The Role of Kindergarten Teachers in Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Technologies to Develop Children’s Health Awareness: A Descriptive Study
The current study aims to identify the role of kindergarten teachers in activating artificial intelligence techniques to develop health awareness in children. A descriptive approach was used, and the study was applied to 100 kindergarten teachers registered in government kindergartens in the city of Najran. The study used the following tools: - A questionnaire to measure the role of kindergarten teachers in activating artificial intelligence technologies to develop children's health awareness. It includes the following themes: The first theme is the role of kindergarten teachers in activating artificial intelligence technologies to develop children's health awareness. The second theme is the obstacles to using artificial intelligence technologies to developing health awareness in children. The study reached the following conclusions: Kindergarten teachers play a limited role in utilizing artificial intelligence technologies to develop health awareness in children, with a mean score of 2.53. while the theme of obstacles to the use of artificial intelligence technologies achieved a high average of (4.36), reflecting a high level of awareness among teachers of the existence of obstacles that hinder the use of these technologies. In light of the study's results, the researcher made several recommendations: Adopt continuous technical support and follow-up programs for teachers, providing a simplified guide that includes steps for integrating artificial intelligence into early childhood education units. Encourage the exchange of experiences among teachers through workshops and practical sessions highlighting successful experiences in using artificial intelligence to promote health awareness among children. Activate partnerships between kindergartens and health and technical agencies with the aim of enriching smart educational content and providing supportive initiatives to raise the readiness of the educational environment in terms of training and equipment.
Religion, State, and Civil Society: Issues of Interaction
The article examines the complex interactions between religion, state, and civil society across three regional contexts: Armenia, Russia, and Western Europe. Through a comparative political science and philosophical approach, the study analyses how historical and legal contexts shape church–state relations, contrasting models of identification, separation, and cooperation. It draws on constitutional provisions, sociological data, and academic literature to explore the roles of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, and various European churches in public life. Results indicate that Armenia’s constitution grants a privileged status to the national church, leading to both collaboration with and opposition to government, while Russia’s quasi‑symphony between the state and “traditional” religions consolidates power but marginalizes other faiths. Western European countries exhibit more secularized societies and diversified models, balancing religious freedom with public oversight. The discussion highlights how these differences influence civil society, secularization, radicalism, and social cohesion. The study concludes that a sustainable relationship between religion, state, and society requires maintaining secular principles while recognizing the positive social capital that religious institutions can contribute
Driving Gastronomic Tourism: A Structural Model of Revisit Intentions for Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Thailand
Michelin-starred restaurants are key assets of Thailand's tourism economy, attracting high-value tourists and shaping the Kingdom's culinary brand. However, the factors driving diner loyalty in this rarefied market segment, which are critical to its long-term economic viability, remain poorly understood. Drawing on data from 560 repeat diners of Thai Michelin-starred restaurants and analyzed using LISREL 9.10, the research constructs an integrated structural equation model (SEM) to examine the effects of integrated digital marketing communication (IDMC), product innovation (PI), and customer satisfaction (CS), on revisit intention (RI). The model demonstrated excellent fit to the data, explaining 70% of the variance in RI. IDMC exerts the strongest total effect (β = 0.78), followed by PI (β = 0.59) and CS (β = 0.42). Findings confirm that CS fulfills a mediating role between the two antecedent constructs and loyalty. Underscoring the importance of both internal and customer-facing areas of capability, the results provide restaurateurs and policymakers with a strategic framework within which to leverage the synergies among best-in-class communication, innovation, and experience delivery as enablers of resilient and luxury gastronomic tourism futures.
From Text to Context: Cognitive–Metacognitive Engagements in Post-Editing as a Site of Cultural Meaning
This study investigates how cognitive and metacognitive engagements in post-editing serve as a site for cultural meaning-making and social transformation within English–Indonesian translation practices. Using a qualitative design grounded in Think-Aloud Protocols (TAP), an experienced English teacher performed post-editing tasks on Google-translated texts in both language directions. The verbal data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed through Congjun’s (2015) taxonomy of cognitive strategies and Wenden’s (1991) framework of metacognitive regulation. Findings reveal that post-editing involves more than technical correction; it constitutes a reflective act where translators negotiate linguistic, cultural, and ideological meanings. Cognitive operations such as revising, elaborating, clarifying, and retrieving interact dynamically with metacognitive processes of planning, monitoring, and evaluating to reshape not only textual form but also cross-cultural interpretation. The participant’s ability to mediate between linguistic accuracy and cultural appropriateness illustrates translation as a socially situated practice embedded in contextual knowledge and value systems. This research underscores post-editing as a critical locus where cognition, culture, and technology intersect, redefining how translators participate in contemporary meaning-making. Pedagogically, the study advocates for translation education that cultivates cultural reflexivity and metacognitive awareness, empowering translators to act as mindful agents of social and intercultural change.
Concepts and Transculture as Parameters for the Theoretical Analysis of Literary Texts
The accelerating dynamics of globalization, migration, and digital interaction have reshaped the cultural environments in which literature is produced and consumed. As a result, literary studies increasingly require analytical frameworks that move beyond traditional monocultural or nation-based interpretive models. This paper proposes an integrated theoretical approach that treats concepts—as cognitive, linguistic, and philosophical abstractions—and transculture—as the fluid movement and hybridization of cultural elements—as co-constitutive parameters for analyzing literary texts. Concepts serve as the intellectual scaffolding through which meaning is produced, stabilized, or contested in narrative worlds, while transculture illuminates the processes through which identities, symbols, and narrative structures circulate across boundaries. By bringing these parameters together, the study argues for a flexible method capable of capturing the complexity of contemporary and historical literary forms.Drawing on literature from conceptual theory, transcultural studies, postcolonial theory, cognitive narratology, and comparative literature, the paper outlines a methodological model for analyzing how texts register cultural translations, conceptual transfers, hybrid identities, and shifting epistemologies. The model is then applied to representative textual examples (discussed generically rather than tied to one corpus), demonstrating how conceptual clusters—such as belonging, identity, mobility, power, and memory—interact with transcultural currents that shape narrative meaning and reader interpretation.The results emphasize that literary texts operate as dynamic cultural interfaces that encode multi-directional flows of ideas, beliefs, and worldviews. A transcultural-conceptual lens reveals not only how texts negotiate cultural difference but also how they reconfigure universal or local concepts through hybrid narrative strategies. The discussion highlights implications for pedagogy, comparative research, and interdisciplinary humanities. Ultimately, the paper positions concepts and transculture as essential analytical parameters that enable richer, more nuanced readings of literature in a rapidly globalizing world.
Measuring the Impact of the Central Bank's Financial Position Statement on the Money Supply – Using the NARDL Standard Model
The analysis of the Central Bank's financial position statement, and the changes in its items in the aspects of assets and liabilities, is an essential entry point to understand the nature of the Central Bank's activity, its monetary policy directions, and the extent of its powers in performing its main functions. ) to measure the equilibrium and causal relationships between the variables of the list, represented by net foreign assets, net domestic assets, and the monetary base, and their effect on the money supply (M2) in the short and long term, and the stability of the money supply function was also tested to verify the stability of the relationship during the study period.The importance of this research is highlighted in its connection between the structural and qualitative analysis of the statement of the financial position of the Central Bank and the quantitative analysis of the behavior of the money supply, which contributes to deepening the understanding of the mechanism of the influence of the components of the list on monetary variables and in the formulation of macroeconomic policy.
Inclusive Mathematics Learning Based on Visuals and Gestures for Students with Autism: A Focused Video Study
Students with autism often face challenges in understanding mathematical concepts due to limited verbal communication and difficulty interpreting abstract symbols. In inclusive classrooms, this issue calls for adaptive, multisensory strategies aligned with the visual and kinesthetic learning styles common among these students. This study examines the effectiveness of mathematics instruction integrating visual media and gestures to improve engagement and understanding in students with autism. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, using a 2400-second classroom video, from which a focused 63.83-second segment was purposively selected for detailed analysis. This selection followed the principles of focused video analysis, emphasizing intensive observation within a representative timeframe. Data were analyzed qualitatively to explore teacher strategies, communication types, and student responses, and quantitatively through time-based segmentation to examine interaction frequency, communication forms, response types, and average response duration. The results show that visual-gestural strategies fostered adaptive, two-way communication, with active responses dominating and consistent response times. Teachers used a mix of verbal and nonverbal cues to make abstract concepts more concrete. These findings suggest that integrating gestures and visual media holds strong potential as a practical strategy for designing inclusive, effective mathematics instruction for students with autism.
Tangible and Intangible Expressions of the Local Identity of the Bugis Bone Community: A Study of the Songkok Recca Mosque
This research aims to understand and interpret the expression of local identity of the Bugis Bone ethnic group as reflected in mosque architecture, particularly in the Songkok Recca Mosque in Bone Regency. The study employs a qualitative research design and is categorized as field research. The research adopts historical and sociological approaches, supported by auxiliary disciplines such as archaeology and ethnography. Data obtained through observation, interviews, documentation, photovoice, and literature review were analyzed using the stages of ejawantah and Ferdinand De Saussure’s archaeological semiotics. The findings reveal that the ejawantah process of Bugis Bone cultural symbols in the Songkok Recca Mosque undergoes typological realization through an exploration stage, resulting in the manifestation of the local identity of the Bugis Bone community. This identity is visible in various architectural elements, including the roof (shaped like songkok recca), the prayer hall (rakkeang), the mihrab/minbar (timpalaja), the ablution area (symbolized by a kendi), the minaret/floor plan, and decorative ornaments (sulapa’ eppa’). The mosque building functions not only as a place of worship but also as an embodiment of local identity through the integration of Bugis cultural symbols into its architectural elements.
Predicting Safety Reporting Intentions in Aviation Safety Management: A Regression-Based Approach to Culture and Trust Factors
Safety reporting is a crucial element in implementing the Safety Management System (SMS) in the aviation industry, particularly in airport operational environments. However, underreporting remains a significant challenge in detecting risks and preventing incidents. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of safety culture and trust in management as factors influencing reporting behavior; however, most studies remain descriptive and have not tested the predictive power of both variables simultaneously using an inferential statistical approach. This study fills this gap by applying a multiple linear regression model to examine the extent to which safety culture and trust in management can predict airport personnel's intention to report safety issues. Using a quantitative approach and cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 150 respondents from various operational units at the airport. The results of the analysis show that both independent variables—safety culture and trust in management—have a positive and significant effect on safety reporting intention, both simultaneously and partially. Trust in management has a greater impact than safety culture, highlighting the importance of perceptions of managerial fairness and integrity in promoting reporting. This study makes a novel contribution to the aviation safety literature by providing strong empirical evidence on the combined role of culture and trust in shaping reporting behavior. The findings also provide practical implications that strategies for improving safety reporting should include strengthening safety culture and building trust-based relationships between management and personnel.
Socioeconomic and Cultural Disparities in the Early Breastfeeding Initiation among Working Mothers in Indonesia
Background: The low implementation of Early Breastfeeding Initiation (EBI) among working mothers is often linked to their dual burden of domestic and economic responsibilities. Cultural norms, traditional values and social structures also shape EBI related practices. Certain cultural beliefes such as giving pre-lacteal milk liquids and extended family decisions in the birth process, can hinder the implementation of EBI. This study examined socioeconomic disparities in EBI practices among working mothers in Indonesia, emphasizing the cultural factors that specifically affect the likelihood of initiating breastfeeding in the first hour of life.Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 46,130 children. EBI served as the independent variable, while socioeconomic status was the dependent variable, with seven controls: residence, mother’s age, education, marital status, antenatal care, birthplace, and child’s gender. Socioeconomic position was measured using wealth quintiles ranging from the poorest to the richest. Binary logistic regression assessed the association between EBI and socioeconomic status, with interpretation of findings considering cultural differences across social groups.Results: The result showed that 59.7% of working mothers in Indonesia had implemented EBI. Socioeconomic status was a significant predictor of EBI. Poorer mothers were 1,146 times more likely to initiate EBI than wealthier mothers (95% CI: 1,134-1,159). Conversely, the richest mothers had a 1.422-fold higher likelihood of achieving EBI compared with the poorest (95% CI: 1.288-1.315), while working mothers had a 1.399-fold higher chance (95% CI: 1.385-1.414). EBI was also more common among mothers who had antenatal care, lived in rural areas, were older, married, and had higher levels of education. These variations indicate that beyond economic status, access to health information and cultural values strongly influence EBI practices among working mothers.Conclusion: Socioeconomic disparities significantly influence EBI among working mothers in Indonesia. Wealthier mothers are more likely to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour, highlighting the role of socioeconomic position in shaping maternal health behaviors. Cultural norms further contextualize these differences, affecting decisions and practices surrounding early breastfeeding. Strengthening EBI coverage therefore requires strategies that go beyond structural and economic improvements, incorporating cultural considerations and family support.
More than Just Tension: Work related Factors affecting the Mental Health of Employee at Workplace-An Empirical Study in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Background: Employee mental health has emerged as a key issue for organizational strategy and policy development since it is one of the most urgent issues facing governments and institutions in industrialized countries. Earlier studies have examined a variety of employee mental health-related topics, such as stress, burnout, and toxic work environments. Aim: Our study aims to examine several mental health related issues that can affect employees in Saudi Arabia. Methods: To support our study, we carried out a cross-sectional quantitative analysis and administered our survey from June 2025 to August 2025 in 37 companies in Saudi Arabia. Data were analysed based on Cohen's Standards for Correlation Coefficient using R language. Results: The results shows that stress, job instability, fair treatment, and help from organizations influence workers' psychological well-being. Additionally, these findings correspond to actual human experiences i.e. First, anxious workers who worry about losing their jobs may also have mental health issues. Secondly, better support is probably experienced by the supported worker who obtains fair treatment. Lastly, a successful professional frequently experiences several pleasant circumstances that reinforce one another. Conclusion: This study examined mental well-being of workers in Saudi Arabia and have pointed out major factors such as stress, unfair treatment and organizational support contributing to mental health of workers.
Measuring Anchoring Bias among University Students
Anchoring bias, first identified by Tversky and Kahneman, is a cognitive phenomenon whereby individuals’ judgments are influenced by incidental numerical values, with initial reference points (anchors) disproportionately affecting subsequent evaluations. This study aimed to measure anchoring bias among university students and examine differences based on gender and academic specialization. A total of 400 students from the University of Baghdad, equally divided by gender and academic discipline (humanities and sciences), participated. An 18-item anchoring bias scale was developed, validated through expert review, and tested for reliability using split-half (r = 0.75) and test–retest (r = 0.73) methods. Results indicated that the sample exhibited anchoring bias. Statistically significant differences were observed according to gender, favoring females, and academic specialization, favoring students in the humanities. These findings suggest that cognitive heuristics such as anchoring influence judgment among university students and that demographic factors can moderate the extent of this bias.
The role of transparency in enhancing internal communication among employees in Saudi government institutions
This study aimed to identify the role of transparency in enhancing internal communication among employees in governmental institutions. It sought to understand the practical impact of transparency on communication quality, its contribution to a positive organisational culture, and the policies that can support it. The research employed a quantitative, descriptive survey method, collecting data via a questionnaire from a stratified random sample of 393 managers, division heads, and employees in Saudi public authorities in Riyadh.The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between transparency and the quality of internal communication, which in turn enhances overall institutional performance. The results indicate that transparency is crucial for fostering a positive organisational culture by clarifying roles, boosting employee morale, and creating an environment that supports achievement and creativity. The study concludes that transparency is a critical driver for improving internal communication and achieving organisational objectives, aligning with broader strategic goals such as Saudi Vision 2030. Key recommendations include conducting future qualitative research, exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in promoting transparency, and enhancing the use of transparent information in management practices.
Media Professionals’ Use of Digital Applications and Its Association with the Enhancement of Their Professional Performance
Research into the importance of digital applications in improving the working professional performance of media practitioners in media institutions is the focus of this study. A mixed-method approach was used in this research. The researcher collected quantitative data by surveying 153 media professionals. The sample was comprised of media professionals with a variety of level of experience, genders and fields. The researcher examined and used satisfaction with working professional performance, barriers to adopting digital applications and strategies to remediate barriers. Statistical testing was predominately Chi-square, T-tests, ANOVA and correlation analyses. Findings indicated significant relationships between the use of digital applications and working professional performance. This overall association was strongest for practitioners with the least amount of experience and for male practitioners. Challenges included low bandwidth access to communication technology, high costs and technology illiteracy. Suggestions for strategies included targeted training, policy improvements by the institution and development of better resources. Overall, the findings of this research illustrate the need for comprehensive strategies that provide the opportunity for technological, educational and organizational environments to enhance the potential benefits of digital applications for media practitioners.
The Role of Social Skills in Enhancing Institutional Performance: An Empirical Study of the Sharjah Police Sciences Academy
This study examines The Role of Social Skills in Enhancing Institutional Performance in the Sharjah Police Sciences Academy. The research uses a descriptive-analytical method to thoroughly describe and analyze the situation with both quantitative and qualitative data.The study was conducted with 100 faculty and administrative members of the academy, who were all part of the sample from the total population using a questionnaire as a tool of the study. Results showed that 88.6% of participants believe that developing social skills positively impacts their performance. This improvement comes from training sessions and better communication.The study suggests including social skills training in the programs for new employees to enhance communication and teamwork. The findings call for more research on social skills within the Police Academies to continue improving institutional excellence.
Economic Prospects for Silk Production of (Bombxy mori) Through Agricultural Cooperatives
Natural silk production in Egypt encounters several challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability, despite its inherent natural and historical advantages that could yield substantial economic returns. This research aims to examine the economic trends for the potential of silk production through agricultural cooperatives. Results indicate that the net present value (NPV) is approximately 3,291.6 thousand EGP per year during the investment period. The benefit-cost ratio (B/C ratio) for the mulberry-based silkworm project is around 1.3 over its lifespan. The profitability per invested pound stands at about 0.3 EGP. The internal rate of return (IRR) is approximately 47.1%, indicating a return of 47.1 piasters per invested pound, higher than the current bank interest rate of 21%. This suggests that investing in natural silk production is more economically and financially viable than traditional savings. The capital turnover period is estimated at 2.12 years. Recommendations include establishing an agricultural information bank, integrating modern informational technology within cooperatives, and training staff. Enhancing coordination between cooperatives and research centers at various levels is crucial to stay updated with advancements in agricultural technology. Accurate data should be made available to assist researchers in universities and research centers. Broadcasting guiding prices through modern communication tools and emphasizing cooperative education and training are vital.
Socio-Economic and Policy Drivers of Forest and Land Rehabilitation Productivity in Papua’s Yahukimo Regency
This particular study deals with the productivity challenges of Forest and Land Rehabilitation (FLR) programs in Indonesia, focusing on indigenous communities in Papua's Yahukimo Regency. Forest degradation remains a critical national concern, with approximately 96.3 million hectares requiring restoration. Yet the determinants of successful rehabilitation remain poorly understood, particularly in indigenous settings. The study aims to analyze the institutional, economic, policy, and community drivers influencing FLR productivity and to identify the factors with the greatest empirical impact. The research employs a quantitative approach using structural equation modeling (SEM) on data from 250 indigenous household participants involved in community-based rehabilitation projects. The analysis confirms that institutional capacity (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) exerts the strongest positive effect on rehabilitation productivity, followed by economic conditions (β = 0.29, p < 0.01), policy support (β = 0.22, p < 0.05), and funding mechanisms (β = 0.18, p < 0.05). Community characteristics also demonstrate a positive influence (β = 0.12, p < 0.10). Together, these factors explain 68% of the variance in FLR productivity (R² = 0.68). These results indicate that rehabilitation success depends primarily on institutional coordination, economic incentives, and policy consistency rather than funding magnitude alone. The findings contribute to understanding how integrated institutional-policy-economic mechanisms enhance ecological and socioeconomic outcomes in marginalized regions. The practical value of the study lies in providing an evidence-based framework for policymakers to strengthen local institutional capacity, align policy design with community realities, and integrate economic incentives to ensure sustainable FLR implementation.
Judicial Strengthening of Welfare of Senior Citizens in Goa, India: Interactions Between Cultural Norms and Formal Legal Systems with Special Reference to SDG 16
According to the 2011 Census in India, the number of senior citizens (individuals aged 60 years and older) is 10.38 crore. The anticipated population of Senior Citizens aged 60 and above in the country for 2026 (as of March 1st) is estimated to be 17.32 crore, according to the study from the Technical Group on Population Projections established by the National Commission on Population. Traditionally and culturally senior citizens were respected and treated as Gods in India but presently they are encountering numerous challenges, one of which is insufficient or non-existent maintenance. The primary reason many senior persons in India turn to begging on the streets is the issue of financial support which is because of change in the cultural norms of the country over time. The Formal Indian Legal system and the Judiciary has assumed a proactive role in safeguarding the rights of senior citizens in India. Every effort is made to ensure equitable access for senior citizens so as to have a harmonious interaction with the cultural norms of the country. The Sustainable Development Goals urges to foster harmonious and welcoming societies for sustainable development, ensure equitable access to justice for all, and establish effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at every level. The researcher in this study seeks to analyse the function of the Indian Legal System and the Judiciary and to observe the interaction of the cultural norms concerning the rights of senior citizens to get maintenance and proper welfare. The researcher in the present study has also collected data from the Honourable High Court of Bombay at Goa so as to ascertain the number of appeals filed in the State of Goa over the period from 2007 till 2024.
Uncovering the Truth After 18 Years: A Case of Generalized Lipodystrophy Misdiagnosed as Type 1 Diabetes in a Saudi Female from Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 1 (CGL1) is a very rare autosomal recessive genetic mutation with generalized lipoatrophy and metabolic complications. We report CGL1 in A Saudi female in albaha with lipoatrophy, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, steatohepatitis, and acanthosis due to very rare homozygous 1‐acylglycerol‐3‐phosphate O‐acyltransferase β (AGPAT2) genetic variant.
Legal Gaps, Islamic Ethics, and Digital Trust: Building a Regulatory Framework for Saudi E-Commerce Under Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia's rapid e-commerce expansion under Vision 2030 has outpaced regulatory development, creating critical gaps in trusted seller verification that undermine consumer protection and Islamic commercial ethics. Despite legal frameworks including the 2019 E-Commerce Law and 2008 Anti-Commercial Fraud Law, the absence of enforceable identity verification standards, undefined platform liability, and disconnection from Islamic trade norms such as amānah (trust), tadlīs (deception), and gharar (uncertainty) threaten market integrity and sharīʿah compliance. This study argues that effective e-commerce regulation requires unified integration of legal enforcement, technological infrastructure, and Islamic ethical principles. Through hybrid doctrinal analysis combining comparative benchmarking of EU, US, and Chinese models with classical and contemporary sharīʿah scholarship, the research examines how global best practices can be adapted within Saudi Arabia's dual legal system. The study proposes a three-pillar regulatory framework: (1) legal-policy reform mandating seller verification through national digital infrastructure; (2) tiered, risk-based compliance mechanisms integrating AI-driven monitoring and blockchain verification; and (3) institutionalized Islamic ethical alignment embedding maqāṣid al-sharīʿah i.e. objectives of Islamic law into RegTech systems. This framework operationalizes ḥifẓ al-māl (wealth protection) and ʿadl (justice) through measurable regulatory functions.The proposed model positions Saudi Arabia as a pioneer in sharīʿah-compliant digital governance, bridging technological innovation with Islamic legal legitimacy to create enforceable, trust-centered e-commerce regulation aligned with Vision 2030's economic diversification objectives.
The philosophical basis for imposing environmental taxes
The research examines the philosophical basis underlying the imposition of environmental taxes, a type of tax that has recently emerged, and the various forms of these taxes have been applied in many countries worldwide over recent decades.The research concluded that many principles serve as a basis for imposing environmental taxes, with a focus on two principles that represent the study's key findings: ecological and ethical principles aimed at preserving the environment and promoting sustainable development theories.The justification for imposing the environmental tax may be a regulatory action carried out by the state based on the principle of tax justice, as it is one of the most fundamental principles on which the tax is based, taking into account the financial capacity of each taxpayer. Thus, we are faced with the principle of justice. When the polluter bears the burden of the damage they cause to the environment, we are faced with the polluter-pays principle. When it aims to maintain the sustainability of natural resources and renew them, we are faced with the principle of sustainable development.The philosophical basis for imposing and applying this type of tax revolves around the principle of the polluter pays, which relies on the principle of justice and is consistent with the concept of sustainable development.
Solidarity, Power and Ideology in Selected Iraqi Political Speeches: A Critical Discourse Analysis
This study applies Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine selected Iraqi political speeches by Abdul Rahim Al-Shammari, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, and Jalal Talabani, exploring how power, solidarity, and ideology intersect in political communication. Using an integrated framework—Fairclough’s Three-Dimensional Model (1989), Halliday and Matthiessen’s Transitivity System (2014), and Quirk et al.’s Modality framework (1985)—the study analyzes how linguistic choices, discourse practices, and sociocultural contexts shape meaning. The research focuses on performative and expressive speech acts—including congratulations, blessings, and welcomes—to assert authority and foster solidarity. Findings show that Iraqi politicians use inclusive and emotionally charged vocabulary, collective pronouns (“we,” “our”), and material and relational processes to construct shared identity, present themselves as agents of progress, and reinforce national and regional ideologies. Religious, cultural, and historical references strengthen legitimacy and cultural identity, while appeals to justice and international norms situate Iraq within global political discourse. Overall, the study concludes that Iraqi political discourse strategically blends local cultural values with global ideological currents, using solidarity as both a rhetorical and ideological tool to legitimize authority, promote national cohesion, and project Iraq as an autonomous, globally engaged nation.
Deterrence Without Rationality: Economic Analysis of the US Sentencing Guidelines and Lessons for Post-Socialist Criminal Justice Reform
This study examines the deterrent effectiveness of the United States Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) §2B1.1 on economic crimes through the analytical framework of Economic Analysis of Law (EAL). It situates the discussion within the broader context of post-socialist legal reforms in Eastern Europe, where several jurisdictions such as Poland, Romania, and Ukraine are currently reassessing sentencing proportionality and deterrence in economic crime policy. The research addresses a central question: whether the USSG achieves the utilitarian objective of ensuring that punishment exceeds the expected criminal gain and maintains proportionality between economic harm and sanction.The study employs a combined normative legal and quantitative economic approach. It analyses statutory sentencing ranges, guideline formulas, and empirical data on loss values, fine levels, and imprisonment durations in major U.S. fraud and embezzlement cases. The economic valuation of punishment is modelled through cost–benefit ratios, measuring deterrence efficiency against the principles proposed by Bentham and Becker. Comparative references to Eastern European sentencing frameworks are included to identify structural similarities and differences in punishment calibration.The analysis reveals three principal deficiencies within the USSG framework: (1) statutory maximum fines often represent less than 15% of actual economic losses in high-value cases; (2) the deterrent value of imprisonment diminishes as case magnitude increases, producing relative leniency for large-scale crimes; and (3) the guidelines lack a rational formula linking financial harm to either fine magnitude or imprisonment duration. These deficiencies, compounded by the prevalence of plea bargaining, undermine deterrence and consistency in sentencing. For transitional legal systems in Eastern Europe, these findings caution against the uncritical import of Western sentencing models. The study proposes evidence-based reforms, including income-adjusted day-fine mechanisms and economically calibrated sanction formulas, to restore proportionality and deterrent credibility. It demonstrates EAL’s methodological potential for operationalising normative criminal justice theories into measurable and rational sentencing frameworks.
Regional Culture-Based Indonesian E-Books to Improve Learning Motivation and Reading Comprehension Skills: Study on Fourth Grade Elementary School Students
Practical e-book as teaching materials is necessary to develop to comprehend learning experience due to global internet-based learning appliance. Whereas regional cultured-based of Bahasa Indonesia e-books are not being widely developed yet. This research aims to develop feasible, practical, and effective e-book of Bahasa Indonesia teaching materials with regional culture-based learning to enhance the learning motivation and reading comprehension skills of fourth grade elementary school students. This research was based on the Research and Development (R&D) Theory of Borg and Gall. The research subjects were fourth grade educators and students of 14 elementary schools located in the Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Province. Questionnaires, written tests, and structured interviews were used as data collection techniques. Instruments were validated using expert judgement, early/limited validation, and main/extended validation. Descriptive statistics and two-way ANOVA were used as data analysis. The results of this study are e-book teaching materials with: 1) the eligibility criteria based on media experts getting scores of 51 and 53 (very feasible category), then material experts getting scores of 53 and 54 (very feasible category), and by educators based on the educators’ questionnaire in the initial/limited field trial getting a score range of 105-112 (very feasible category) and the student questionnaire getting a score range of 26-44 with the very feasible category; 2) the practicality criteria based on the educators’ questionnaire in the main/expanded field trial got a score of 21 (very practical category) and the students’ questionnaire got a score of 89-111 (very practical category); and 3) the effectiveness criteria based on data analysis was a significance level of 0.000 < 0.05. The results showed that the e-book teaching materials can improve learning motivation and reading comprehension skills of fourth grade elementary school students.
Effects of Social Support of Disaster Victims on Social Adaptation: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Individual and Community Resilience
The present study explores the correlation between the social support and social adaptation of the survivors of the disaster, particularly the moderating roles of both individual resilience and community resilience. Based on the 4th year of the Longitudinal survey of Life changes of disaster victims the research was based on hierarchical regression analysis using the mediation testing procedures developed by Baron and Kenny (N=2,234). Findings show that social support has a strong impact on social adaptation, and the individual resilience, as well as the resilience of a community, is important in such a correlation. The research findings help in the comprehension of the recovery processes by the victims of a disaster and give implications that should be used in developing holistic containment systems that would lead to the development of the resilience of an individual as well as the community member. These findings imply that disaster recovery interventions must be multilevel in that they need to strengthen social support networks and at the same time enhance coping capacities of individuals and communities.
Needs Analysis of English for the EIC Program in Preparing Students for Co-Operative Education
This study aimed to explore the English language skill requirements for cooperative education from the perspectives of companies and EIC alumni graduates, and to examine the English and related skills needed to prepare EIC students for cooperative education placements. This research employed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 46 EIC students via an online questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations. Qualitative data from open-ended questions were analyzed using grounded theory, employing open coding and frequency distributions to identify key themes related to skill needs. The findings indicated that companies and EIC alumni emphasized the importance of English-language skills for cooperative education. Among the four skills, reading was rated as the most important (x̄ = 4.09, SD = 0.08), while writing received the lowest mean score (x̄ = 4.00, SD = 0.05). Despite variations in ranking, all English skills were considered essential for adequate preparation for cooperative education. The study concludes that English language skills are critical for enhancing students’ readiness for cooperative education. The results suggest that the targeted development of English competencies should be integrated into the EIC curriculum to better prepare students and strengthen the EIC program at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Tak.
The Development of Social Life Skills of the Elderly in Pa Mamung Subdistrict,Mueang District, Tak Province
This mixed-methods study aimed to (1) examine an appropriate model for developing social life skills among elderly individuals, (2) implement participatory activities to promote such skills, and (3) propose recommendations to support sustainable development for the elderly. The study employed a mixed-methods design. The qualitative phase involved 10 key informants, including administrators and elderly representatives, selected through purposive sampling. The quantitative phase included 265 elderly participants, and 30 elderly individuals participated in participatory action research activities. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively, whereas quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that an effective social life skills development model for the elderly should encompass four core components: (1) traditional knowledge and life experience, (2) social interaction and volunteer engagement, (3) awareness of elderly rights and relevant legal knowledge, and (4) digital and media literacy. Active participation by older adults at all stages of the process was essential, particularly in selecting learning topics aligned with their interests. The implementation of activities through participatory workshops facilitated two-way learning, strengthened social relationships, and enhanced peer exchange. Participants functioned simultaneously as learners and knowledge contributors, fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion. The study concludes that social life skills among the elderly can be effectively enhanced through participatory, interest-driven learning processes that recognize older adults as active agents rather than passive recipients. A flexible learning structure that integrates traditional knowledge with contemporary skills is critical for promoting meaningful engagement and sustainable outcomes. The study suggests that programs for elderly development should be designed based on participants’ interests and encourage continuous involvement. Multisectoral collaboration is necessary to provide financial support, technical expertise, learning materials, and suitable venues. Furthermore, the establishment of a Subdistrict Elderly Council is recommended to strengthen elderly leadership, promote self-governance, and ensure the long-term sustainability of social life skills development initiatives.
Social media platforms are another form of university violence: A field study on a sample of students at Al-Balqa Applied University
This study aimed to identify the role of electronic communication platforms in increasing rates of university violence among students of Al-Balqa Applied University. The study adopted the social survey methodology using an electronic questionnaire with a convenience sampling method of (6000) students of the university registered in 2023 in the various colleges of the university. The study results showed that social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, and X) play a role in increasing rates of university violence among students. The overall mean score on the scale was 3.44, with means ranging from 3.35 to 3.55. Facebook ranked first, followed by X, and WhatsApp ranked last, with mean scores of 3.56, 3.48, and 3.33, respectively. This indicates the role of these platforms in increasing rates of university violence among students. The results also showed statistically significant differences in the role of social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, and X) according to the variables of gender, academic achievement (grade), and study type. These differences favored students enrolled in the regular admissions system with acceptable academic achievement, with males scoring higher on the overall score for all three platforms. The study recommended raising awareness among students through families, universities, and the media about the impact of modern technology and communication programs on university youth. It also recommended conducting further studies on the social and psychological effects of these platforms on Jordanian youth.
Drivers of AI-Powered Digital Banking Adoption: Corporate Reputation, Customer Trust, and Anthropomorphic Interface Design
Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed digital banking by enhancing efficiency, personalization, and automation, yet customer adoption of advanced AI features remains limited due to concerns regarding trust, perceived value, and institutional credibility. Understanding the determinants that influence customer behavioral intention is essential in high-involvement financial contexts. This study applied a quantitative approach using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the influence of corporate reputation, customer trust, and feature usefulness on behavioral intention to use AI-enabled digital banking, with customer attitude as a mediating variable. Data were collected from 350 users of digital banking services through a structured online questionnaire. The findings indicate that corporate reputation, customer trust, and feature usefulness significantly and positively influence customer attitude. Feature usefulness and corporate reputation also directly affect behavioral intention, while customer attitude strongly mediates the relationship between antecedents and behavioral intention to use AI-enabled digital banking. The results highlight the importance of enhancing credible brand image, strengthening digital trust signals, and developing features that demonstrate functional value to reinforce customer acceptance and continuous usage intent. Customer attitude plays a central mediating role in shaping the behavioral intention to adopt AI-based digital banking. The study is limited to digital banking users within a single national context and may require cross-market validation.
Development of a Reading Comprehension Test for EFL Learners
Reading comprehension is a fundamental skill in language learning, essential for understanding, interpreting, and critically analyzing written texts. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of a reading comprehension test for eleventh-grade students, specifically targeting analytic and hortatory exposition texts. The objectives of this study are to describe the item difficulty, item discrimination, determine the test’s reliability, and identify the number of items included in the test. The study employed a quantitative descriptive design, involving 200 students from a senior high school in Sukoharjo, Central Java, Indonesia. The initial test consisted of 30 multiple-choice items with five answer options each, validated by experts and analyzed using the QUEST program based on the Rasch model. Results: (1) Item Difficulty: Analysis of item difficulty showed that 18 items were categorized as easy (P > 0.70) and 11 items were categorized as medium (0.30 < P < 0.70). There were no difficult items (P < 0.30). This distribution indicates that the test provided a balanced range of items suitable for assessing students’ reading comprehension. (2) Item Discrimination: The item discrimination analysis using Point Biserial values revealed that 28 out of 29 items (items 1–26, 28, and 29) were classified as “very good” (0.40–1.00), while one item (item 27) was classified as “reasonably good” (0.30–0.39). There were no items in the categories of “acceptable with revision,” “poor discrimination,” or “negative discrimination.” These results indicate that all items effectively distinguished between high- and low-performing students and were therefore considered acceptable for inclusion in the test. (3) Reliability: The test demonstrated a high level of reliability, with a reliability coefficient of 0.960, indicating that the test was highly consistent and dependable for measuring students’ reading comprehension skills. (4) Overall Conclusion: The 29-item reading comprehension test is a reliable, valid, and well-constructed instrument, with appropriate item difficulty and strong discrimination power. The test is suitable for assessing eleventh-grade students’ reading comprehension skills, and all items were retained for the final test.
Green-Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles from Centella asiatica for Colloidal Stability and UV Protection
Green synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Centella asiatica leaf extract and the influence of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a respective secondary stabilizing agent were systematically studied. Formation of AuNP was verified by a color change and absorption peaks due to the surface plasmon resonance in the visible region. Several characterization techniques such as UV–Vis-spectrophotometry, particle size analysis and zeta potential measurement, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) were employed. The PVA content dramatically affected the growth and dispersion of nanoparticles. The PVA-containing systems showed a larger hydrodynamic size and polydispersity, which implied competitive adsorption among phytochemicals and with PVA as well as polymer-bridging effects. In spite of the size increase, zeta potential and conductimetric measurements showed that colloidal stability was increasing as a result of steric stabilization. The FTIR and EDX studies confirmed a co-capping mode where the plant-based biomolecules remained attached on the AuNP surface along with adsorbed PVA. Functional testing using Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measurements showed the opposite trend; for all AuNP formulations without PVA, higher SPF values were measured that peaked at intermediate storage times. This observation indicates the existence of an optimal functional window where ordered aggregation improves UV scattering performance. Overall, the results underscore a non-monotonic relationship between colloidal stability and functionality in plant-mediated AuNP systems and the importance of tuning these parameters when designing sustainably nanoparticle-based materials.
Beyond Likes and Shares: A Structural Model of Social Media Marketing Effects on Trust and Loyalty
As social media becomes a dominant environment for brand–consumer interaction, understanding how social media marketing (SMM) activities shape consumer responses has become increasingly essential. This study examines the impact of five key SMM dimensions—entertainment, interaction, trendiness, customization, and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM)—on brand equity, brand loyalty, purchase intention, and consumer satisfaction. Using a validated survey instrument and analyzing responses from 512 consumers, the study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the conceptual framework. The findings reveal that eWOM (β = 0.41) and interaction (β = 0.36) are the strongest predictors of brand loyalty, while customization significantly enhances brand equity (β = 0.33). Trendiness shows a meaningful influence on consumer purchase intention (β = 0.29), and entertainment contributes positively to consumer satisfaction (β = 0.27). Overall, the model explains 62% of the variance in loyalty, 58% in brand equity, and 55% in purchase intention, demonstrating robust predictive power. This study provides actionable insights for marketers seeking to strengthen brand relationships in increasingly competitive digital environments. By highlighting the differential effects of SMM activities, the research offers strategic guidance for optimizing social media content to drive stronger consumer responses and long-term loyalty.
Analysis of Non-Linguistic Factors in Interpreting Quality: A Multidimensional Assessment Framework Based on Community Interpreting
This study focuses on the assessment of non-verbal factors in community interpreting and proposes an innovative multidimensional assessment framework. Through a field study of 20 community service centres in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the impact of non-verbal factors such as gestures, facial expressions, body postures and spatial distances on the quality of interpretation was systematically analysed by combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. It is found that non-verbal factors are significantly correlated with interpreting accuracy and communicative effect, among which the accurate transmission of emotional expression is particularly critical. Based on the results of the study, this paper constructs a comprehensive assessment system that includes cognitive, emotional, communicative and cultural dimensions, which provides theoretical guidance and practical reference for improving the quality of community interpreting. This study not only enriches the theoretical perspective of interpreting research, but also provides new ideas for improving community interpreting practice.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Government Policy Tools in Rural E-Commerce Poverty Alleviation
The rapid development of digital technology is profoundly changing the economic landscape and development path of rural areas around the world. In recent years, e-commerce, as an important part of the digital economy, has become a key fulcrum of rural poverty alleviation strategies in many countries. Governments around the world have introduced targeted policy tools in an attempt to increase farmers' income and reduce rural poverty through the development of rural e-commerce. This study systematically evaluates the effectiveness of different types of government policy tools in rural e-commerce poverty alleviation from the perspective of policy tool theory. The research results show that a comprehensive combination of policy tools is more effective than a single tool intervention; policy interventions that combine infrastructure investment with digital capacity building are more effective; fiscal subsidies need to be combined with market mechanisms to avoid subsidy dependence; and policy designs that are tailored to local conditions are more effective than unified standards. Based on empirical analysis, this study proposed an optimization framework for rural e-commerce poverty alleviation policy tools, emphasizing that policy tools should have stage matching, synergy and complementarity, and dynamic adaptability. The research results provide theoretical guidance and practical reference for governments to formulate and improve rural e-commerce poverty alleviation policies.
A Hybrid XGBoost-LSTM Framework for Supply Chain Demand Forecasting: Empirical Evidence from Retail Multi-Store Data
Supply chain demand forecasting is a core component of modern enterprise operations management, directly impacting inventory optimization, production planning, and customer satisfaction. Traditional statistical methods such as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models face limitations when handling complex nonlinear patterns and multidimensional features. While single machine learning models enhance prediction accuracy, they struggle to simultaneously capture structured features and temporal dependencies.This study proposes an innovative hybrid forecasting framework integrating Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. XGBoost excels at learning high-dimensional structured features, while LSTM specializes in modeling temporal dependency patterns. An adaptive weight fusion mechanism enables complementary strengths between the two models.Empirical analysis using the Kaggle open-source retail dataset (encompassing 10 stores, 50 products, and 913,000 transaction records) demonstrates that the hybrid framework significantly outperforms both single models and traditional methods across multiple metrics, including Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE).The findings provide supply chain managers with actionable forecasting tools, offering significant theoretical and practical value for enhancing prediction accuracy and operational efficiency.
From “Evidence Silos” to Computable Synergy: An Algorithmic Framework for Science-Policy Translation and Regionally Differentiated Governance Toward China's Dual Carbon Goals
Centering on China's “carbon peak-carbon neutrality” strategy, this study addresses the computable governance challenges of efficiently translating scientific knowledge into policy instruments and implementing regionally differentiated execution. Unlike existing research primarily discussing the institutional design and coordination dilemmas of the “1+N” policy system, this paper proposes a Computable Policy Synergy (CPS) framework that integrates “evidence generation—policy synthesis—regional adaptation—dynamic evaluation.” Methodologically, it constructs multi-source evidence pipelines for dual-carbon goals (statistically harmonized MRV data, sectoral technology scenarios, socio-economic-energy coupling indicators). Policy knowledge graphs and causal inference (synthetic control/difference-in-differences/instrumental variables) identify policy mechanisms, while a “policy sandbox” enables cross-sectoral tool synthesis and conflict detection. To characterize governance performance, this study designs two core indicators: the Cross-Sector Computable Synergy Index (CCI) and the Regional Scenario Transferability Index (RTI). The former measures the dynamic synergy among price-based, command-based, and information-based tools, while the latter evaluates policy transferability under varying factor endowments, industrial structures, and technological feasibility constraints. Using a 2015–2024 provincial-municipal panel sample and linking national carbon market (ETS) with non-ETS measures in key industries, empirical results demonstrate that compared to traditional sector-specific policy combinations, the toolkit generated by the CPS framework demonstrates significant advantages in reducing policy inefficiencies, enhancing the synergy between emission reduction intensity and total factor productivity, and achieving convergence in regional emission reduction costs without compromising equity. This study innovates by proposing an algorithmic policy synthesis and regional adaptation paradigm for dual-carbon governance, providing a reusable indicator system and evaluation process. It offers transferable technical pathways and institutional recommendations for deep science-policy coupling under complex objectives in developing economies.
Determinants of Public Trust in Vaccines in the Aftermath of a Global Health Emergency
Public trust in medicines and vaccines is a critical determinant of public health outcomes, particularly in the aftermath of global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Trust influences vaccine uptake, adherence to medical treatments, and acceptance of health recommendations from authorities. However, evidence suggests that confidence in vaccines and routine medical interventions fluctuated significantly during and after the COVID-19 crisis, with booster uptake decreasing in many countries and skepticism rising due to misinformation and institutional distrust. This scientific analysis synthesizes findings from recent studies to analyze the determinants of public trust, the impact of crisis communication, and the challenges associated with restoring trust after a global health emergency. The review highlights the need for transparent communication, strong institutional credibility, and culturally contextualized trust-building strategies.
Transforming Government as Digital Reality Emerges
The relevance of scientific research lies in the fact that digital public administration is becoming increasingly important in the context of the rapid development of technology and globalization. The article explores the understanding and essence of public administration in the context of the formation of digital reality. The definition of digital governance is given, which is gradually changing traditional governance in different countries of the world. Different states apply different approaches and strategies for introducing digital technologies into public administration, depending on the socio-economic level of the country's development. At the same time, the priority is to change the values of the state power apparatus, to strengthen the openness and participation of citizens, and not to transform some organizational approaches into others in the process of digital transformation. The purpose of the article is to explore the concept, content, place and role of the information environment as the basis for the development of digital government and the provision of digital services. The study highlights the importance of digitalization for improving public administration and the need to develop a clear legal framework. The leading method of studying the problem was the deductive method, which made it possible to study the legal and social nature of the provision of digital public services in the aspect of transforming the forms and methods of interaction between the state in the person of authorized government bodies with citizens. The article uses inductive method, method of system scientific analysis, comparative legal and historical methods. The leading method underlying the solution to the problem is a comparative legal study of the processes of digitalization of law and legislation in the state. The scientific article concluded that the impact of digitalization on public administration is manifested in improving the interaction between the state and citizens, as well as in optimizing internal processes. However, despite the obvious benefits, there are significant controversies that need attention. It was concluded that different countries apply different approaches and strategies for introducing digital technologies into public administration. These approaches depend on the socio-economic level of the country's development and its cultural characteristics. It is important to note that the digitalization of public administration is not only a technological, but also a social process that requires an integrated approach and taking into account many factors.
Challenging Volatility Myths: Structural and Temporal Dynamics in MENA’s Growth-Openness Nexus
This study addresses two critical gaps in the development literature: whether macroeconomic volatility necessarily undermines long-term growth or can generate productivity-enhancing dynamics under specific conditions, and whether trade openness amplifies or mitigates the volatility–growth nexus across structurally heterogeneous economies. By systematically comparing oil exporters and importers in the MENA region during 1990–2023, the research provides the first comprehensive regional analysis of how resource endowment fundamentally conditions the three-way interaction between volatility, openness, and growth in this strategically important yet understudied region. The rapid expansion of global trade has created a paradoxical dynamic: while openness provides growth opportunities through market access and knowledge spillovers, it also heightens exposure to external shocks and global volatility. Theoretical predictions range from neoclassical efficiency gains to Schumpeterian creative destruction mechanisms, with empirical evidence remaining inconclusive across different contexts. Recent disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts have revived debates on whether openness amplifies fragility or fosters resilience. To investigate these issues, a comprehensive unbalanced panel of 18 MENA countries covering 612 country-year observations is constructed, and System-GMM estimation is applied to address endogeneity concerns. A novel policy-adjusted Trade Openness Policy (TOP) indicator, derived from gravity model decomposition, isolates discretionary policy effects from structural determinants of trade flows. The indicator demonstrates high explanatory power (R² > 0.7) while maintaining weak correlation with conventional trade ratios (ρ < 0.3), ensuring cleaner identification of policy effects. Sequential specifications progress from baseline volatility–growth estimations to interactive moderation effects, with the Johnson–Neyman technique identifying precise threshold values where openness significantly alters volatility–growth relationships. Comprehensive robustness checks account for temporal structural breaks, alternative volatility measures, and conflict-related disruptions. Results fundamentally challenge conventional wisdom by demonstrating a positive volatility–growth relationship (β = 0.0526, p < 0.05), consistent with Schumpeterian “creative destruction” dynamics in resource-dependent developing contexts. Trade openness displays weak direct growth effects but proves decisive in moderation, with critical temporal variation: openness provided stabilizing effects before 2008 (β = 0.0104, p < 0.01) but became destabilizing after 2008 (β = −0.0109, p < 0.001), reflecting fundamental changes in global economic architecture. Government effectiveness emerges as the most robust growth determinant across all specifications, with one standard deviation improvements translating into 40–46% higher per capita income over two decades. The study makes three distinct contributions: it provides the first systematic region-wide analysis of volatility–openness–growth interactions in MENA, reveals pronounced structural heterogeneity between exporters and importers, introduces methodological innovation through policy-based openness measurement and threshold identification techniques that offer replicable tools for future research, and delivers policy-relevant insights demonstrating that optimal development strategies differ fundamentally between resource-rich exporters and diversified importers, with timing and institutional context proving critical for successful integration.
Development of TNI Ad Posture Innorth Natuna Sea; Perspective and Direction
Maintaining national defense means increasing capabilities, creating deterrence for the state and nation, and dealing with every threat. Each threat has special characteristics that influence its handling pattern, so when conducting a strategic environmental analysis, matters relating to the nature, assessment of characteristics/classification, and assessment of threat tendencies must be taken into account. The main focus is evaluating threats to Indonesia's national defense interests. The Asia-Pacific is an important strategic area from economic, political and military points of view. It is important to consider the conflict in the South China Sea as well as tensions in several border areas between countries. According to Law no. 34 of 2004, the TNI's posture is a representation of the country's defense strength which is demonstrated by a combination of strength, capability and deployment of national resources. According to Puspen TNI (2007), the main, reserve and supporting components form the national defense system. As part of the Long Term Plan for Development of the National Defense System 2020–2024, the TNI AD divides the land defense area into five land dimension strategic compartments. It is hoped that the deployed TNI forces can carry out operations in their compartment areas. The TNI must strengthen its comprehensive strategy with the emergence of new provinces that may face threats. The TNI AD's defense posture must be adjusted to the current situation to protect the Republic of Indonesia's territory from danger.
Clinical Governance and Healthcare Quality: A Systematic Review of Global Implementation and Organizational Challenges
This article critically examines the process, practical challenges, and possible effects of clinical governance on patient safety and quality of service delivery within different health systems. Background Problems: On the contrary, countries with middle and low income have a number of challenges, including inadequate accountability systems, inadequate professional education, and insufficient resources. The research purports that clinical governance has become an elaborate management framework, which combines elements of the safety culture, clinical audit, risk management, and clinical leadership within the healthcare industry. Value-based governance and digital systems such as AI-based quality control monitoring are more popular in countries that have more developed medical systems. Research Methods: They were found in the Talk about A systematic literature review of 44 articles published between 2000 and 2025, thematic focus content in the study was organized into three categories: programming (45%), struggles (32%), and impact on the patient safety and service quality (23%). Finding/Results: However, a number of studies indicate that successful implementation of clinical governance is positively linked with the enhancement in quality of services, organizational performance, and patient confidence in healthcare organizations. Overall, the above findings indicate that clinical governance is a manifestation of an organizational culture whereby the value of patient safety is highly prioritized and that it is not merely a policy instrument. The ideas suggested in this study to enhance clinical leadership capacity, digitalize quality audits, and localize policies are suggested as a viable strategy toward a more transparent, effective, and equitable health system.
An Econometric Analysis of the Financial Nexus: Islamic Banking and the Philippine Economy
This study examines the development of Islamic banking in the Philippines. It empirically analyses the role played by the Philippine economy in its financial performance over time, and the reciprocal impacts of Islamic banking on the national economy of the country. It uses unit root, Johansen cointegration, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), Granger causality, and Impulse Response Function (IRF) analyses to analyze the growth of Islamic banking, proxied by its total asset value from the 1st quarter of 2002 to the 4th quarter of 2023, while economic growth was represented by the inflation rate, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the country’s growing population on the same time period. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) test results indicate the presence of a long-term relationship between the economic variables inflation, and the GDP with the Islamic banking total asset value. Granger causality analysis result revealed only GDP and Islamic banking in the country were found to have an immediate and bidirectional relationship. This study also found a unidirectional relationship coming only from inflation rate to Islamic banking asset value in the country. IRF analysis revealed that GDP is positively associated with Islamic bank in the country while inflation rate is found to have a negative impact on the bank. The study concludes that the Philippine economy as a whole and Islamic banking in the country can be complementary in mutual growth and development.
Intersecting Climate Change, Public Health, and Economic Resilience: A Multidimensional Bibliometric Exploration of the Global Evidence Base
This study presents a multidimensional bibliometric analysis of 410 publications produced between 2008 and 2025, that examine the intersection of climate change, public health, and economic resilience. Drawing on Scopus-indexed literature and employing advanced analytical tools in R (Bibliometrix) and VOSviewer, the research maps the intellectual evolution of this rapidly expanding field. The findings show a sustained rise in scholarly output, particularly after 2019, driven by escalating climate-related health risks, socioeconomic instability, and the growing institutional demand for resilience-orientated policies. The impact of climate-induced diseases, socioeconomic vulnerability, adaptive methods, and health system multi-dimensionality are key contributors of focus authors, top-tier institutions, and main theme centers. The most recent body of work focuses on labor market impacts from extreme heat, climate-related health financing, digital adaptive technologies, and equitable-advantage governance. The gap in integrated assessments that combine climate shocks, health financing, social protection, and resilience in health poor countries are evident, in the single analytic framework that has come to characterize public health, the environment, economics, and disaster risk management. The study crystallizes these patterns and lays the groundwork for more intentional and focused work on public health preparedness, and sustainable economic resilience.
Characterization of Competencies for Micro-entrepreneurs and their Impact on Productive Development: A Data-Driven Analysis in Ecuador
Personal and professional competencies have be- come key factors in the commercial performance of micro- entrepreneurs. This sector maintains high participation in the productive activity of developing countries, yet the lack of knowledge regarding these skills constitutes a significant obstacle to growth. This research determines the relationship between micro-entrepreneurs’ competencies and their pro- ductive development through a bivariate analysis applied to 687 micro-entrepreneurs located in Zone 5 of Ecuador. The study adapts a model composed of four competency groups (self-regulation, motivation, empathy, social ability) distributed across three areas of action (business, educational, and social). The methodology utilizes statistical processing via SPSS, in- cluding ANOVA and multiple regression models. The results demonstrate a direct proportion between competencies and productivity. Furthermore, the data highlights a preference for “Initiative” (90%) while revealing a critical gap in “Cognitive Capacity” (12%) and professional training. The regression analysis identified job performance as the strongest predictor of productive development (β = 0.218, p < .001), followed by personal and professional aptitudes. These findings suggest that strengthening these capacities is essential not only for sur- vival but to guarantee self-sustainability. From a technological perspective, these findings also offer guidance for the design of information systems aligned with the practical needs and cognitive characteristics of micro-entrepreneurs.
Assessment of Patient Awareness of Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Corneal Ulcers and Its Association with Hospital Length of Stay: A Cross-Sectional Study
Corneal ulcers remain a leading cause of preventable visual impairment worldwide, most commonly arising from infection, trauma, or poor contact lens hygiene. This study aimed to assess patients’ awareness of corneal ulcer risk factors and preventive measures and to examine its relationship with hospital length of stay. A descriptive cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 102 inpatients at Jeddah Eye Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected in 2025 using a validated, researcher-developed 28-item questionnaire assessing awareness of risk factors, preventive measures, and general awareness related to corneal ulcers. Participants demonstrated moderate overall awareness (M = 1.24, 62%), with the highest scores in general awareness (66.5%) and the lowest in risk-factor awareness (57.5%). Awareness correlated negatively with hospital length of stay (r = –0.210, p = 0.034) and number of admissions (r = –0.436, p < 0.001). Education level positively predicted awareness (β = 0.280, p = 0.006), whereas age showed a negative effect (β = –0.259, p = 0.011). Awareness was significantly higher among urban residents (p = 0.021). Strengthening targeted educational interventions, particularly for older adults, rural residents, and individuals with lower educational levels, may significantly enhance preventive behaviors, promote timely medical consultation, and reduce hospital length of stay among patients with corneal ulcers. Integrating structured patient education into routine ophthalmic care and discharge planning could further improve clinical outcomes and support sustained eye-health awareness.
The Care of Children and Adolescents: A Case Study of Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam (1960-1964)
Children and adolescents have always been regarded as the nation's "young sprouts", requiring care and education to become productive citizens in adulthood. In the time of 1960- 1964, a period when South Vietnam was resisting the American War of Aggression and North Vietnam was executing the First Five-Year Plan, the Vietnamese Party and Government had a strong focus on children and adolescents' affairs. Directive No. 197-CT/TW (March 19, 1960) was a specialized document concerning the protection and care of children during the anti-American Resistance. The ThaiNguyên provincial government creatively applied this directive, establishing a system of child welfare that integrated education, healthcare, and culture. By using the archival analysis, historical, logical, and comparative analysis methods, this article clarifies the attention and direction from the local government. It thereby affirms the pivotal role of the provincial level in social governance and the development of future human resources, while also demonstrating early parallels with international standards on children's rights.
Traditional Wisdom and Intergenerational Learning on the Use of Contraceptive Plants in Traditional Aymara Medicine
The social and cultural characteristics of Aymara families are still traditional, both in daily life and in their relationship with other communities in the region. In particular, the subject of this study, reproductive health and disease care are addressed using cultural procedures and resources provided by nature, obtained and passed down through generations to the present day. These practices include beliefs, the practice of values, the meaning of myths, and the rituals involved in healing. Local specialists in traditional or natural medicine, such as yatiris, qulliris, usuyiris, and phiscuris, provide these services, have, over time, refined, and strengthened their knowledge and healing methods. The research objective was to identify contraceptive plants to prevent pregnancy, given the living conditions of these populations, including Wila layu, Sasawi, and Marancela. These plants, when used correctly, help in the treatment of illnesses related to women's reproductive health. A qualitative method was used for this purpose. The techniques employed were interviews, case studies, and a prior literature review. In summary, families in Aymara communities use a variety of medicinal plants to prevent pregnancies and some related illnesses, maintaining the knowledge and wisdom passed down from their ancestors, particularly regarding parts of the plant: leaves, flowers, and roots, although the entire plant can be utilized. Indeed, this empirical approach reinforces the therapeutic practice, through which women in these families achieve care and recovery of their reproductive health.
Selective Exposure and Its Relationship to Certain Variables among State Employees
Selective exposure is a cognitive process whereby individuals who already hold prior ideas about a certain subject or issue tend to seek information consistent with their current beliefs. In other words, people often accept messages that align with their pre-existing opinions more readily than those that contradict them. Selective exposure to information is a primary human motive driven by the desire for consistency between one’s beliefs and the information received. This mechanism influences how individuals process information and generates a form of avoidance of contradictory input, which may be either active or passive. Individuals may avoid information in order to make decisions, maintain optimism, preserve belief stability, safeguard self-efficacy, adapt to circumstances, and avoid feelings of fear, threat, or anxiety. Since human life involves a continuous chain of decision-making, such avoidance can weaken individuals’ decision-making processes. Avoidance occurs when people anticipate that acquiring certain information might negatively affect their emotions, challenge their beliefs and perceptions, or threaten their behavior, optimism, and self-image. The present study aimed to measure the level of selective exposure among a sample of state employees and to identify differences according to gender (male–female), educational attainment (Ph.D.–M.A.–Institute–B.A.–Secondary), and age (20–59 years). The research sample consisted of 400 male and female employees, selected using a stratified random sampling method with equal distribution. After data collection and statistical analysis, the findings were as follows: 1. A high level of selective exposure was observed among state employees, with a mean score of 10.23, indicating a tendency to avoid information inconsistent with their choices. 2. There were no statistically significant differences in selective exposure by gender. 3. Significant differences were found according to educational attainment and age.
The Challenges of STEAM Education ¿What is Expected of a Bibliometric Approach to the Training of Mathematics Teachers?
Over the past decades, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) educational approach was conceived as a strategy aiming at integrating previously isolated disciplines to develop critical thinking and creativity through complex problem-solving processes from an interdisciplinary perspective. Its implementation at different educational systems revealed certain challenges primarily related to teacher training and specifically mathematics teacher training. This article proposes to answer the question, within the challenges of STEAM education: What is expected of a bibliometric approach in mathematics teacher training? ºThis is achieved through a bibliometric analysis of 444 articles from Q1 and Q2 quartile journals, encompassing 1,768 conceptual terms defined by 1,474 authors. The results of the thematic evolution analysis identify fifteen clusters of co-occurring conceptual terms, as well as current and emerging trends in research on mathematics teacher competencies for STEM education. These findings empirically substantiate the identification of priority lines of research that must be accompanied by qualitative studies aimed at formalizing the dynamics of correlation between the identified terms, conceptual constructs lying beneath them, and their evolution from rudiments.
Women And Education: A Gynocritic Study of La Petite Fille Du Réverbère by Calixthe Beyala and Unpublished Manuscript by Ambai
This article focuses on the presentation of women, their hurdles in family life and professional life and how they gain their space and identity through education in the works of Calixthe Beyala and Ambai. Both the authors present in detail the atrocities of patriarchy and the marginalisation of women in the Afro-French society and the Tamil society. Elaine Showalter’s “Gynocriticism” theory is applied in this article to bring into light the socio-cultural pressures, resilience and self-establishment of the female protagonists in Beyala’s La petite fille du réverbère and Ambai’s Unpublished Manuscript .These two authors suggest education to be the best critical tool for women to assert their identity and claim their space with dignity. The analysis proves how education empowers women to proclaim and affirm their voices and overcome patriarchal domination, highlighting the themes of female solidarity, self-respect and identity issues. The article finally contributes to feminist literary criticism by focusing on women’s experiences and affirming the transformative power of education in the quest for gender equality.
Islamic Economics Studies and the Future of Islamic Economics
The purpose of this conceptual paper is to assess theoretically the current situation of the fundamental premises of the corpus of ideas on Islamic economics, developed by Islamic Economists, and future of Islamic economics studies. The philosophical bases, intellectual foundations and doctrinal outlook of the Islamic economics are amply discussed to examine the intellectual level and subsequently its future role in active social institutions. In this regards, three major themes have been discerned as the preponderant premises of Islamic economics which not only serve as the beacon light for further development of the discipline, but also best elucidate the social and intellectual implication of the problems. The three major themes are: examining the role of man in society, issues of management of an Islamic economy, and future prospective role of an Islamic political economy in open market operations. This paper argues that in one hand, Islamic economics has a potential role to play in the future world because all the tenets of Islamic economics are universal and ethical, and in no way prevents the spirit of scientific inquiry. On the other hand, there is a lot of dissatisfaction among Economists about the assumptions, the unrealistic theoretical framework, and conclusions of neoclassical economics. Intellectuals are looking for an alternative paradigm. In this situation, Islamic economics gives a ray of hope. What is needed at this moment is that Islamic Economists need to change their focus. They should assess the gap between norms of ideal Muslim behaviour as represented by homo Islamicus and existing reality. Reason and Islamic science also have a much greater role in theorising Islamic economics and its empirical verification. Islamic Economists should choose contemporary economies of Muslim countries and show empirically, that the primary cause of existing economic problems lies in the deviation from the Islamic principles of economic management.
Integration of Corpus-Based Language Technology among Pre-Service English Teachers' towards Differentiated Instruction
This qualitative study, anchored in constructivism, investigates how corpus-based language technology enhances pre-service BSED English majors' technological competence for differentiated instruction during internships at a state university in the Philippines, addressing gaps in resource-limited contexts. Through purposive sampling, six participants were selected based on their use of corpus tools in English classes; data from validated structured interviews and follow-ups were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-step process, with rigor ensured via member checks, code-recode strategies, thick descriptions, and audit trails. Six key themes emerged: improved understanding of language teaching, enhanced lesson planning and design, increased awareness of student language needs, development of data-driven instruction, challenges in technology integration (e.g., technical issues, time constraints, and training needs), and potential for personalized instruction. Participants reported significant gains in student proficiency, motivation, and targeted support through corpus insights into linguistic patterns, enabling tailored lessons for diverse learners. Findings highlight corpus tools' value in fostering self-reliant educators in developing countries, recommending comprehensive training to overcome barriers and promote equitable implementation in teacher education programs.
Thai Dramatic Arts Creating “Adul Pisac Chom Dong”
The creative Thai dance performance “Adul Pisac Chom Dong” was developed to explore the background and identity of the demoness Adul Pisac and to translate these findings into a solo Thai dramatic dance work. This study employed a qualitative research approach grounded in creative choreography, drawing on documentary research, related academic studies, and in-depth interviews with national artists and experts in Thai dramatic arts. The findings indicate that the choreography was shaped by the researcher’s performance experience and artistic imagination, guided by two core design principles: (1) the interpretation of lyrics, narration, and musical melody to communicate emotional expression, and (2) the adaptation of classical Thai dance movements and giant-character postures to construct a distinctive performance identity aligned with the conventions of traditional Khon court dance. The resulting choreography integrates delicacy and power, reflecting the noble yet formidable nature of the royal demoness. The performance is accompanied by a hardwood Piphat ensemble and presented in a traditional female-giant costume with a Khon-style headdress, symbolizing elegance, authority, and sacredness. This creative work contributes to the preservation of Thai dramatic dance heritage while offering a contemporary interpretation with clear academic and artistic value.
Examining the Determinants of Electronic Government Adoption in Algeria: The Moderating Effects of Trust and Government Policy
This study examines the factors influencing electronic government adoption in Algeria's petroleum sector through the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory, while investigating the moderating effects of trust and government policy. Data was collected through surveys from 170 companies in Algeria's petroleum sector. The study employed PLS-SEM to test a conceptual framework examining six primary variables (IT infrastructure, security, top management support, organizational culture, awareness, and training) and two moderators (government policy and trust). Results reveal that IT infrastructure and top management support significantly predict e-government adoption. Government policy moderates the relationships between security, awareness, training, and e-government adoption, while trust moderates only the security-adoption relationship. The findings indicate that despite adequate technological infrastructure, organizational and environmental factors critically influence adoption success. This study contributes to e-government adoption literature by demonstrating how trust and government policy moderate adoption decisions in developing countries. For practitioners, it provides evidence-based guidance for enhancing e- government implementation in Algeria's petroleum sector. The integrated framework offers valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners in digital governance.
Time Series (trend) Analysis of Some Climate Variables and Forest Resources Availability in the Central Agro-ecological Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria
This research did time series/ trend analysis of rainfall, temperature and relative humidity over a period of thirty-five years to identify changes and investigated how these changes influence forest resources availability in the Agro-ecological Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were adopted. Climate data from 1988 to 2023 were sourced from the Nigerian meteorological Center Jos, Abuja and Calabar. Respondent’s opinion on socio-demographic variables and forest resources availability were elicited using structured questionnaire. Data generated were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, while for the influence of climate change variables on forest resources availability was analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Climate change variables were analyzed using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA software) to regress and do the time series trend analysis. The result of the analysis shows that between 1988 and 2023, rainfall experienced some changes in 1988 with 1768.1mm3 to 2023 with 2221.3mm3 producing a variance of + 453.2 mm3. Between 1988 and 2023, there were some changes in temperature; by 1988, maximum temperature was 32.1 0c and by 2023 maximum temperature became 35.4 0c showing a difference of +3.3 0c. Minimum temperature was 22.6 0c by 1988, by 2023 minimum temperature was 24.90c, producing a difference of +2.3 0c. The relative humidity of the study area was 83% by 1988 and by 2023, it was 79% with a variance of -2%. The ANOVA result shows significant changes in climate variables with very significant influence on forest resources availability. It was concluded that between 1988 and 2023, there are significant changes in the three climate variables analyzed; these changes also have significant impacts on forest resources availability in the study area. It was recommended among others that alternative livelihood sources should be provided, while reducing pressure on the exploitation of forest resources for livelihood sustenance.
Performance Recovery of Aged Asphalt in RAP Mixtures Using Sugarcane Bagasse Bio-Rejuvenator: Moisture Susceptibility and Rutting Behaviour Analysis
The incorporation of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) into hot mix asphalt offers substantial environmental and economic advantages; however, the presence of aged asphalt binder often leads to excessive stiffness, reduced durability, and limited workability, necessitating the use of rejuvenating agents to restore performance. This study investigates the potential of a sugarcane bagasse–based bio-rejuvenator to enhance the mechanical and durability characteristics of AC-WC mixtures containing varying RAP contents. Three mixtures were prepared at their respective optimum asphalt contents and evaluated through Marshall Stability, Marshall Immersion, and wheel tracking tests to assess structural integrity, moisture susceptibility, and resistance to permanent deformation. The incorporation of the bio-rejuvenator consistently improved the performance indicators across all RAP levels, demonstrating its capability to restore binder functionality, enhance mixture cohesion, and strengthen resistance against moisture-induced damage. Furthermore, the rejuvenated mixtures exhibited improved deformation resistance under repeated loading, indicating a more stable internal structure and better long-term rutting performance. These findings indicate that sugarcane bagasse bio-rejuvenator not only restores workability but also significantly enhances moisture resistance and rutting performance of RAP asphalt mixtures.
Book: “Al-Adab Al-Mufrad” by Al-Bukhari Motives for Classification and Creativity in Writing
The main idea of the research lies in searching for the reasons for singling out Imam al-Bukhari as a special book on literature, and the reason for him choosing this word specifically and not others through historical tracing of it. The importance of the research lies in the lack of studies on the book of single literature, despite its importance and its right to study and shed light on it. The problem of the research is represented by In answering the question: Why did Imam Al-Bukhari single out the subject of literature in a separate book, even though he included it in the books of his book Al-Jami’ Al-Sahih? This research aims to explain the meaning of the word “Adab”, its historical stages, and the reasons for singling out Al-Bukhari as an independent author in it. The researcher used the inductive, analytical and deductive method. The most important results that the researcher arrived at is that Al-Bukhari’s book Al-Adab Al-Mufrad is considered a practical application of the hadiths contained in the book Al-Adab in The correct mosque that constitutes the theoretical framework for Islamic values and ethics. The researcher believes it is necessary to give it more care and attention by students of legal science in general and students of the Prophet’s hadith in particular.
Digital Branding for Health Equity: Exploring Low-Cost IMC Strategies in Resource-Constrained Public Hospitals in the Global South
Health equity remains a pressing challenge in the Global South, where public hospitals serve as the primary providers for marginalized populations under conditions of chronic resource constraints. Digital branding, long associated with private-sector marketing, has recently emerged as a strategy to enhance institutional visibility, patient trust, and communication in healthcare. Yet, little is known about how low-cost Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approaches can be adapted in public hospitals to advance equity outcomes. This study addresses that gap by examining IMC practices in three public hospitals in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, through a mixed-methods design combining interviews, surveys, focus groups, and document analysis. Results demonstrate that hospitals effectively utilized affordable tools—such as WhatsApp, social media, community radio, and printed flyers—to engage diverse patient groups. Patients reported improved trust, greater clarity of communication, and reduced stigma, while multi-channel strategies ensured inclusion of rural and older populations with lower digital literacy. However, challenges persisted in financial capacity, staff training, and infrastructural limitations, constraining scalability. The study contributes theoretically by extending IMC into health equity frameworks, and practically by offering affordable communication strategies for resource-constrained health systems. Findings underscore the transformative potential of digital branding as an equity-oriented tool for strengthening healthcare communication.
Developing a Creative Marketing Ecosystem: An Action Research Framework for Enhancing Creative Tourism in Thailand
This study developed and validated a creative ecosystem framework for tourism marketing and sales product consumption in emerging economies. Focusing on Thailand's high-potential creative industries, including food, spa, and Muay Thai, the research employed a 15-month mixed-methods approach that combined the Double Diamond design process with action research. The framework systematically integrated supply-side development (positioning, persona, product & service, price) with demand-side stimulation (accessibility, perception, consideration, experience). Working with nine entrepreneurs through iterative interventions and drawing on supportive insights from a wider group of 65 experts, tourists, and stakeholders, the study demonstrated significant impacts. These initiatives included brand development, influencer marketing, and a custom digital platform (ThaiThai), which ultimately led to the engagement of 1,613 high-quality tourists, a revenue increase of 2,245,526 ฿ across seven entrepreneurs (achieving 2.25 times their first-year targets), and a projected economic impact of 67.37 million ฿ over five years. The framework provides a replicable model for enhancing tourism competitiveness by integrating creative industries.
Emerging Challenges and Trends in Soft Skills and Knowledge Management in University Education: An Ibero-American Perspective on Employability and Social Innovation through a Bibliometric Approach
In the context of the profound socioeconomic changes taking place in Ibero-America, higher education faces the challenge of adapting its educational models to the demands of a highly dynamic and competitive labor environment. In this scenario, soft skills are consolidating as key competencies for employability, while knowledge management emerges as an essential tool for fostering social and organizational innovation in the 21st century. This article proposes a bibliometric analysis of recent research addressing this thematic convergence, with emphasis on scientific production generated in Ibero-America, to identify emerging challenges and trends. Through the analysis of quantitative indicators and co-occurrence networks of 77 documents from Q1 quartile journals in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, the study examines the co-occurrence network of 380 terms defined by 247 authors. Four primary clusters, representing the strongest thematic relationships, were identified: Cluster 1: University education oriented toward employability and labor integration. Cluster 2: Territorial innovation and digital capabilities in higher education. Cluster 3: Critical education, social justice, and open policies in professional training. Cluster 4: Organizational culture, leadership, and knowledge behavior. These findings help establish robust new research gaps in this field of study.
The Impact of Ownership Structure on the Financial Performance of Industrial Companies Listed on the Amman Stock Exchange
This study aimed to examine the impact of ownership structure, in its dimensions (managerial ownership, institutional ownership), on financial performance measured by return on assets in industrial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, and the sample consisted of all industrial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange, totaling 30 companies during the period (2018-2023), with a total of 180 observations. Data related to the study variables were collected from annual reports, and panel data analysis was conducted using STATA software. The results showed a significant positive impact of both managerial and institutional ownership on financial performance, as measured by return on assets in industrial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange.
The Transformation of Traditional Tariqa Teachings Among Nasqhbandi Haqqani Sufis in Indonesia
The transformation within the Naqshbandi Haqqani order has occurred on a massive scale. These changes extend beyond the limited adoption of modern tools and penetrate the essential core of tariqa teachings. This study aims to examine the forms of transformation enacted by the Naqshbandi Haqqani order, particularly in relation to the initiation ritual (bay’ah), the teacher-student relationship, and the practice of dhikr. Previous studies have explored how tariqas adapt to modernity, often focusing on the use of digital technologies as tools for outreach and da‘wah. However, the Naqshbandi Haqqani have gone beyond such dimensions. This research employs a qualitative approach, collecting data through interviews and participant observation. Observations focused on the digital platforms utilized by the Naqshbandi Haqqani, while interviews were conducted with both teachers and students within the order, as well as with leaders from other Sufi groups. The transformation of these three core aspects has significantly expanded the order’s demographic reach, attracting followers from diverse economic, social, and educational backgrounds. Through this transformation, Naqshbandi Haqqani adherents are able to engage in spiritual practices regardless of time, place, or circumstance. However, maintaining the purity of the teachings remains essential to prevent dilution by the limits of modernity. Leaders of other tariqas may benefit from considering similar transformative approaches as exemplified by the Naqshbandi Haqqani.
Capoeira as Embodied Intercultural Pedagogy: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Youth Shelters
Intercultural education is a key element in the comprehensive development of adolescents, particularly in vulnerable contexts. However, educational programs often prioritize academic learning, relegating socioemotional and cultural development. In this context, capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian art that combines music, dance, wrestling, and ritual, is presented as an innovative embodied pedagogy strategy capable of strengthening social and intercultural competencies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a capoeira program on adolescents residing in a shelter in Lima, Peru. A quasi-experimental mixed-gender design was used with a non-equivalent control group (n=31) and a qualitative component based on interviews and participant observation. The quantitative results showed significant improvements in social attitudes and social thinking in the experimental group (p < 0.001). At the qualitative level, adolescents reported greater confidence, cooperation, and cultural integration, as one participant expressed: "In the roda, I learned to trust and listen." Data triangulation confirmed the effectiveness of capoeira as a socio-educational resource. In conclusion, capoeira not only promotes well-being and inclusion, but also constitutes an innovative contribution to applied intercultural education by integrating body, music, and community in a transformative learning process.
The Implementation of Ai-Based English Learning in Early Childhood Education
The swift growth of digital technology has heightened the urgency of learning English from an early age, especially with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, which offers a highly adaptive, interactive, and customized learning experience for children. This study aims to explore the implementation of AI-based English lessons in early childhood education and understand the experiences of teachers and children in the process of integrating it into the classroom. This approach uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological design, which focuses on the direct experiences of the participants. Data was obtained through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The findings revealed four main themes: (1) Forms of AI-Based Implementation, including the use ofAI applications such as AI storytelling, pronunciation applications, andlearning flows consisting of introduction, interaction, and feedback stages; (2) Children's Engagement and Learning Responses, which included enthusiasm, curiosity, active participation, and improvement in vocabulary and pronunciation skills; (3) Teachers' Pedagogical Adaptation, namely the evolving role of teachers as facilitators and designers of AI-based play activities; and (4) Technical constraints, variations in teachers' digital competencies, and concerns regarding screen time. These findings confirm that AI can be meaningfully integrated into early childhood English language learning when combined with a play-based approach appropriate to the child's developmental stage and supported by adequate teacher competency. This study has pedagogical and practical implications, including the need for ongoing teacher training, the development of school policies regarding the safe use of technology for children, and the strategic integration of AI and play-based learning.
Hannah Arendt and Her Critique of Dystopia
This paper examines Hannah Arendt’s critique of dystopia through her analysis of totalitarianism as a distinct and comprehensive form of domination that exceeds conventional authoritarian rule. Drawing primarily on The Origins of Totalitarianism and Arendt’s broader political thought, the study argues that totalitarian regimes—exemplified historically by Nazism and Stalinism—represent not a contingent political deviation but a modern crisis rooted in the collapse of traditional standards and the obstruction of meaningful political action. The paper analyzes Arendt’s account of the conditions that enable totalitarianism to emerge, including the erosion of the public realm, the weakening of shared judgment, and the social dynamics that facilitate mass domination. It then investigates the mechanisms by which totalitarian power operates, focusing on its drive toward total control, the destruction of plurality, the dissolution of individual identity, and the systematic assault on human dignity. Finally, the research highlights Arendt’s intellectual efforts to envision pathways beyond dystopian domination by restoring politics as a space of free, collective action and renewing the principles of plurality, dialogue, responsibility, and active citizenship. The study concludes that, for Arendt, resisting totalitarianism is inseparable from reconstructing the public sphere as the institutional and ethical ground of freedom and critical thinking.
Protection of the Caspian Sea Environment in the Framework of the Iranian State Approach
This research aims to identify the dominant discourse of the Iranian state's approach to marine environmental protection. The study tries to explore the Iranian discourse's Central Signifier, components, a chain of equivalence and alienation. Laclau and Mouffe's critical discourse analysis method has been used based on the Caspian Sea upstream documents in the period of 1921-2022. The results of the study showed that the main discourse during this period was environmental protection which seems different from the (Othering) discourse as all stakeholders have not been considered. The discursive elements of this discourse are the discursive hegemony of the protection of the marine environment of the Caspian Sea, attention to the legal regime of the Caspian Sea in the framework of cooperation, attention to non-pollution, control, and monitoring of the environment, evaluation Environmental effects, attention to education, public awareness, research, and continuous reports. The results also showed the supporting evidence of the Central Signifier (environmental discourse) are: minimizing the risks of oil pollution accidents, adopting the best environmental practices, comprehensive reporting on the status of plant species, the priority protecting the living aquatic resources of the Caspian Sea over their commercial use, combating illegal, unreported, irregular fishing and illegal trading of living aquatic resources, designing and compiling monitoring databases and using the Caspian Sea for peaceful purposes. The results of the study suggested policymakers should provide the necessary opportunities for the participation of all stakeholders.
Examining Stakeholder Engagement in the Advancement of Marine Tourism: A Case Study of Bushehr Port, Iran
This study aimed to identify the factors influencing marine tourism development in Bushehr Province. After a focus group was established, the data were collected from stakeholders and key informants of all cities in Bushehr. The results of the study identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) for the development of marine tourism in Bushehr Province. The findings suggest that policymakers at Bushehr should consider leveraging opportunities such as regional, historical, local, traditional, and natural assets. Additionally, establishing platforms and conditions that facilitate the readiness and involvement of all tourism-related organizations is crucial. Emphasizing strengths such as passenger carrying capacity and the border market could prove vital in enhancing the status of marine tourism in Bushehr Province.
Effect of Service innovation, Service Quality, Competitive Advantage, and Supply Chain Management on Business Performance of Cultural Tourism Business in Thailand
This study aims to analyze the relationships between these factors and how to boost the performance of the tourism business in Thailand, i.e., service innovation, supply chain management, and quality of services. The mediation role of supply chain management is also evaluated as this is an essential element in tourism business success. Globally, competition has increased due to innovative and sustainable practices in business operations, including effective supply chain management, which has become one of the main priorities of businesses because it is critical to achieving goals and maintaining a competitive edge. The current study applied purposive random sampling to choose a population for data and select 320 respondents to collect questionnaire-based information. Results found that the chosen factors significantly positively influence the tourism business performance in Thailand and the positive mediation effect of supply chain management between business performance and service innovation, service quality, and competitive advantages. Investigated factors are relevant to improve the tourism business performance and provide guidance to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in tourism with continuous efforts and considering the inevitable role of supply chain management. The investigated framework is helpful to improve the overall business performance and beneficial to thinking in tourism sectors.
Structural Equation Modeling of Social Media Marketing, Luxury Brand Equity, and Luxury Brand Loyalty that Affect Consumers’ Repurchase Intention of Luxury Brand Products in Bangkok
This research aimed to (1) examine the goodness-of-fit of the structural equation model of social media marketing, luxury brand equity, and luxury brand loyalty influencing consumers’ repurchase intention of luxury brand products among consumers in Bangkok with empirical data; (2) study the influences of social media marketing, luxury brand equity, and luxury brand loyalty on consumers’ repurchase intention of luxury brand products in Bangkok; and (3) develop a structural equation model of social media marketing, luxury brand equity, and luxury brand loyalty affecting consumers’ repurchase intention of luxury brand products through online distribution channels. The sample consisted of 430 consumers who had purchased luxury brand products via online distribution channels in Bangkok. Accidental sampling was applied, and data were collected using questionnaires. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings revealed that the proposed model demonstrated a good fit with the empirical data (χ²/df = 2.600, CFI = 0.965, TLI = 0.954, RMSEA = 0.061, and SRMR = 0.050). Furthermore, the results indicated that: Social media marketing had a positive influence on luxury brand equity (H1); Social media marketing had a positive influence on luxury brand loyalty (H2); Social media marketing had both direct and indirect positive influences on repurchase intention for luxury brand products through luxury brand loyalty (H3); Luxury brand equity had a positive influence on luxury brand loyalty (H4); Luxury brand equity had a positive influence on repurchase intention of luxury brand products (H5); and Luxury brand loyalty had a positive influence on repurchase intention of luxury brand products (H6).
Causal Relationships among Media Exposure, Attitudes and Decision-Making Behavior in the Selection to Watch News Programs via Online Social Media of Elderly Consumers
This research aims (1) to examine the model fit of the causal relationships among media exposure, attitude, and decision-making behavior in the selection to watch news programs via online social media of elderly consumers, and (2) to study the influence of media exposure, attitude, and decision-making behavior in in the selection to watch news programs via online social media of elderly consumers. The sample consisted of 440 elderly individuals who watched news programs through online channels, selected using accidental sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results indicated that the hypothesized model was suitable and demonstrated a good fit with the empirical data, with χ2/df = 2.981, CFI = 0.936, TLI = 0.916, RMSEA = 0.067, and SRMR = 0.061. Furthermore, the findings revealed that media exposure had a positive influence on attitude (H1); media exposure had a positive influence on the decision-making behavior in selecting news programs via social media among elderly consumers (H2); and attitude had a positive influence on the decision-making behavior in selecting news programs via social media among elderly consumers (H3).
Determinants of Willingness to Take Contractual Risks for Pharmaceutical Business in Thailand
The role of government intervention in business activities can affect business operations because government interventions are actions and steps that mainly carried out by the government to affect the normal operation of the business. This research study empirically identifies the willingness to take contractual risks from the pharmaceutical firm’s perspective through the impact of the political intervention of effectiveness. Categorically, the given research study investigates the impacts of E-governance, freedom from contractual intervention and business friendliness on willingness to take contractual risks. For this purpose, almost all the data of the study was collected mainly from 385 employees of different pharmaceutical firms in Thailand. For the analysis and calculation of data the given study used KMO, and SEM techniques. The significant findings of the study revealed that the mediating role of business friendliness has a significant impact on the relationship between political effectiveness and willingness to take contractual risks. The findings also suggest that the role of E-governance were significant in improving the relationship between willingness to take contractual risks and political effectiveness. The verdicts of the study will be very beneficial for future studies and also help them to understand the role of politics in business.
Narrative Design and Cultural Inheritance Effect of Gannan Hakka Cultural Creative Products
As an innovative design idea, the narrative design has gradually entered the design field, providing an effective bridge for the communication and information transmission between the works and the users. However, in the cultural and creative product design, the application of narrative design is still relatively limited. With the improvement of living standards, peoples demand for spiritual and emotional satisfaction has increased, and the design of cultural and creative products is also facing a new breakthrough demand. Relying on narrative design thinking, designers can dig out problems and enrich the design Angle with the help of narrative structure in product development, so as to inject innovative connotation. Based on the characteristics of Gannan Hakka cultural creative products, this paper discusses the narrative design method suitable for cultural creative products. The paper establishes the narrative theme guided by the cultural text and the user needs, responds to the user needs through the story situation setting, and gradually integrates the theme text with the plot structure, and combs the narrative logic to guide the design practice.
Innovative Application of Paper-Cutting Art in the Costume Design of Ethnic Minorities in Yunnan
As an important component of intangible cultural heritage, Yunnan paper-cutting art carried profound cultural connotations within the costumes of ethnic minority groups. However, it faced significant challenges of inheritance and innovation under the impact of modernization. This study focused on the costumes of the Yi, Bai, and Dai ethnic groups, and adopted cultural translation theory as its conceptual framework. Through a mixed-methods approach, it systematically explored innovative design pathways for integrating paper-cutting art into ethnic costume design. The findings revealed that the application of paper-cutting elements mainly took the form of embroidery patterns and decorative accessories, with totemic motifs serving as core carriers of ethnic identity. Nonetheless, several challenges remained, including the disruption of technical inheritance, design homogeneity, and low market penetration. In response, this study proposed three strategic directions - technological integration, educational collaboration, and industrial synergy - to transform paper-cutting from symbolic decoration into “wearable cultural narratives.” This research offered a practical framework that combined cultural depth with commercial viability, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of traditional craftsmanship within modern consumer ecosystems.
Research on the Design of Changzhou Needlework Space under the Application of Intelligent Technology
This paper takes the intelligent design of intangible cultural heritage needlework space in Changzhou City as the research goal, analyzes the application of innovative products and the application effect of space intelligence display after the innovation of needlework art patterns, and uses intelligent equipment technology to realize the cultural and commercial economic value of needlework space. The qualitative research method was used to collect relevant policy and literature research data, and the quantitative research used questionnaires and evaluation forms to analyze the characteristics and development direction of intelligent design of commercial space in Changzhou through field research and interviews. The results show that: 1. The intelligent design of the commercial space of random needlework in Changzhou is insufficient, and there is a lack of influential mature space cases; 2. The design of Changzhou's intangible cultural heritage space should form a certain influence, so that the design of intangible cultural heritage space should be differentiated, the exhibition should be dynamic, and the technology should be intelligent, so as to build a future technical system for the design of Changzhou's intangible cultural heritage commercial space.
Innovation Research of Paper Cuttings Art in Ruichang, Jiangxi Province from the Perspective of Social Culture
As a national intangible cultural heritage, Ruichang Paper Cuttings art in Jiangxi Province, China, carries a thousand years of history and national wisdom. With the unique charm of "nothing is empty under the scissors, and cutting is auspicious and blessing", it profoundly explains the feelings and life philosophy of Jiangxi people. This study follows the concept of emphasizing both inheritance and innovation, striving to revitalize this ancient art and attracting more young people's attention and love through inheritance and innovation, ensuring its continuous inheritance and long-term development. In this process, the researchers used literature review, field survey, in-depth interviews and other methods to explore the inheritance and innovation path of Ruichang Paper Cuttings. According to..., the Paper Cuttings work "" was designed, which not only fully conveys the modern aesthetic concept, but also preserves the simple traditional style of Ruichang Paper Cuttings. This exploration result not only opens up new ideas for the inheritance and development of Ruichang Paper Cuttings, but also provides valuable experience reference for other Paper Cuttings arts in design and innovative practice.
Evaluation of Chinese Chaozhou Embroidery Clothing Product Design from the Perspective of Pattern Innovation
This study aims to evaluate and position Chaozhou embroidered clothing products in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China. As a characteristic cultural treasure of Chaozhou City, Chaozhou embroidery has profound historical heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. The research analyzed the cultural value, market awareness, product design status and future development trends of Chaozhou embroidered clothing products through literature review, expert consultation, consumer research, field visits and data statistical analysis. The study found that there is room for improvement in the current Chaozhou embroidery clothing products in terms of cultural value presentation, design innovation, market competitiveness and industrial sustainability. To this end, strategies such as deeply exploring cultural values, innovating design concepts, enhancing brand competitiveness and focusing on sustainable industrial development are proposed.
A Semiotic Exploration of isiXhosa and Sesotho sa Leboa Literary Book Covers and Their Cultural and Religious Impact
Readers buy books based on their cover designs, as the covers have a way of capturing the reader’s attention, and other readers choose them by choice, recommendations, or academic prescriptions. Scholars have analyzed book covers for intersemiotic interpretations; however, scholarly attention has been limited in exploring how books decode meaning and reflect cultural and religious significance. Book covers are used by authors as external objects of art or expressions of the artist’s artistic ideas to the readers. This paper has argued that book covers are not merely aesthetic elements but serve as rich sites of semiotic meaning-making. The aim was to analyze visual elements of isiXhosa and Sesotho sa Leboa’s literary book covers, exploring how graphics, colours, and typography convey deeper meanings to the readers. Additionally, it also sought to demonstrate how these elements reflect cultural and religious narratives that resonate with the target audience, and how these representations affect the reader’s perception and interpretation of texts. The qualitative method was adopted as the way and approach to data gathering, explored through textual analysis. The inspiration was drawn from Ferdinand de Saussure and Umberto Eco’s interpretations of the semiotic perspective. The findings of this paper have demonstrated that book covers serve as a medium for cultural and religious narratives and identity formation within the community. This paper’s findings indicated the influence and role played by visual elements on book covers. Lastly, this paper contributes to the scholarship of the significance of cover illustrations for book authors and publishers, emphasizing their embedded religious and cultural meanings.
Applying Interpretive Intelligence to Clarify and Explain Research Results to users for Graduate Students in Public Universities Al-Balqa Applied University: Case Study
The paper will explore the level of knowledge and use of interpretive intelligence among post-graduate students in the Al-Balqa Applied University and its applicability in the process of clarifying and explaining the research findings in the academic setting. A stratified random sampling of 250 students was done out of 562 postgraduate students who were the study population. The structured questionnaire was used to gather data on four axes, awareness of interpretive intelligence, its use in research analysis, its difficulties of use, and the perceived effect on the interpretation of the findings of a research. The analysis of the means, percentages, and distribution pattern of the demographic variables was conducted using descriptive statistics that showed that the awareness of interpretive intelligence among students is moderate and high with the majority of the agreement rates being above 68. Students have shown a high awareness of the significance of interpretive smartness on enhancing analytical clarity and providing the explanation of intricate research connections. Nevertheless, it was also found that there were considerable challenges such as the lack of resources in the Arabic language, the lack of training opportunities, and the lack of access to sophisticated interpretative tools. Nonetheless, the dimension of impact showed the greatest mean scores, which points to the fact that interpretive intelligence can significantly contribute to the development of the ability of postgraduate students to present the results clearly, connect the findings to the aims, and minimize analytical ambiguity. It proposes an increase in training schemes, better technical support and introduction of interpretive AI tools in postgraduate courses to enhance the analytical and interpretive skills of the students.
Intertextuality in the Poetry of Mudar Al-Alusi
From our study of poetic themes and poetic intertextuality in Al-Alusi's work, we conclude that the nature of poetic language and poetic intertextuality employed by the poet Mudar Al-Alusi in his various poems left a clear impression on the listener due to his ability to combine emotional depth on the one hand and psychological contemplation on the other. This was reflected in his themes, which were characterised by their humanistic nature through the lexical repertoire that appeared in his poems (homeland, elegy, religion, praise, etc.), while the poetry of his vocabulary was distinguished by its oscillation between the use of heritage mixed with everyday words and the language of the era associated with the lives of ordinary people. This indicates the religious environment in which he was raised and his attachment to his rich heritage, which we see in the poetic intertextuality of his poems, where religious heritage was a source of inspiration for the poet. We find that religious texts quoted from the Holy Quran and the Hadith are intertwined with most of his poems. Literary intertextuality also played a role in his poems, which he embellished with proverbs and literary texts that he used as a starting point for his creativity.
Environmental Management Accounting, Environmental Performance, and the Moderating Role of Female Leaders: Empirical Evidence in Indonesian MSMEs
This study is motivated by the increase in environmental degradation and the fact that Indonesian MSMEs, despite being key contributors to the national economy, still have relatively low awareness and implementation of sustainability practices. In this context, environmental management accounting becomes an important mechanism to help MSMEs monitor, manage, and improve their environmental performance in a more structured way. At the same time, there are still gaps in the literature related to the role of gender, especially how female leaders can influence the effectiveness of sustainability-oriented management practices within organizations. Therefore, this study focuses on examining the moderating role of female leaders in the relationship between environmental management accounting implementation and environmental performance in Indonesian MSMEs. The analysis is based on survey data obtained from 743 MSMEs and tested using Moderated Regression Analysis to capture both the direct effect of environmental management accounting and its interaction with female leadership. The empirical results show that environmental management accounting implementation is positively associated with better environmental performance. In addition, the presence of female leaders strengthens this positive relationship, indicating that gender-inclusive leadership can enhance the impact of environmental management accounting. These findings imply that encouraging MSMEs to adopt environmental management accounting, while simultaneously promoting female leadership, can be an effective strategy for improving environmental performance and supporting more sustainable business practices.
Analysis of Factors and Issues Affecting the Brand Development of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts
The objectives of this research are (1) to study and analyze the current brand management of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum, and (2) to analyze the factors affecting the brand effectiveness of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum. This study employs qualitative methods to review effective brand management models for art museums through a literature review and to optimize these models based on the characteristics of the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum. In addition, SWOT analysis is used to examine the internal and external factors and conditions of the target case and to infer the factors that influence brand performance. The research found that: (1) Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum adheres to the principle of supporting service, education as a venue for higher education research. Due to its relatively closed environment and small number of visitors, the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum lacks the attention of society and the public. In addition, competition between art exhibition venues and museums is intense. The Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum recognizes the challenge of maintaining a strong market position. It therefore conducts research on brand development and identity enhancement through targeted approaches to development and marketing management. (2) The factors and problems of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum that can improve brand efficiency are based on the museum's brand management system in four dimensions: quality and academic dimension, personal dimension, symbolic dimension, and organizational dimension, to develop and improve the brand efficiency of the university's art museum, aiming at effectively building its competitiveness and satisfying visitors.
Measurement and Management of University Social Responsibility: Methodological Advances and Challenges for Institutional Sustainability
In recent decades, university social responsibility (USR) has become a strategic dimension of higher education, closely linked to institutional sustainability and to universities’ commitment to addressing social, territorial, and environmental challenges framed by the 2030 Agenda. Despite its growing relevance, the measurement and management of USR remain characterized by significant conceptual and methodological heterogeneity, which constrains cross-institutional comparability and limits the effective use of evaluation results in decision-making processes. The aim of this article is to critically analyze recent methodological advances in the measurement of USR and to examine the challenges these approaches pose for sustainable university management. To this end, a documentary study with an analytical–critical and descriptive approach was conducted, based on a theoretical–methodological review of indexed scientific literature published between 2017 and 2025. The analysis identifies three dominant methodological trends: quantitative approaches focused on indicators and perceptual instruments; qualitative and participatory approaches oriented toward stakeholder engagement; and hybrid models that integrate measurement, explanation, and impact assessment through innovative tools such as evaluative matrices and explanatory modeling techniques. The findings show significant progress in capturing perceptions, processes, and social impacts associated with USR, while also revealing persistent limitations related to standardization, validity, and the weak linkage between evaluation and institutional management. It is concluded that strengthening USR requires comprehensive and participatory measurement systems oriented toward decision-making, capable of effectively connecting evaluation processes with university governance and long-term institutional sustainability.
How Context and Belief Shape Interpretations of the Qur'an
This paper analyzes diverse hermeneutic patterns in English translations of the Glorious Qur'an across different eras and by different translators. The study compares the interpretations of five translators focusing on five Quranic verses from four Surahs. The paper examines variations in approaching positions like male authority in marriage (Al-Nisaa 4:34), disciplinary track regarding "striking" (Al-Nisaa 4:34), dry ablution (Al-Ma'idah 5:6), the payment of jizyah and submission (Al-Tawbah 9:29), and the questioning of female infants buried alive (At-Takwir 81:8). By comparing these interpretations, the paper reveals how sensitive verses act as indicators, exposing each translator's hermeneutic priorities, such as adherence to tradition, modern reform. The study also highlights how non-Muslim translators, despite their academic rigor, may sometimes lack the nuanced understanding of Islamic cultural practices, leading to distinct interpretive choices. In other words, by comparing these translated texts , it is seen that translated Ayahs provoke various interpretation. They show that the translators in some places have their own hermeneutics to adhere ( ranging from classical to modern interpretation). Also, a crucial trend is viewed in this study in which non- muslin translators lack the very details of the culture accompanying the Glorious Qur'an.Thus, this gap leads to various interpretations that differs from those produced based on faith and beliefs that illustrating the deep influence of translator's background that is positioned in English text.
Research on Liangshan Yi Embroidery Innovative Product Consumer Demand and Design Optimization
On the premise of maintaining the authenticity of the local culture of Liangshan Yi embroidery, this study summarized the influencing factors of innovative design through expert interviews and group discussions, designed questionnaires for several dimensions that affect consumers' purchase intentions, and conducted consumer questionnaire surveys to understand consumers' preferences for each design element, grasp the real needs of market consumers for Liangshan Yi embroidery innovative products, and put forward targeted optimization suggestions to guide subsequent product design.
Analysis of the Application of Financial Accounting Standards Micro, Small, and Medium Entities in the Preparation of Trading Business Pondok Bika
Financial statements prepared by entities must comply with financial accounting standards. Financial Accounting Standards (SAK) are Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (PSAK) and Interpretations of Financial Accounting Standards (ISAK) issued by the Indonesian Accounting Standards Board (DSAK IAI) and the Sharia Standards Board of the Indonesian Accounting Association (DSAS IAI) as well as capital market regulator regulations for entities under their supervision. This study aims to determine how the financial statements of UMKM UD. Pondok Bika are prepared and how the financial statements are implemented based on SAK-EMKM. The research used in this study is a qualitative research through a descriptive approach. The data used in this study are primary data and secondary data. This study was conducted in April 2025. The data collection method was through observation, interviews and documentation. The data analysis techniques used are data reduction , data presentation (display), Conclusion drawing/verification . The data analysis tool used is SAK-EMKM. The results obtained The total cost of goods sold owned by UD. Pondok Bika is Rp. This 5,500,000.00 was obtained by the author after conducting research from the previous business owner did not calculate the cost of goods sold. For the profit obtained by UD. Pondok Bika after deducting expenses amounting to Rp. 7,500,000.00. Pondok Bika Trading Business does not know and understand the Financial Accounting Standards for Entities, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SAK-EMKM). The preparation and recording of bookkeeping which is still minimal and simple is still in accordance with the owner's understanding and knowledge.
Effectiveness of Dietary Regulation and Increased Physical Activity in Reducing the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes for Adult School
Cases of diabetes mellitus in children are increasing, the cause is lifestyle. Which No Healthy, consumption food Ready serving, tall glucose and obesity. Effort preventive measures must be taken done through various activity especially in school. Wrong One effort preventive through diet and physical activity management to prevent the risk of type 2 diabetes in the future. To analyze the effectiveness of dietary management and increasing physical activity in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in school children. The method used is a literature review. Data collection was carried out through a search of the online database Pubmed. The keywords used in the article search were "Effectiveness of Dietary Regulation in Children" school” and “Effectiveness of Improving activity physical fitness of school children in reducing the risk of diabetes". Inclusion criteria for quantitative and qualitative research types, population The target is Effectiveness Arrangement diet and Improvement Effectiveness physical activity of school children with parameters of reducing the risk of diabetes, published period 2020-2025 in Language English And article form original, full text And open access. Criteria exclusion is an article that is not relevant to the topic of discussion, is not experimental, uses experimental animals and literature studies. The combination of implementing dietary management and increasing physical activity can lower blood glucose levels by uptake of glucose stored in muscles. Dietary management can lower blood glucose . Physical activity through exercise has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, and dietary management has been shown to be more effective in lowering blood glucose levels. Arrangement diet And improvement activity physique capable lower risk DM Type 2 in school children
Evaluation of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Chronic Disease Management Policy to Improve Self-Care Management
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a global health problem that requires long-term and collaborative management. Self-care management is the main key in controlling this disease effectively. Chronic disease management policies in various countries have been widely implemented, but their effectiveness in improving self-care management still needs further study. This study aims to further examine the evaluation of chronic disease management policies for type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve self-care management. Literature review was conducted by searching and analyzing journals from the Pubmed and Schimago portals with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Key search terms were identified using truncated words (in this case *) with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus" OR "T2DM" AND "chronic disease management" OR "policy evaluation" OR "health policy" AND "self-care management" OR "self-management" OR "patient engagement". Most studies indicate that policy-based interventions such as patient education programs, primary healthcare integration, and digital health support contribute positively to improving self-care management in T2DM patients. However, their effectiveness varies across regions and health systems. Comprehensive and integrated chronic disease management policies have been shown to be effective in improving self-care management in T2DM patients. These findings can serve as a reference in formulating more responsive health policies.
Analysis Public Health Policy on Impact Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Speedboat Workers
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an inanimate gas dangerous color and smell​ If inhaled in amount This toxic gas is produced from the incomplete combustion of carbon fuels, such as gasoline, coal, wood, and tobacco. Speedboat workers are often exposed to carbon monoxide from ship engines, which can cause serious health problems if not handled properly. Effective public health policies are needed to reduce the risk of exposure and create a safer working environment for workers. This study aims to analyze public health policies on the impact of carbon monoxide exposure on speedboat workers. Literature review was conducted by searching and analyzing journals from the Pubmed and Scincedirect portals with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. key identified using truncated words ( in matter this *) with the word in the form of : "CO" OR "Carbon Monoxide" AND "Speedboat " OR "health policy" AND "emission" OR "pollution". Exposure carbon monoxide in speedboat workers is at risk tall to health, so that required more policies​ strict as well as step preventive For protect they. Exposure carbon monoxide in speedboat workers can cause problem health serious , so required more policies​ strict and adequate protection. Preventive measures like monitoring level carbon monoxide, use tool protector self and technology friendly the environment is very important For reduce risk . With the right approach, workers' health can be better protected, creating a safe and productive work environment.
Factors Influencing Stigma and Inequality in Accessing Health Services for HIV/AIDS Sufferers
AIDS is now the fourth deadliest disease worldwide. There are approximately 39.0 (33.1 - 45.7) million people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) globally in 2022. The emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, fear, stigma, and discrimination have also been identified as important barriers to an effective response to HIV. This study aims to further examine the factors that influence stigma and inequality in accessing health services for people with HIV/AIDS. Method: Literature review was conducted by searching and analyzing journals from the Pubmed and Schimago portals with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Key search terms were identified using truncated words (in this case *) with words such as stigma * AND discrimination * AND/OR HIV/AIDS* AND/OR inequalities *, AND/OR*ART. Policies and regulations, socio-cultural factors, and demographics influence access to health services for HIV/AIDS sufferers. Sociocultural stigma is a major barrier for people with HIV/AIDS in accessing health services, exacerbating existing inequalities. This inequality is also influenced by demographic factors, such as remote location and low socioeconomic status. Synergy across policy, sociocultural, demographic, and health service innovation aspects is needed to overcome barriers and create inclusive and supportive access.
Digital Transformation and Strength of Auditing and Reporting Standards in African Countries: The Moderating Effect of Efficacy of Corporate Boards
Purpose: this paper examines the relationship between the digital transformation and the strength of auditing and reporting standards (SARS) in African countries and tests whether the efficacy of corporate boards moderates this association. Design/methodology/approach: The sample includes 96 country-year observations over a period of 2015–2017. Data are gathered from the Global Competitiveness reports and the Word Bank for the same years. Findings: Findings show that the digital transformation is positively associated with the SARS. Similarly, when testing for the moderating effects of efficacy of corporate boards, the association between the digital transformation and the SARS remains positive and significant for settings characterized by high efficacy of corporate boards, while it becomes insignificant for countries characterized by low efficacy of corporate boards. Policy implications: The findings highlight the importance of digital transformation on the SARS in African countries and emphasize the critical role played by efficacy of corporate boards in strengthening this relationship.
Mapping Skills with Performance: A Study on Women Entrepreneurs
This study examines the impact of key entrepreneurial skills Technical Skills, Managerial Skills, Entrepreneurial Skills, and Personal Maturity Skills on the performance of women entrepreneurs in North India." The research aims to identify which skills contribute most to business success and sustainability in the MSME sector. A causal and descriptive research design with a quantitative approach was employed. "Data was collected through a structured questionnaire from a sample of 383 women entrepreneurs operating in MSMEs across North India. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between entrepreneurial skills and business performance." The study utilized a survey-based method, incorporating validated scales to measure key entrepreneurial skills and their impact on business performance. "SEM was applied to test the proposed model and validate the significance of each skill category." The results indicate that Entrepreneurial Skills and Managerial Skills have the strongest positive impact on business performance. Technical Skills play a significant role in operational efficiency, while Personal Maturity Skills contribute to resilience and long-term business growth. The findings suggest that a balanced combination of these skills enhances the overall performance and sustainability of women-led businesses in North India. "Entrepreneurial skills are critical determinants of business performance among women entrepreneurs in the MSME sector. Policymakers and business development organizations should focus on skill enhancement programs tailored to women entrepreneurs to promote sustainable growth and competitiveness." The study is limited to North India and MSME enterprises, which may restrict generalizability to other regions or larger businesses. Self-reported data may also introduce response bias. Future research can explore industry-specific variations in skill impact, comparative studies between different regions, and the role of external factors such as financial support and policy interventions in enhancing entrepreneurial skills.
Unpacking Innovation Capability: The Roles of Cognitive Flexibility and Innovation Self-efficacy in Interdisciplinary Contexts
This study contributes to our understanding of how innovation capacity develops by investigating the cognitive and psychological mechanisms responsible for interdisciplinary engagement. While limited studies have explored the combined role of the above two factors alongside interdisciplinary collaboration experience and innovative psychological capital in response to such innovations, as well as the underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms, few have considered their effects on each other. Based on Social Cognitive Theory, this research focuses on the mechanism by which these factors influence innovation capability via cognitive flexibility, and on whether innovative self-efficacy could strengthen this process. A total of 197 university students enrolled in interdisciplinary programmes were surveyed using a structured questionnaire, and the obtained data were analysed using SmartPLS 4.0 based on partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings demonstrate that, in both cases, interdisciplinary collaboration and psychological capital significantly impact innovation capability positively, while cognitive flexibility plays a critical mediating role. Additionally, creative self-efficacy positively moderates the relationship between cognitive flexibility and innovation performance. The findings have theoretical implications for the cognitive and motivational mechanisms of innovative behaviour and practical implications for educational design to support adaptability and innovation readiness.
Health Education for Promoting Healthy Eating Habits and Preventing Nutrition-Related Diseases: A Technopedagogical Research Study
Health education is a central component of child development and a powerful determinant of long-term well- being. It enables children to develop informed decision-making skills, acquire healthy habits, and understand the role of nutri- tion in disease prevention. However, in many Latin American regions, socioeconomic limitations, restricted access to health services, and insufficient school education contribute to persis- tent malnutrition, rising childhood obesity, and poor dietary habits. The present complete research study examines the relationship between eating behaviors of children, awareness of nutrition, and literacy in disease-prevention within a frame- work of health education supported by digital technologies. The empirical study draws on data from a sample of 123 school-age children, applying descriptive statistics, tetrachoric correlations, exploratory factor analysis, and a two-step cluster analysis. The results reveal striking gaps in dietary practices: 57% of children report a high intake of processed foods, 69.9% do not consume the recommended portions of fruits and vegetables, 65.0% regularly drink sugary beverages, and 84.6% do not recognize the connection between nutrition and disease prevention. However, 90.2% express a strong interest in learning healthy habits, highlighting a significant opportunity for intervention. Based on these findings, the ar- ticle proposes a technopedagogical model to strengthen health education through digital storytelling, interactive resources, mobile applications, and school-based learning analytics. Re- cent evidence demonstrates that digital learning can increase motivation, improve understanding, and support the adoption of healthy behaviors, especially in contexts with limited access to preventive care. The discussion integrates public health literature, nutrition science, and digital pedagogy to present implications for curriculum design, teacher training, and com- munity engagement. This study combines empirical evidence with a theory-driven framework to demonstrate how digitally supported health education can promote healthy eating habits and reduce the long-term risk of chronic diseases among schoolchildren.
Beyond Traditional Love: The Cultural and Psychological Dilemma of the Phenomenon of Young People Avoiding the New Year and Its Response
The phenomenon of young people avoiding the Spring Festival refers to the choice and behavior of some young people to avoid going home for the New Year due to their fear of the pressure of traditional festivals or to avoid being influenced by multiple groups such as parents and relatives and friends. The motives behind the phenomenon of young people avoiding the New Year mainly stem from their avoidance of marital and romantic relationship issues, their escape from their parents' educational expectations, their evasion from peer work comparisons, and their farewell to relatives' social obligations. In terms of their cultural and psychological predicaments, the phenomenon of young people avoiding the New Year is characterized by emotional rifts such as the panic over marriage and love brought about by traditional marriage culture, the expectation pressure internalized by the dragon and phoenix totem culture, the achievement anxiety strengthened by the culture of face survival, and the burden of human relationships maintained by the culture of blood ties and geographical ties. Thus, in order to help young people overcome cultural and psychological predicaments and regain emotional attachment, it is necessary to enhance the emotional identification with free marriage and love and overcome the panic of young people's choices in marriage and love. Promote democratic family education to reduce the pressure on young people to respect and be filial to their parents. Develop moral and friendly relationships to reduce peer anxiety among young people. Establish a correct and rational consumption view and relieve the burden of interpersonal interactions among young people.
Students’ Engagement in Responding to Screencast Feedback during Thesis Writing
This study addresses the challenge of limited clarity, emotional support, and revision guidance often experienced by students during thesis writing, a process that requires sustained engagement with complex academic expectations. It examines how university students interact with screencast feedback while developing their theses, focusing on affective, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions of engagement. Using a case study design, the research involved ten undergraduate students in an English education program who received screencast feedback from their supervisors. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews exploring their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses. Thematic analysis was then employed to identify patterns across the data. Findings indicate that screencast feedback fostered positive affective engagement by enhancing enjoyment, reducing anxiety, and increasing motivation through its clear explanations and supportive tone. Cognitively, students demonstrated improved comprehension of revision points, stronger recognition of writing patterns, clearer visualization of corrections, and greater metacognitive monitoring supported by the ability to pause and replay feedback. Behaviorally, students engaged actively by rewatching segments, revising step by step, taking detailed notes, applying feedback beyond targeted sections, and verifying revisions through self-evaluation. The study highlights that screencast feedback promotes holistic engagement that strengthens emotional readiness, deepens cognitive processing, and encourages sustained revision practices in thesis writing, implying that its multimodal features can substantially enhance students’ ability to manage complex academic writing tasks. The findings suggest that incorporating screencast feedback more systematically into supervisory practices may provide a valuable means of supporting students’ development as autonomous academic writers.
From Concessions to Conflict: Strategic, Economic, and Ideological Drivers of U.S. Military Action Against the Barbary States in the Mediterranean in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries
The paper analyzes the evolution of U.S. policy in addressing the Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean during the 18th–19th centuries, a major issue impacting trade, national honor, and the image of the United States in its early years of independence. The study focuses on factors leading to a shift from appeasement through disadvantageous treaties to declarations of war and the use of military force. Employing historical methods, the paper examines sources ranging from diplomatic documents and firsthand witness accounts to studies on international relations and the American economy to clarify the issues at hand. The paper explores key aspects such as the impact of slavery and trade losses caused by the pirates, the budgetary burdens of ransom and tribute payments, the role of the newly established U.S. Navy, and policy changes across presidential administrations, particularly under Thomas Jefferson, which contributed to shifts in American policy toward the Barbary States. The research findings suggest that the changes in U.S. policy were driven by economic losses, social pressures, the need for free trade, and national honor. The development of naval forces and proactive diplomacy emerged as decisive factors leading to victories in the First Barbary War (1801–1805) and the Second Barbary War (1815–1816). The research not only sheds light on a pivotal period in American history but also offers perspectives on the transition from peaceful policies to the use of force against international threats, emphasizing the importance of building naval and diplomatic strength to protect national interests in an unpredictable global context.
Enhancing Grade 12 Students’ Science Process Skills through a Culturally Responsive Instructional Framework in Physics
This study examined the level of performance of Grade 12 students in various science process skills—observing, classifying, measuring, communicating, inferring, predicting, defining operationally, formulating hypotheses, interpreting data, controlling variables, and experimenting—using a culturally contextualized instructional framework in Physics at Tuburan National High School. The research focused on students’ pretest and posttest scores in competencies related to applying the relationship R=VIR = \{V}{I}R=IV (Ohm’s Law) and solving related problems, while also exploring how contextualized and meaningful learning experiences may influence their engagement and skill development. Seventy students participated in the study through a descriptive design employing a questionnaire technique. Statistical tools such as weighted mean, chi-square, coefficient of contingency, and t-test were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that students initially demonstrated a “Needs Improvement” level in both Ohm’s Law competencies. However, significant gains were observed in their posttest scores after the implementation of the instructional framework. Beyond academic improvement, the integration of familiar cultural contexts and community-based examples made Physics more accessible and relevant to learners, supporting their development as confident and critical thinkers. The results highlight the potential of culturally responsive instructional practices not only to strengthen science process skills but also to promote equitable participation and meaningful learning in Physics classrooms. The study recommends the continued use and expansion of this instructional framework in Grade 12 Physics classes at Tuburan National High School.
Compensation and Restorative Justice in Offences Against Women for Realization of SDGs: An Analysis of Grievance Redressal Mechanisms in the Criminal Justice System of Andhra Pradesh
This study examines the efficacy of the crime controlling laws and victim welfare policies together with the judicial decisions to identify the gaps in promotion of healing and reparation mechanism for elimination of offences against women and also to secure peace in the society, to fulfill the United Nation’s SDGs 5 and 16. Since the corresponding author is a Judicial Officer, and acquainted experience with examining victims of sexual offences while prosecution of offenders, Auto-ethnography method has been opted for study. Information from public domains, research publications, print media publications, and findings of the Judiciary, discussions with the Judicial Officers who had conducted trials of offences against women, has been collected as secondary source of information. Microsoft Excel was used for creating charts to present the data in an organized manner. The authors have reviewed literature, acknowledged the sources, made a systematic study of the information, and concluded to make the findings invaluable in this area. The study provides invaluable insights into the effectiveness of the grievance redressal mechanisms in realizing SDGs. The results observe that both the restorative justice system to which compensation is the key element, and retributive justice approach to which the punishment is the main component, are crucial for the Criminal Justice System for elimination of violence against women, to promote access to holistic justice, and to secure peace in society. The study underscores the significance of the offender-victim-community mediation for swift restoration of the victims, besides retributive justice for prevention of re-victimization of victims, and victimization of offenders.
Empowered Voices of Serenity: The Feminist Legacy and The Contribution of Buddhist Bhikkunis in Ancient India
This paper explores the significant yet often underrecognized contributions of Buddhist Bhikkunis in ancient India, through a feminist lens. By delving into historical texts, feminist analyses, and contemporary studies, it sheds light on the multifaceted roles Bhikkunis played in shaping early Buddhist practices and advancing the status of women in ancient Indian society. Despite facing patriarchal constraints within and outside the Sangha, Bhikkunis were pivotal in challenging societal norms, fostering educational and religious communities, and contributing to the spiritual and social fabric of their time. The study reveals how Bhikkunis navigated the complexities of their religious and social milieu to make enduring contributions to Buddhism and feminist thought. Their narratives, teachings, and resilience offer profound insights into the dynamics of gender, religion, and power in ancient India, highlighting their role not just as religious figures but as early feminists who laid down a legacy of spiritual equality and social change. This paper not only honours their contributions but also contributes to the ongoing discourse on gender equality within religious practices, underscoring the need for a nuanced understanding of feminism's historical roots in South Asian religious traditions.
Securing the Digital Future: A Proactive Legal Framework for Quantum Computing Challenges
Quantum computing is transitioning rapidly from theoretical possibility to practical capability, generating unprecedented legal and regulatory challenges across intellectual property, cybersecurity, data protection, and contractual liability. Despite early governmental initiatives, including the European Union’s Quantum Flagship, the U.S. National Quantum Initiative Act, and the G7’s 2025 Kananaskis Common Vision, existing governance efforts remain fragmented, programmatic, and insufficiently attuned to the systemic risks posed by quantum technologies. This article employs a doctrinal, comparative, and policy-analytic methodology to evaluate the preparedness of current legal frameworks and to identify the structural gaps that emerge when quantum capabilities threaten cryptographic stability, undermine data-protection assumptions, and strain patent doctrines. The findings show that quantum risks are foreseeable, cross-domain, and capable of rendering existing compliance mechanisms ineffective. The study’s novel contribution lies in synthesizing these insights into an integrated governance model that mandates quantum-resistant cryptography, modernizes intellectual property standards, recalibrates data-protection obligations, and incorporates quantum-specific contingencies into contractual risk management. The article argues that only a proactive, harmonized, and anticipatory regulatory architecture can ensure that quantum technologies develop in accordance with the rule of law, global security, and the public interest.
The Role of Digital Public Relations in Shaping the Mental Image of the Services of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
The study aimed to assess the level of awareness among pilgrims and Umrah performers regarding the services provided by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, to identify the most frequently used digital applications among them, and to examine the existence of statistically significant differences in the overall degree of exposure to Hajj and Umrah-related digital applications based on the pilgrims' service institutions. The study also sought to explore the existence of a statistically significant correlation between exposure to digital applications and the formation of the mental image of the Ministry's services among the study sample. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 400 pilgrims and Umrah performers who interact with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's digital public relations platforms. A high level of awareness among the sample regarding the services of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, reaching 28.2 and high rate of use of digital applications related to Hajj and Umrah among the sample, reaching 27.2%.
The Effectiveness of Sign Language in Media Accessibility: Bridging the Communication Gap for the Hearing Impaired
This paper explores how sign language interpretation can be beneficial in improving access to the media by the deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) communities. In spite of the technological progress and increased awareness of the rights to accessibility, media spaces still pose a problem to people who use visual means of communication. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey, a type of study, was used to collect data in 300 participants with a different level of hearing impairment. The structured questionnaire included demographic factors, the pattern of media usage, perception of interpreter visibility, clarity, synchronization, and preference of different modalities of accessibility. The descriptive statistics showed that the mean scores were high in all the variables of accessibility implying that sign language interpretation is greatly acceptable to the users. The reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach alpha of 0.91 and it depicts high internal consistency in the effectiveness scale. Correlation analysis also revealed that there were positive association between the visibility, clarity, synchronization, understanding, and inclusion, which indicated that various dimensions of sign language accessibility interact harmoniously to enable the user involvement. These findings were supported by open-ended responses, where the most frequent problems were the small size of interpreter windows and lack of uniform synchronization. Participants indicated that they highly preferred multimodal accessibility formats which have a combination of sign language and subtitles. This paper finds that sign language is an essential part of inclusive media design and should use standardized practices, enhance technical execution and extend its integration to television and digital platforms in order to support DHH audiences more effectively.
Risk Factors and Clinical Manifestaciones Associated with Gallbladder Lithiasis in a High Andean population of Cajamarca, Peru, 2024
This study sought to determine risk factors and clinical manifestations of gallstones (VL) in the high Andean population of Chetilla; there are no similar studies in the Region. A case-control study was conducted during 6 itinerant medical care sessions in 2024. A medical consultation and ultrasound examination were performed each time. The sample consisted of 300 patients aged 20 years and older; the instrument was a previously validated data collection form. Patients with ultrasound findings of VL were considered cases, and those without VL were considered controls. The OR was applied to potential risk factors, which determines the strength of association, and the p-value indicates statistical significance. 78% were women and 22% were men. The variables studied were: gallstones, age, sex, education, occupation, diet, use of hormonal contraceptives, BMI, diabetes mellitus, multiparity, language, and digestive discomfort. Multivariate analysis and logistic regression revealed: Risk factors for cholelithiasis include overweight, obesity, and a high-fat diet; a diet rich in vegetables is a protective factor. The overall prevalence was 15%, 17.09% in women, and 7.57% in men. Risk factors include overweight, obesity, and fat intake; protective factors include vegetable intake and, apparently, the intense physical activity of Andean men. Although the majority of VL cases are asymptomatic (63.66%), it is a priority to prevent and treat its complications promptly.
Human Resources Awareness of Qatari Labour Law: Rights and Duties of Employees in Government Institutions
This paper will investigate the awareness of the Human Resource (HR) professionals in Qatari government institutions concerning employee rights, duties and legal process under the Labour Law No. 14 of 2004 and the Human Resources Law No. 15 of 2016. The legal awareness is also a vital part of successful human resource management in the public sector because HR practitioners play a crucial role in the compliance of legal frameworks that regulate employment relations. A descriptive quantitative research design was applied, and the data were gathered using structured questionnaire which provided 500 valid responses. The awareness was measured in three aspects, which include employee rights, employee duties, and the legal and administrative procedures. These findings show that there is an average overall awareness of HR professionals. The best dimension was that of awareness of employee rights, which meant being conversant with the routine tasks of an HR like payment of wages, leave, and working hours. There was also moderate awareness of employee responsibilities, especially in the areas of confidentiality and ethical behaviours. Yet, legal and administrative procedures awareness, including grievance management, paperwork, and termination, was the least developed. Such results demonstrate that the increased legal training and capacity-building measures are required to improve procedural knowledge and increase compliance within the government HR departments. The research gives good hands-on information that can help in enhancement of HR governance, uniform policy enforcement, and higher compliance with Qatari labour laws.
Cultural Identity of University Youth under Digital Plurality: A Study at Khorfakkan University
This study aimed to identify the level of cultural identity representation among university youth at Khorfakkan University in the context of digital plurality, analyze the nature of their patterns of digital usage, demonstrate the extent of its impact on the components of cultural identity, and reveal differences in the features of cultural identity. The study adopted the descriptive-analytical method. The study sample consisted of 150 male and female students enrolled at Khorfakkan University, distributed across five colleges. The study used a questionnaire tool to measure the level of cultural identity representation, patterns of digital use, and the impact of the university environment on cultural identity. The results showed that the level of cultural identity representation among students was high, with arithmetic means ranging between (3.85–4.32) and percentages between (77%–86.4%). The data indicated that students regularly use digital platforms for social and cultural purposes, with a clear tendency to employ them to enhance their awareness of national and cultural identity. The analyses indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in the level of cultural identity between males and females or between colleges, while the average number of hours of daily digital use was significantly associated with a higher level of cultural identity representation. The study recommended enhancing the integration of digital plurality with university programs and activities to support cultural identity and developing digital educational strategies that encourage cultural openness while preserving national identity.
Tax Avoidance and Evasion: The Effect it Generates on Tax Rates in Colombia
La elusión y la evasión tributaria representan dos de los principales desafíos fiscales en Colombia, afectando la recaudación de ingresos y limitando la capacidad del Estado para financiar el gasto público. Uno de los principales efectos de estas prácticas es el aumento de las tarifas impositivas, pues al reducirse la base gravable, el gobierno se ve obligado a incrementar los impuestos para compensar la pérdida de recursos. Este artículo analiza la importancia de estudiar estos fenómenos, sus diferencias conceptuales, las estrategias utilizadas para evitar el pago de impuestos y su impacto en la estructura impositiva del país. Se examina el marco normativo vigente, las medidas gubernamentales para reducir estas prácticas y las propuestas para mejorar la fiscalización tributaria. La metodología utilizada es cualitativa, basada en la revisión de normativas, informes institucionales y estudios académicos. Se concluye que, a pesar de los avances en regulación, es necesario fortalecer los mecanismos de control y fomentar una mayor cultura de cumplimiento fiscal para evitar incrementos injustos en las tarifas tributarias.
Between Justice and Certainty: Rethinking the Essence of Criminal Election Law Enforcement in South Sulawesi
This study examines the urgency and effectiveness of criminal law enforcement in Indonesian general elections, with a case study in South Sulawesi Province. The research aims to: (1) analyze the importance of criminal election law enforcement in realizing justice, legal certainty, and utility, and (2) evaluate its effectiveness in practice. A normative–empirical mixed-methods design was employed by integrating doctrinal legal analysis with descriptive qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary data were obtained through interviews, observations, and questionnaires administered to Bawaslu commissioners, members of the Gakkumdu Center, legal practitioners, academics, and community representatives across several districts/cities. Secondary data were derived from literature studies, official documents, and court rulings. The findings indicate that while the urgency of criminal election law enforcement is very high, its actual effectiveness in South Sulawesi remains low. Key constraints include: (1) legal provisions that impose relatively mild sanctions and short investigation deadlines; (2) weak institutional coordination within Gakkumdu and the absence of coercive authority, particularly detention powers. Drawing on the theoretical perspectives of Radbruch, Friedman, Soekanto, and Rahardjo, the study concludes that effective electoral criminal law enforcement requires a balanced interaction between legal substance, enforcement structures, and societal legal culture, supported by a progressive approach oriented toward substantive justice. The study recommends regulatory and institutional reforms particularly revisions to Law No. 7 of 2017 enhanced inter-agency coordination, and the development of a participatory legal culture to ensure fair, integrity-based, and dignified elections.
Constructing Political Image in a Mediatized Local Election: Symbolic Strategies of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) in West Java’s 2018 Gubernatorial Campaign
The construction of political image by the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) during the 2018 Gubernatorial Election in West Java, Indonesia, is explored in this work, using a case study method. Regarding social construction theory by Berger and Luckmann and mediatized politics, the present research projects how PKS employed symbolic, narrative, and visual strategies to attract and shape the public's discourse and electoral appeal. Based on the data available across materials used in campaigns, media content, in-depth interviews, and field observations, the study differentiates three layers of image construction: a symbolic expression of religious and cultural affiliation, a narrative arrangement of morality and public office, and a tactical visual portrayal of digital and face-to-face campaigns. The analysis shows how PKS created a double image of religiosity and nationalism by combining a military person with an Islamic cleric while imposing local Sundanese symbols. Although the campaign connected well with those from the religious and conservative persuasion, it had problems reaching out to urban and non-ideology-oriented voters. The results show that political image construction is not just a tactical concern, but is socially constructed within local cultural values and mediated communication. This research participates in a larger debate about Islamic political branding, localized electoral strategy, and the mechanisms of identity representation in modern Indonesian democracy.
Flexible Crisis Management Through Teleworking
This study examines flexible crisis management through teleworking and home office practices in a large multinational company during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines a literature review with empirical data from a questionnaire survey (N=104) and in-depth interviews with a manager, an HR professional, and an employee. The findings show that the pandemic accelerated the adoption of teleworking and contributed to organisational innovation. Remote work generally improved employee efficiency, supported work–life balance, and strengthened employee engagement, despite initial challenges related to managerial control, trust, and IT infrastructure. These challenges were largely addressed through performance-based monitoring, digital tools, and hybrid working models. The study concludes that teleworking, when supported by trust-based leadership and a flexible organisational culture, represents a sustainable and effective long-term strategy for crisis management and organisational resilience. From a sustainability perspective, efficiency-oriented organisational practices contribute to long-term resilience and resource optimisation, supporting the strategic relevance of teleworking beyond crisis periods (Kálmán, 2024).
Amazon's Impact on the Development of E-Commerce
A study of Amazon's European expansion in Sweden, the Netherlands and Poland revealed that the company did not perform as expected, with local competitors' knowledge and innovative solutions, as well as local market-specific offers and services, proving more effective than Amazon's global strategy. The lesson from the study is that Amazon should place more emphasis on local market specificities and consumer preferences. This includes taking into account local holidays, customs and the promotion of possible 'holiday' promotions, as well as further optimising delivery and returns processes. Competitors' responses, such as bol.com's commission cuts, and Allegro's investments in markets not yet served by Amazon, further increase Amazon's challenges in these markets. The study suggests that Amazon needs to adapt to local market dynamics and respond strategically to competitors' actions. In short, the Amazon brand name alone is not enough to succeed. The company must do more than simply underprice competitors: it must take into account local market characteristics, competitors, and consumer expectations to successfully increase its market share in these countries. Considering local regulations and government decisions is also an important factor in ensuring your company's success.
Impact of Specktron as a Digital Smartboard in Saudi English Classrooms
There is a significant shift in teaching and learning methodologies due to the evolving demands of modern education. One innovative method that gained prominence is the utilization of smartboards to enhance English language acquisition. The present study investigates the application of Specktron (Smartboard) within English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom in Saudi Arabia. This research has a descriptive nature and a quantitative design was employed. The research targeted the entire population of Saudi EFL learners. A simple random sampling technique was applied to pick out 120, 12th grade students from 12 schools from the western province of Saudi Arabia. The province was chosen by purposive sampling. Initially, through a placement test the participants were categorized into two groups of 60 participants on the criterion of the test scores. One group was taught by textbook-based instruction and teacher-controlled method, while the experiment group was facilitated by Specktron. The span of intervention was 30-hour. Successive analysis of post-intervention test revealed a statistically significant difference in the group which learnt through Specktron. Thus, affirming the positive impact of Specktron (Smartboard) powered learning on EFL language performance. These findings also underpin the efficacy of Specktron as a valuable pedagogical tool in EFL contexts.
Social Media Marketing and Purchase Intentions: The Roles of Brand Equity and Awareness
This study examines the impact of social media marketing activities (SMMA), brand equity, and brand awareness on consumers’ purchase intentions in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding online shopping environment. In recent years, social media platforms have revolutionized the way businesses interact with consumers, making it essential to understand their influence on purchasing behavior. This research adopts a quantitative approach, collecting data from 203 respondents in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the proposed relationships among the constructs. The findings demonstrate that social media marketing activities have a significant and positive impact on consumer purchase intentions. Similarly, brand equity and awareness have an essential influence on purchase intentions, suggesting that consumers are more likely to engage in purchasing behavior when they recognize and trust a brand. These results underscore the importance of cultivating a strong brand presence on social media platforms, as such strategies enhance brand perception and consumer loyalty. The study offers practical implications for marketers and brand managers aiming to optimize their digital marketing efforts within the Saudi market. By focusing on interactive, consistent, and value-driven content, brands can enhance consumer engagement, build more substantial equity, and increase the likelihood of purchase.
Good Corporate Governance, Sustainability Disclosure, and Firm Performance: Evidence from Indonesia
This study aims to comprehensively and in-depth examine the influence of good corporate governance (GCG) and sustainability disclosure on firm performance. The research hypotheses are tested using a panel data regression approach. The study sample comprised non-financial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2016 to 2022, totalling 972 firm-year observations. This study finds that GCG and sustainability disclosure significantly positively affect firm performance. Furthermore, we conducted additional analysis separating young and older firms, and the results are consistent with the main findings. This study's initial contribution is to integrate the important pillars of corporate sustainability, consisting of GCG and sustainability disclosure, into a single model to influence firm performance in Indonesia. This study expands the study of differences in corporate governance between developing and developed countries. Finally, this study introduces a new dimension by analysing company development stages based on age.
Trends in the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Hungary
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly shaping economic and organisational processes worldwide, including in Hungary. This study examines current trends in the application of artificial intelligence in Hungary, with a particular focus on its role in innovation management across key sectors such as education, healthcare, public administration, and agriculture. The primary objective of the research is to assess whether the development of AI has a positive impact on these sectors and to explore the significance of AI in the innovation management of agricultural organisations. The research applies a mixed-methods approach. Secondary research is based on the analysis of domestic and international scientific literature, policy documents, and strategic reports. Primary research includes a quantitative online questionnaire survey conducted among 102 respondents working in various sectors, complemented by qualitative in-depth interviews carried out within an agricultural organisation. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods and qualitative content analysis. The results show that artificial intelligence-based solutions significantly support work efficiency, data management, communication, and decision-making processes. Most respondents perceive AI as a complementary tool that enhances human capabilities rather than replacing jobs. In agriculture, AI plays a particularly important role through precision farming, predictive analytics, automation, and sustainability-oriented solutions. The findings confirm that artificial intelligence contributes positively to innovation management, sectoral performance, and long-term competitiveness in Hungary. The study concludes that embracing AI technologies, alongside continuous skill development, is essential for organisations seeking sustainable growth and resilience in a rapidly changing economic environment.
This study examines whether data can truly be considered “the new oil” by analysing the strategic role of data assets and data-driven decision-making in modern organisations. The research explores how raw data can be transformed into valuable insights through data analytics and machine learning, and how these insights contribute to improved corporate performance, competitiveness, and strategic decision-making. The theoretical framework is based on data asset management, data science, and the CRISP-DM methodology, which provides a structured approach to extracting business value from data. The empirical part of the study presents a case study from the telecommunications sector, focusing on customer churn prediction. Using publicly available data, the research applies logistic regression and random forest models to demonstrate how analytical tools can predict customer behaviour and support targeted retention strategies. The results show that advanced machine learning methods significantly outperform traditional models in identifying customers at risk of churn, highlighting the tangible economic value of data-driven approaches through cost reduction and revenue stabilisation. Beyond the firm level, the study also examines the relationship between digitalisation and national competitiveness by comparing Hungary, Estonia, and Romania using international indicators such as DESI, DII, and GDP. The findings reveal that while digitalisation contributes to competitiveness, the relationship is complex and non-linear, influenced by institutional, human capital, and structural factors. Overall, the research concludes that data only becomes a valuable resource when it is properly collected, processed, analysed, and embedded into decision-making processes. Organisations and national economies that invest in digital capabilities, analytical expertise, and data culture gain a sustainable competitive advantage in the digital age.
In the history of the development of the state, the constitution is considered the fundamental law, expressing the will, power and common values of the people; protecting the constitution is protecting the political and legal foundation of the nation, protecting people's sovereignty, legal order and basic human rights. The protection of the constitution is carried out by many subjects, including state agencies, social organizations and people through the form of law enforcement and law enforcement supervision. This study addresses the issue of protecting the constitution; analyzes the content of law enforcement and law enforcement supervision as both a form of protecting the constitution and two factors directly affecting the protection of the constitution in Vietnam. Based on the theoretical framework established, the author surveyed the opinions of 360 people from 3 localities in 3 regions of Vietnam, including Lang Son province (North), Nghe An province (Central), An Giang province (South). The survey results show that the organization of law enforcement by local authorities is well implemented, but the people's supervision in the government's law enforcement is rated at a lower level. From the conclusion of this study, the author discusses policy issues to increase people's supervision in law enforcement, contributing to protecting the constitution of Vietnam in the new era.
Systematic Review on Teacher Education and the Integration of Artificial Intelligence
The rapid expansion of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), AIGC tools, and digital simulations is reshaping teacher education. However, research on how these technologies is integrated into pre-service and in-service teacher training remains fragmented, with limited synthesis across pedagogical, psychological, and institutional dimensions. This systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence (2025) on the integration of GenAI and digital simulations in teacher training programmes, examining their effects on pedagogical competencies, digital readiness, and professional identity formation. The bibliographic coupling results show that the included studies cluster into four main intellectual groups. The strongest cluster focuses on teaching and learning foundations, reflecting shared pedagogical references. A second cluster centres on teacher education and professional development, linked through TPACK, readiness, and adoption models. A third cluster connects curriculum and subject-specific research, while a fourth highlights technology-driven studies on AI, VR/AR, and digital learning environments. Together, these clusters illustrate both a common theoretical base and growing diversification in AI-related teacher education research. GenAI emerged as a pedagogical partner that enhances lesson planning, differentiation, feedback, and teacher self-directed professional development. Digital simulations, including VR, avatar-based environments, and 3D modelling, supported communication skills, design thinking, and scenario-based decision-making. Across studies, teachers displayed curiosity and optimism but lacked comprehensive AI literacy, with readiness shaped by TPACK profiles, digital-competence frameworks, TAM and TPB constructs, and evolving professional identities. Key barriers included infrastructure inequality, insufficient training, overreliance on self-report outcomes, and concerns about creativity, authenticity, and ethical use. Teacher education programmes must embed structured AI-literacy curricula, model AI-rich instruction, ensure equitable access to technological infrastructure, and strengthen institutional support systems. Policy frameworks should incorporate ethical guidelines, assessment standards, and mechanisms for sustained professional development. AI-enabled teacher training holds substantial potential to enhance pedagogical competence and reshape professional identity. Yet its effectiveness depends on long-term integration, rigorous evaluation, and equitable implementation. Coordinated curricular, institutional, and policy reforms are essential for translating AI innovation into meaningful and sustainable teacher development.
User-Centered Gym Bag Design: Hygiene, Identity, and Indigenous Textiles as Cultural Elements
This study examines the cultural and social meanings embedded in gym bag practices among fitness enthusiasts in Northern Luzon, Philippines, using Material Culture Theory, Practice Theory, and user-centered design. It investigates how gym-goers construct meanings around hygiene, organization, and identity through everyday bag use, and how indigenous textiles influence perceptions of cultural value and sustainability. Although situated in the Philippine context, the research addresses a broader gap in the literature by exploring how traditional handwoven textiles are integrated into contemporary lifestyle objects within emerging fitness cultures—an intersection largely overlooked in Asian social science scholarship. The study developed a co-designed gym bag prototype incorporating Northern Luzon weaves such as Inabel and Binakul, highlighting how design thinking can merge functional needs with culturally grounded material expression. Findings reveal that the gym bag operates as a cultural artifact that mediates social expectations, supports bodily discipline, and expresses cultural identity through heritage-based aesthetics. The results resonate with wider South and Southeast Asian patterns in indigenous textile revitalization, hygienic social norms, and sustainable consumption. Overall, the study demonstrates how everyday objects contribute to cultural continuity, identity-making, and socio-material transformation in contemporary Asian contexts.
Digital Applications in Cultural Heritage Preservation and Dissemination
Digital resources, as an eﬀective means of digital storage, can be preserved for a long time. On the one hand, it provides high-quality data sources for implementing salvage protection measures for intangible cultural heritage. On the other hand, it can compensate for the problems of resource heterogeneity, a single storage method, and currently undeﬁned protection level and priority in the rescue protection of intangible cultural heritage. Given the complexity of intangible cultural heritage and the dynamism of its cultural space, ensuring the long-term preservation, visibility, and readability of digital images is a challenge that image recorders must address. In the process of digitizing dynamic cultural heritage, it is necessary to restore and reproduce the original ecological behavior of intangible cultural heritage. This article explores how digital imaging can be applied to the protection of intangible cultural heritage. By integrating virtual reality technology with computer graphics, multimedia, digital animation, network communication, and cloud storage services, real scenes and virtual objects can be superimposed in real time, thereby enabling innovation by inheriting and developing intangible cultural heritage solutions.
The Double-Edged Sword Effect of Flow Experience: Mediating Mechanisms and Protective Moderation of Reality Anchoring — Evidence from Chinese Short-Form Video Users
In the highly immersive interaction context of short-form video platforms, flow experience presents a dual facilitation-risk effect. However, existing research has primarily examined its role from a single perspective and lacks a systematic investigation of boundary conditions for protective psychological mechanisms. This study integrates flow theory, habit theory, and conservation of resources theory to develop a dual-pathway model linking flow experience to continuance usage behavior through parallel mediators. Reality anchoring is introduced as a protective moderating variable, and its buffering effects on risk pathways are tested. Based on a sample of Chinese short-form video users (N=857), results show that flow experience influences continuance usage behavior primarily through parallel mediators rather than direct effects (β = -0.039, p = 0.370). Reality anchoring selectively weakens the conversion of flow experience into digital escapism and excessive use (interaction β ranges from -0.126 to -0.128, p < 0.001), but has a limited effect on the automated mindless scrolling pathway. This study contributes by integrating both facilitative and risk mechanisms within a unified framework and proposing reality anchoring as a key boundary condition for digital health, providing a theoretical basis for platform well-being-oriented design and user self-regulation.
Teaching Method Development for Chamber Music Courses in Chinese Comprehensive Universities
Chamber music instruction in higher music education plays a crucial role in developing students’ technical competence, musical expression, and ensemble collaboration. However, existing pedagogical approaches often prioritize technical training over holistic musicianship and rely heavily on traditional teacher-centered methods. This study examines the effectiveness of an innovative chamber music pedagogy that integrates Project-Based Learning (PBL), Collaborative Learning, and Musical Intelligence Theory to address these limitations and enhance students’ overall performance development. A three-phase mixed-methods research design was employed. First, pedagogical challenges and instructional needs in current chamber music education were identified through a review of relevant literature and semi-structured interviews with instructors and students. Second, the integrated pedagogical framework was implemented in a chamber music course involving 17 undergraduate music majors at South China Normal University. The course design emphasized project-based performance tasks, collaborative rehearsal processes. It differentiated instructional strategies aligned with students’ musical intelligence profiles, while incorporating repertoire from both Western classical and Chinese musical traditions. In the final phase, learning outcomes were assessed through pre- and post-intervention performance evaluations. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests to determine changes across multiple performance dimensions. The findings indicate that, despite relatively well-established curricular structures, chamber music education continues to face challenges, including limited repertoire diversity, insufficient emphasis on artistic expression, and constrained opportunities for collaborative learning. Following the intervention, students demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all assessed areas. Mean technical proficiency scores increased from 3.79 to 4.35, artistic expression reached an average level of 87.6%, and ensemble skills achieved 84.6%. All measured dimensions showed significant gains, with p-values below 0.05. The study concludes that integrating PBL, Collaborative Learning, and Musical Intelligence Theory offers a practical pedagogical framework for chamber music instruction. The findings contribute empirical evidence to music education research and provide useful implications for curriculum design and instructional reform in higher music education contexts.
Analysis and Development of Li Cultural Identity in the Learning Center
This study aims to (1) explore the cultural identity of the Li people through symbolic representation, (2) design a cultural learning center that reflects Li cultural values, and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of the center in terms of visitor satisfaction and cultural transmission. An experimental research design was employed, involving in-depth interviews and satisfaction questionnaires. The sample consisted of Li culture scholars, product designers, entrepreneurs, and 400 Li culture enthusiasts. Interview data were analyzed to extract cultural symbols and interpret their identity meanings, which were subsequently integrated into the design of the cultural learning center. Six core symbols of Li culture were identified: bamboo tube rice, dragon quilt, boboat house, Li brocade, long gown buckle, and tattoo. These symbols reflect the deep-rooted historical and geographical wisdom of the Li people. The learning center was designed with the guiding principles of sustainability, immersion, and participation, balancing visitor engagement, cultural authenticity, and value. Evaluation scores indicated high levels of satisfaction: overall satisfaction with the learning center (M = 4.12), cultural center design (M = 3.80), activity design and learning process (M = 4.20), cultural product design (M = 3.83), and perceived cultural value of the center (M = 4.40). The incorporation of cultural symbols into the design of the learning center successfully preserved and communicated the Li cultural identity. Visitors responded positively to both the immersive design and the meaningful cultural content. This study offers a replicable model for integrating intangible cultural heritage into educational and experiential spaces, enhancing cultural sustainability and public engagement with ethnic minority cultures.
Research on The Spatial Planning and Renovation Strategy of Urban Village Roads in Guangzhou from a Safety Perspective
Urban villages are a persistent spatial phenomenon in rapidly urbanizing Chinese cities, playing a critical role in providing affordable housing for migrant populations while simultaneously facing severe environmental and safety challenges. In Guangzhou, many urban villages have developed through long-term informal construction, resulting in high-density built environments, fragmented road systems, and frequent safety accidents. Among these challenges, road space deficiencies have emerged as a major contributor to traffic accidents, fire hazards, and injuries caused by falling objects. However, large-scale redevelopment of urban villages is often constrained by complex property rights, high costs, and social resistance, underscoring the need for feasible, incremental, safety-oriented interventions. This study investigates the spatial characteristics and safety performance of road systems in urban villages in Guangzhou from a safety-oriented planning perspective. Five representative urban villages, Shangshe Village, Tangxia Village, Chebei Village, Huangcun Village, and Zhucun Village, were selected as case studies. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining on-site field investigations, photographic documentation, accident case analyses, and resident surveys. A total of 1,944 valid questionnaires were collected to capture residents’ demographic characteristics, safety perceptions, accident experiences, and expectations regarding road space conditions. The results reveal that road spaces in the surveyed urban villages are characterized by narrow widths, mixed pedestrian–vehicle traffic, inadequate lighting and drainage, insufficient safety facilities, and unregulated parking behavior. Traffic accidents, fires associated with electric bicycle battery charging, and injuries caused by falling objects were identified as the most common safety incidents. Survey findings indicate widespread dissatisfaction among residents with both community safety and internal road planning. Residents consistently prioritized pedestrian–vehicle separation, road widening, improved parking management, enhanced lighting, and drainage upgrades. The study concludes that road space renovation represents a practical and high-impact entry point for improving safety in urban villages under existing constraints. Safety-oriented, incremental road-space interventions can significantly reduce accident risk and enhance residents’ quality of life, offering valuable insights for urban village renewal in Guangzhou and other high-density cities.
Decomposition of Regional Inequality in the Usage of Mosquito Nets in Nigeria
The usage of mosquito nets is one of the interventions of the government to curb malaria, yet consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets is not universally applied. Despite widespread free distribution efforts, less than half of those with nets use them regularly. The study, therefore, decomposed the causes of regional inequality in the usage of mosquito nets in Nigeria. The data used for this study were from the 2021 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Surveys (NMIS). The study employed Anderson’s behavioral theory of health services utilization and used the Blinder-Oaxaca Group Differences to decompose the determinants of regional disparity in mosquito net utilization. The findings indicated that there existed regional inequality in the usage of mosquito nets in Nigeria. The result further showed that the educational gap, perception, north-south dichotomy, sex of the household head, and disparity in wealth quintile in the rural-urban areas contributed positively and significantly to the inequality in the usage of mosquito nets in the rural-urban areas in Nigeria. The findings also showed that the household age divide and perceptual differences between the Northeast and other regions impacted the North-East inequality. Also, household head age divide, and social-media usage differences between the Northwest and other regions contributed to north-west inequality, perception differences between other regions, and the southeastern regions contributed to south-east inequality in mosquito net utilization. Furthermore, household head age divide, sex of household head differences, and social-media usage differences reduced the south-south inequality, perception gap, rural-urban differences, and wealth disparity between the south and western regions, which contribute to increased south-west inequality in mosquito net utilization, and urbanization contributed to north-central inequality. This study, therefore, recommended that the government should implement region-specific education and communication strategies that would address socio-economic, gender, and perceptual disparities.
Epidemiological Assessment of Hepatitis C Virus Seroprevalence Among Screened Populations in Arar City, Northern Saudi Arabia
The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection remains a significant global public health issue, despite advancements in prevention and treatment, highlighting the need for reliable local epidemiological data to support elimination strategies. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of HCV infection among individuals tested in Arar City, Northern Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional study employed standard HCV screening records from public healthcare facilities, obtaining serological test results and demographic information from institutional laboratory and hospital information systems. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to evaluate HCV seroprevalence and characterize the screened population. A total of 384 individuals participated, consisting of 57.0% females and 87.8% Saudi nationals, primarily including young to middle-aged adults. Of the persons checked, 383 (99.7%) tested negative for HCV, while one individual (0.3%) tested positive, indicating a negligible seroprevalence in Arar City. The results indicate the effectiveness of national prevention, screening, and blood safety programs in Saudi Arabia; however, the rise of new cases underscores the need for sustained systematic screening, adherence to stringent laboratory diagnostic standards, and improved local surveillance to support ongoing progress towards HCV elimination.
The Impact of Implementing Lean Accounting on Cost Reduction and Improving the Quality of Managerial Decisions
This research aims to study the impact of implementing lean accounting on reducing operational costs and enhancing the quality of administrative decision-making in Iraqi institutions. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach to data collection, distributing a questionnaire to a group of employees in an industrial company. The results showed that the relationship between implementing lean accounting and cost reduction was not statistically significant, reflecting a weak level of implementation and the need for more effective improvement. The results also indicated that lean accounting contributes to improving the quality of administrative decisions by providing easily understandable and transparent financial information, but this effect was weak and not statistically significant. The study emphasized that continuous employee training, along with updating accounting systems, are essential elements for the successful implementation of lean accounting. Based on these findings, the study recommends fostering an organizational culture based on lean principles, developing accounting information systems, and linking the implementation of lean accounting to clear performance indicators to ensure the sustainability of the results.
Postpartum Maternal Stress in Rural and Urban Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study in Indonesia
Perinatal mental health, including postpartum stress, is a global health issue with a high prevalence, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Nearly 1 in 5 women experience mental disorders during pregnancy or in the year after delivery, and postpartum stress can persist and progress to depression or anxiety disorders if left untreated. Multiple risk factors, such as age, socioeconomic status, stressful life events, and domestic violence, contribute to maternal vulnerability. Several studies have shown that environmental contexts, including rural and urban differences, contribute to maternal vulnerability. urban areas , influencing the experience of stress through variations in social support, economic stress, and access to health services. This study aims to analyze differences in postpartum stress levels between mothers living in urban and rural areas in Indonesia, and to identify sociodemographic factors associated with postpartum stress. This is an observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design conducted on 309 postpartum mothers (155 rural, 154 urban) in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The sample was selected using consecutive sampling technique with the inclusion criteria of postpartum mothers ≤ 6 months. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a demographic questionnaire and a validated Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) . Data analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test for categorical variables and the Mann–Whitney U test to compare stress scores, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The study showed that the majority of postpartum mothers in both rural and urban areas experienced moderate levels of stress, at 91.0% and 96.1%, respectively. Low and high stress levels were only found in a small proportion of respondents (<7%). Demographic characteristics analysis showed that age and income variables differed significantly between the two regions, while education, occupation, and place of residence did not show significant differences. However, there was no significant difference in stress levels between mothers in rural and urban areas (p = 0.163). These findings indicate that postpartum stress is a common condition experienced by mothers after childbirth, regardless of differences in social and economic environments, and emphasize the importance of social support and psychological interventions to maintain maternal mental well-being in the postpartum period. Overall levels of postpartum stress are similar in rural and urban areas, but certain dimensions are more prominent in urban areas. Age and income emerged as key factors, so interventions need to be tailored to the socioeconomic conditions of each region.
Research on Ho Chi Minh's Thought on Culture and Vietnamese Cultural Tourism
Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) was a revolutionary, President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam from 1945-1969, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh's ideology was formed and developed during his revolutionary struggle, including principles, methods, and revolutionary strategies; considered an invaluable spiritual asset, because it brings solidarity, confidence, and direction to the Vietnamese people in building a fair, democratic, and developed society. In terms of politics and law, Ho Chi Minh's ideology is the foundation for Vietnam's current political line. In Ho Chi Minh's ideology, the content of culture is expressed quite specifically, that culture is the spiritual foundation of society; cultural development is associated with the cause of industrialization and modernization; is a part of the industrialization and modernization of the country... Vietnamese politicians and leaders have creatively applied Ho Chi Minh's thoughts, creating momentum for economic and social development, including the field of cultural tourism, becoming one of Vietnam's advantages in developing the tourism economy. This study analyzes some of the main contents of Ho Chi Minh's thoughts on culture and their application in cultural management and cultural tourism development in Vietnam. The author builds a theoretical framework and surveys the opinions of 300 managers of 120 cultural and tourism organizations in several localities across the three regions of Vietnam, including Hung Yen province (North), Da Nang city (Central), An Giang province (South). The results of the research and survey are analyzed and evaluated objectively to draw research conclusions and discuss the policy issues for developing cultural tourism in Vietnam.
The Analysis and Creation of Chinese Lanterns Identity Book for Product Design
This study aims to explore the cultural identity of Chinese lanterns and their innovative application in contemporary product design. The specific objectives are: (1) to analyze the identity elements of traditional Chinese lanterns; (2) to develop a Chinese Lantern Identity Book for use in design practice; and (3) to create and evaluate product designs inspired by lantern identity. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining literature review, fieldwork, semiotic analysis, expert interviews, surveys, and user testing. Sixteen types of Chinese lanterns listed as national intangible cultural heritage were selected for analysis. Key identity components—including craftsmanship, form, material, patterns, and colors—were extracted and evaluated through expert consultation. The findings were synthesized into a structured identity framework. The Chinese Lantern Identity Book was then developed based on this framework, and its usability was evaluated by 400 general users and expert reviewers. Finally, five lantern-inspired product prototypes were created and assessed by nine experts and 200 users. The study identified six representative lantern categories and developed a systematic identity model. The Identity Book was rated highly in terms of cultural representation (M = 4.13), visual layout (M = 4.10), and usability (M = 4.05), indicating its effectiveness as a design reference. Product prototypes demonstrated strong cultural alignment, with Model 1 receiving the highest scores in cultural communication (4.05), craftsmanship precision (4.15), and uniqueness (4.10). The research proposes a structured process of “identity analysis—book development—product innovation” that effectively bridges traditional cultural heritage and modern product design. The study validates how intangible cultural aesthetics can be preserved and reinterpreted through design tools and consumer-oriented applications. Despite its contributions, the study highlights challenges in standardizing cultural identity elements across diverse lantern types and regions. Further research is needed to explore cross-cultural applicability and long-term user engagement with culturally inspired products.
The Development of a Popular Piano Textbook for Undergraduates
This study investigated the teaching materials for popular piano for undergraduate students at regular universities. First, through a review of the literature, we found that there are few studies on popular piano teaching materials in China, and existing research is insufficiently in-depth. Academic research primarily focuses on classical piano and popular music, whereas research on popular piano mainly focuses on social research. The few popular piano teaching materials focus exclusively on amateurs. Then, through surveys and in-depth interviews with students, teachers and administrators in colleges and universities, we found that there are several key challenges and needs in popular piano teaching, including the lack of professional tutorials, insufficient support for improvisation, and the mismatch between existing resources and the specific needs of Chinese students. To address these problems, we developed a new textbook for undergraduate students of popular music, focusing on improving students' grasp of various styles, beginning with rhythm, harmony, and accompaniment, and gradually advancing their performance skills across these styles. Based on these surveys, the study recommends strengthening the curriculum, localizing instructional materials, enhancing teachers' professional development, and expanding performance opportunities for students. This study emphasizes the importance of combining technical ability with creative expression in popular music education to cultivate long-term musical creativity and performance skills.
Assessment of Vegetation Cover Quality and Health Using Spectral Drought Indices
This study aims to assess the quality and health of vegetation cover in Thi-Qar Governorate using spectral drought indices (NDVI, VCI, TCI, and VHI) derived from satellite imagery for the period 1990–2023. The objective is to diagnose the dynamics of vegetation condition and to monitor the intensity of water and thermal stress in arid and semi-arid environments. Remote sensing data were analyzed using Landsat satellite images (TM, ETM+, and OLI) within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment to identify the spatial and temporal changes in the spectral indices.The results showed that vegetation indices (NDVI) indicated the dominance of very severe and severe degradation levels over large areas, reaching a peak in 1990 with an area of 98.77 km² (99.64%), reflecting the region’s exposure to recurrent drought events and weak vegetation regeneration. The Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) revealed the prevalence of very severe drought classes in most years, reaching 54.66% in 1990 and 92.62% in 2018. Meanwhile, the Thermal Condition Index (TCI) showed a marked increase in thermal stress, peaking in the years 1990, 1996, and 2023, with an affected area exceeding 60 km² (>60%) of the total study area. The Vegetation Health Index (VHI) reflected clear environmental degradation, as the area classified as very severe drought reached 59.34 km² (59.86%) in 2023.These findings indicate that Thi-Qar Governorate suffers from high environmental fragility and extreme sensitivity to climatic variations. The dynamics of vegetation cover are directly affected by thermal and moisture drought factors and by fluctuations in rainfall. The study recommends the implementation of rehabilitation and integrated management programs based on increasing permanent vegetation cover, rainwater harvesting, and improving soil properties to limit vegetation degradation and enhance its sustainability.
Between Crisis and Resilience: University Adaptation in New Accounting Students in the Peruvian Amazon
Entering university is a particularly critical stage for first-year students, combining more complex academic demands with personal and socio-emotional challenges. The objective of this study was to analyze the academic and socio-emotional difficulties, the strategies and supports used, and the perception of adaptation and academic satisfaction in a cohort of 50 incoming students at the Professional School of Accounting of the Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza National University of Amazonas during their first semester of 2025. A quantitative, descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional design was used, employing a 24-item Likert scale questionnaire that assessed four dimensions: academic difficulties upon entry, personal and socio-emotional difficulties, strategies and supports used, and perceptions of adaptation and academic satisfaction. The results show that most students report moderate (68%) and high (28%) academic difficulties, as well as moderate (48%) and high (26%) personal and socio-emotional difficulties. However, moderate use of strategies and supports (76.9% at a moderate level) was observed, especially time management and digital resources, and an overall perception of adaptation and academic satisfaction that was predominantly high (62%). The relational analysis suggests that adaptation does not imply an absence of difficulties, but rather the ability to mobilize academic, personal, and family resources to cope with them. Implications for the design of support and tutoring programs in the first year of accounting studies are discussed.
Thinking with Algorithms, Reading with Discernment: Artificial Intelligence, Critical Reading, and Academic Satisfaction in Accounting
The study explores how the strategic use of artificial intelligence (AI), critical reading habits, and academic satisfaction are articulated among accounting students at UNTRM during the 2025-II semester. A quantitative, applied approach was used, under a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational design. The sample, stratified by study cycles, consisted of 139 students from a population of 213. Three Likert-type questionnaires were used to measure strategic use of AI, critical reading, and academic satisfaction, which were subjected to content validation by expert judgment and internal reliability analysis. The results show predominantly high levels of strategic AI use and positive associations with critical reading and academic satisfaction, especially when both dimensions are in high ranges. These findings suggest that AI can become a valuable educational support when integrated as a complement to critical reading and not as a substitute, recognizing the limitations of a cross-sectional study based on self-reports.
Cultural Determinants of Economic Decision-Making: A Behavioural Economics Perspective
This study examines how cultural orientations influence economic decision behaviour using a second-order structural model based on behavioural economics principles. Four cultural dimensions individualism–collectivism, power distance, masculinity–femininity, and uncertainty avoidance were conceptualised as first-order reflective constructs forming a higher-order cultural values variable. Economic decision behaviour was modelled as a multidimensional construct comprising financial decision style, risk perception, and trust in institutions. Primary data were collected from 333 professional respondents in Pakistan, and variance-based Structural Equation Modelling was applied using Smart-PLS. The measurement model confirmed strong reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Structural results showed that cultural values exert a substantial positive effect on economic decision behaviour, while cultural sub-dimensions significantly contribute to overall cultural framing. Economic decision behaviour strongly predicted financial decision style and risk perception and moderately influenced institutional trust. These findings reinforce the behavioural economics perspective that decision-making is culturally embedded rather than purely rational, offering theoretical and practical insights for financial institutions, behavioural analysts, and policymakers operating in culturally diverse environments.
The Factors Influencing on Brand Value of Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism from The Visitors’ Perspective of Liubao Tea in Wuzhou City, Guangxi Province, China
Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tourism has emerged as a crucial driver for regional identity, economic vitality, and cultural sustainability. Among such examples in China, Liubao tea in Wuzhou City, Guangxi Province, serves as a unique ICH asset combining traditional tea-making, cultural rituals, and community-based tourism. However, little is known about the brand value of ICH tourism from the perspective of visitors. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the brand value of Liubao tea ICH tourism, using a mixed-method approach to integrate both quantitative visitor evaluations and qualitative stakeholder insights. This study adopts a mixed-methods research design. In the quantitative phase, structured questionnaires were administered to 400 tourists visiting Liubao tea cultural sites. The survey focused on five core components of brand value: brand awareness, brand image, perceived quality, brand association, and brand loyalty. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to identify key drivers of brand value. In the qualitative phase, 20 in-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders—including tea farmers, tourism service providers, cultural officials, and local government representatives. Thematic content analysis was used to examine how these stakeholders perceive and contribute to branding strategies and cultural experience delivery. The findings reveal that overall brand value is perceived at a high level among tourists, with brand loyalty emerging as the strongest component. Among the determinants, destination-based factors—such as the authenticity of tea-making demonstrations, the aesthetics of cultural landscape, and the quality of interpretive services—had a more significant impact than individual tourist behavior. Furthermore, government policies such as infrastructure development, cultural preservation initiatives, and fiscal incentives were found to enhance brand perception. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of storytelling, traditional rituals, and environmental aesthetics in reinforcing the emotional and symbolic value of the Liubao tea brand. This study provides empirical evidence and strategic insights for policymakers, tourism developers, and cultural heritage custodians. The findings suggest that enhancing destination authenticity, integrating narrative-driven cultural elements, and investing in infrastructure and local capacity-building can strengthen brand value. The study also underscores the importance of aligning branding with the values of sustainability and cultural respect. These insights may be adapted to other ICH tourism contexts in China and across Asia. Liubao tea tourism demonstrates that strong brand value in ICH tourism can be cultivated through a combination of quality visitor experience, meaningful cultural integration, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The success of Liubao tea as an ICH brand lies not only in product quality but also in the visitor’s emotional attachment, sense of identity, and immersive cultural encounters. Future research should investigate longitudinal visitor experiences and compare multiple ICH tourism sites to identify patterns of successful branding. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable cultural tourism and heritage-based regional development, destination branding theory with cultural tourism management. It provides practical guidance for policymakers, tourism operators, and community stakeholders, emphasizing the need to align cultural authenticity with strategic marketing efforts. Sustainable development of ICH tourism requires collaborative planning that honors heritage while adapting to market dynamics.
A Strategic Framework for Enhancing Brand Value in Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism: The Case of Liubao Tea in Wuzhou City, China
This study aims to examine the factors influencing the brand value of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tourism from the visitors’ perspective, using Liubao tea tourism in Wuzhou City, Guangxi Province, China, as a case study. It further seeks to propose strategic guidelines for enhancing brand value in ICH tourism destinations. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The quantitative phase involved a structured questionnaire administered to 400 tourists to assess five core components of brand value: brand awareness, brand image, perceived quality, brand association, and brand loyalty. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression. The qualitative phase comprised in-depth interviews with 20 stakeholders (tea farmers, tourism providers, government officials), analysed using thematic coding supported by NVivo and triangulation techniques to ensure content validity. The findings indicate that the overall brand value of Liubao tea tourism is rated at a high level by visitors, with brand loyalty emerging as the most influential factor. Destination-related elements—specifically cultural heritage, physical infrastructure, and service quality—significantly affect brand value, while tourist behavioral factors show no statistically significant impact. Government support, especially from central authorities via policies, tax incentives, and transportation development, also positively influences brand perception. Storytelling, environmental aesthetics, and authentic experiences contribute to enhanced brand identity and emotional resonance with visitors. Brand value in ICH tourism can be effectively built by aligning cultural authenticity with strategic branding efforts. Liubao tea tourism demonstrates a successful model for integrating heritage-based storytelling, local engagement, and sustainable tourism practices. These elements enhance visitors’ perceptions and foster loyalty. Despite Liubao’s cultural richness, challenges remain in strengthening brand awareness and emotional association. Fragmented marketing efforts, limited international recognition, and gaps in digital engagement present obstacles to maximizing brand potential. Addressing these complications through targeted branding and cross-sector collaboration is critical for sustaining competitiveness in the growing ICH tourism sector.
The Multivariate Differences of Key Factors in Early Childhood Teacher Professional Development in Shandong Province
As China’s preschool education system transitions from scale expansion to quality-oriented development, teachers’ professional competence has become a critical determinant of educational quality. However, empirical evidence remains limited regarding how organizational and individual factors differentially influence teachers’ professional knowledge, teaching behavior, and instructional innovation. This study employed a quantitative research design using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey administered to 500 in-service preschool teachers in Linyi, Weifang, and Jining, Shandong Province, China. Four independent variables—teacher educational qualifications, quarterly training frequency, kindergarten size, and directors’ leadership styles—were examined. Teachers’ professional competence was operationalized across three dimensions: professional knowledge, teaching behavior, and instructional innovation. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was applied to test the differential effects of the independent variables on the dependent constructs. The results indicate that quarterly training frequency is the most influential and comprehensive predictor of preschool teachers’ professional competence, demonstrating significant positive effects across all three dimensions. Directors’ transformational leadership style significantly outperforms transactional and servant leadership in enhancing teachers’ professional knowledge depth, optimizing interactive teaching behaviors, and stimulating instructional innovation. Teachers’ educational qualifications significantly predict professional knowledge accumulation and innovation potential but do not exert a statistically significant effect on routine teaching behaviors. Kindergarten size shows no significant impact on any dimension of teachers’ professional competence. The findings highlight the pivotal role of organizational “soft power,” particularly systematic professional training and transformational leadership, in fostering preschool teachers’ professional development. Compared with structural or scale-based investments, capacity-building mechanisms generate substantially greater returns for improving educational quality. These results provide empirical support for policy and management strategies that prioritize professional learning systems and leadership development to advance high-quality preschool education in China.
Expressions of Traditional Crafts and Heritage Arts in Contemporary Saudi Interior Design and Their Contribution to Cultural Sustainability and Local Economic Development
This research explores the manifestations of traditional crafts and arts in contemporary Saudi interior design as a key approach to highlighting local cultural identity amidst modern design transformations. The study stems from the problem of the discrepancy between the increasing presence of heritage elements in interior spaces and the limited depth of their cultural application, as well as the absence of an analytical vision that balances the aesthetic and symbolic dimensions of these crafts. The research aims to analyze the nature of the presence of traditional crafts and arts in Saudi interior design, revealing their role in strengthening cultural identity, supporting cultural sustainability, and contributing to the revitalization of the local economy. It also explores the complementary relationship between these dimensions in contemporary design practice. My research employs a descriptive-analytical approach supported by a quantitative survey methodology. Quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire administered to a sample of 220 participants, including specialists, practitioners, and craftspeople. Qualitative data was also gathered through semi-structured interviews with 40 participants, allowing for a multi-faceted analysis of the phenomenon. The findings revealed a general positive trend towards the importance of integrating traditional crafts into interior design as an element that enhances identity and visual distinction. However, it was noted that this integration remains largely superficial in some practices, and its success depends heavily on the designer's awareness and the supportive institutional and market environment. The results also highlighted the potential of interior design to transform traditional crafts into a sustainable cultural and economic resource when integrated within a comprehensive vision. In light of this, the research recommended the development of supportive design and legislative frameworks for the deep cultural and economic integration of traditional crafts, enhancing designers' awareness of their symbolic dimensions, and activating partnerships between designers and local artisans to contribute to sustainable cultural and economic development.
Factors Influencing Urban and Rural Women's Access to Financial Inclusion in Belize
The primary objective of this research is to delve into the intricate realm of women's financial inclusion and the multifaceted impediments hindering such inclusion within the Belizean context. Furthermore, this study endeavors to define various methodologies aimed at strengthening women's financial inclusion, exploring initiatives such as heightened financial literacy programs, expanded access to formal credit for women-led enterprises, governmental loan schemes, personalized microfinance endeavors tailored to women, as well as advocating for the enactment of legislation that prohibits gender-based discrimination. Drawing upon an extensive array of published data over the period from 2005 to 2022, this investigation meticulously examines the correlation between gender equality and financial inclusion and stability. The findings uncover a convincing narrative, explaining the pivotal role of gender parity in fostering financial inclusivity and stability within the socio-economic realm of a developing nation. Furthermore, this study theorizes that fostering gender equality could serve as an effective promoter for enhancing Belize's financial inclusion and resilience in the face of economic uncertainties.
The Role of Video Games in Shaping National Identity Awareness in the Kingdom of Bahrain
The study aims to examine the impact of video games on enhancing awareness of national identity in the Kingdom of Bahrain, focusing on the potential of this digital medium as an educational and cultural tool that instils values of belonging and pride in national heritage. The research addresses a key question regarding the role of video games in solidifying and promoting Bahraini national identity among users. The study adopted a quantitative approach, using a questionnaire administered to a sample of 406 individuals who engaged with video games featuring elements of Bahraini national identity. The study found that video games positively enhance a sense of belonging and revealed that incorporating cultural symbols and elements into games increases awareness of national identity and encourages exploration of its meanings. It indicated that presenting this type of game in an interactive context encourages sustained engagement, as participants interacted in various ways through sharing, researching, conceptual improvement, and learning. The study concluded that integrating elements of national identity into video games enhances national awareness but requires further development and collaboration with additional entities to ensure sustainable impact. However, the influence in some areas remains limited due to the field's novelty in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the scarcity of games.
Characterization of the Symbolism of the Hammock as a Value Proposition for Scientific Cultural Tourism in the Municipality of Morroa Sucre, from the Perspective of Gender, Historical Memory, Cultural Heritage, and Interculturality
Scientific cultural tourism integrates participatory research to identify, generate, accumulate, save, recover, and distribute traditional and academic knowledge about biodiversity in the territory (Antonio dos Anjos et al., 2011). Projects of this type rescue traditional and cultural practices and encourage the sustainable use of biodiversity in order to improve local economies. In this vein, this research project aims to characterize the symbolism of the hammock as a value proposition for scientific cultural tourism in the municipality of Morroa Sucre, from the perspective of gender, historical memory, cultural heritage, and interculturality. The project is based on interdisciplinary work between social work and industrial design, using a qualitative approach and phenomenological method. Information was collected through document review techniques, direct observations, and focus groups with eight hammock weavers. The results show four categories of study that are articulated as a framework in which the hammock serves as symbolism and cultural text, an expression of identity, equity, and the living memory of artisans and the community in general. The subcategories reveal and specify the dimensions of resistance, social transformation, and cultural belonging and relevance, forming a broad system of meanings that associate artisanal practices with educational, scientific, and sustainable development processes for the region.
Exploring Rote Versus Meaningful Learning Activities in an FFL Textbook ‘Sunrise 12’ on the Basis of Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy
This study attempted to analyze and categorize rote and meaningful learning activities included in the Sunrise12 EFL textbook in light of the six cognitive categories in Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy. The study also attempted to calculate the percentages, frequencies, and expected numbers of these activities. In addition, this study sought to determine the extent to which the distribution of cognitive categories, including meaningful learning, is equitable throughout the Sunrise12 textbook. The findings showed that the total distribution of rote and meaningful learning activities, as well as the cognitive domain within meaningful learning, was imbalanced. The findings showed that both SB and AB included meaningful learning more than rote learning. The former included71.7%, and the latter included 77.2%. On the other hand, SB included 28.3% of rote learning, and AB included 22.8. The total frequency of rote learning activities is 118 constituting (25.7%) while, the total frequency of meaningful learning activities is 341 constituting (74.3 %). The findings also indicated that unbalanced distribution among the cognitive levels encompassing meaningful learning.
Kurdish EFL Teachers' and Learners' Perceptions of Intercultural Communicative Competence
This study investigates Kurdish EFL teachers' and learners' perceptions of Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 120 English educators and 100 university students through questionnaires and follow-up interviews with 16 teachers. The findings reveal that while both groups recognize the importance of ICC, significant gaps exist between theoretical understanding and practical implementation. Gender differences and varying levels of engagement with intercultural competence were identified, suggesting the need for enhanced teacher training and curriculum reform to better integrate ICC into EFL instruction in the Kurdish context.
Sustainable Personal Branding: Aligning Individual Identity with Organizational Goals in Human Resource Management
This paper explores the intersection of Personal Branding and Sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM), addressing the research gap regarding how individual branding efforts can support sustainability within organizations. As companies increasingly align their strategies with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the role of employees as active contributors to these goals becomes more prominent. Personal Branding, understood as the strategic self-presentation of professionals, appears as a potential enabler of sustainable organizational culture, green HRM practices, and responsible leadership. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines a systematic literature review with qualitative interviews involving 12 professionals from various industries who actively integrate sustainability into their personal branding. The findings reveal that when personal branding aligns with organizational values and sustainability goals, it enhances both individual credibility and organizational commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Digital platforms, especially social media, were identified as powerful tools for promoting sustainability-related identity and behavior, although challenges such as organizational resistance and limited resources still exist. The study outlines key characteristics of sustainable personal branding, including authenticity, ethical communication, and alignment with long-term environmental and social objectives. It also emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and lifelong learning in building personal brands that reflect sustainability values. By supporting employees in developing sustainability-oriented personal brands, organizations can strengthen their employer brand, boost employee engagement, and contribute more effectively to global sustainability goals. This research contributes to the evolving discourse on sustainable HRM by positioning Personal Branding as both an individual strategy and an organizational asset for promoting sustainability and long-term competitiveness.
The Extent of Compatibility Between Constitutional Rules and the General Principles of the Constitution
This study analyzes the compatibility of rules of constitutional law with fundamental principles of the constitution and considers "the constitution" as a root source of all laws in the legal system. It is also highlighted that principles such as the rule of law, separation of powers and the safeguarding of rights and freedoms are an integral part of the constitutional system. The legal vehicle though which these principles are reduced to obligatory norms is the constitutional norm. The research points out that the agreement between norms in the constitution and rules written by legislation make for legal balance and help to prevent misuse of authority. This compatibility reinforces independence of the judiciary and ensures respect for fundamental rights, On the other hand, examples of incompatibilities statutes and/or administrative decisions that disregard constitutional principles. Such conflicts can have constitutional.
Exploring EFL Preparatory-School Teachers’ Instructional Practice to Enhance learners’ Autonomy and Motivation
This research aims to explore the instructional practice that EFL preparatory school teachers implement to promote motivation and autonomy of their learners. (102) EFL preparatory teachers respond to a questionnaire of two main dimensions and (30 statements). Results reveal that teachers’ strongest practice that promote motivation are related to traditional methods (feedback, praise, explanation of value). In the other side, the weakest practice are modern strategies (technology, autonomy-supporting tools, interactive digital platforms). There is a partial readiness among EFL teachers to promote learner autonomy, especially in creating supportive environments, scaffolding, and encouraging independent work. Learners’ planning strategies and self-evaluation, is not well implemented. Using digital tools directed to promote autonomy is moderately implemented. Moreover, formative assessment is used for providing feedback, not effectively for adapting instruction to individual needs, which limits its autonomy-enhancing potential.
The Semiotics of Fear and Anxiety in Andalusian Petitionary Poetry of the Taifa Kings Era (422–484 AH)
This study seeks to explore the passions and underlying emotions in Andalusian petitionary poetry during the Taifa Kings era, analyzing selected examples through the lens of semiotics of desires (simiā’ al-ahwā’). It examines the linguistic devices employed by the poetic self and their procedural representations to identify the internal semiotic markers of the human psyche, given that the poetic discourse of this period is saturated with emotional centers that govern the production of meaning. Among these emotions, fear and anxiety emerge prominently, reflecting the volatile political, social, and intellectual context of the Taifa period. This type of emotional expression constitutes a crucial component of petitionary poetry, as poets often reveal a state of anxiety that could endanger their lives if they fail to appeal successfully to authority, lose their beloved, or exacerbate paternal anger. The addressed authority in this poetic context typically involves one of three figures: the ruler, the beloved, or the father.